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An Industry Worth Fighting For
A storm cuts through the placid Oregon skies. Not a meteorological event—rather, an onslaught aimed at destroying the livelihood of dairy farmers across America. Standing in the bull’s-eye is Derrick Josi, a fourth generation dairy farmer who has taken a stand against the lies, deceit, and personal attacks made by self-proclaimed activists across social media. This book offers readers a glimpse behind the curtain of a working dairy farm. Staying true to his charm and wit, Derrick does not shy away from sensitive topics. Rather, he presents reality in terms that are stark but sensitive…a balance as delicate as the lives for which he is responsible. This isn’t just the story of one dairy farmer; it is the story of an industry worth fighting for.
- GenresNonfiction
216 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 15, 2021
59 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 1, 2021
Well informed and thorough
Derrick Josi uses humor and research to help educate and illuminate the many challenges inherent in dairy farming. His insights are at times surprising and sometimes disturbing. An excellent read for all who want the real story on a subject that is often confused by political agendas.
Derrick Josi uses humor and research to help educate and illuminate the many challenges inherent in dairy farming. His insights are at times surprising and sometimes disturbing. An excellent read for all who want the real story on a subject that is often confused by political agendas.
December 6, 2021
Honest Truth About Dairy Farming
Derrick Josi writes from the perspective of the farmer, a unique challenge in a world filled with half truths and lies about farming. His honest, funny, painful, and educational book is a must for anyone who wants to see the truth behind farming, dairy farming in particular. I appreciate his desire to educate and not condemn. Definitely a must read.
Derrick Josi writes from the perspective of the farmer, a unique challenge in a world filled with half truths and lies about farming. His honest, funny, painful, and educational book is a must for anyone who wants to see the truth behind farming, dairy farming in particular. I appreciate his desire to educate and not condemn. Definitely a must read.
April 12, 2022
First of all, if you don't know who Derrick Josi is, I encourage you to visit his facebook page and watch a few of his videos before reading the book. https://www.facebook.com/watch/tdfhon...
I confess to being one of those folks who believed that farmers generally treated their livestock poorly with no regard to quality of life. Because of that, I've been an on and off vegan for most of my adult life.
The #1 thing that Mr. Josi accomplishes in this book is to remind the reader that he or she is inclined to process data based on what they already "know" to be true. But most things in life are usually more complicated than a sound bite. Not only does he discuss the mechanics of running a dairy farm, he also provides info on how the milk industry works in the US. A common theme is "happy, healthy cows produce better". In other words, they will make more money for the farmer. I share the concerns of many regarding the final moments of an animal's life when it is transported to slaughter. Mr. Josi cites Temple Grandin on this topic. I hope that he uses slaughterhouses that follow her guidelines.
I still am not totally aligned on some of the stuff he discusses. But I'm motivated to educate myself rather than deciding that I know what's what based on sound bites and headlines.
That's the good stuff. The less good is the writing itself. I didn't expect great literature going in, but Mr. Josi's folksy style does get a little old around the midpoint. He also tends to make the same points over and over. I got it early on and would have preferred reading more stories about his farm and his cows.
It's a good book. Definitely worth reading. Lots to think about.
I confess to being one of those folks who believed that farmers generally treated their livestock poorly with no regard to quality of life. Because of that, I've been an on and off vegan for most of my adult life.
The #1 thing that Mr. Josi accomplishes in this book is to remind the reader that he or she is inclined to process data based on what they already "know" to be true. But most things in life are usually more complicated than a sound bite. Not only does he discuss the mechanics of running a dairy farm, he also provides info on how the milk industry works in the US. A common theme is "happy, healthy cows produce better". In other words, they will make more money for the farmer. I share the concerns of many regarding the final moments of an animal's life when it is transported to slaughter. Mr. Josi cites Temple Grandin on this topic. I hope that he uses slaughterhouses that follow her guidelines.
I still am not totally aligned on some of the stuff he discusses. But I'm motivated to educate myself rather than deciding that I know what's what based on sound bites and headlines.
That's the good stuff. The less good is the writing itself. I didn't expect great literature going in, but Mr. Josi's folksy style does get a little old around the midpoint. He also tends to make the same points over and over. I got it early on and would have preferred reading more stories about his farm and his cows.
It's a good book. Definitely worth reading. Lots to think about.
January 12, 2022
Some books you speed through, some you mull over and some are like having a conversation with a friend round the kitchen table over a cup of tea (or coffee).
So when @tdf_honest_farming
announced he was writing a book, I was keen to get a copy. Having followed Derrick for many years on social media, he really is the most honest farmer out there.
Whether you're a farmer or a consumer, his book is written in such a way for everyone can understand. Covering a whole range of topics (most of which he discusses online), as always Derrick is completely honest and transparent - from artificial insemination, cow and calf separation, how milk gets from cow to your fridge and environmental issues.
Busting myths, dispelling rumours and providing clear factual information, Derrick does what he does best - building links between farming and the consumer.
