Who's Minding the Farm?: In this climate emergency

by Patrice Newell

In an era of rapid climate change, this vital account of how agriculture can address major issues is an Australian story with global ramifications. Patrice is at the frontline of enormous challenges, from water scarcity and land stewardship to food security and the rural-urban divide. The devastation of drought and the crises created by industrial-scale chemically-dependent primary production are discussed and alternatives proposed – along with bold ideas for new sources of energy.

Patrice has travelled the world exploring best practice and invested heavily in organic methods on her farm. She believes we can produce enough good food to feed the world without further environmental wreckage or loss of bio-diversity. With glimpses of the individuals who make working the farm so rewarding, Who's Minding the Farm? provides a window into the pains, pleasures and politics of life on the land, and promotes new ways of thinking, no matter where you live.

Who’s minding the farm? A shared responsibility for us all.

Genres: Nonfiction, Audiobook

eAudio

Published June 18, 2019

About the author

Patrice Newell was born in Adelaide and now runs a farm near Gundy, New South Wales, which produces biodynamic beef, olive oil and garlic. She lives with her partner Phillip Adams and their daughter Aurora.

Reviews

[Ben · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is a bit like a garden that has gone a bit wild- some good stuff but lots of weeds and stuff that needs to get cut back. There are several places where the thread changes through quite separate ideas (gay marriage> climate change > rural mental health), and then ends in some mundane observation. It might work as a conversation over drinks, but comes across as a ramble in book form. It feels like the first draft
Some of the ideas are really solid and interesting- I just wish an editor could help do some pruning.

A second post fires & post drought (hopefully!) edition maybe?

[Jade · Rating 1 out of 5]

More of a memoir than a manifesto.

Lots of unfinished thoughts, long boring tracts about staff on the farm that no one could possibly care about, and long lists without even an ampersand.

For someone who supposedly gives a toss about the environment, she sure does a lot of international travel.

[Saskia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very rambling not in a good way, it’s hard to tell what the thesis or point to a lot of the book is. Some really interesting discussions and ideas, but the main things I got out of this book were the references, and the opportunity to think critically in response to to it.

Ideas like organic farming is essential for all and would save the world and farming with chemicals is always done in an extractive irresponsible evil way were pretty disappointing. Thought the nuance was the whole point of the book 🙃 and this undermined some of her other observations for me.

[Rayna Fahey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent summary of the environmental challenges facing our food production sector, and the key responses to those challenges. Beautifully interwoven with a personal journey. Great read.

[WildWoila · Rating 1 out of 5]

A brain dump of reflections and opinions on family farming and land care. Nothing new here.

[Tamzen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent enough listen but not what I was expecting. It's more a memoir of life on the farm than about the climate emergency.

[Eli · Rating 4 out of 5]

What is great about this book is the the rich sense it conveys of life on a small farm trying to operate a bit differently; the hazards, uncertainties, frustrations, human relationships, and joys.

I found the meandering approach a bit frustrating and couldn’t really orient myself or see the overarching arc or journey of the story or message, but overall a good read.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy to read. Patrice writes with passion about preserving and improving the land she owns and loves. The very harsh reality of devastating drought pervades her last eat book. We are all charged with the responsibility of caring for this vast,fragile ancient land.

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bit of a ramble, but it works, especially for someone who is living on the land self-sustainably. All of the talk about growing garlic, working with neighbours, drought and financial planning makes sense if you're out in it. Perhaps not so applicable to city dwellers?

[Sophie Nichols · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book which raises issues about farming in the contemporary age.