Radical Farm: Animals, Food and Our Future

by Abey Rae Scaglione

As a species, we have perhaps never been so confused about what to eat. The ethical, environmental, and health-related impacts of our diets are hot topics of discussion, with plant-based lifestyles often touted as the best way forward. But what if the opposite is true? What if animal agriculture is not only beneficial but necessary to ensure the health of our soil, ourselves, and our food system?

Part memoir, part homesteading guide, Radical Farm argues this is the case. Drawing on a wealth of research and hands-on experience, author and farmer/rancher Abey Rae Scaglione recounts how her and her family make their living and their life raising animals and growing crops on a heritage farm on Salt Spring Island. Along the way, she argues compellingly for the need for a return to local, regenerative farming practices, setting the record straight on common arguments against meat-eating and highlighting the need for animal agriculture because of animals’ vital relationship with the soil (and the plant foods grown from it). The best way to support animal welfare, she argues, is not by opting out of animal agriculture altogether, but by supporting farms demonstrating good management.

Radical Farm is also a guide to the basics of sustainably raising animals and growing plants. With information on cattle, sheep, chickens, turkeys and gardening, this book also includes instructions on how to use and preserve food. With information on canning, fermenting and cheesemaking, as well as plenty of real food recipes, this book is for anyone wanting to take back control of the food they eat. Informative and thoughtful, it is sure to make a welcome addition to the bookshelves of anyone interested in self-sufficiency, sustainability, and our modern food system.

270 pages, Hardcover

Published August 20, 2025

Reviews

[constance scaglione · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever wondered what it would be like if you made different choices? Radical Farm is a beautifully written book that does exactly that. This is a detailed account by someone who took a risk to pursue her passion. You’ll learn a lot in this book about growing and preserving your own fruits and vegetables, producing your own eggs, meat and dairy products and doing so in such a way that’s good for the earth, good for the soil, good for farmers and ranchers, provides a good life for the animals and provides really healthy nutrition for your family. This book is timely on many levels. The photos & recipes are a bonus. Radical Farm is both inspirational and instructional.

[Jillkoehn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is for informative and well written. I read it to learn more about homesteading and there is so much I did learn, but was also an interesting read as well. The setting is Ruckle Heritage Farm on Salt Spring Island, BC

Read it slowly to let the information sink it. Read it for pleasure.

I love the recipes for food and for herbal remedies that Abey includes.

Anyone who cares about where their food comes from, and cares about ethical practices in farming and in food will appreciate this book and the wisdom Abey shares.