Animal husbandry Books

Book SynopsisThe official All Creatures Great & Small companion, offering a glimpse behind the scenes of the award-winning show, with beautiful photography throughout.‘All Creatures Great & Small is the loveliest place in (fictional) Britain.’ The Telegraph‘The show that heals cows and soothes souls.’ The New York TimesFeaturing over 200 spectacular shots from all four series, plus an in-depth look at the characters and real-life inspiration for the show, this book tells the fascinating story of the programme’s main character: the Yorkshire Dales.Packed full of heartwarming photographs of the landscape, the set and the characters, as well as soundbites from the cast, this is everything you need to know about James and Helen, the beloved setting of Skeldale House and, of course, the animals.Lavish, celebratory and richly detailed, this is an

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Book SynopsisFelicity Georgehas ridden and worked with horses for many years, and for more than 20 years has taken a serious interest in horse behaviour, studying a wide range of traditional and 'alternative' approaches to dealing with behavioural issues.Sharon Smith qualified as an equine behaviour consultant in 2010. She is a co-founder of the EBA and contributed towards the Applied Behaviour Course material.Dr Marie-Louise Holmes(BSc, MSc, DClinPsych) is an HCPC registered Consultant Clinical Psychologist with twenty years of experience working in: adult mental health, in-patient forensic psychiatry, autism, learning disability, brain injury rehabilitation, addictions, suicide prevention and child and family services.

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Book Synopsis“I love your ideas, but I only have a few acres. How do I do this at my scale?” Success with domestic livestock does not require large land bases. Joel Salatin and his family’s Polyface Farm in Virginia lead the world in animal-friendly and ecologically authentic, commercial, pasture-based livestock production. In Polyface Micro he adapts the ideas and protocols to small holdings (including apartments)! Homesteaders can increase production, enjoy healthy animals, and create aesthetically and aromatically pleasant livestock systems. Whether you’re a new or seasoned homesteader, you’ll find tips and inspiration as Joel coaches you toward success and abundance.

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Book SynopsisWelcome to the wonderful world of Skeldale House: the veterinary surgery and bustling waiting room for the locals of Darrowby village and their animals. In this exclusive behind-the-scenes book, go through the doors of the famous 1930s practice and discover the real-life inspirations for the TV remake of All Creatures Great & Small. Offering exclusive insight into the making of the show, and paying homage to its impressive heritage, including Herriot’s bestselling memoirs and the long-running series, but also to the incredible backdrop of the Yorkshire Dales, this book is the ultimate celebration of a cast of characters – human and animal – who have been bringing us joy for over fifty years. Along with exclusive interviews with the actors Samuel West, Anna Madeley, Nicholas Ralph, Callum Woodhouse and Rachel Shenton, you will get to know everyone from the vet advisor, the animal trainers and the animals themselves, to the director Brian Percival, the make-up artists and the production team. Learn about their adventures on- and off-screen as they went about evoking the authentic experience of the house, the practice and its unforgettable setting. This is the world of James Herriot and the Yorkshire Dales as you’ve never seen it before.

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Book Synopsis"You’ll be in awe of the work of the American rancher and wildlife alike." — Fox News "... Krantz delivers a true sense of not only the size and scope of Art and Catherine Nicholas’ Wagonhound Ranch, but also the deep sense of stewardship the Nicholas family and their crew bring to ranching every day." — Western Horseman "...Anouk’s photographs tell a visual story of the rancher and his relationship with the land." — The Eye of Photography "A stunning photographic collection that celebrates the reality of ranch life." — Big Sky Journal Wagonhound is a historic working ranch spanning over 300,000 acres in Wyoming, where the elevation ranges from 5,000 feet to 9,000 feet; where talented, strong, and steady quarter horses supplied by the ranch-owned remuda are required to help the cowboys manage the herds in a spectacularly rugged terrain. Catherine and Art Nicholas, who took the reins of the historic ranch in 1999, take the stewardship of the land very seriously — their vision has been to honour tradition, preserve the land, which is steeped in history, and return it to a pristine condition. In Ranchland: Wagonhound, Anouk Krantz’s beautiful photography reveals the daily and seasonal rhythms of the ranch and the daily lives of its men and women cowboys, whose long hard days — starting in the dark and finishing in the dark — involve everything from cattle driving to branding to training the best quarter horses in the country and more. Set in a stunning large-format book, these photographs and the stories offer an inspiring new perspective into today's cowboy/ranching culture and land stewardship of the American West. Trade Review"You’ll be in awe of the work of the American rancher and wildlife alike." - Fox News"...Anouk’s photographs tell a visual story of the rancher and his relationship with the land." - The Eye of Photography"A stunning photographic collection that celebrates the reality of ranch life." - Big Sky Journal"... Krantz delivers a true sense of not only the size and scope of Art and Catherine Nicholas’ Wagonhound Ranch, but also the deep sense of stewardship the Nicholas family and their crew bring to ranching everyday." - Western HorsemanWatch an interview with Anouk Masson Krantz on Rural America Live: https://vimeo.com/774435607/e8c9780fc6 - Rural America Live"Even city slickers can have a bit of cowboy in their bones—a yearning for open spaces, rugged country, and fierce independence. So, whether your dad’s a cowboy at heart, or a real cowboy himself, chances are he’ll appreciate the stories and images found in the Ranchland: Wagonhound coffee table book by Anouk Masson Krantz." - Prevention"Krantz’s collection of dramatic black-and-white images convey daily life on the ranch, including the changing of the seasons and the work of cowboys and cowgirls." - Professional Photographer Magazine"... rare perspective large-format art book is dedicated to the American rancher, the spirit of the West and the contemporary challenges to conserve the land." - Jackson Hole News & GuideInterview with Anouk Masson Krantz: "If you're a fan of Westerns, shows like Yellowstone or any Taylor Sheridan series, then you're going to love our next guest. In fact, she's Taylor Sheridan's favourite cowboy photographer." - Fox 5 Las Vegas"French photographer Anouk Masson Krantz takes us on a deep dive into the private world of Wagonhound in Wyoming...Her stunning photography showcases cowboy ranching culture and land stewardship in the American West and highlights the daily beauty and seasonal rhythms of life on the ranch." - Sunset Mag“The attention to detail in Anouk’s images offers a rare insight into the modern cowboy and ranching culture from an outsider’s viewpoint.” - Digital Photographer magazine"Anouk’s photographs tell a visual story of the rancher and his relationship with the land." - Digital Camera World"Anouk's Ranchland wins best art/photography book for The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum awards!" - National Cowboy MuseumInterview with photographer and author Anouk Masson Krantz; article and podcast - The Candid Frame podcastFeatured on Marijka Dam's Instagram story - Instagram: Marijka Dam"Photographer Anouk Krantz shares her journey of life-changing adventures that led her to Wagonhound in Wyoming, where dreams really do come true." - Horse and Rider UK"Ranchland: Wagonhound by Anouk Krantz celebrates America’s ranches, like this one in Wyoming. The book, which honours the traditions of the American West and pays homage to those who conserve the land for future generations, won the best photography book of 2023 at the Western Heritage Awards." - The Times“Ranchland: Wagonhound is a photographic deep dive into the private world of Wagonhound- one of America’s largest historic ranches, which spans over 300,000 acres of spectacular and rugged Wyoming Terrain. The beautiful photography reveals the daily and seasonal rhythms of the ranch and the daily lives of its men and women cowboys.” (Award at 49:45 on link video) - Western Heritage Awards"In the new book Ranchland the toil, the dirt and the search for boundless freedom are depicted. What says the silent male images about the man and the USA in 2023?" [Google translate from Swedish] - Plaza Magazine"With her camera, she now captures the essence of the cowboy life, a life situated somewhere between myth and hard work." - Ramp"Life on Wyoming's Wagonhound, as captured in an award-winning recent book, has chnaged surprisingly little since the days of the Old West." - Wild West Magazine"French photographer ANOUK MASSON KRANTZ has accomplished something that only few people have achieved before: she drove through the American West, immersed herself in the world of the cowboy, and became part of their culture. As her photographs so beautifully show." - Rampstyle"Anouk’s exquisite fine art photography offers a rare window into the cowboy ranching culture and land stewardship of his historic ranch and the breathtaking American West." - Equestrian Living"Her images tell stories of people humbled by nature, animals, and a life beyond the tyranny of social media likes." - American Trails"Life on Wyoming’s Wagonhound, as captured in an award-winning recent book, has changed surprisingly little since the days of the Old West." - Wild West Online"In the beginning, she had to work hard to earn the trust of the cowboys she photographed — and logged more than 125,000 miles on the road, solo, to meet them on their turf." - Cowboys & IndiansTable of Contents Introduction Biography Gallery

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Book SynopsisThe Sunday Times Top 10 bestseller by the shepherdess and star of Channel 5’s Our Yorkshire Farm.'With its fizzing energy and celebration of nature and community, this is perfect comfort reading for uncertain times' – Daily MailAmanda Owen loves her traditional life on her hill farm alongside her nine children and husband Clive. And, as readers of her previous bestsellers will know, every day at Ravenseat brings surprises. In Adventures of the Yorkshire Shepherdess Amanda takes us from her family’s desperate race to save a missing calf to finding her bra has been repurposed as a house martin’s nest, and from wild swimming to the brutal winter that almost brought her to her knees. As busy as she is with her family and flock though, an exciting new project soon catches her eye . . .Ravenseat is a tenant farm and may not stay in the family, so when Amanda discovers a nearby farmhouse up for sale, she knows it is her chance to create roots for her children. The old house needs a lot of renovation and money is tight, so Amanda sets about the work herself, with some help from a travelling monk, a visiting plumber and Clive. It’s fair to say things do not go according to plan!Funny, evocative and set in a remote and beautiful landscape, this book will delight anyone who has hankered after a new life in the country.Trade ReviewAmanda’s life is one of old-fashioned values, hard graft and plenty of love. She, like her life, is extraordinary. -- Ben FogleWith its fizzing energy and celebration of nature and community, this is perfect comfort reading for uncertain times. * Daily Mail *A fabulous read * Woman's Weekly *A really lovely, lyrical story of the ups and downs of their life. -- Daily Mail on A Year in the Life of the Yorkshire Shepherdess

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Book SynopsisThe cow is the most productive, efficient creature on earth. She will give you fresh milk, cream, butter, and cheese, build human health and happiness, and even turn a profit for homesteaders and small farmers who seek to offer her bounty to the local market or neighborhood. She will provide rich manure for your garden or land, and will enrich the quality of your life as you benefit from the resources of the natural world. Quite simply, the family that keeps a cow is a healthy family. Originally published in the early 1970s as The Cow Economy and reprinted many times over, Keeping a Family Cow has launched thousands of holistic small-scale dairy farmers and families raising healthy cows in accordance with their true nature. The book offers answers to frequently asked questions like, 'Should I get a cow?' and 'How Much Space do I need?' in addition to extensive information on: • The health benefits of untreated milk; • How to milk a cow effectively and with ease; • Choosing your dairy breed; • Drying off your cow; • Details on calving and breeding; • The importance of hay quality and how to properly feed your cow; • Fencing and pasture management; • Housing, water systems, and other supplies; • Treating milk fever and other diseases and disorders; • Making butter, yogurt, and cheese, and, of course . . . • . . . Everything else the conventional dairy industry doesn’t tell us! Now revised and updated to incorporate new information on the raw milk debate, the conversation about A1 vs. A2 milk, fully grassfed dairies, more practical advice for everyday chores, and updated procedures for cow emergencies. Keeping a Family Cow has not only stood the test of time, it still remains the go-to inspirational manual for raising a family milk cow nearly forty years after its first publication. Joann Grohman has a lifetime of practical experience that has been bound into this one volume and presented in the spirit of fun and learning.Trade Review"Many with small rural properties have opted out of the industrial food system by obtaining a family cow. Keeping a Family Cow is the only owner's manual you will need. In elegant, readable prose, Grohman guides the neophyte through all the steps, from choosing a cow, to milking her, to making butter, yogurt, and cheese. Highly recommended for anyone interested in grass-based farming and nutrient-dense food--not just family cow owners--Keeping a Family Cow will instill great appreciation for the sacred bond between domesticated animals and the human beings who care for them."--Sally Fallon Morell, President, The Weston A. Price Foundation“Joann Grohman is level-headed and sure-footed when it comes to helping families build a lasting partnership with a homestead cow. Her work remains an important reference for anyone considering bringing these gentle creatures into their lives.”--Shannon Hayes, author of Long Way on a Little, The Farmer and the Grill, The Grassfed Gourmet Cookbook, and Radical Homemakers

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Book SynopsisTop-Bar Beekeeping is an offering designed to encourage beekeepers around the world to keep bees naturally by providing beekeeping basics, hive management and the utilization of top-bar hives. In recent years, beekeepers have had to face tremendous challenges, from pests, such as varroa and tracheal mites, to the mysterious but even more devastating phenomenon known as Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD). Yet in backyards and on rooftops all over the world, bees are being raised successfully, even without antibiotics, miticides, or other chemical inputs. More and more organically-minded beekeepers are now using top-bar hives, in which the shape of the interior resembles a hollow log. Long lasting and completely biodegradable, a top-bar hive made of untreated wood allows bees to build comb naturally rather than simply filling prefabricated foundation frames in a typical box hive with added supers. Top-bar hives yield slightly less honey but produce more beeswax than a typical Langstroth box hive. Regular hive inspection and the removal of old combs helps to keep bees healthier and naturally disease-free. Top-Bar Beekeeping provides complete information on hive management and other aspects of using these innovative hives. All home and hobbyist beekeepers who have the time and interest in keeping bees intensively should consider the natural, low-stress methods outlined in this book. It will also appeal to home orchardists, gardeners, and permaculture practitioners who look to bees for pollination as well as honey or beeswax.Trade Review ForeWord Reviews- "Farmers who seek a guide to hive maintenance told through a thoughtful personal narrative will benefit from the discussion of this topbar style of beekeeping. The first-person style of the book allows a window into the practices of the topbar beekeeper while conveying a wealth of knowledge and a well-researched comparison of hive practices. The book is appropriate for beginning beekeepers as well as those experienced but looking for information on natural and organic beekeeping practices. The book’s ten sections discuss optimal practices of an organic beekeeper juxtaposed with discussion of industry standard practices and their drawbacks. Each section contains stories of the authors’ successes and failures as well as diagrams and pictures to explain everything from hive design to plant species for optimal pollination. Whether the reader is looking to start their own hive or simply increase their knowledge of honeybees, the book provides interesting and detailed discussions of all aspects of raising them. Crowder and Harrell offer not only advice on how to get started, but an in-depth discussion of all aspects of keeping a hive, from bee capture, breeding, and selection to honey processing. They have crafted a book that is both informative and engaging, filled with introspective advice and practical knowledge." Publisher's Weekly- "Cave drawings show beekeepers “smoking” their hives, preparing for insect interaction. Today’s mass-produced honey relies mostly on the venerable Langstroth method of beekeeping, which has produced plenty of honey—but also has introduced plenty of chemicals into the process—through the years. Top-bar hives, named for the bars that run across their tops, are popular with bee beginners even though they produce less honey than Langstroth hives. But this account, the culmination of Crowder and Harrell’s 40 years of top-bar beekeeping adventures, shows the reader their method’s advantages: it avoids antibiotics, miticides, and other chemicals inherent to the conventional process. Crowder and his wife, Harrell, leave no comb unharvested as they take the top-bar aspirant from bee basics (stings, smoke, and hive transfers) through hive management (comb removal and feeding) to beneficial, and profitable, byproducts like beeswax. For those a bit lukewarm to the swarm, the book gives a fascinating insight into bees’ elaborate organizational and geometry skills, and it may even make one reconsider buying mass-marketed, chemical-laced honey.""Reading Top-Bar Beekeeping reminds me of the classes I took with Les Crowder several years ago. He's a man who truly knows whereof he speaks, who has the gift of communicating with his small friends, the bees, and sharing his understanding with us. . . . This is the one book on beekeeping that I will recommend to my permaculture students."--Scott Pittman, Director, Permaculture Institute USA "This is an excellent guide for hobby beekeepers who wish to keep bees using top-bar hives. Drawing on his more than 30 years of beekeeping experience in New Mexico, author Les Crowder describes in detail the special comb management techniques that this low-cost, but relatively intensive, form of beekeeping requires. Top-Bar Beekeeping also provides an eloquent appeal for beekeepers to make care, respect, and reverence the foundation of their relationships with the bees."--Thomas D. Seeley, Cornell University; author of Honeybee Democracy and The Wisdom of the Hive"This book presents practical advice, gained from first-hand experience, on the organic management of top bar hives. This book will serve as an excellent guide to the ever-growing number of beekeepers that utilizes less intrusive management schemes such as top bar hives. Thanks to Les and Heather for their efforts to provide sound advice on natural ways to keep bees."--Dr. Jeff Pettis, USDA-ARS Table of Contents1. Top-bar hives 2. The supercreature 3. Beekeeping basics 4. Hive management 5. The seasons 6. Honey, beeswax, and other products 7. Evaluating your queen 8. Problem-solving 9. Raising queens 10. Planting for bees

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Book SynopsisThe space, setup, and equipment required to raise and process poultry are minimal when compared to other types of livestock, which is part of what makes chickens such an appealing choice for small-scale meat producers. Expert butcher and teacher Adam Danforth covers the entire slaughtering and butchering process in this photographic guide specifically geared toward backyard chicken keepers and small-farm operations invested in raising meat responsibly. With step-by-step photos, detailed instructions, and chapters dedicated to necessary tools and equipment, essential food safety measures, how to prepare for slaughter and process the birds quickly and humanely, how to break down the carcasses into cuts, and how to package and freeze the cuts to ensure freshness, this comprehensive handbook gives poultry raisers the information they need to make the most of their meat.

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Book SynopsisUpdated and revised, this bestselling textbook continues to provide a broad introduction to the key topics in the welfare of animals both large and small, farm and companion, wild and zoo. It retains all the popular features of the previous editions with coverage of key issues such as ethics, animal pain and injury, health and disease, social conditions, and welfare dilemmas and problems. Importantly, it also offers practical advice for welfare assessment, with a full section dedicated to the implementation of solutions. The third edition: - Contains many more examples of welfare issues in different countries, particularly the implications for smallholders as well as larger scale agriculture - Covers fish welfare as well as welfare of amphibians, reptiles and invertebrates - Includes concepts of positive emotion and other positive aspects of welfare - Focuses on animal welfare and sustainability - Includes an integrated ebook with additional material and videos With contributions from renowned international experts and a new editorial team, Animal Welfare, 3rd Edition is an essential resource for students and researchers in animal and veterinary sciences and other disciplines considering the science and practice of animal welfare, and for practitioners and decision-makers worldwide.Table of Contents-: Introduction Part I: Issues 1: Animal Ethics 2: Understanding Animal Welfare Part II: Problems 3: Environmental Challenge and Animal Agency 4: Hunger and Thirst 5: Pain 6: Fear and Other Negative Emotions 7: Frustration and Boredom in Impoverished Environments Part III: Assessment 8: Health and Disease 9: Behaviour 10: Physiology 11: Preference and Motivation Research 12: Practical Strategies to Assess (and Improve) Welfare Part IV: Solutions 13: Physical Conditions 14: Social Conditions 15: Human Contact 16: Genetic Selection Part V: Implementation 17: Economics 18: Regulation, Enforcement and Incentives 19: International Issues

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Book SynopsisTeach yourself the lost arts of blacksmithing, tool design, and tool repair.   Design, forge, and fix your own tools, hardware, and household accessories with master craftsman and teacher Alexander G. Weygers. The Complete Modern Blacksmith contains clear, step-by-step instructions and hundreds of the author’s own detailed drawings, bringing scores of time-honored techniques to modern artisans – experienced craftsmen and beginners alike.   This unique resource brings together three popular but long-out-of-print classics: • The Modern Blacksmith, which covers everything from developing the correct hammer and body motions for forging and creating tools such as pliers, shovels, and hinges. • The Recycling, Use, and Repair of Tools, which stresses the reuse of old materials, featuring easy-to-follow processes. • The Making of Tools, which explores how to design, sharpen, and temper whichever tool you need, using only basic shop equipment and scrap steel.   A truly invaluable resource, The Complete Modern Blacksmith is an essential volume in any craftman''s library.