Well done, I look forward to seeing what you have up your sleeve next.
So when @tdf_honest_farming
announced he was writing a book, I was keen to get a copy. Having followed Derrick for many years on social media, he really is the most honest farmer out there.
Whether you're a farmer or a consumer, his book is written in such a way for everyone can understand. Covering a whole range of topics (most of which he discusses online), as always Derrick is completely honest and transparent - from artificial insemination, cow and calf separation, how milk gets from cow to your fridge and environmental issues.
Busting myths, dispelling rumours and providing clear factual information, Derrick does what he does best - building links between farming and the consumer.
Well done, I look forward to seeing what you have up your sleeve next.
July 5, 2022
Read on Kindle Unlimited.
Excellent resource for agricultural information concerning dairy farming. The author’s main focus is to combat misinformation (set forth by activists against dairy farming) that surrounds the dairy farming industry. Being that I (along with my family) have spent nearly my entire life involved with beef cattle ranching, I appreciate his thorough and well-researched response to his critics. He has an extensive list of credible source material. Thank you, sir, for fighting the good fight!
Excellent resource for agricultural information concerning dairy farming. The author’s main focus is to combat misinformation (set forth by activists against dairy farming) that surrounds the dairy farming industry. Being that I (along with my family) have spent nearly my entire life involved with beef cattle ranching, I appreciate his thorough and well-researched response to his critics. He has an extensive list of credible source material. Thank you, sir, for fighting the good fight!
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November 1, 2021What a great read!
What a great book!
I grew up in the Flinthills of Kansas, so any things I can relate to! Absolutely enjoyed this book and the social media content! Hopefully there will be a follow-up book??
Keep up the good fight, there are lots of us country folks pulling for you!
What a great book!
I grew up in the Flinthills of Kansas, so any things I can relate to! Absolutely enjoyed this book and the social media content! Hopefully there will be a follow-up book??
Keep up the good fight, there are lots of us country folks pulling for you!
November 7, 2021
Learning about Dairy Farming from a farmer.
Derrick breaks down the dairy industry so us city dwellers can understand. He rationally builds the case for dairy. Refutes ill informed activists by telling the truth. An excellent education about the basics a a dairy farm. Thanks Derrick! Keep up the videos, and give Cali a scratch for me.
Derrick breaks down the dairy industry so us city dwellers can understand. He rationally builds the case for dairy. Refutes ill informed activists by telling the truth. An excellent education about the basics a a dairy farm. Thanks Derrick! Keep up the videos, and give Cali a scratch for me.
November 8, 2021
Enjoyable and educational
I follow TDF and Derrick Josi online , this is how I learned about his book. It was a true learning experience for me and I appreciate his honesty in revealing his daily life on the farm. I have found a true respect for all farmers through this book. It held my interest from the first page to the last. Great read.
I follow TDF and Derrick Josi online , this is how I learned about his book. It was a true learning experience for me and I appreciate his honesty in revealing his daily life on the farm. I have found a true respect for all farmers through this book. It held my interest from the first page to the last. Great read.
January 2, 2022
A real look at farming
Derrick Josi's explanation of the reality of dairy farming is a much needed educational resource in a world of bias and misinformation. I can affirm the accuracy of his account as my uncle was a Tillamook county dairy farmer as well. Good job! And I highly recommend.
Derrick Josi's explanation of the reality of dairy farming is a much needed educational resource in a world of bias and misinformation. I can affirm the accuracy of his account as my uncle was a Tillamook county dairy farmer as well. Good job! And I highly recommend.
March 7, 2022
enjoyed reading the book, a dairy farmer friend encourage me to read it. I'm a city boy, so he said it would help me understand the life of a diary farmer. and it indeed did, the only reason i gave it two stars is because... "Im a city boy"
February 11, 2024
This guy really, really believes in the dairy industry. Maybe because he is a 5 gen farmer? Maybe because he's smart and doesn't like to hear crap from people who don't know much? He knows how to put people in their place. Watch a few of his videos. I learned a thing or two about modern farming.
February 16, 2025
Amazing book about the ups and downs of working on a dairy farm and just how important the dairy industry is to so many people and for so many other industries. A must read for those curious about the "real" story behind a good dairy farm
October 20, 2021
Does the dairy industry proud
It is refreshing to read a book about the dairy industry and actually get the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
It is refreshing to read a book about the dairy industry and actually get the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
October 27, 2021
An entertaining and factual book that gives the reader straight-forward answers about the dairy industry.
November 3, 2021
Great read
This is a great book, going over the ends and outs of the dairy industry. From someone who used to work on a dairy farm it was still very enjoyable to read!!!
This is a great book, going over the ends and outs of the dairy industry. From someone who used to work on a dairy farm it was still very enjoyable to read!!!
January 8, 2022
Great book! Entertaining and informative! I heard his voice in my head the entire time I was reading.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews