BFA’s Recommended
Reading List


Featured Book, from Dan Kittredge:

JACK KITTREDGE AND JULIE RAWSON, Many Hands Make a Farm

My mother cooked 4,500 meals for people who came through the farm last year almost entirely from what they harvested from the farm. She knows this craft. These 33 pages of the book should be pulled out and published as a how-to guide and stand entirely on their own.
Chapters include Moving to the Country, Raising Children, Working with People, and Staying Healthy and Productive, as well as Living Soil, Living Food, and Building NOFA and Organic Awareness. Each one is broken out with subsections covering their considered insights.

From those just getting started on their path to the land, or envisioning one, or closer to the end of life and considering what is still ahead, there is something here for many people. Those who want a first-person view of the history of the organic movement from a couple whose professional career was as central leaders, again I’m not sure I’ve come across one as good.

I know at this point, my words may seem a bit too laudatory, but those who know me know I don’t speak this way without cause. Regardless, I’ll let the words of Leah Penniman, who has a role in the book under the section “Children of the Heart”, speak. From the conclusion of her forward to the book: “Beyond the practical how-to, this book offers a window into living a life of meaning rooted in integrity, values, critical thinking, and persistent effort. There are many who aspire to live with and from the land, rooted in community, but few who make it work and stick with it for a lifetime. I believe Jack and Julie will be recorded in the annals of organic farming history alongside Scott and Helen Nearing and Juanita and Wally Nelson. They taught me invaluable lessons about how to nurture a farm that have informed my work at Soil Fire Farm. They have also shown me and so many others how to love across differences, how to tell the truth, and what it is to live well.”

Here is what Joel Salatin said: “This might be the most delightful book I’ve read in a long time.  Rare in its raw, practical, from-the-heart stories, every challenging lesson is cloaked in respect and humor.  I can’t imagine a better way to present a small farm life lived exuberantly. Though their sphere of influence is vast, I hope this book touches multitudes who haven’t had the privilege of knowing Julie and Jack personally.  Wisdom tidbits scattered throughout are too numerous to mention. I couldn’t put it down”.

Bryan O'Hara, author of No-Till Intensive Vegetable Culture, says of the book: “Many Hands Make a Farm is an inspirational and engaging read by two of organic agriculture's most respected leaders. Jack and Julie are steadfast champions of freedom and love. Their open-minded questioning has led them to a life full of nature's insights, as well as the fortitude to say what needs to be said. Farming, raising children, community organizing, music, and health—they offer their wisdom and pointers on the practical application of ‘the good life.’ And when they say ‘many hands,’ they aren't kidding. This family gets a whole lot done!”

John Kempf has this to say about the book: "In 'Many Hands Make a Farm,'  Jack and Julie masterfully weave together the threads of sustainable agriculture, the trials and triumphs of raising a family, the profound connections we build with loved ones, and the enduring strength of community bonds. Regeneration is fundamentally about regenerating relationships, at all levels. Jack and Julie give us a shining example of how to live regeneration."


Foundations of Biological Farming

  • DR. ARDEN ANDERSEN, Science in Agriculture: Advanced Methods for Sustainable Farming
    Dr. Andersen has written a comprehensive manual on creating and maintaining non-linear, harmonic and dynamically biologically diverse, mineral rich soil, free of pesticides, harmful fertilizers, deficient or excessive nutrients and able to sustain the growth of plants from seed to fruit while maintaining high brix readings and energy in both plant and soil.

  • DR. A. F. BEDDOE, DDS, Biological Ionization as Applied to Farming and Soil Management
    This book is the source text for all serious students of Reams's Biological Theory of Ionization as it applies to farming and soil chemistry. It is based totally on Dr. Carey Reams's technique of using his approach to mathematics and physics for ideally managing soil chemistry and energy to regulate plant growth and development in order to produce the highest quality food possible for human consumption. The only text of its kind.

  • CHARLES WALTERS, Eco-Farm, An Acres U.S.A. Primer
    ”Foundational to understanding the differences between “toxic rescue chemistry” and natural soil fertility. "In this book, eco-agriculture is explained — from the tiniest molecular building blocks to managing the soil — in terminology that not only makes the subject easy to learn, but vibrantly alive. Eco-Farm truly delivers a complete education in soils, crops, and weed and insect control."