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Book SynopsisThe pioneer of herbal veterinary medicine has again thoroughly revised, updated and expanded her book on natural and organic cures and farming methods, first published in 1952 and now a classic in its field. Juliette de Baïracli Levy''s The Complete Herbal Handbook for Farm and Stable contains everything farmers need to know about farm management and animal husbandry. Levy''s groundbreaking work in this insightful guide provides an invaluable resource for farmers and anyone interested in holistic veterinary medicine.

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Book Synopsis"Practical, well written, and comprehensive. . . . Read this book cover to cover, or keep it handy as a reference for all aspects of goat care."—Sarah Flack, author of The Art and Science of Grazing This one-of-a-kind guide will empower even novice goat owners, offering expert guidance on maintaining a healthy herd—whether they are dairy, meat, fiber, or pet goats Goats have provided humankind with essential products for centuries; indeed, they bear the noble distinction of being the first domesticated farm animal. From providing milk and meat for sustenance and fiber and hides for clothing and shelter to carrying packs and clearing brush, there isn’t much that goats cannot do. Managing goats successfully requires an understanding of how nature designed them to thrive, including nutritional and psychological needs, as well as how to identify a problem and intercede before it’s too late. For more than a decade, Gianaclis Caldwell and her family have operated Pholia Farm Creamery, an off-grid, raw milk goat cheese dairy. In Holistic Goat Care, Caldwell offers readers a comprehensive guide to maintaining a healthy herd of goats, whether they are dairy goats, meat goats, fiber goats, or pet goats. Holistic Goat Care will empower even novice goat owners to confidently diagnose and treat most of the ailments that goats might experience. For the experienced goat farmer, the book offers a depth of insight and approaches to treatment not found in any other book. Caldwell places special emphasis throughout on holistic, natural, and alternative approaches to caring for goats, including information on: Handling and managing goats using their natural instincts as an asset Developing good farm management practices such as appropriate housing and fencing systems and manure and mortality management Making feeding decisions based on understanding goats’ ruminant digestive system and their evolutionary needs Growing forage and garden crops as feed and utilizing wild browse Troubleshooting health problems based on assessing symptoms Implementing advanced health procedures such as pain control, fecal testing, and transplanting rumen microbes from healthy to sick goats Diagnosing, treating, and preventing more than 75 common goat ailments Whether your herd is two or two hundred, this first-of-its-kind, comprehensive book will help you keep your goats healthy, safe, and productive and give you a deep and enjoyable insight into the wondrous creature that is the goat.Trade Review“In Holistic Goat Care, Gianaclis Caldwell demonstrates that modern, practical, holistic, small-farm methods are the true state of the art. Her unique understanding of goat care—connecting science, real-world farming, and the healing arts—comes alive through her clear and inspiring writing. This much-needed book gifts goat owners with a ready, reliable reference for whatever nature sends their way.”—Fred Walters, editor, Acres U.S.A. magazine“Holistic Goat Care is a rare and refreshing synergy of commonsense goat lore and sound holistic principles—worthy of a place in every goat owner’s library. I am impressed with the book’s layout, as well as the content.”—Richard J. Holliday, DVM, holistic veterinarian; coauthor of A Holistic Vet’s Prescription for a Healthy Herd“Holistic Goat Care is practical, well written, and comprehensive. Giancalis Caldwell covers everything from browse to barns, breeding to birthing, vitamins to vaccination, and parasites to pizzle rot, in an easy-to-read format. The book reflects both her hands-on experience with goats and her extensive knowledge of their physiological needs and their sometimes idiosyncratic behavior. The examples of goat farms in various climates and countries make the information broadly applicable to many regions. With a light touch of humor and a hearty helping of practical advice, Gianaclis shares her depth of knowledge and her appreciation of the role and value of goats in agriculture both currently and historically. Read this book cover to cover, or keep it handy as a reference for all aspects of goat care.”—Sarah Flack, author of The Art and Science of Grazing“The next best thing to learning about goat keeping through years of experience is to read Holistic Goat Care. Gianaclis Caldwell not only provides all the essential details, she frankly describes unhappy events along with successes, to save readers the anguish of making similar mistakes and to demonstrate that sometimes bad things happen even to the most conscientious goat keeper. Rather than dictating a single rigid approach to holistic goat management, Caldwell offers numerous natural and alternative options to help you develop practices that best suit your goals and your herd’s specific needs.”—Gail Damerow, author of The Backyard Homestead Guide to Raising Farm Animals“Holistic Goat Care is far and away the most complete guide to goat keeping I’ve ever seen. Gianaclis Caldwell handles basic care and advanced subjects, such as on-farm necropsies, cud transplants, and scur removal, with equal aplomb. Whether you have two goats or two hundred, you need this book!”—Sue Weaver, author of The Backyard Goat“I wish this book had been around when I started raising goats. Gianaclis Caldwell has a friendly, clear style of writing that makes a huge subject much less daunting. I highly recommend that beginners read Holistic Goat Care before starting out on their own goat adventure. Experienced goat owners will definitely find this book a useful reference as well. As a firm believer in providing holistic and humane care for all my animals, I am pleased to finally find a book that covers this slant for goats.”—Molly Nolte, founder, Molly’s Herbals and FiasCoFarm.com“Holistic Goat Care is an excellent resource for raising healthy goats. Gianaclis Caldwell stresses the importance of preventative medicine, which is a critical aspect of raising goats. The information in this well-written book will be very beneficial for beginners, agriculture-oriented students, veterinary students, and veterinarians. The author stresses the importance of early recognition of conditions and diseases. She also discusses treatment through conventional medicine and alternative or integrative medicine, as well as the use of complementary therapies such as herbal and homeopathic if needed. All sixteen chapters are very informative, and the text is referenced to excellent resources in goat medicine. I believe this book will be an excellent source of information in raising goats.”—Lionel J. Dawson, BVSc, MS, DACT, professor, Center of Veterinary Health Sciences, Oklahoma State University

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Book SynopsisWith this compact portable reference in hand, crafters can quickly and easily look up any of 100 different sheep breeds, the characteristics of their fleece, and the kinds of projects for which their fleece is best suited. Each breed profile includes a photograph of the animal and information about its origin and conservation status, as well as the weight, staple length, fiber diameter, and natural colors of its fleece. This is a great primer for beginners, and a handy guide for anyone who loves working with fleece.

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Book SynopsisJames Herriot (19161995) was the pen name of James Alfred Alf' Wight, whose tales of veterinary practice and country life in the Yorkshire Dales have delighted generations. Many of Herriot's works including All Creatures Great and Small, All Things Bright and Beautiful, All Things Wise and Wonderful, The Lord God Made Them All and Every Living Thing became international bestsellers and have been adapted for film and television.Rosie Page and Jim Wight are Herriot's children. Rosie became a doctor and Jim was a vet.Trade ReviewIt cleverly interweaves extracts from his novels, with an interesting commentary from his son and daughter . . . their memories and anecdotes augment the stories and make delightful reading * Yorkshire Times *I grew up reading James Herriot's books and I'm delighted that thirty years on, they are still every bit as charming, heartwarming and laugh-out-loud funny as they were then -- Kate Humble, on the works of James HerriotHerriot’s enchanting tales of life in the Dales are deservedly classics. Full of extraordinary characters, animal and human, the books never fail to delight -- Amanda Owen, bestselling author of The Yorkshire Shepherdess, on the works on James HerriotThe attraction of Herriot’s ever popular memoirs of a country vet . . . is their alternating highs and lows, humour and pathos, and gripping anecdotes about delivering lambs, grumpy farmers, hypochondriac pet-owners, stroppy cows and blunt Yorkshire characters. And, of course, there’s a powerful nostalgia element in these stories about our green and pleasant land in the day before the ravages of ribbon development -- Daily Mail, on the works of James Herriot

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Book SynopsisRuth Harrison's Animal Machines now a unique historical classic, had a profound impact on public opinion and the quality of life of farmed animals when it was published in 1964. * Reprinted in its entirety, gives an accurate, and sometimes shocking, account of intensive farming in the 1960's, still current in large parts of the world today. * Harrison's work greatly increased public awareness of animal welfare and led to legal reforms, shaping our closer understanding of farm conditions today. * Provides a fascinating insight into the system we continue to live with as the global population increases. * Includes foreword by Rachel Carson and new chapters by international experts in animal welfare including Marion Stamp Dawkins, discussing the book's significant legacy and impact today.Table of Contents1: Why We Still Need to Read Animal Machines 2: Ruth Harrison – Tribute To An Inspirational Friend 3: Animal Machines – Prophecy and Philosophy 4: Ruth Harrison – A Tribute 5: Ruth Harrison’s Later Writings and Animal Welfare Work Foreword: Foreword to 1964 Edition by Rachel Carson Acknowledgements: Acknowledgements I: Introduction II: Broiler Chickens III: Poultry Packing Stations IV: Battery Birds V: Veal Calves VI: Other Intensive Units A: The New Factory Farming – A Pictorial Summary VII: The Basis of Quality VIII: Quantity Versus Quality IX: Cruelty and Legislation X: Conclusion

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Book SynopsisWITH A FOREWORD BY PATRICK BARKHAMAnd an essay by Welsh hill farmer, Dafydd Morris-Jones'One of the great no-holds-barred life-adventures in the wilds of the British landscape.' ADAM NICOLSONWritten on the eve of the Second World War, this memoir tells the remarkable story of how 21-year-old Thomas Firbank decided on impulse to purchase a 2,400-acre hill farm in the rugged, inhospitable mountains of Snowdonia, and how he and his wife struggled to build it back into prosperity. The book became an international bestseller, selling over half-a-million copies worldwide and pioneered the genre of 'good life' rural escape literature. This new edition is introduced with a foreword by the award-winning nature writer, Patrick Barkham, and includes an afterword by contemporary Welsh sheep farmer, Dafydd Morris-Jones.I Bought a Mountain is a thrilling human tale of tragedy and triumph, as well as a portrait of a lost era when farming was a communal endeavour, offering precious insights into conservation and sustainability relevant for today.Trade Review'"There's nothing so fine as courage," Thomas Firbank writes in I Bought a Mountain and that is the motto of the book: challenge after challenge faced, suffered and, in part anyway, relished for its stimulus. One of the great no-holds-barred life-adventures in the wilds of the British landscape. Every page is alive with the presence of the Welsh mountains and and their people, every chapter with the insistent, often beautiful, often savage realities of the natural world.' * Adam Nicolson *'One of the most compelling and successful 20th-century versions of the urge to escape to the country... deeply inspiring... highly pertinent.' * PATRICK BARKHAM *'Extraordinarily relevant... this book could have been written in 2022, with Firbank talking angrily of a country that needed to improve its self-sufficiency... Above all, however, he describes so movingly the privilege of farming this miraculous landscape.' -- Kate Green * Country LIfe *'A delightful book, full of vivid experiences.' * Telegraph *'Vitally convincing and exhilarating.' * OBSERVER *

