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Letter to a Young Farmer: How to Live Richly without Wealth on the New Garden Farm
For more than four decades, the self-described “contrary farmer” and writer Gene Logsdon has commented on the state of American agriculture. In Letter to a Young Farmer, his final book of essays, Logsdon addresses the next generation―young people who are moving back to the land to enjoy a better way of life as small-scale “garden farmers.” It’s a lifestyle that isn’t defined by accumulating wealth or by the “get big or get out” agribusiness mindset. Instead, it’s one that recognizes the beauty of nature, cherishes the land, respects our fellow creatures, and values rural traditions. It’s one that also looks forward and embraces “right technologies,” including new and innovative ways of working smarter, not harder, and avoiding premature burnout. Completed only a few weeks before the author’s death, Letter to a Young Farmer is a remarkable testament to the life and wisdom of one of the greatest rural philosophers and writers of our time. Gene’s earthy wit and sometimes irreverent humor combines with his valuable perspectives on many wide-ranging subjects―everything from how to show a ram who’s boss to enjoying the almost churchlike calmness of a well-built livestock barn. Reading this book is like sitting down on the porch with a neighbor who has learned the ways of farming through years of long observation and practice. Someone, in short, who has “seen it all” and has much to say, and much to teach us, if we only take the time to listen and learn. And Gene Logsdon was the best kind of equal parts storyteller, idealist, and rabble-rouser. His vision of a nation filled with garden farmers, based in cities, towns, and countrysides, will resonate with many people, both young and old, who long to create a more sustainable, meaningful life for themselves and a better world for all of us.
232 pages, Hardcover
Published February 9, 2017
54 people are currently reading
795 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
March 15, 2023
Excellent book! Highly recommend to anyone who is interested in growing anything. This is not a “how to” book, but rather a “why to” book. So many lovely stories and nuggets of great advice I’ll carry with me my whole life.
June 10, 2017
to be honest, I don't think Gene is a great writer. In fact, my favorite parts of the book, were not when he would try and wax poetically, bur rather when he would hunch down and give you practical wisdom. which is a lot of the book.
i read somewhere, perhaps on the book back cover or in the intro or something, that Gene died shortly after completely this work. That reality probably made everything he said that much more sweet and moving.
the book is good. I would recommend it. But after being introduced to Gene and his life in this book, I think I came away admiring him more than the book. I'm grateful for the life he lived and the knowledge he's gifted us.
i read somewhere, perhaps on the book back cover or in the intro or something, that Gene died shortly after completely this work. That reality probably made everything he said that much more sweet and moving.
the book is good. I would recommend it. But after being introduced to Gene and his life in this book, I think I came away admiring him more than the book. I'm grateful for the life he lived and the knowledge he's gifted us.
April 5, 2019
I've not read anything by the wise Gene Logdson until now, but boy am I glad I did. As a big fan of like-minded writer and prophet, Wendell Berry, it come as no surprise that I also thoroughly enjoyed reading this work by Gene Logsdon.
Logdson is a 'contrary farmer' who has penned this Letter to a Young Farmer to those who are up-and-coming in what he calls the "Garden Farming" era. I would say that 'garden farming" or "garden farmer" could by synonymous to modern homesteading and homesteaders; those who get into small farms primarily for self sufficiency, love of land and nature, and perhaps as a side hustle for local farmers markets. My wife and I fall into the category of "aspiring homesteaders" or in this case, aspiring "garden farmers" so I really tried to read this book as a student listening to a wise, tenured master in the space.
Logsdon taps into his wisdom about a host of different topics such as: backyard sheep, barn architecture and its inherent value, to wild plant foraging/planting, artisanal farming, and the breakdown of industrial/commercialized farming. He comes with experience on all front and does so in a wonderfully articulate way, likely thanks to his background in journalism and philosophy.
He motivates his readers to take notice of the movement, or the 'unrevolution' as he calls it that the garden farmers are embracing the last couple of decades and to even consider getting involved themselves. As someone who is looking to get into it on a serious level, I can attest that my enthusiasm has been fueled all the more by reading the words of encouragement, warning, and overall philosophy of all that is captured in these essays/letters.
I recommend all people to read this for the sheer fact that it can capture the attention of anyone who is living, primarily in modern and contemporary America. Beautiful work, and I am thankful for the opportunity to have read this.
Logdson is a 'contrary farmer' who has penned this Letter to a Young Farmer to those who are up-and-coming in what he calls the "Garden Farming" era. I would say that 'garden farming" or "garden farmer" could by synonymous to modern homesteading and homesteaders; those who get into small farms primarily for self sufficiency, love of land and nature, and perhaps as a side hustle for local farmers markets. My wife and I fall into the category of "aspiring homesteaders" or in this case, aspiring "garden farmers" so I really tried to read this book as a student listening to a wise, tenured master in the space.
Logsdon taps into his wisdom about a host of different topics such as: backyard sheep, barn architecture and its inherent value, to wild plant foraging/planting, artisanal farming, and the breakdown of industrial/commercialized farming. He comes with experience on all front and does so in a wonderfully articulate way, likely thanks to his background in journalism and philosophy.
He motivates his readers to take notice of the movement, or the 'unrevolution' as he calls it that the garden farmers are embracing the last couple of decades and to even consider getting involved themselves. As someone who is looking to get into it on a serious level, I can attest that my enthusiasm has been fueled all the more by reading the words of encouragement, warning, and overall philosophy of all that is captured in these essays/letters.
I recommend all people to read this for the sheer fact that it can capture the attention of anyone who is living, primarily in modern and contemporary America. Beautiful work, and I am thankful for the opportunity to have read this.
January 29, 2021
Suppose you think of a "city slicker" and a "contrary farmer" being 180-degree opposites. I come in at about 90-degrees, a "halfway," and I rate this book five-stars. Gene Logsdon, whose background is in philosophy, farming, and writing, uses his wisdom and storytelling ability to entice us to see rural America's open grounds in a different light.
What makes you happy and content? Gene gives examples of how "contrary farmers" can produce food and maintain a foot in modern society. In Chapter 21, "The Homebodies," he says why he and his family are still on the same land as their ancestors. Gene describes the collaborative happiness they have with their family through the preparation of food. Being part "city slicker," I was moved by his dialogue about why he and his family prefer staying at home getting their hands dirty rather than traveling the world.
Being a "halfway," I lived in the city. My father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and many of my kin were in the lumber business. My grandfather moved to Lynchburg, VA, and created a laminating flooring company because it offered the most concentrated job market. I have done most of my work in rural and agricultural America as a REALTOR® with the Accredited Land Consultant ® (ALC) designation. Gene gives lots of advice, like my father, about debt and watching the bottom line – which you may call net operating income. Here Gene asks the question, whom are you going to work for, you or the bank? He discusses the latest technology, their costs, making your farm BIGGER, and a great deal about happiness. And for the contrary farmer, it is all about joy.
One hundred fifty years ago, our census would have shown that most of us worked in agriculture. The industrial revolution has dramatically reduced that number. Today, with greater emphasis on food quality, we see an increase in mini-farms and potted farms – pots on city decks filled with homegrown vegetables. Many are trying to reduce their living expenses and now raise more of their vegetables, fruits, and even chickens on small land parcels. For some of these people, this act is recreation.
Being citified and educated, I've done my share of reading investment books: “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill, “Trump: The Art of the Deal” by Donald Trump, and “Buffett: The Making of an American Capitalist” by Roger Lowenstein is a few. Unlike those books, Gene Logsdon takes us to a place where family, happiness, and finance are on an equal playing field, and that is a good place to be.
What makes you happy and content? Gene gives examples of how "contrary farmers" can produce food and maintain a foot in modern society. In Chapter 21, "The Homebodies," he says why he and his family are still on the same land as their ancestors. Gene describes the collaborative happiness they have with their family through the preparation of food. Being part "city slicker," I was moved by his dialogue about why he and his family prefer staying at home getting their hands dirty rather than traveling the world.