  • DR. DAN SKOW, Mainline Farming for Century 21
    A handbook for Reams method practitioners elaborating many of the core guidelines and protocols of the community.

  • PHILIP A. WHEELER and RONALD B. WARD, The Non-Toxic Farming Handbook
    "In this readable, easy-to-understand handbook the authors successfully integrate the diverse techniques and technologies of classical organic farming, Albrecht-style soil fertility balancing, Reams-method soil and plant testing and analysis, and other alternative technologies applicable to commercial-scale agriculture."

  • DR. ARDEN ANDERSEN, Anatomy of Life and Energy in Agriculture
    "Dr. Arden B. Andersen begins his work with the premise that 'energy is everything'. Through this axiomatic lens, Andersen examines agriculture as a practice of balancing energy and harmonizing energy frequencies to produce life. By approaching agriculture in this way, farmers can harness 'life-force energy' to produce healthful and plentiful crops in a manner that is sustainable and even beneficial to the natural environment.”

  • HAROLD WILLIS, Foundations of Natural Farming
    "Harold Willis as he explains the foundation concepts of natural farming and issues the call for cleaner forms of food and fiber production. In this single volume, the author details the interconnections between soil chemistry, microbial life, plants and livestock."

  • ANDRÉ VOISIN, Soil, Grass and Cancer
    "Almost a half-century ago, André Voisin had already grasped the importance of elements of the soil and their effects on plants, and ultimately, animal and human life. He saw the hidden danger in the gross oversimplification of fertilization practices that use harsh chemicals and ignore the delicate balance of trace minerals and nutrients in the soil. In this volume Voisin issues a call to stand up and acknowledge our responsibilities for public health and protective medicine ¿ part of a concerted attempt to remove the causes of ill health, disease and, in particular, cancer."

  • HERWIG POMMERESCHE, Humusphere
    "A lifetime of research into humus...Digging deep into a myriad of little-known research papers, he compares their findings with the usual conventional methods."

  • PAUL SYLTIE, How Soils Work
    "No book yet published has attempted to bring together the basic tenets of soils and agronomy with the essential elements of godly-love."

  • DON SCHRIEFER, From the Soil Up
    "In this book, learn how to coax the most out of your plants by providing the best soil and removing all yield-limiting factors...Managing soil aeration, water, and residue decay are covered, as well as ridge planting systems, guidelines for cultivating row crops, and managing soil fertility."

  • DON SCHRIEFER, Agriculture in Transition
    "Schriefer focuses on reducing "yield-limiting factors" such as seed selection, excessive tillage and a dependence on technology."

  • SIR ALBERT HOWARD, An Agricultural Testament
    Joel Salatin’s most oft-quoted book–absolutely the footer of modern natural farming.

  • ED FAULKNER, Plowman’s Folly
    ”Still current, this ex-extension agent shows why plowing should be done sparingly.”

  • RUSSELL J. SMITH, Tree Crops
    ” A true classic, detailing multi-vegetative stacking concepts, and as current today as when it was written.”

  • JERRY BRUNETTI, The Farm as Ecosystem
    "A wealth of education and uncanny observations in this probing volume on the interconnected dynamics of the farm — geology, biology, and diversity of life. Learn to look at — and manage — your farm very differently by gaining a deeper understanding of the complementary roles of all facets of your farm.”

  • HUGH LOVELL, A Biodynamic Farm
    "This book is a practical, how-to guide to understanding the definition of biodynamics, and practicing biodynamic techniques on your farm. You will learn about the role of individual biodynamic preparations, how to make your own biodynamic preparations, and details about the proper application and timing of biodynamic field treatments."

  • CHARLES WALTERS AND NEIL KINSEY, Hands On Agronomy
    "Hands-On Agronomy is a comprehensive manual on effective soil fertility management providing many on-farm examples to illustrate the various principles and how to use them. The function of micronutrients, earthworms, soil drainage, tilth, soil structure, and organic matter is explained in thorough detail."

  • MASANOBU FUKUOKA, The One Straw Revolution
    ”Fukuoka demonstrates how the way we look at farming influences the way we look at health, the school, nature, nutrition, spiritual health and life itself. He joins the healing of the land to the process of purifying the human spirit and proposes a way of life and a way of farming in which such healing can take place."