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Book SynopsisWith in-depth information on electric fencing, watering, and husbandry for ruminants, poultry, and pigs, plus butchering, dairying, and more “If we work hard, we sleep well.” Twenty years ago, when authors Shawn and Beth Dougherty purchased the land they would come to name the Sow’s Ear, the state of Ohio designated it “not suitable for agriculture.” Today, their family raises and grows 90% of their own food. Such self-sufficiency is largely the result of basing their farming practices around intensive pasture management. Pioneered by such luminaries as Allan Savory, Greg Judy, and Joel Salatin, the tenets of holistic grazing—employed mostly by larger-scale commercial operations—have been adapted by the Doughertys to fit their family’s needs. In The Independent Farmstead, The Sow’s Ear model for regenerating the land and growing food—“the best you ever tasted”—is elucidated for others to use and build upon. In witty and welcoming style, The Independent Farmstead covers everything from choosing a species of ruminant and incorporating it into a grass-based system to innovative electric fencing and watering systems, to what to do with all of the milk, meat, and, yes, manure that the self-sustaining farm produces. Within these pages, the Doughertys discuss how to: Find and improve poor, waste, or abused land and develop its natural water resources; Select and purchase the appropriate ruminant for regenerating your farmstead; Apply fencing strategies and pasture management basics; Implement basic, uncomplicated food processing, including large and small animal butchering and cheese making; and Integrate grass, gardens, and livestock to minimize or eliminate the need for off-farm inputs. As the Doughertys write, more and more people today are feeling “the desire for clean, affordable food, unmodified, unprocessed, and unmedicated and the security of local food sourcing for ourselves and our children.” The Independent Farmstead is a must-have resource for those who count themselves as part of this movement: both new and prospective farmers and homesteaders, and those who are interested in switching to grass-based systems. Best of all it’s the kind of rare how-to book that the authors themselves view not as a compendium of one-size-fits-all instructions but as “the beginning of a conversation,” one that is utterly informative, sincere, and inspiring.Trade ReviewChoice- “Literature about small, independent farms might be divided into books that focus broadly on sustainable farming and those that constitute a how-to guide. Here Shawn Dougherty and Beth Dougherty (both have been farmers for several decades) offer a whimsical fusion of practical application and agrarian philosophy to great effect. Unlike most monographs on the subject, this volume begins with the assertion that plant life, pasture, and forage (in particular) form the core of an effective small farmstead. From this foundation, the Dougherty’s discuss practical aspects of forage, including water, grasses, and fencing, as well as the dynamics of intensive rotational processes. A good portion of the book is devoted to leveraging forage using livestock, particularly ruminants. Their clear favorite is the dairy cow, although they do discuss the virtues of sheep, goats, and swine—but little on beef. The latter part of the work discusses the harvesting of meat and milk and the appropriate use of by-products. The book’s entertaining approach is tempered by a realistic view of the mindset required to productively nurture and incorporate the rigors of an independent farmstead into one’s lifestyle. Summing Up: Recommended. All readers.” Booklist- "As mortifying and implausible as creating one’s own self-sustaining farmstead might sound to most city folk, the Doughertys, who embarked on their own farmstead 20 years ago, make the venture entirely feasible—even ennobling in the face of climate change—on as little as a half-acre of land. In a conversational style that is both welcoming and reality-based, the authors offer a big-picture plan—selecting property, sourcing water, building soil, choosing ruminants (chickens, goats, sheep, pigs, or cattle)—that is fully supported by a level of detail both practical and comforting to anyone new to the idea. Some examples: milking techniques for cows and goats, what grasses or fencing to consider for which animals, slaughtering techniques, watering tanks, and using paddocks for livestock. Highly recommended for libraries where such farmsteads are even remotely possible.”Library Journal, Starred Review- "Husband and wife Shawn and Beth ­Dougherty have written about the 'self-sustaining' grass-based farming movement on their blog, ­onecowrevolution.wordpress.com. Their first book, a well-organized overview of managing a diversified ‘farmstead,' takes the concept of backyard hobby farming to the next level. Drawing on their 20 years of experience on the Sow’s Ear Farm in eastern Ohio, the Doughertys offer practical know-how on a variety of farming topics, with photos and philosophical considerations of their methods. Although not exhaustive on any given issue, there is enough information for most readers to get started with confidence. They encourage readers to adopt holistic and creative problem-solving techniques. Oft-ignored subjects such as seasonal rhythms and interpersonal dynamics—the 'people aspect' of the farm ecosystem—are addressed. Easily navigable sections let readers skim as needed, but the conversational style lends a cohesive narrative. With a compelling foreword by holistic farmer Joel Salatin, this is right at home on a workbench or bedside table. VERDICT A solid choice for those embarking on a serious animal-based hobby or enterprise, aspiring homesteaders, and sustainable farmers who already have basic knowledge of animal husbandry and agriculture. The authors’ blog provides a nice supplement; for more introductory guides, try Carleen Madigan’s 'Backyard Homestead' books.”Modern Farmer- "Shawn and Beth Dougherty divulge how they used intensive pasture management to transform 24 seemingly uncultivable Ohio acres into a thriving livestock and vegetable operation capable of feeding their family of 10. Expect clear-eyed advice on rotational grazing methods, improving soil fertility, and much more." “With grace and grit, Shawn and Beth show you how to cultivate and care for an often overlooked but integrally important part of our food chain—grass—as well as the diverse livestock that transform pasture into the most wholesome foods on earth.”--David Asher, author of The Art of Natural Cheesemaking“Shawn and Beth cover a broad range of topics in this readable and user-friendly book. They manage to touch on most of the essential information a small-scale farmer needs to graze a cow and make cheese, feed the waste milk to the pigs and make bacon, and practice sustainable land use and animal husbandry along the way.”--Sarah Flack, author of The Art and Science of Grazing “Playing off its title, this informative, companionable book could be called The Interdependent Farmstead: It notes how a successful operation relies on interactions among animals, soil, grass, sunlight, and community as well as human ingenuity and, invariably, humor. The book’s wisdom is that building on these synergies helps one realize the potential of any given piece of land.”--Judith D. Schwartz, author of Cows Save the Planet and Water In Plain Sight“In The Independent Farmstead, Shawn and Beth Dougherty have rooted a wealth of practical and useful farming information in the fertile soil of social and economic reality and timeless ecological wisdom. Their farm is a grass-based homestead, and their personal story is compelling, but their insights are important for beginning or experienced farmers of any type or scale who don’t yet know—or have forgotten—what real farming is about.”--John Ikerd, professor emeritus of agricultural economics, University of Missouri