Being a "halfway," I lived in the city. My father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and many of my kin were in the lumber business. My grandfather moved to Lynchburg, VA, and created a laminating flooring company because it offered the most concentrated job market. I have done most of my work in rural and agricultural America as a REALTOR® with the Accredited Land Consultant ® (ALC) designation. Gene gives lots of advice, like my father, about debt and watching the bottom line – which you may call net operating income. Here Gene asks the question, whom are you going to work for, you or the bank? He discusses the latest technology, their costs, making your farm BIGGER, and a great deal about happiness. And for the contrary farmer, it is all about joy.
One hundred fifty years ago, our census would have shown that most of us worked in agriculture. The industrial revolution has dramatically reduced that number. Today, with greater emphasis on food quality, we see an increase in mini-farms and potted farms – pots on city decks filled with homegrown vegetables. Many are trying to reduce their living expenses and now raise more of their vegetables, fruits, and even chickens on small land parcels. For some of these people, this act is recreation.
Being citified and educated, I've done my share of reading investment books: “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill, “Trump: The Art of the Deal” by Donald Trump, and “Buffett: The Making of an American Capitalist” by Roger Lowenstein is a few. Unlike those books, Gene Logsdon takes us to a place where family, happiness, and finance are on an equal playing field, and that is a good place to be.
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November 17, 2023This was a pithy, somewhat rambling collection of Logsdon's thoughts and reflections from a lifetime of being a "contrary farmer." He shares a wealth of wisdom and knowledge that could only come from many years of experience living and writing about the industry of farming. I think I expected the book to be both more practical and more along the lines of a memoir, and while it had some aspects of both, Logsdon seemed more interested in discussions about the culture of farming broadly and some of the challenges posed to commercial farms and garden farms alike. My favorite chapters include those about "The Barns at the Center of the Garden Farm Universe," "Hauling Livestock," "The Rise of the Modern Plowgirl," and an especially inspiring chapter about how his practice of picking up nuts and fruit tree seeds have led to the growth of his own orchard. Overall, a really interesting book that gave me plenty to think (and dream!) about, and I look forward to picking up his other books sometime.
May 22, 2024
I loved every chapter! Witty, thought provoking, philosophical, beautiful, and filled with truth I wish more people would ponder. I will be reading more of his books.
July 19, 2017
A collection of short essays that speak to a style of living and engaging with the earth that is slowly going out of style. I really enjoyed getting to spend a few hours celebrating the country intellectual.
April 28, 2021
This was as an enjoyable read, offering a great perspective from someone near the end of their life, looking back at their years of farming.
December 27, 2021
Here, Logsdon sidesteps both the fury and morality of Wendell Berry's best work and the gentle live-and-let-live attitude of writers like Kingsolver, coming down precisely in between the two. On the one hand, every word and sentence in Letter to a Young Farmer is charged and uncompromising; there is no "letting live" with Marvellous Marv Grabacre and the land-gobbling machinery—"the madness of making nature bow to money rather than the other way around"—that he represents. On the other, he is careful and deliberate in his acknowledgement of new ways and means of farming and of successes and ethics that are unfamiliar to him. What Logsdon doesn't know, it's clear, he is willing to give a chance (an approach that might teach Berry a thing or two); what he does know, he isn't going to dance around and pretend to accept.
As a consequence, Letter to a Young Farmer might just be the best book on agrarianism and contrary farming—and, for those not interested in farming themselves, on local and seasonal eating and how to think for yourself about the environmental impact of food choices—I have ever picked up. Each chapter is brief and to the point; each builds upon the last, and each is impactful and backed both by firm evidence and Gene's unmistakable willingness to acknowledge where things he doesn't like have nonetheless produced good results. His most contentious chapters, vigorously rejecting the incursion of capitalist market logic into the management of productive land, will be by far the most contentious but also—I strongly suspect—the hardest to refute. Of course that is in part because the language deployed to refute it is inevitably economics and, as we have seen elsewhere, economics is too important to be left to the language of economics.
