You Can Farm: The Entrepreneur's Guide to Start & Succeed in a Farming Enterprise

Unfortunately Mr. Salatin seem’s to believe anyone over 60 should just pack it in and go to the old folks home. I’m a little older then that and still feel like i am physically capable of running a farm. I was looking for encouragement not discouragment! I believe people can still have value and success in any venture in their later years. I don’t think it was the authors intent to come across that way but he should realize not everyone over 60 is ready to retire.

If you are looking for a step by step guide to growing fruits and vegetables or raising cattle, move on. This book is not for you. Salatin doesn't spend a lot of time on carbon to nitrogen ratios. This isn't a technical manual on crop production. It is more of a folksy treatise on the philosophy of sustainable independence. If you have ever considered earning part of your income off of the land, then you should read this book. Salatin will at once inspire you and warn you about farm life. Once you understand what this book is not, you can begin to appreciate it for what it is. It is one man's manifesto for a better, simpler life lived closer to the land. It has been said that Friedrich Nietzsche "philosophised with a hammer." If one allows for the use of steel tools by a philosopher, then I submit that Joel Salatin philosophised with a pitchfork.

I had bought the sequel to this book thinking it was an updated copy. It is but not in the conventional sense it is an addendum to this book. So if you want to understand whats covered in Your Successful Farm Business. Buy this book first.It is a wonderful primer and eye opening window into farm business operation. And Mr. Salatin does tell you in both books he is an entrepreneur, so buy his books. He is not ashamed to tell you where he is comig from and that he wants you to buy his other book.

I love Joel Salatin's approach to farming. Embracing the natural tendencies of each animal to benefit the farmer (hogs and chickens can replace a rototiller and composter, cattle and sheep can fertilize while grazing, etc.), foregoing luxuries so you can put everything back into expanding the farm business, doing what you can with whatever space you have rather than waiting for that perfect piece of land and then realizing you hate farming... most of his advice is universally applicable and sound. My problem with Salatin is his attitude. He comes across as arrogant and privileged, and the entire book feels like a somewhat frustrated response to "how can I do what you do?" If you're not on precisely the same page as he is, it can feel like he's talking down to you or insulting you, which can be abrasive even if you agree with a good chunk of what he says. Save your money and watch the myriad videos people have posted of their visits to his farm -- you'll get the same useful information, but his in-person demeanor is more folksy than cranky, and most of the stuff in the book is in one or another of the videos.

This is the first Salatin book I've ever bought, owned, or read. The same day I cracked it open I read half the book! I like the writing style, the easy to read print(and font size!) and everything about the pages too. The photos are older photos(prior to year 2000) but explain just what's needed. This is a great read so far! I would like to farm one day, and this is exactly what I need to read if I plan to ever reach that goal. The information is a wealth of knowledge from experience, it is greatly helpful, and I will try to finish reading this book shortly. I love how easy it is to read, Joel's wit and writing style, and the content about all things farming! While its a WONDERFUL encouragement to anyone who would like to farm, it's also hard hitting- it does not side step reality in any way, shape, or form. It gets right to the point and doesn't beat around the bush. Mr Salatin is quite open and honest in his writing, and even somewhat "abrasive" as I may have seen him put it. He tells it like it is, and the truth can offend, although truth is written in love. In general, I'd recommend this book. It provides great information, information which I believe is even relevant to consumers who never plan on farming. So far so good. Get this book if you truly want to farm, it tells it like it is.

The print a little larger than most and black/white pictures, but oh so well written. The experience and research that was put in on this book, along with a down to earth layman language except for a few words here and there is a phenominal connect the dots on farming. I literally had to make myself put it down to get to sleep by 2am...it was too hard to stop. Joel makes sense. We are here for a short while, and people need to look seriously around to being caregivers of our world. Covid should be a wakeup call! Joel holds no bars and gives you the DIRTY details of farming and if you don't mind dirtying your hands, a few cold mornings, rain on your neck, sweat on your brow you can begin your own farm and have clean, sustaining food. EXCELLENT INFO / READ.

Must read for anyone that wants to farm but has been told "there's no money in farming". Great for everyone that is trying to start or expand their farm. Great for changing your perception and what is "doable" on a farmstead. Some ideas will require more work initially, but the rewards out strip the effort. Other ideas are cheap (read this as no capital, just you time) to implement and expand income generating avenues of profits. Maximize your income, streamline your effort, and improve your land, and your life, simply.

This is a great business book. There is more about marketing and diversification than in most MBA courses. I love the fact that he walks you through what works what does not, and what you can try. Good, fun, and informative.

This book, while written by an American and focusing on the US, is an outstanding step-by-step guide toward farming success. The are many regulatory differences between the US and the UK that need to be considered. Joel Salatin expresses his world view and explains why he has that view... very difficult to debate his view when you understand it. His goal is to make YOU successful. First book I have seen that actually gets into the revenue and expense of farming (again in the US, but probably fair and reasonable). Joel is a cheer leader to get you started and even more passionate about farming. Straight forward written and read with multiple how to guides. If you are debating entering a farming life... even if you live in the CITY, Joel gives you input and advice, if you are considering a Smallholding or more, this book is for you. I have read Adam Henson (CountryFile) and Jimmy Doherty, both good, but this book really gets to the how to. Stop dreaming and get THIS book.

Much better than "your successful farm business"

love it

Love this book. It's fun to read and has great tips.

Wonderful guy. Great book.