  • MARK SHEPHERD, Restoration Agriculture
    "Restoration Agriculture explains how we can have all of the benefits of natural, perennial ecosystems and create agricultural systems that imitate nature in form and function while still providing for our food, building, fuel and many other needs — in your own backyard, farm or ranch."

  • SEPP HOLTZER, Permaculture
    "Holzer shares the skill and knowledge acquired over his lifetime. He covers every aspect of his farming methods, not just how to create a holistic system on the farm itself, but how to make a living from it. Holzer writes about everything from the overall concepts, down to the practical details."

  • HUGH LOVELL, Quantum Agriculture
    "Quantum Agriculture is devoted to global agricultural restoration, integrating biodynamics, agro-homeopathy and biological practices in forestry, grazing, dairy, grains, vegetables, fruits and aquaculture. Full spectrum problem solving from the soil up with easy to read graphs, accurate analysis and recommendations.”

  • ERIC TOENSMEIER, The Carbon Farming Solution
    "The Carbon Farming Solution is—at its root—a toolkit. It is the most complete collection of climate-friendly crops and practices currently available.”

  • BRYAN O’HARA, No-Till Vegetable Intensive Culture
    "Whether you’re a high-yield producer, a homesteader, or a market gardener, No-Till Intensive Vegetable Culture is the go-to vegetable grower’s manual for the twenty-first century."

  • MICHAEL PHILLIPS, Mycorrhizal Planet
    "Exploring the science of symbiotic fungi in layman’s terms, holistic farmer Michael Phillips (author of The Holistic Orchard and The Apple Grower) sets the stage for practical applications across the landscape.”


Minerals, Mineral Balancing, Remineralization

  • STEVE SOLOMON with ERICA REINHEIMER, The Intelligent Gardener
    To grow produce of the highest nutritional quality the essential minerals lacking in our soil must be replaced, but this re-mineralization calls for far more attention to detail than the simple addition of composted manure or NPK fertilizers. The Intelligent Gardener demystifies the process, while simultaneously debunking much of the false and misleading information perpetuated by both the conventional and organic agricultural movements. In doing so, it conclusively establishes the link between healthy soil, healthy food and healthy people.This practical step-by-step guide and the accompanying customizable web-based spreadsheets go beyond organic and are essential tools for any serious gardener who cares about the quality of the produce they grow.

  • MICHAEL ASTERA with AGRICOLA, The Ideal Soil v2.0: A Handbook for the New Agriculture
    How to read a soil test, balance 11 important minerals, and grow the healthiest possible food for people and animals. Completely revised and expanded from the 2010 edition. The secrets of soil mineral balance that create ideal soil, plant, and animal health are revealed here for the first time. The amazing results that can be achieved by balancing the major cation minerals Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium and Sodium in the soil according to the teachings of Dr. William Albrecht and Dr. Carey Reams have changed the world of agriculture. This knowledge has taken the focus away from merely trying to achieve high volume yields to achieving the highest yields of the highest quality and nutritional value, while building optimal health in the soil, the crops, and the people and animals that rely on them for food. Learn how to be your own agronomist or start a new career doing this for others.

  • HORST MARSCHNER, The Mineral Nutrition of Higher Plants, Second Edition (Special Publications of the Society for General Microbiology)
    A sophisticated handbook for understanding micronutrient needs and uses in plants.

  • JAY L. MCCAMAN, Weeds and Why They Grow
    A comprehensive documentation of specific soil mineral levels and their correlations with weed presence. Ever wonder why specific weeds grow in specific spots and not in others? Every weed grows in a somewhat narrow window of allowable soil conditions. For the first time, hundreds of weeds of commercial importance are detailed along with the chemical analysis of accompanying soils. For example, burdock grows in soils with very high levels of iron and sulfate, very low levels of calcium and manganese. Balance the soil, lose the weed. (This is the 2nd edition of the book formerly titled Weeds and Why They Grow)

  • DATNOFF, ELMER, HUBER, Mineral Nutrition and Plant Disease

  • MAYNARD MURRY, Sea, Energy, and Agriculture
    "Extensive experiments demonstrated repeatedly and conclusively that plants fertilized with sea solids and animals fed sea-solid-fertilized feeds grow stronger and more resistant to disease."