This last book of Mr. Logsdon's life, written with the experience, forbearance and good humour of eighty-five years on the land, is magnificent.
As a consequence, Letter to a Young Farmer might just be the best book on agrarianism and contrary farming—and, for those not interested in farming themselves, on local and seasonal eating and how to think for yourself about the environmental impact of food choices—I have ever picked up. Each chapter is brief and to the point; each builds upon the last, and each is impactful and backed both by firm evidence and Gene's unmistakable willingness to acknowledge where things he doesn't like have nonetheless produced good results. His most contentious chapters, vigorously rejecting the incursion of capitalist market logic into the management of productive land, will be by far the most contentious but also—I strongly suspect—the hardest to refute. Of course that is in part because the language deployed to refute it is inevitably economics and, as we have seen elsewhere, economics is too important to be left to the language of economics.
This last book of Mr. Logsdon's life, written with the experience, forbearance and good humour of eighty-five years on the land, is magnificent.
June 18, 2021
Gene Logsdon is basically the stubborn, knowledgeable, hardworking, old-fashioned (but will surprise you with something modern), endearing grandfather that we all need. The introduction from Wendell Berry probably cemented this image, as he wrote that this work was completed shortly before Logsdon's death. It's charming and quaint, but not to be discounted on those terms. I wouldn't really want Logsdon to change, either.
Here's a fun bit of advice from Logsdon:
Or this amazing sense of humor:
I was led to this book by a search for Wendell Berry (foreword author), and I was not disappointed by the contents. I hadn't heard the terms of 'contrary farming' or 'unrevolution,' but it didn't matter because that was already interesting and a long-term goal of mine. I enjoyed Logsdon's mix of expertise, legends, observations, data, and thought experiments. Not every argument was strong or logical, but that was okay in the end because he seemed pretty humble about it.
Here's a fun bit of advice from Logsdon:
"Do not try to run away from an attacking ram. That is suicide [...] If you watch two rams about to deliver orgasms to each other, they will face off and take a few steps backward. Then they charge, colliding head on with enough collective force to make an anvil bleed. Then they quiver with pleasure and do it again."
Or this amazing sense of humor:
"A reliable source tells me about some Amish boys who found a new way to make a little money from their old barn. It was furnished with dovecotes to attract barn pigeons. [...] The Amish boys learned that a nearby game farm was interested in buying pigeons for great white weekend hunters to shoot at. Great white weekend hunters usually miss, and the pigeons, endowed with a bit of homing instinct, fly back to their native barn, where the boys capture and sell them again. How's that for 'per unit efficiency'?"
I was led to this book by a search for Wendell Berry (foreword author), and I was not disappointed by the contents. I hadn't heard the terms of 'contrary farming' or 'unrevolution,' but it didn't matter because that was already interesting and a long-term goal of mine. I enjoyed Logsdon's mix of expertise, legends, observations, data, and thought experiments. Not every argument was strong or logical, but that was okay in the end because he seemed pretty humble about it.
June 29, 2020
I came here looking for facts. What does the evidence say about organic gardening vs conventional? How does soil health factor into nutrition? How bad are pesticides? Why should I choose organic gardening vs non-organic? Instead, I got a book filled with anecdotes of why to farm a particular way, but no actual substance.
One of the later chapters' focuses is on nutrition. He literally gave an example of eating white bread and boloney each day as a child and he knew someone who lived to be 94, so that diet must have been ok. Despite the fact, there is a myriad of evidence for the link between refined wheat and heart disease/cancer available at your fingertips on the internet (something he touts doing multiple times in the book), he instead tries to use the most common logical fallacies to prove his point. "My uncle smoked a pack of cigarettes every day and lived until he was 101, so smoking must be fine for you, right?"
It's really hard to take a book like this seriously who is cramming opinions down your throat the entire time and not cite almost any evidence for his claims.
The quest for a book that adequately cites evidence for why modern farming sucks, that isn't Michael Pollan, continues.