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Book SynopsisWe all need to understand the story behind our food. This is the strongest and most articulate case for understanding the central importance of grazing livestock in sustainable food systems that I’ve read. Patrick Holden, founder and chief executive, Sustainable Food Trust With more public awareness of the connection between health and diet, food, climate and farming, Defending Beef – a modern classic on sustainable food culture – has never been more timely. As the meat industry – from small-scale ranchers and butchers to sprawling slaughterhouse operators – respond to climate threats, a pandemic and the rise of plant-based and lab-produced meats, environmental lawyer turned cattle farmer Nicolette Hahn Niman delivers a passionate argument for responsible grassfed, meat production and consumption in this updated and expanded new edition of her bestselling Defending Beef. Hahn Niman dispels popular myths about how eating beef is bad for our bodies and the planet. The impact of grazing can be either negative or positive, depending on how livestock are managed. In fact, with proper oversight, livestock can play an essential role in maintaining grassland ecosystems by performing the same functions as the natural herbivores that once roamed and grazed there.Grounded in empirical scientific data and citing examples of regenerative agriculture from around the world, she illustrates how cattle can help build carbon-sequestering soils to mitigate climate change, enhance biodiversity, prevent desertification and provide essential nutrition.Trade Review“Defending Beef is a no-nonsense, scientific yet holistic look at the important role well-raised meat has in our food system and in ecosystem function. Nicolette Hahn Niman intelligently busts the common misperceptions about cattle and explains how, when managed properly, they can have a positive impact on the environment.”—Diana Rodgers, registered dietitian, filmmaker and coauthor of Sacred Cow: The Case for (Better) Meat“With all the rhetoric we are hearing today about how cows are destroying the planet, it is enlightening to hear the truth. Nicolette Hahn Niman delves deep into the science and sets the record straight: ‘It’s not the cow, it’s the how’! Now, consumers can enjoy the health benefits of nutrient-dense beef while healing our ecosystems! A must-read for consumers, ranchers, and policymakers.”—Gabe Brown, regenerative rancher and author of Dirt to Soil“The original edition of Defending Beef offered a compendium of everything a person should know about the role of beef cattle on the landscape and in our diets. This brand-new edition is more like a meta-analysis, chock-full of references, that dismantles almost every argument made against the ecological and nutritional importance of beef. While Nicolette Hahn Niman decries the industrial beef model, she makes a clear and compelling case why well-managed cattle grazing is a critical tool for capturing carbon and turning nonedible plant material into protein, as well as for supporting regenerative farming methods. This book should be on the shelf of anyone who cares about our climate and food system.”—Rebecca Thistlethwaite, coauthor of The New Livestock Farmer“In this exhaustive and well-documented treatise, Nicolette Hahn Niman manages to be both informative and engaging from cover to cover. I especially appreciate the long myth-busting section that debunks many oft-cited anti-beef studies. This is the perfect book to have at your fingertips when you’re in a dispute with someone who thinks meatless lab burgers are a great way to go.”—Ridge Shinn, founding CEO, Big Picture Beef“In this remarkable book, Nicolette Hahn Niman proves herself to be a true environmentalist—one who is willing to dig deeply, challenge orthodoxies, and get to the truth. You should read Defending Beef not only for the compelling case she makes for sustainable meat production, but also as an example of critical thinking at its finest.”—Bo Burlingham, editor-at-large of Inc. magazine and author of Small Giants and Finish Big: How Great Entrepreneurs Exit Their Companies on Top“I have traveled to every state in the U.S. during both summer and winter and have seen the land in extensive rural areas. There are huge land areas in this country that cannot be used for crops. The only way to grow food on these lands is by grazing animals. Grazing done properly will improve the land. Defending Beef shows clearly that beef cattle are an important part of sustainable agriculture.”—Temple Grandin, author of Animals Make Us Human and professor of animal science, Colorado State University“Anyone hesitating to eat beef due to environmental or nutritional concerns needs to learn the other side of the story. Defending Beef is both scientifically accurate and highly readable. Kudos to Nicolette Hahn Niman for successfully engaging in one of the biggest environmental tensions of our day.”—Joel Salatin, farmer and author“Creating healthful, delicious food in ecological balance is among humanity’s greatest challenges. In this insightful book, Nicolette Hahn Niman shows why cattle on grass are an essential element. Every chef in America should read this book.”—Alice Waters, founder/owner, Chez Panisse, and author of We Are What We Eat“Anyone who doubts that beef can be part of a sustainable food system and healthy diet should read this book. Defending Beef proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that we can feel good about eating beef that’s raised the right way.”—Steve Ells, founder and CEO, Chipotle Mexican Grill“Nicolette Hahn Niman just became beef’s most articulate advocate. In Defending Beef, she pivots gracefully between the personal and the scientific, the impassioned and the evenhanded. It’s a deeply compelling and delicious vision for the future of food.”—Dan Barber, author of The Third Plate“Defending Beef is a brave, clear-headed, and necessary addition to the discussion about sustainable food systems. Using hard data and solid scientific research, Nicolette Hahn Niman, a lawyer turned rancher, presents a convincing case that everything we thought we knew about the environmental and human health damage caused by beef is just plain wrong.”—Barry Estabrook, author of Tomatoland: How Modern Industrial Agriculture Destroyed Our Most Alluring Fruit“The prosecution will never rest after the case presented here by this unusually well-armed defense lawyer. Exactly how much and in what ways cattle benefit our world—whether or not we eat beef—have never been more thoroughly explained. Cattle are lucky to have such a remarkable rancher gal come to their aid on our behalf.”—Betty Fussell, author of Raising Steaks: The Life and Times of American Beef“Nicolette Hahn Niman’s Defending Beef is as timely as it is necessary. With patience and passion she separates truth from fiction in the emotional debate about the role of beef in our lives and the effect of its production on our planet. Far from being a bogeyman of climate change and other environmental concerns, she argues, cattle, when properly managed, can play an important role in local food systems, land health, and carbon sequestration. The key is treating cattle as an ally, not an enemy, and exploring opportunities instead of simply pointing fingers. In this exploration, Defending Beef leads the way!”—Courtney White, founder, Quivira Coalition, and author of Grass, Soil, Hope“In our collective confusion and desperation about the environment, many zero in on cattle as an unlikely culprit for everything from water pollution to climate change. In Defending Beef, author, rancher, and environmental lawyer Nicolette Hahn Niman takes a nuanced look at the impact of livestock on land, water, the atmosphere, and human health. With clarity and eloquence, she puts research in context and shows that the raising of cattle can be destructive or restorative, depending on how the animals are managed. Cattle—and common sense—have found their champion.”—Judith D. Schwartz, author of Cows Save the Planet“Issues related to the long-term health effects of red meat, saturated fat, sugar, and grains are complex and I see the jury as still out on many of them. While waiting for the science to be resolved, Hahn Niman’s book is well worth reading for its forceful defense of the role of ruminant animals in sustainable food systems.”—Marion Nestle, professor of nutrition, food studies, and public health at New York University and author of What to Eat“I hope this book, which is more about the future of humanity, will be read by every citizen—not just those who feel the need to defend their meat-eating preferences. Biologist, environmental lawyer, and mother Nicolette Hahn Niman has provided a balanced report on the effects of cattle production on our environment, health, and climate change. Openly accepting the damage done by modern-day cattle production—on the land and in factory feedlots—she effectively argues that cattle themselves are not the problem; it is the way they are being managed that is endangering our health, environment, and economy. We can do something about that, and we must for the sake of our children and grandchildren. Key to our success will be an informed citizenry—for whom this book will be an invaluable tool.”—Allan Savory, founder and president, the Savory Institute“Defending Beef is an important book. Nicolette Hahn Niman had me at the chapter ‘All Food Is Grass,’ where she unpacks the complex clash of views over animal rights, ecology, and the legacy of human impact upon bioregions. The more I read, the more I came to value the passion and insight of someone who (like me) does not herself consume meat but recognizes that it rests at the center of what’s troubling with our food system and how we might set it right. "At Slow Food, we believe that better, less meat should become a rallying cry for a shift in our relationship to animals and each other. Scale, biodiversity, and rural economies get ample attention in this comprehensive yet easy-to-digest manifesto. If we ever hope to challenge the prevailing culture of confinement that defines the industrial meat system today, then we need to make this book required reading for butchers, bakers, and policymakers.”—Richard McCarthy, executive director emeritus, Slow Food USA “Defending Beef clearly and unequivocally connects the dots for us on how vitally important raising pastured beef is to humanity. From increasing the glomalin in soil that helps create healthy grass, to sequestering carbon, battling desertification, enhancing the water supply, mitigating climate change, and promoting biodiversity, Nicolette Hahn Niman carefully draws a constellation for understanding just how our food production systems affect people, culture, and our ecosystem—for good or ill. The case is airtight and the jury is in: Cattle on pasture are an integral part of the solution.”—Mary R. Cleaver, former owner/executive chef, The Cleaver Company and The Green Table“A breakthrough book that reclaims our relationship with farm animals and nutritious food. Comprehensive and insightful, Defending Beef delivers a compelling description of a food system that works with nature and wildlife, supports humane animal husbandry, and builds strong local economies. With a keen mind and passionate love of life, Nicolette Hahn Niman provides an insightful solution to feeding our growing world population and shows us a way of life that is both beautiful and sustaining.”—Judy Wicks, founder of White Dog Café and the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies and author of Good Morning, Beautiful Business“It is so important that we free our minds of conventional beef wisdom and open up to the solution set that uses nature’s wisdom as well as the smart agricultural practices of the future. In Defending Beef, Nicolette Hahn Niman gives us an exacting and compelling defense of land management that solves for environmental resiliency, human health, climate change mitigation, and prosperity. How could we not listen?”—Kat Taylor, CEO and cofounder, Beneficial State Bank; cofounder and director, Tomkat Ranch Educational Foundation“As a chef, I am concerned with not just the flavor of my ingredients, but also their ecological, economic, social, biodiversity, and health implications. In Defending Beef, Nicolette Hahn Niman delves deeply into the many impacts of beef production. Through both scholarly research and her own personal journey, she shows how, again and again, the ‘conventional wisdom’ has missed the mark, while making an extremely convincing case for well-raised cattle having a necessary place in our global agriculture system and on our plates. Simply put, this book doesn’t just make me a better chef, but also a better person."—Michael Leviton, food activist and former chair, Chefs Collaborative“Nicolette Hahn Niman, a lawyer, long-time vegetarian, and cattle rancher, serves up a well-argued defense of an American icon: the hamburger. Passionate and persuasive, Hahn Niman delivers a tough-minded critique of industrial animal operations along with an eloquent case on behalf of pasture-raised beef. The good news? It's safe to eat steak again—so long as you know where it comes from.”—Marc Gunther, editor-at-large, Guardian Sustainable Business US

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Book SynopsisShepherd Tony Iley believes it's one of the wonders of the world to see a good Collie working in harmony with his master. In his book he covers the history of the working dog, training from puppy onwards, trials, breeding and the experiences of handlers past and present. He tells his wonderful story of the relationship between one man and his dog.

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Book Synopsis Produce your own milk, cheese, meat, fiber, fertilizer, and more Incorporating dairy goats into a diversified homestead can be the key to greater self-sufficiency. Responding to questions and concerns from readers from all over North America and beyond, this fully revised and expanded edition of Raising Goats Naturally will help readers work with nature to raise dairy goats to produce milk, cheese, meat, fertilizer, leather, fiber, and soap all without relying on drugs or following the factory farm model. By observing your own animals closely and educating yourself about their specific needs, you can create an individualized plan for keeping them healthy and maximizing their productivity. This unique, fully-illustrated guide will teach you to help your herd thrive with: Breed-specific descriptions to help you choose the right goats for your goals and lifestyle Detailed information on housing, fencing, breeding, health, milkingTable of Contents Acknowledgments Preface to the Second Edition Introduction Part I: Planning, Purchasing, and Protecting 1. Choosing Your Goats Breeds Does Bucks Registration Pedigree Purchasing 2. Housing Your Goats Shelter Bedding 3. Protecting Your Goats Fencing Livestock Guardians Part II: Raising, Remedies, and Reproduction 4. Day-to- Day Life With Goats Behavior Anatomy Health Grooming First Aid Supplies Medicating the Sick Goat 5. Feeding Your Goats Rotational Grazing Hay Grain Minerals Baking Soda 6. Parasites Internal Parasites Controlling Internal Parasites Preventing Infection External Parasites Controlling External Parasites 7. Injury, Illnesses, and Diseases Abortion and Stillbirth Abscesses Acidosis Bloat Brucellosis Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis Constipation Cryptosporidiosis Enterotoxemia Floppy Kid Syndrome Foot Rot Hardware Disease Hypocalcemia Infertility in Bucks Infertility in Does Johne's Disease Ketosis Listeriosis Mastitis Nutritional Deficiencies Neonatal Mortality Pinkeye Polio (Polioencephalomalacia) Respiratory Conditions Ringworm Scours Scrapie Skin Cancer Sore Mouth Tetanus Tuberculosis Urinary Stones (Urinary Calculi) White Muscle Disease Vaccines 8. Breeding Breeding Season Breeding Age Signs of Estrus Breeding Methods Buck Behavior Successful Breeding Artificial Insemination Feeding for Fertility 9. Pregnancy Gestation Signs of Pregnancy False Pregnancy Feeding During Pregnancy 10. Birthing Getting Ready Signs of Labor Birth Feeding Post Birth Newborn Check Kid Complications 11. Raising Kids Getting Started With Dam Raising Getting Started With Bottle-feeding Poop Feeding Grain and Forage Horns Castrating Males Tattooing and Ear Tags Weaning Barn Hygiene 12. Milking Managing Milkers Naturally Teaching a Doe to Milk Milking Equipment Milking by Hand Milking With a Machine Handling Milk Storing Milk Part III: Milk, Meat, and More 13. The Dairy Kitchen Equipment Ingredients 14. Dairy Products Buttermilk and Sour Cream Yogurt Sweets 15. Acid-ripened Cheeses Vinegar Citric Acid 16. Culture-ripened Cheeses Choosing Cultures Flocculation Cutting Curds Semi-hard and Hard Cheeses 17. Meat Meat Quality Butchering Cooking 18. Soap Processes Safety Equipment Ingredients Step-by- Step Soap Making Final Thoughts Notes Glossary Suggested Reading Recipe Index Index About the Author About New Society Publishers

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Book SynopsisThis comprehensive book covers all aspects of sheep health and disease, and sheep husbandry throughout the annual breeding cycle. Through extensive and detailed photographs it highlights the disease and welfare issues that can arise within the great variety of breeds and flock types. Written by two veterinary surgeons closely involved in sheep health, this book takes a veterinary view of husbandry and emphasizes the importance of keeping diseases out of a flock. From practical tasks such as how to check teeth, feet and udders, through to vaccination schedules, injection techniques and parasite control, it covers the whole life cycle of your flock.

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Book SynopsisFriendly, dependable, intelligent, and easy to care for, donkeys are increasingly prized by small-scale farmers, horse lovers, and animal enthusiasts. Donkeys not only pull carts, carry riders, and tote gear for hikers, but they also make terrific stable companions and livestock guardians, and they are renowned for their skills in transport, raising water, milling, and farm tillage. They're also gentle with children and the elderly, making them a popular therapy animal and family pet. A donkey is not simply a long-eared horse, however; understanding the donkey's distinctive traits is critical to the animal's well-being and usefulness."The Donkey Companion", by Sue Weaver, offers a comprehensive overview of this hardy creature - the most complete, up-to-date reference of its kind. Here is everything donkey enthusiasts need to know about the animal's history, physiology, behaviour, breed characteristics, daily care, and health needs. Readers will come to understand this versatile animal, and through understanding will become skilled, satisfied owners." The Donkey Companion" offers detailed information about different breeds and types; provides tips for finding and selecting the right animal; explains donkeys' daily care and health requirements; and guides readers through the nuances of training, riding, driving, and breeding. The book is enhanced with fun facts, training tips, quotes, photographs, illustrations, and additional resources. From foaling to first aid, and from grooming to professional showing, this extensive guide offers everything a donkey owner needs to get the most out of this gentle, hardworking animal.

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Book SynopsisMore than ever, Americans care about the quality and safety of the food they eat. They''re bringing back an American tradition: raising their own backyard chickens for eggs and companionship. And they care about the quality of life of their chickens.Fresh Eggs Daily is an authoritative, accessible guide to coops, nesting boxes, runs, feed, and natural health care with time-tested remedies from a fifth generation chicken keeper who has more than a decade of experience under her belt following her own simple and practical advice.Lisa Steele promotes the benefits of keeping chickens happy and well-occupied, and in optimal health, free of chemicals and antibiotics. She emphasizes the therapeutic value of herbs, edible flowers and natural supplements to maintaining a healthy environment for your backyard flock. Her tips and advice will benefit the first-time chicken keeper and seasoned veteran alike. This is one of those especially for now kinds of booTrade Review"With so many chicken resources popping up all the time, it's hard to know who to listen to. Fresh Eggs Daily is a one-stop shop for anyone looking to learn more about the hobby of keeping a flock. Lisa does her homework, providing a solid foundation behind her advice; and as longtime chicken eggsperts ourselves, we can vouch for the accuracy of information she puts out there." —Jess Murray, Meyer Hatchery "I love this book. Period. It's light, it's fun, it's informative with information and recipes, and it is clearly written by someone who has an education in this field of knowledge. I can't wait to read it all over again and have it on my bookshelf rather than dashing to the internet to try and "help" my chickens." —Amy, The Fewell Homestead blog "Lisa Steele knows firsthand that keeping a flock clean, comfortable, and well fed is 90% of good preventive chicken medicine. Her common sense tips promote a fulfilling life for both the flock and the flock keeper." —Julie Gauthier, DVM, author of Chicken Health for Dummies "Lisa is passionate about promoting what, in England, we call 'the good life' - a life close to Nature and one where self-sufficiency is paramount. She is a one-woman dynamo and an inspiration." —Simon McEwan, content editor, Your Chickens and Country Smallholding magazines "It's only natural that blogger Lisa Steele would eventually write a book about raising chickens. Reading Fresh Eggs Daily is like going to the coop each morning to collect eggs: You never know what you're going to find, but there is always something good to pick up!" —Roger Sipe, editor of Chickens and Urban Farm magazines "Proof of Lisa's know-how and knowledge of raising chickens naturally is evident in her blogs, where she covers everything from health care tips and homemade remedies to helpful advice about chicken coops, nesting boxes and runs; and now in Fresh Eggs Daily. We're proud to call Lisa a member of our online family and an asset to our community." —Traci Smith, associate editor, GRIT and CAPPER'S magazines "If you also love raising chickens, this book is for you...it's amazing. This book tells you all you need to know about coops, chicken runs, nesting boxes, breeding, feeding, and it's all done naturally." —Sunny Hostin's favorite summer picks, ABC-TV's The View "This is a great book to have if you have chickens. We have used it multiple times as a reference when we have questions about one of the ladies." —Joanna Taylor StoneTable of ContentsINTRODUCTIONBenefits of raising chickens without using medications, chemicals or antibiotics Chapter 1: IN THE COOPChapter 2: IN THE NESTING BOXESChapter 3 : IN THE RUN Chapter 4: IN THE DUST BATH AREA Chapter 5: IN THEIR FEED Chapter 6: IN THEIR WATER Chapter 7: WHEN YOU WANT TO SPOIL THEM Chapter 8: IN THE SUMMER Chapter 9: WHEN THEY'RE MOLTING Chapter 10: IN THE WINTER Chapter 11: WHEN THEY'RE BROODY Chapter 12: IN THE BROODER Chapter 13 WHEN THEY'RE SICK DIY PROJECTS 1. Salad Bar 2. DIY Fly Catcher (see In The Run) 3. Chick Brooder Box 4. Feedbag Market Tote 5. Herbal Sachets 6. Hanging Treat Feeder (see When You Want to Spoil Them) 7. Anti-bacterial Hand Soap Recipe 8. Homemade Antiseptic Ointment APPENDIXES A. Edible Flowers listing benefits B. Edible Herbs listing benefits C. Edible Weeds listing benefits

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Book SynopsisThe subjects of stress and animal welfare are currently attracting immense interest. This book brings together a range of perspectives from biomedical research (including human health and animal models of human stress) on stress and welfare, and assesses new approaches to conceptualising and alleviating stress.Table of Contents1: Biological Response to Stress: Implications for Animal Welfare, G P Moberg, University of California, USA 2: Some Issues in the Interpretation of Behavioural Responses to Stress, J Rushen, Dairy and Swine Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-food Canada, Canada 3: Neoroendocrine Responses to Stress, R L Matteri, J A Carroll and C J Dyer, University of Missouri, USA 4: The Metabolic Consequences of Stress: Targets for Stress and Priority of Nutrient Use, T H Elsasser et al., USDA, Agricultural Research Service, USA 5: Immune System Response to Stress, F Blecha, Kansas State University, USA 6: Hands-on and Hands-off Measurement of Stress, C J Cook et al., Horticultural and Food Research Institute of New Zealand, New Zealand 7: Accumulation and Long-Term Effects of Stress in Fish, C B Schreck, Oregon State University, USA 8: Chronic Intermittent Stress: A Model for the Study of Long Term Stressors, J Ladewig, The Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University, Denmark 9: Quantifying Some Responses to Pain as a Stressor, D J Mellor, Massey University, New Zealand, C J Cook and K J Stafford, Horticultural and Food Research Institute of New Zealand, New Zealand 10: Multiple Factors Controlling Behaviour: Implications for Stress and Welfare, F Toates, The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK 11: Chronic Social Stress: Studies in Nonhuman Primates, S P Mendoza, J P Capitanio and W A Mason, University of California, USA 12: Consequences of Stress During Development, D C Lay Jr., Iowa State University, USA 13: Early Developmental Influences of Experience on Behaviour, Temperament, and Stress, W A Mason, University of California, USA 14: Genetic Selection to Reduce Stress in Animals, T G Pottinger, NERC Institute of Freshwater Ecology, Windermere Laboratory, Cumbria, UK 15: Human-Animal Interactions and Animal Stress, P H Hemsworth and J L Barnett, Agriculture Victoria, Australia 16: Alleviating Stress in Zoo Animals with Environmental Enrichment, K Carlstead, National Zoological Park, Washington, USA and D Shepherdson, Oregon Zoo, USA 17: Understanding the Role of Stress in Animal Welfare: Practical Considerations, T L Wolfle, formerly of the Institute for Laboratory Animal Research, National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences, USA