Biophysics and Energy

  • PHILIP CALLAHAN PH.D., Paramagnetism: Rediscovering Nature's Secret Force of Growth
    Not as detailed as it should be because all of his formal research is classified military secrets, but still very illuminating.

  • PROFESSOR C. LOUIS KERVRAN, Biological Transmutations
    The seminal text by a member of the French Academy of Science very rigorously documenting shifts in mineral levels not conventionally explainable. Very convincing.

  • FRITZ-ALBERT POPP, ED., & L.V. BELOUSSOV, ED., Integrative Biophysics: Biophotonics
    Again, at the essence of the barrier between matter and energy, form and light. The more essential our understanding of what is going on in life, i.e. our plants and soil life, the better job we can do in understanding how to feed our soil and plants. Not a critical read for sure, but extremely intriguing.

  • THOMAS E. BEARDEN, Energy from the Vacuum: Concepts & Principles
    Not really an agriculture book unless you want to answer some pesky questions about energy and elements, and how exactly it is that plants grow. A very sophisticated analysis of energy and how it works and where it comes from. At the root of what is going on in the soil, and in plants.

  • HO, POPP, WARNKE, Bioelectrodynamics and Biocommunication
    "A comprehensive and up-to-date collection of papers on the role of electrodynamical activities in biocommunication is presented in this volume."

  • MAE WAN HO, The Rainbow and the Worm
    "Takes the reader on a voyage of discovery through many areas of contemporary physics, from non-equilibrium thermodynamics and quantum optics to liquid crystals and fractals, all necessary for illuminating the problem of life."

  • MAE WAN HO, Living with the Fluid Genome
    "This book describes how cells work. It challenges the current wisdom of cell function, and presents a new, simpler approach to fundamental processes such as movement, transport, division, and communication, based on sound physical principles. The book is profusely illustrated with many color figures. It is written for the non-expert in an accessible, often humorous style."

  • TOM BEARDEN, Gravitobiology
    "Exposes the connection between hidden EM field energy and new mechanisms that produce deep effects in biological systems."

  • ROBERT BECKER, The Body Electric
    "Explores new pathways in our understanding of evolution, acupuncture, psychic phenomena, and healing."

  • ROBERT BECKER, Cross Currents
    "Explains how new and nontraditional healing techniques such as acupuncture, homeopathy, visualization, hypnosis, and electrotherapy work through an invisible common source—the body’s electrical system."

  • RUPERT SHELDRAKE, Morphic Resonance
    "New updated and expanded edition of the groundbreaking book that ignited a firestorm in the scientific world with its radical approach to evolution."

  • WALTER RUSSELL, The Universal One
    "In this 1926 historic volume, Walter Russell first reveals the possibility of transmutation of the elements."

  • EDWARD RUSSELL, Report on Radionics
    "In this book, the author attempts to strip radionics of its mysteries, and offer a proper explanation of the science. First developed in the early 20th century, radionics focuses on energies and vibrations in order to treat various ailments."

Water

  • MAE WAN HO, Living Rainbow H20
    "This book is a unique synthesis of the latest findings in the quantum physics and chemistry of water that will tell you why it is so remarkably fit for life. It offers a novel panoramic perspective of cell biology based on water as “means, medium, and message” of life." Sequel to The Rainbow and the Worm”

  • OLOF ALEXANDERSSON, Living Water
    "This is the story of a pioneering Austrian naturalist and iconoclast who pointed the way to a completely new understanding of the vast potential of natural energy. By studying fish in streams and by closely observing the natural water cycle, Viktor Schauberger (1885–1958) was able to solve basic problems of energy transformation"

  • GERALD POLLACK, The Fourth Phase of Water
    "Professor Pollack takes us on a fantastic voyage through water, showing us a hidden universe teeming with physical activity that provides answers so simple that any curious person can understand. In conversational prose, Pollack lays a simple foundation for understanding how changes in water's structure underlie most energetic transitions of form and motion on earth."

  • VIKTOR SCHAUBERGER, translated by CALLUM COATS, Nature as Teacher
    "Viktor Schauberger was one of the first genuine environmentalists. In the 1930s he was predicting ecological catastrophe when no-one else could see it coming."