One of the later chapters' focuses is on nutrition. He literally gave an example of eating white bread and boloney each day as a child and he knew someone who lived to be 94, so that diet must have been ok. Despite the fact, there is a myriad of evidence for the link between refined wheat and heart disease/cancer available at your fingertips on the internet (something he touts doing multiple times in the book), he instead tries to use the most common logical fallacies to prove his point. "My uncle smoked a pack of cigarettes every day and lived until he was 101, so smoking must be fine for you, right?"
It's really hard to take a book like this seriously who is cramming opinions down your throat the entire time and not cite almost any evidence for his claims.
The quest for a book that adequately cites evidence for why modern farming sucks, that isn't Michael Pollan, continues.
May 14, 2021
This was a charming book that was more like a lovely conversation with the author than anything else. Reading it definitely inspired a new kind of thinking in my brain about agriculture in this country, and what are truly revolutionary ideas that people aren't talking so much about. His tie between small (family) farms and democracy really struck a chord with me. Maybe it's obvious, but he laid it out in a way that made me understand the bigger power dynamics working behind the scenes. Owning your own small farm really is revolutionary! Being able to provide your own food and resources gives you a strong sort of freedom and exemption from the current system. The more people who opt out of the system makes the system that much more unstable, and all the moneyed interests would be in danger of collapsing. So let's do it! Let's all own a small farm and grow everything we could possibly need. Only have an acre? Raise chickens and have a vegetable garden! Don't want to invest in a tractor? Borrow an Amish horse! I probably sound sarcastic, but I'm being quite serious. I think we could unleash massive change if our country were populated by small farms owned by contrary farmers. Count me in.
September 12, 2019
An interesting book from a life-ling land and mankind lover.
Although US-centered, it brings a useful view on farming in general.
I'd only love to see a bit more of constructuve self-criticism.
In Logsdon's eyes, everything about small-scale farming is good. Every small farmer is a wiseman.
He brags several time about not traveling, like it was a major source of contemporary issues. "Not traveling equals to less carbon" is as brilliant as "not reading equals to less forest exploitation".
A bit repetitive on certain topics too, like his idea that a world of small farmers would prevent financial speculation and war. Uhm, let me be skeptical. Many of those I know are plan criminals, destroying the earth and not fostering peace among fellow humans either.
But all in all, a good book, that make you realize what has changed and what not, in farming.
The notion that everyone should produce even a little quantity of his own food, is just awesome.
Although US-centered, it brings a useful view on farming in general.
I'd only love to see a bit more of constructuve self-criticism.
In Logsdon's eyes, everything about small-scale farming is good. Every small farmer is a wiseman.
He brags several time about not traveling, like it was a major source of contemporary issues. "Not traveling equals to less carbon" is as brilliant as "not reading equals to less forest exploitation".
A bit repetitive on certain topics too, like his idea that a world of small farmers would prevent financial speculation and war. Uhm, let me be skeptical. Many of those I know are plan criminals, destroying the earth and not fostering peace among fellow humans either.
But all in all, a good book, that make you realize what has changed and what not, in farming.
The notion that everyone should produce even a little quantity of his own food, is just awesome.
March 26, 2020
I love, love, love this book. This book has such hope for a world in which we value time and serenity, but is grounded in so much life experience and wisdom. It never feels insincere or fast paced. Gene comes across like this perfect combination of a teacher who you can always trust, even if you disagree at times, to be passionate and wise in their teachings, and a relative who has ever ending anecdotes and references to draw from. I especially love his admittance of his theory not being backed up by science, or a story perhaps being a rumour turn legend. I feel like I read very few essay or non fiction pieces in which the author is okay with doing so, and I definitely think it contributes to the book. I have come out with a much deeper level of appreciation for garden farmers and the lives they live, and hope one day I can live out such ideals, finding joy in the everyday, what others consider mundane.
May 1, 2024
This is so different from what I usually read, but I’m on track still with my goals to read more non-fiction. I surprised myself with how much I enjoyed this book because I learned a lot (mostly that there’s a lot I don’t when it comes to homesteading/small garden farming) and it was also written so personally *hence “letter to”* and with such funny anecdotes that it felt more like the memoirs I’m used to reading.
