NDG Book Review: Books about farms, food and agricultural history by various authors

NDG Book Review: Books about farms, food and agricultural history by various authors

By Terri Schlichenmeyer

If there are animals on your farm, you already know that they have feelings, make friends and have strong opinions. In The Wisdom of Sheep: Observations from a Family Farm by Rosamund Young (Penguin Press), you’ll read about life at Kite’s Nest Farm, where plants are grown organically and the animals are loved.

You almost can’t raise livestock without watching it closely, and here Young writes about her sheep and cows (she’s also the author of “The Secret Life of Cows”), how they interact with each other, and how they otherwise behave. Farmers will identify with Young’s quiet reverence for the land she loves. Anyone who appreciates pets of any kind will really enjoy this collection of short essays and observations.

(Terri Schlichenmeyer)

It is no surprise to any farmer that our diet has become politicized. The surprise is that it hasn’t happened this century. Learn more about its long but almost hidden history in Ruin Their Crops on the Ground by Andrea Freeman (Metropolitan Books).

It began shortly after America officially became a country. George Washington ordered his troops to ruin the indigenous people’s crops and land. Later, lack of access to food became a way for slave owners to maintain control over the enslaved. Today, feeding children at school is controversial and sometimes growing crops and voting to grow votes are linked.

Finally, what you know about the history of agriculture in America depends on which side of the field you are on. In Rooted: The American Legacy of Land Theft and the Modern Movement for Black Land Ownership by Brea Baker (One World Books), read about Baker’s search for her lineage and what she learned about disenfranchisement, wealth, and the legacy of black farms .

Yes, this is a book about black history, but it is also one about American history. It raises many questions and gives food for thought. Above all, you will ask yourself: What do we do now with the knowledge we have about the stolen farms?

If this isn’t enough and you want more books about farms, food, and farm history, be sure to contact your favorite bookseller or librarian. For someone who knows and loves the land, animals and history, these books will be a quick read.