  • CALLUM COATS, Living Energies
    "The first in-depth examination of the life and work of the brilliant forester, scientist and pioneering inventor, Viktor Schauberger."

  • VIKTOR SCHAUBERGER, translated by CALLUM COATS, The Water Wizard
    "According to Schauberger, water is akin to blood in the human body - the most important life-giving and energy-empowering substance on the planet.

  • VIKTOR SCHAUBERGER, translated by CALLUM COATS, The Fertile Earth
    "How does Nature work? When one looks closely at the enormously complex web of life, it is impossible not to be caught by the wonder of how all living things - including rocks and crystals - are interconnected."


Plant Communication

  • STEVEN HARROD BUHNER, The Lost Language of Plants
    "This book is essential reading for anyone concerned about the state of the environment, the state of health care, and our cultural sanity."

  • STEVEN HARROD BUHNER, The Secret Teachings of Plants
    "Reveals the use of direct perception in understanding Nature, medicinal plants, and the healing of human disease"

  • STEVEN HARROD BUHNER, Plant Intelligence
    "A manual for opening the doors of perception and directly engaging the intelligence of the Natural World"

  • PETER TOMPKINS AND CHRISTOPHER BIRD, Secret Life of Plants
    This book follows a line of experiences with striking individuals and their stories to paint a coherent picture far outside of the norm. Each chapter holds a unique insight that greatly enhances ones perspective on life and agriculture.

  • DAVID R. MONTGOMERY & ANNE BIKLÉ, What Your Food Ate: How to Heal Our Land and Reclaim Our Health
    David R. Montgomery and Anne Biklé take us far beyond the well-worn adage to deliver a new truth: the roots of good health start on farms. What Your Food Ate marshals evidence from recent and forgotten science to illustrate how the health of the soil ripples through to that of crops, livestock, and ultimately us.

    The long-running partnerships through which crops and soil life nourish one another suffuse plant and animal foods in the human diet with an array of compounds and nutrients our bodies need to protect us from pathogens and chronic ailments. Unfortunately, conventional agricultural practices unravel these vital partnerships and thereby undercut our well-being. Can farmers and ranchers produce enough nutrient-dense food to feed us all? Can we have quality and quantity?

    With their trademark thoroughness and knack for integrating information across numerous scientific fields, Montgomery and Biklé chart the way forward. Navigating discoveries and epiphanies about the world beneath our feet, they reveal why regenerative farming practices hold the key to healing sick soil and untapped potential for improving human health.

    Humanity’s hallmark endeavors of agriculture and medicine emerged from our understanding of the natural world—and still depend on it. Montgomery and Biklé eloquently update this fundamental reality and show us why what’s good for the land is good for us, too. What Your Food Ate is a must-read for farmers, eaters, chefs, doctors, and anyone concerned with reversing the modern epidemic of chronic diseases and mitigating climate change.


Culture

  • JOEL SALATIN, The Marvelous Pigness of Pigs
    "Joel's speaking and writing reflect dirt-under-the-fingernails experience punctuated with mischievous humor. He passionately defends small farms, local food systems, and the right to opt out of the conventional food paradigm."

  • JOEL SALATIN, Folks, This Ain’t Normal
    "FOLKS,THIS AIN’T NORMAL is written in Salatin’s entertaining and informative style that reflects his dirt-under- the- fingernails experience punctuated with mischievious humor , and yet it’s a serious look at our food: where it comes from, it’s current state of abnormality – and why we shouldn’t eat most of it. FOLKS, it ain’t normal to eat unpronounceable food that you can’t make in your kitchen, and has travelled 1,500 miles to get to your table."

  • BOB QUINN, Grain by Grain
    "How Bob went from being a true believer in better farming through chemistry to a leading proponent of organics is the unlikely story of Grain by Grain."

  • DAVID MONTGOMERY, Growing a Revolution
    "David R. Montgomery introduces us to farmers around the world at the heart of a brewing soil health revolution that could bring humanity’s ailing soil back to life remarkably fast. Growing a Revolution draws on visits to farms in the industrialized world and developing world to show that a new combination of farming practices can deliver innovative, cost-effective solutions to problems farmers face today."

  • CHARLES MASSEY, Call of the Reed Warbler
    "In Call of the Reed Warbler, Charles Massy explores regenerative agriculture and the vital connection between our soil and our health. It is the story of how a grassroots revolution—a true underground insurgency—can save the planet, help reduce and reverse climate change, and build healthy people and healthy communities, pivoting significantly on our relationship with growing and consuming food."

  • FRED PROVENZA, Nourishment
    "In Nourishment Provenza presents his thesis of the wisdom body, a wisdom that links flavor-feedback relationships at a cellular level with biochemically rich foods to meet the body’s nutritional and medicinal needs. Provenza explores the fascinating complexity of these relationships as he raises and answers thought-provoking questions about what we can learn from animals about nutritional wisdom."

  • ERIC SCHLOSSER, Fast Food Nation
    ”Current hot topic book exposing the dangers of America’s fast food icon.”

  • WENDELL BERRY, The Gift of Good Land
    ”Another classic by perhaps the strongest and most articulate voice in ecological agriculture.”

  • MICHAEL POLLAN, Omnivore’s Dilemma
    "Pollan asks the seemingly straightforward question of what we should have for dinner."

  • WES JACKSON, Altars of Unhewn Stone
    ”Challenging industrial agriculture’s mindset, this is perhaps Jackson’s best book.”

  • JOEL ARTHUR BAKER, Paradigms
    ”The book that popularized the term “paradigms.” A great explanation of our preconceived notions.”

  • JAMES DALE DAVIDSON, The Sovereign Individual
    ”Prophetic about the impacts of the information revolution to democratize everything.”

  • MATTHEW SCULLY, Dominion
    ”From a conservative’s perspective, this voluminous treatise–sometimes tedious–challenges the religious right with the moral dimension of animal husbandry.”

Farming Stories

  • GEORGE HENDERSON, Farmer’s Progress
    ”Currently out of print, this book details the farming success of a 1940’s English farmer.”

  • GEORGE HENDERSON, The Farming Ladder
    ”Out of print, but my favorite book of all time. From portable chicken shelters to farm entrepreneurialism, this book has it all.”

  • LOUIS BROMFIELD, Malabar Farm
    ”Few farmers questioned the culture’s agriculture paradigms as saliently as Bromfield. Still a must for avid students of landscape stewardship.”

  • MARGARET LEATHERBARROW, Gold in the Grass
    "Rags to Riches Through Soil Reclamation and Sustainable Farming: A Back-to-the-Land Adventure from 1954"

  • GENE LOGSDON, The Contrary Farmer
    ”Possibly Logsdon’s best general work, showing how he goes against the grain of everything conventional.”

Pastures and Grass

  • ALLAN NATION, Grass Farmers
    ”A documentation of the nation’s pioneering and leading grass farmers, showing their results and techniques.”

  • Andre Voisin, Grass Productivity
    ”The absolute bedrock for any student of grass farming. This is still the Bible for grass farmers.”

  • NEWMAN TURNER, Fertility Pastures
    ”Still a classic, this book challenges soil tests and shows real success from one of the world’s best pasture farmers.”

Food and Nutrition

  • SALLY FALLON, Nourishing Traditions
    ”The book that launched the groundswell Weston A. Price movement. It will change your life.”

  • JO ROBINSON, Pasture Perfect
    ”The far-reaching benefits of choosing meat, eggs, and dairy products from grass-fed animals.”

For those who don’t know my backstory, I grew up on a back-to-the-land organic farm homestead as the first of four children of community organizers. My parents met in inner-city Boston where they were rabble-rousing in the 70’s, and after starting a family, set their sights on a different kind of life. This book, Many Hands Make a Farm, is their story. From designing and building their home to finding the right livelihood and raising children well, to building community, there is a lot of life’s lived wisdom conveyed here with varying wry, witty, and frank tones.

After knowing about this project for more than a year, but having seen nothing of the content until a friend surreptitiously brought me a review copy he had been provided last week, I had not seen anything of the content. I laid down for bed that night with it in my hand and did not put it down until I had finished it.

The chapter titled “Food Preservation as a Continual Practice” is a masterwork and contains the most succinct and pragmatic summation of the topic I have yet come across. From timing to technique and rationale, everything from stock to tinctures, including wine, veggies, canning, lard, herbs, sauces, berries, juice, soap, salve, lacto-fermentation and root cellaring are covered.


Is there a book you’d like to see added to this list?