This writer has a lot of really solid points about farming that really aren’t just about farming, but our society and culture as a whole. He talks about his way of life and I have to admit, I think he’s right about pretty much all of it.
(Didn’t want to rank since it’s not my usual genre but 3.5 stars rounded up)
This writer has a lot of really solid points about farming that really aren’t just about farming, but our society and culture as a whole. He talks about his way of life and I have to admit, I think he’s right about pretty much all of it.
(Didn’t want to rank since it’s not my usual genre but 3.5 stars rounded up)
April 3, 2022
The contrary farmer's final book, completed just months before his death. A collection of short essays providing advice on a range of topics related to making a living and a life on a garden farm. A welcome change of pace to everything else I read for work and pleasure, taking me back to the 90s and my aspirational goals of having my own farm someday. The pace of life, the simple riches of slowing down and appreciating doing came through well and transfers well. Perfect with a pot of herbal tea, wrapped in a warm blanket in a comfortable chair. Very glad to have this genre back in my life.
October 5, 2021
I am not a farmer, nor likely to become one. I read this mainly because of the connection to Wendell Berry, whose writings I love. However, Gene Logsdon is no Wendell Berry. He is not eloquent like Berry, nor does he show concern for the environment or wilderness at all. He is pro-farmer, which is good, but that is the end of all he writes. I am mostly interested in the damage that modern farm practices are doing to our soils, and our natural environment. Logsdon cares little about this, beyond the fact that he wants more small farms. This is not my cup of tea.
July 4, 2017
It's hard to find this type of writing these days. Wry, down-to-earth observations that are told with great fondness. I am reminded of James Herriot's All Creature's Great and Small series in that the reader feels the affinity the writer has for his subject and trying to pass on wisdom to another generation. Finding and Keeping a New Age Farm Partneris one of the more amusing chapters, as is Big Data and Robot Farming.
March 12, 2018
Famous contrary farmer Gene Logsdon's last book is a testament to his long work to keep small family farming not only alive, but viable, thriving, and vibrant. His book about manure and composting - Holy Shit - is among my favorites, but this "letter," a series of chapters full of advice on what to do - and not to do - if you're at all interested in becoming what Logsdon calls a Garden Farmer, is right up there with the best of them.
January 2, 2018
Another excellent read from Mr. Logsdon, if a bit bittersweet knowing it was his last, completed 2 weeks before his death. A fantastic collection of essays on a wide range of topics important to the current or would-be garden farmer, this is one more example of why Gene was one of the best at what he did.
August 30, 2022
I like Gene Logsdon's brand of irascibility and I enjoyed these essays. I don't agree with everything in them, but in general I love how he bridges so many of the divides that exist in America. His focus is on how to create a sustainable lifestyle caring for a smaller acreage and the many ways that contributed to a better world, and he's very eloquent and inspiring on that subject.
March 4, 2019
Entertaining writing style with a contrarian point of view that challenges some ideas you've never thought about before. I learned some, laughed some, and found it to be a relaxing book to read before bed.
February 28, 2023
Although he will go on tangents, any Logsdon book is a fun read. His nuggets of wisdom are absolutely priceless and he sprinkles witty comments throughout all of his books. Even if you don’t garden farm, I highly recommend this one or The Contrary Farmer.
May 22, 2017
He was a common-sense voice in a crowd of naysayers. We'll miss him.
June 3, 2017
Just plain pleasant, delightful, and breezy all the way through.
July 10, 2017
A wonderful capstone examination of what it means to be a small farm connected to your place, and your neighbor.
February 7, 2018
Very informative and interesting book. I appreciated his insight into the problems created by the mega farms.
February 24, 2018
Witty and wonderful!
April 20, 2018
I absolutely loved this book. The writing is filled with facts, insights and lots of humor. It was a good introduction to small scale farming and what it entails.
August 1, 2018
Not bad, mostly interesting but made less enjoyable by Gene's constant anti-Christian snark.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews