Looking for inspiration . . books, mags?

[Leersia]

I posted a couple of weeks ago about a farm that we were thinking of purchasing - and it looks like it is going to happen. So as I prepare to leave this stifling suburb that I now live in, and move to a place with about 15 acres of alfalfa, I need both inspiration and education. Things like Wendall Berry's The Gift of Good Land. Or a magazine with useful "country living" tips. I dunno. I am a gardener, and we'll have enough well water to have a great, large garden (this is in the arid west, CO!), but our water rights do not provide enough water to grow crops, only pasture, so I need to learn about the various options for animal husbandry, converting alfalfa to grass, etc. We'd love to start with some chickens, and although I know many people who do, most are suburban chicken farmers. I'd love to learn how to "pasture" chickens, etc.

A random post, I know - any suggestions are welcome! Thank you! I've already learned a great deal just by browsing this forum . .

[annethcz]

For magazines, I like Backwoods Home http://www.backwoodshome.com/ or Countryside http://www.countrysidemag.com/

I hear a lot of suggestions for Mother Earth News, but when I had a subscription a few years ago it seemed like a lot of the articles weren't as practical as in the magazines above.

As for books, I suppose it depends on the exact topic you're interested in. Carla Emery's Country Encylopedia is a good all-around book.

[indiefolklore]

Country Wisdom & Know-How is a pretty good one for starters. 500+ pages of how to build chicken coops to making your own yogurt and more in this huge book. Their Natural Healing and Garden Wisdom ones are good too.

The Greenhorns is a grassroots non-profit organization made up of young farmers and many collaborators. Their mission is to recruit, promote and support the new generation of young farmers in this ample and able 21st century America. They have a pretty cool site and guide. Super inspiring and a radio station too!

OH, and be sure to check out their blog and then their friends blogs along the right side, a wealth of dirt diggin' knowledge.

[hildare]

A few books:
backyard homestead
homemade whole grains

The storey's guide to chickens is a good beginning point

Backyardchickens.com is a good site

Is there an extension office near you? You can just look up "____ county extension office" and see. That's usually a great place to get info.. it's localized info.

[goddessjulia]

I second backyard homestead-- LOVE that book! I subscribe to mother earth news and I do enjoy it, and also herb companion. our chicken book is living with chickens and it's really thorough. also, in the inspiration category, sylvia's farm and anything by barbara kingsolver or michael pollan. I'm forgetting a lot... oh, we recently picked up one called edible landscaping which I think I'll like. I'm all about choosing plants that work for me!

sounds like a really exciting move!! good luck!!

[joyfulheart]

I enjoy Hobby Farm and Hobby Farm Home Magazines -- http://www.hobbyfarms.com/

Good luck and enjoy!

[sunny*pa*mom]

We just signed the contract for a 14 acre place so we're doing the same thing. I've been reading:

You Can Farm - Joel Salatin (he also has a book called Pastured Poultry Profits)
Storey's Guide to Raising Chickens
Basic Country Skills
The Encyclopedia of Country Living

Countryside
Mother Earth News
Acres
Stockman Grass Farmer

We've also been talking to the ag extension folks and local farmers. We've found some good information in local publications specific to our soil. There is also a regional women farmers group that I belong to that has a message board and field days. Good luck!

[FarmerCathy]

I just picked up a book called "The Organic Farming Manual" at the bookstore and so far its a great read. Lots about how to build up your soil and what animals work best on pasture, how to maintain your pasture, etc. I also just ordered a book called "Community Supported Agriculture." I'm planning on starting a CSA. So excited!

[CherryBomb]

I second Hobby Farms mag, I just started getting it and I love it. I also get Backyard Poultry.

The Encyclopedia of Country Living is a must have, imo. It's got everything you could ever want to know in it.

[heatherdeg]

Originally Posted by FarmerCathy

I'm planning on starting a CSA. So excited!

That's our dream!!! Ugh... to dream...

[Leersia]

I just wanted to say thanks to all you mamas for the recommendations. I've starting reading/borrowing/buying many of these resources, and I'm really getting excited about our new adventure (close on the place a week from Friday). I'm sure that I will have MANY more questions for you in the upcoming year . ..

[saw_whet]

the one straw revolution is a must read, especially in the arid SW.

good luck on your new adventure!