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Book SynopsisThe welfare of egg-producing poultry is a topic of great concern to the poultry industry and to researchers in applied animal behaviour. It is also subject to increased legislation. Issues such as battery cages, space requirements, access to daylight and free-range eggs have attracted public interest. This book brings together edited papers from the 27th Poultry Science Symposium of the World's Poultry Science Association (UK Branch), held in Bristol in July 2003. Topics covered include: welfare issues, perception and cognition, behaviour, health and diseases, stockmanship and the environment, handling, slaughter and transport, and perspectives of consumers and producers.Table of Contents1: The importance of welfare, J K Kirkwood, Universities Federation for Animal Welfare and Human Slaughter Association, UK Part I: THE STAKEHOLDERS 2: Hen welfare: consumer perspective, P A W Parrott, Harper Adams University College, UK 3: Government views on the welfare of laying hens, D G Pritchard, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, UK 4: Politics of hen welfare, D Wilkins, Eurogroup for Animal Welfare, Belgium 5: Implications of the World Trade Organization on hen welfare, D Bowles, RSPCA, UK 6: The retailer-consumer relationship with particular reference to animal welfare, R Layton, rlconsulting, UK 7: Quality assurance, J Gittins, ADAS, UK 8: The producer and hen welfare, A Jorêt, Deans Foods Ltd, UK PART II: OVERVIEWS 9: The laying hen: systems of production, A Elson, ADAS Gleadthorpe, UK 10: Stress and the welfare of laying hens, J P Thaxton, Mississippi State University, USA PART III: WELFARE ISSUES 11: Genetic influences on resource use, fear and sociality, J-M Faure, Station de Reserches Avicoles, France, and R B Jones, Roslin Institute (Edinburgh), UK 12: The genetics of feather pecking and cannibalism, J Kjaer, Danish Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Denmark, and P M Hocking, Roslin Institute (Edinburgh), UK 13: Breeding for productivity and welfare, W M Muir, Pardue University, USA, and H-W Cheng, USDA-ARS, USA 14: Sensory perception : chemoreception, D E F McKeegan, Roslin Institute (Edinburgh), UK 15: Vision in the laying hen, N B Prescott, J R Jarvis, and C M Wathes, Silcoe Research Institute, UK 16: Pain and the laying hen, M Gentle and S Wilson, Roslin Institute (Edinburgh), UK 17: Chicken cognition, C J Nicol, University of Bristol, UK 18: Social space for laying hens, J J Cooper and M J Albentosa, University of Lincoln, UK 19: Nesting, perching and dust-bathing, L Keeling, Swedish University of Agricultural Science, Sweden 20: Environmental enrichment: the need for practical strategies to improve poultry welfare, R B Jones, Roslin Institute (Edinburgh), UK 21: Feather pecking and feather loss, B Rodenburg and P Koene, Wageningen University, The Netherlands 22: Cannibalism, R Newberry, Washington State University, USA 23: Skeletal disorders in laying hens: the problem of osteoporosis and bone fractures, C C Whitehead, Roslin Institute (Edinburgh), UK 24: Disease control, D Shingleton, Waterman Farm, UK 25: Environmental management for laying hens, J-M Aerts, Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium, C M Wathes and D Berckmans, Silsoe Research Institute, UK 26: Lighting, G C Perry, University of Bristol, UK 27: Nutrition, feedstuffs and feeding, M G MacLeod, Roslin Institute (Edinburgh), UK 28: Human – animal interactions, P H Hemsworth, Victorian Institute of Animal Science, Australia 29: Handling and catching of hens during depopulation, D Tinker and P S Berry, Silsoe Research Institute, UK, J A Rycroft, Unilever, UK, and N H Sparks, Avian Science Research Centre, UK 30: Transport of chicks, pullets and spent hens, M A Mitchell, Roslin Institute (Edinburgh), UK, and PJ Kettlewell, Silsoe Research Institute, UK 31: Stunning and slaughter, M Raj, University of Bristol, UK PART IV: OUTCOMES 32: Overview, M C Appleby, The Humane Society of the United States, USA PART V: Posters

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Book SynopsisEggs, meat, milk, wool, fur, feathers, and some priceless bucolic bliss. No hobby farm is complete without critters...possibly a small herd peppering the field or a microflock flapping around the hen house or pond. A single information-packed volume with everything a hobby farmer needs to know about farm animals, this new comprehensive manual to selecting, caring for, and breeding livestock brings forth the expertise of six hobby farmers, each of whom has real-life on-the-farm experience with the animals she discusses. Whether you're contemplating adding a small herd of sheep or goats to your existing hobby farm or you've always wondered about the benefits of raising angora rabbits or Muscovy ducks, Livestock for Your Hobby Farm provides the kind of guidance you need to begin a herd or flock and expand your pens and fencing. With exhaustive detail, the authors offer complete coverage of chickens, ducks, goats, sheep, cattle, pigs, and rabbits, including the housing, health-care, special needs, advantages and challenges of each. -Extensive sections devoted to the seven major farm animals, including profiles of the most popular breeds and varieties -Detailed how-to chapters on the care, handling, feeding, health, and safety of each animal -Special chapters devoted to the breeding and raising of young animals -Recommendations for ways of capitalizing on your livestock's output, from selling eggs, milk, fiber, and so forth -Tips for troubleshooting potential problems and warding off diseases, parasites, and predators

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Book SynopsisPulling carts around the farm or serving as loyal pack animals, goats are naturally hardworking and make for friendly companions. This straightforward guide teaches you how to choose, house, feed, train, and breed the best goats for your space and needs. Whether you want to churn out fresh dairy products, harvest soft cashmere for knitting, or keep goats as playful pets, The Backyard Goat makes it easy to enjoy the benefits of owning goats, with no experience necessary.

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Book SynopsisCreate a safe, sanitary, and efficient home for your rabbits. In this informative guide, Bob Bennett provides clear step-by-step instructions for building attractive all-wire hutches of all sizes, with additional tips for adding the necessary accessories like feeders, watering systems, nest boxes, and fencing. From the direction a hutch door should swing to proper ventilation and protection from predators, Bennett covers everything you need to know to create a housing structure that will help promote a healthy and productive rabbit-raising operation.

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Book SynopsisLearn the difference between a farrow and a barrow, and what distinguishes a weanling from a yearling. Country and city mice alike will delight in Julia Rothman's charming illustrated guide to the curious parts and pieces of rural living. Dissecting everything from the shapes of squash varieties to how a barn is constructed and what makes up a beehive to crop rotation patterns, Rothman gives a richly entertaining tour of the quirky details of country life. Also available in this series: Nature Anatomy, Nature Anatomy Notebook, Ocean Anatomy, and Food Anatomy.

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Book SynopsisGrazing management might seem simple: just put livestock in a pasture and let them eat their fill. However, as Sarah Flack explains in The Art and Science of Grazing, the pasture/livestock relationship is incredibly complex. If a farmer doesn’t pay close attention to how the animals are grazing, the resulting poorly managed grazing system can be harmful to the health of the livestock, pasture plants, and soils. Well-managed pastures can instead create healthier animals, a diverse and resilient pasture ecosystem, and other benefits. Flack delves deeply below the surface of “let the cows eat grass,” demonstrating that grazing management is a sophisticated science that requires mastery of plant and animal physiology, animal behavior, and ecology. She also shows readers that applying grazing management science on a working farm is an art form that calls on grass farmers to be careful observers, excellent planners and record-keepers, skillful interpreters of their observations, and creative troubleshooters. The Art and Science of Grazing will allow farmers to gain a solid understanding of the key principles of grazing management so they can both design and manage successful grazing systems. The book’s unique approach presents information first from the perspective of pasture plants, and then from the livestock perspective—helping farmers understand both plant and animal needs before setting up a grazing system. This book is an essential guide for ruminant farmers who want to be able to create grazing systems that meet the needs of their livestock, pasture plants, soils, and the larger ecosystem. The book discusses all the practical details that are critical for sustained success: how to set up a new system or improve existing systems; acreage calculations; paddock layout; fence and drinking water access; lanes and other grazing infrastructure; managing livestock movement and flow; soil fertility; seeding and reseeding pastures; and more. The author includes descriptions of real grazing systems working well on dairy, beef, goat, and sheep farms in different regions of North America. The book covers pasture requirements specific to organic farming, but will be of use to both organic and non-organic farms.Trade ReviewCHOICE- "This is a great book. After reading this work, the reviewer felt as if he could almost start his own grazing system; the title provides readers with the right questions to ask. Flack (a consultant on grazing and organic livestock) is a concise and articulate author and educator. She knows the value of telling a simple story and supporting it with relevant illustrations. She has an elegant style and knows how to use the power of repetition to show how no part of grazing management is wholly independent. She has biases with respect to the best grazing management, but is evenhanded in presenting multiple alternatives to grazing issues. Her case studies are aptly chosen to illustrate how the grazing management she advocates can be both sustainable and profitable. Each chapter plays a role and successively builds on the knowledge previously gained. As a manual for introducing good land stewardship, this book admirably succeeds. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All readers.”“I have long been fascinated by the logic of André Voisin’s system of Rational Grazing. Sarah Flack’s book has persuaded me that this could be a practical option for my own micro-dairy holding.”--Simon Fairlie, author of Meat“It gives me pleasure to recommend Sarah Flack’s The Art and Science of Grazing. Sarah offers sound practical information for management of pastures in humid environments. Her years of experience and study allow her to explain the limitations of rotational grazing that were first highlighted by Andre Voisin and to confirm the soundness of Voisin’s Rational Grazing.”--Allan Savory, president, Savory Institute“With feet firmly planted in both practice and science, Sarah Flack introduces pasture-based livestock production in a way that is sure to encourage and empower.”--Joel Salatin, author of Salad Bar Beef“The Art and Science of Grazing is a beautiful and highly useful book. Read it, learn how to manage pasture well, then do it! Sarah Flack’s good counsel can save your farm and family and bring you happiness. What else is there?”--Bill Murphy, author of Greener Pastures on Your Side of the Fence“Amidst the flood of information on modern grass farming, Sarah Flack performs nothing short of a rescue operation, distilling the art and science of grazing into an immensely useful book. Experienced hands will learn plenty, but newcomers won’t be overwhelmed. The Art and Science of Grazing is sure to become one of the most well-worn books on graziers’ bookshelves.”--Fred Walters, publisher, Acres U.S.A.“Sarah Flack has written a wonderful guide to sustainable grazing. She discusses fundamental principles and specific practices that make her book meaningful for anyone interested in the art and science of grazing.”--Fred Provenza, professor emeritus, Department of Wildland Resources, Utah State University “More and more farmers and ranchers are thirsting for information on animal husbandry that truly protects and regenerates natural resources while enhancing economic viability. Sarah Flack is answering the call. In a readable, user-friendly format, her book provides concrete information and plenty of inspiration. An invaluable resource for anyone raising grazing animals.”--Nicolette Niman, author of Defending Beef“Sarah Flack’s The Art and Science of Grazing is an excellent guide for anyone with an interest in the regenerative potential of livestock grazing done right. Whether you are a farmer, rancher, conscientious consumer of meat, or concerned citizen of the planet, Flack’s clear, concise prose explains how good grazing is a natural fit in our world.”--Courtney White, author of Two Percent Solutions for the Planet“Intelligently managed grazing has tremendous potential to mitigate climate turmoil, and The Art and Science of Grazing contains everything you need to know to do the very best job of grazing. Sarah Flack explores every aspect of holistic pasture management in a most delightful manner that will help all who consult her book, from beginners to the most experienced graziers, to achieve their maximum potential in healing the Earth with livestock and land.”--Jack Lazor, author of The Organic Grain Grower“The Art and Science of Grazing is a comprehensive guide for new and experienced graziers. If I had to choose one book as a reference on grazing for both new and experienced livestock graziers, this would be it. The book is well organized, containing many excellent illustrations and beautiful photographs. Sarah Flack shares her knowledge on all aspects of grazing with emphasis on key principles that apply to all farms in humid regions. Multiple case studies provide interest and wisdom gained by farmers who have developed diverse, successful grazing operations throughout the country.”--Guy Jodarski, DVM, CROPP Cooperative/Organic Valley

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Book SynopsisIt offers an unusual combination of information on the characteristics of each fibre-producing breed, as well as the unique qualities of each fibre, its history, and its potential uses. It covers almost every sheep breed in the world - the longwool breeds of the United Kingdom, the Tasmanian merino, the Navajo churro, the northern European Faroese and dozens and dozens more. It also includes goats (mohair and cashmere of course); camelids, such as alpacas, llamas, and vicunas; bison; horses; musk oxen; rabbits; and, even dogs. Readers will find everything they want to know about each animal and its fibre, including the fibre's colour, density, strength, and staple length, and recommendations for processing and using it.

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Book SynopsisAward-winning author Temple Grandin is famous for her groundbreaking approach to decoding animal behavior. Now she extends her expert guidance to small-scale farming operations. Grandin’s fascinating explanations of how herd animals think — describing their senses, fears, instincts, and memories — and how to analyze their behavior, will help you handle your livestock more safely and effectively. You’ll learn to become a skilled observer of animal movement and behavior, and detailed illustrations will help you set up simple and efficient facilities for managing a small herd of 3 to 25 cattle or pigs, or 5 to 100 goats or sheep.

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Book SynopsisDairy goats have long been considered an important source of income for rural populations, providing the opportunity for profitable and sustainable diversity for small farms. Their importance is also increasing in intensive feeding systems and in large farms. They are highly adaptable due to their unique feeding habits and have become popular livestock animals in a range of environments, from temperate grasslands to subtropical, semi-arid and mountainous areas. Moreover, goat milk products are finding a growing acceptance in the world market and research has increased in feeding strategies for improved productivity and quality. Examining all aspects of dairy goat feeding and nutrition, this book represents a long awaited review of recent scientific research and updated techniques. Chapters discuss aspects such as the modelling and production of goat's milk as well as the estimation of nutrient requirements and food intake of goats.Table of Contents1: Nutrition and Quality of Goat Milk 2: Mathematical Modelling of Goat Lactation Curves 3: Lipids of Goats Milk: Origin, Composition and Main Sources of Variation 4: Protein Components of Goat Milk 5: Aromatic and Nutritonal Quality of Goat Milk 6: Energy and Protein Requirements of Goats 7: Feed Intake 8: Feeding Behaviour and Intake of Goats Browsing on Mediterranean Shrublands 9: Grazing Management of Dairy Goats on Mediterranean Herbaceous Pastures 10: Feeding Management of Dairy Goats in Intensive Systems 11: Goat Nutrition for Fibre Production 12: Metabolic and Nutritional diseases

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Book Synopsis“A work of real comic genius. . . . A wonderful, funny, warm, honest book, and, to use a much overused word, a classic.” -Michael Korda, author of Country MattersWhen Betty MacDonald married a marine and moved to a small chicken farm on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State, she was largely unprepared for the rigors of life in the wild. With no running water, no electricity, a house in need of constant repair, and days that ran from four in the morning to nine at night, the MacDonalds had barely a moment to put their feet up and relax. And then came the children. Yet through every trial and pitfall—through chaos and catastrophe—this indomitable family somehow, mercifully, never lost its sense of humor. A beloved literary treasure for more than half a century, Betty MacDonald''s The Egg and I is a heartwarming and uproarious account of adventure and survival on an American front

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Book SynopsisLameness is one of the major ailments of dairy cows. The distress it causes to the afflicted animals is reflected in decreased milk yields and an increase in infertility. Over the past twenty years, there has been a continuous programme of research in Britain and overseas into all aspects of the disease. In particular, our understanding of the changes in hoof growth around the time of calving has greatly increased. This enlarged and completely revised new edition takes into account all the recent research findings and presents the results in a readable manner. The highly illustrated text is fully referenced for students who wish to enquire further, but above all it is a straightforward manual for the practical use of those dealing with dairy cows.

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Book SynopsisSepp Holzer farms steep mountainsides in Austria, 1,500 metres above sea level. His farm is an intricate network of terraces, raised beds, ponds, waterways and tracks, well covered with productive fruit trees and other vegetation, with the farmhouse neatly nestling amongst them. This is in dramatic contrast to his neighbours spruce monocultures. In this book, Sepp 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. He writes about everything from the overall concepts, down to the practical details. Sepp offers a wealth of information for the gardener, smallholder or alternative farmer, yet the books greatest value is the attitude it teaches, he reveals the thinking processes based on principles found in nature that create his successful systems. These can be applied by anyone anywhere, and Sepp is increasingly recognised as a leading figure in agriculture.Trade ReviewThere, at an altitude which everyone else has abandoned to low-value forestry, what is probably the best example of a permaculture farm in Europe stands out like a beacon. Patrick Whitefield, permaculture author and teacher

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Book SynopsisA user-friendly guide to keeping happy and healthy pigs in your outdoor space, whether for produce, profit or pleasure.Table of Contents : 1. Why keep a pig? : 2. Can anyone keep a pig? : 3. What breed should you have? . : 4. What you need before your pig arrives : 5. Feeding : 6. Pig ailments : 7. How much will it cost to keep a pig? : 8. Pig Breeding : 9. Rearing for Meat : 10. Selling and Marketing : 11. The World of Pigkeepers : 12. Pig Behaviour

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Book SynopsisThis is the first volume in a series of course books for career students and exam candidates preparing for the Stage 1 exam of the British Horse Society.

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Book SynopsisThis is the first volume in a series of course books for career students and exam candidates preparing for the Stage 1 exam of the British Horse Society.

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Book SynopsisAn accessible, practical resource for pasture-based rabbit production-complete with rabbit husbandry basics, enterprise budgets, and guidelines for growing, processing and selling rabbits commercially. In recent years, there has been talk in the food world that rabbits make more sense than chicken. In a country with a $41 billion broiler chicken industry, this might seem like a pretty bold statement, but it’s hardly unsubstantiated. And yet while media has been abuzz about the supposed super protein, very few farmers are stepping up to meet the rapidly increasing interest in sustainably raised rabbit meat. This is partly due to the lack of available resources in the field of rabbit husbandry. Raising Pastured Rabbits for Meat is the first book to address the growing trend of ecological rabbit husbandry for the beginning to market-scale farmer. Inspired by Daniel Salatin, who has long been considered the pioneer in integrated rabbit farming, Nichki Carangelo proves that a viable pasture-based rabbitry is not only possible and user-friendly, it’s also profitable. In Carangelo’s approach, happy, healthy rabbits are seasonally raised outside on pasture, using a pasture and wire hybrid system that promotes natural behaviors and a diverse diet, while effectively managing the associated risks. Raising Pastured Rabbits for Meat offers valuable information on how farmers can build their own rabbit enterprise from scratch and includes tips on breed selection, breeding techniques, nutrition guidelines, record keeping tools, slaughtering and butchering instructions, marketing advice, and enterprise guides to help farmers plan for profitability. This is an essential guide for anyone interested in integrating rabbits onto a diversified farm or homestead.Trade Review“Nichki Carangelo’s Raising Pastured Rabbits for Meat is like a long chat with a warm and generous friend who’s sharing advice based on her own experience, hard won from both her successes and her mistakes (which you won’t have to repeat). Her approach is pragmatic and flexible, never doctrinaire. Perhaps her best advice is to avoid rabbit ‘monoculturing,’ which is only likely to succeed at an unattainably large scale, and instead to make your rabbit marketing venture an integral part of a diverse and adaptable small farm.”—Harvey Ussery, author of The Small-Scale Poultry Flock“Raising Pastured Rabbits for Meat covers some of the ups and downs of a rabbit-raising start-up, as well as the emotions and real-life mistakes tied to starting a farm. Overall it’s a well thought out introduction to pasture-based rabbit production for beginners.”—Daniel Salatin, Polyface Farm“They’re cute, fluffy, and one of the world’s most sustainable sources of meat. Yes, rabbits can make an excellent food source and income stream for a diversified family farm or homestead. Farmer and author Nichki Carangelo clearly lays out the essentials you need to start, manage, and grow a meat rabbit business in a way that not only generates income but also treats the animals humanely. There isn’t another book out there like this on the subject.”—Rebecca Thistlethwaite, author of The New Livestock Farmer“As a rabbit farmer and chef who prizes rabbit as a heritage ingredient, I’ve been encouraged to see more farmers, cooks, and consumers rediscovering the benefits of pastured rabbit in recent years. With this book Carangelo provides a growing community of small-scale producers with an essential road map for the journey of launching a small rabbitry into a successful business and long-lasting, nourishing resource.”—Mike Costello, chef and farmer, Lost Creek Farm

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Book Synopsis

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