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Weekly picks surfaced by readers who obsess over tractors, soil, and stories from the field.
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From farmer Joel Salatin's point of view, life in the 21st century just ain't normal. In FOLKS, THIS AIN'T NORMAL, he discusses how far removed we are from the simple, sustainable joy that comes from living close to the land and the people we love. Salatin has many thoughts on what normal is and shares practical and philosophical ideas for changing our lives in small ways that have big impact.<br><br>Salatin, hailed by the <i>New York Times</i> as "Virginia's most multifaceted agrarian since Thomas Jefferson [and] the high priest of the pasture" and profiled in the Academy Award nominated documentary <i>Food, Inc.</i> and the bestselling book <i>The Omnivore's Dilemma</i>, understands what food should be: Wholesome, seasonal, raised naturally, procured locally, prepared lovingly, and eaten with a profound reverence for the circle of life. And his message doesn't stop there. From child-rearing, to creating quality family time, to respecting the environment, Salatin writes with a wicked sense of humor and true storyteller's knack for the revealing anecdote. <br><br>Salatin's crucial message and distinctive voice--practical, provocative, scientific, and down-home philosophical in equal measure--make FOLKS, THIS AIN'T NORMAL a must-read book.
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<p><b>Get the entire history of the best trucks on the road.</b></p><p>The International Truck and Engine Corporation has built the trucks that have been a staple of both agricultural and industrial trucking for nearly 100 years. <i>International Harvester Trucks: The Complete History</i> tells the complete story of the light-, medium-, and heavy-duty trucks, vans, and station wagons built by International Harvester during over a century of history, starting from the company's early days, through its first truck model in 1907, and right up to the present.</p><p>The focus is firmly on the trucks themselves including collectible machines such as the Travelall and Scout. Author Patrick R. Foster is one of the world's premier transportation historians. His accessible writing style, illustrated with hundreds of never-before-seen archival photographs, makes this book the best examination of one of the world's most prolific truck manufacturers.</p>
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<b>Finalist for the PEN/E. O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award<br> <br> "A call to action that underscores a common goal: to change the world from the ground up." —Dan Barber, author of <i>The Third Plate</i> </b><br><p>For centuries, agricultural practices have eroded the soil that farming depends on, stripping it of the organic matter vital to its productivity. Now conventional agriculture is threatening disaster for the world’s growing population. In <i>Growing a Revolution</i>, geologist David R. Montgomery travels the world, meeting farmers at the forefront of an agricultural movement to restore soil health. From Kansas to Ghana, he sees why adopting the three tenets of conservation agriculture—ditching the plow, planting cover crops, and growing a diversity of crops—is the solution. When farmers restore fertility to the land, this helps feed the world, cool the planet, reduce pollution, and return profitability to family farms.</p>
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<p>The history of Deere & Company is several stories at once. It is the saga of an American folk hero remembered as the man "who gave to the world the steel plow." John Deere's Company - Volume 1 is the story of rural and small-town America from the time eastern farmers began moving into the Midwest in the early 1800s, through the American industrial revolution of the late 19th and up to the creation of the first John Deere tractors. </p> <p>It is also the story of an uncommon family whose members for 145 years directed the destiny of one of America's oldest business firms--now the largest agricultural machinery manufacturer in the world--until the first nonfamily member, Robert Hanson, was named chief executive officer of Deere in 1982.</p> <p>The story follows the company's role in the extraordinary growth of the American agricultural economy; its role in the discovery and application of major innovations in machinery and manufacturing methods; and, finally, its role in the sharing of that technology throughout the world.</p> <p>Those roles were influenced by the Populist movement in the 19th century, by the early attempts of unions to organize the farm implement industry, and by the competitive tactics and strategies of industrial leaders whose companies battled each other for market share.</p> <p>Wayne Broehl has taken these several historic threads and woven them into this lively and absorbing historical account. The updated and revised book has been divided into two volumes, this is Volume 1.</p>
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<b>From his 66-year farm, food, and family experience, Joel Salatin explains why thousands of Americans are selling their urban homes, cashing out retirement funds, and heading to the country. The exodus is both a goodbye to one life and an embrace of another.</b><br><br>When society breaks down, people head away from the city. For food security, health, and satisfaction, homesteads offer a haven of hope and help when much seems hopeless and helpless.<br><br>While fear motivates people to change, only faith sustains. This book offers multiple reasons for modern homestead living. Some are:<br>• Secure, stable, safe food.<br>• Healthy, happy children.<br>• Superior immune function.<br>• Community and connections.<br>• Meaningful work.<br>• Creation stewardship immersion.<br><br>In his 16th book, Salatin offers the homestead why to those contemplating the jump, those trying to dissuade their friends from jumping, and those who regret having jumped. Despite its sweat and disappointments, homesteading offers incalculable benefits that feed the soul, soil, and spirit.<br><br><i>Homestead Tsunami</i> digs deep into the ethos of today’s best pension plan: living and learning proximate to people who know how to build things, repair, things and grow things. A better life awaits.
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Learning about the fundamentals of Agribusiness Management can be a frustrating experience. It usually begins when you try to find material that is easy to read & understand. That's why Deere & Company & eminent writers in the field, have developed FARM & RANCH BUSINESS MANAGEMENT. CONTENTS: Recordkeeping, financial analysis, budget analysis, cost analysis, cash flow analysis, marketing, investment analysis, taxes, business organizations, ag law, computer applications, whole farm case study & glossary.
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This book comprehensively documents the activities of International Harvester Company (IHC) and its influence in Australia and New Zealand, from its inception to its merger with Case as Case IH. IHC began with a merger of harvesting machinery companies to form the International Trust, the world's biggest farm machinery enterprise at the time. Then IHC became involved with tractors to become the world's largest tractor and full-line machinery maker, setting production records that stand to this day. The book offers details on tractors and machinery models for collectors of the International Harvester brand line up. It also provides information and anecdotes about enthusiasts who collect, restore, and maintain vintage machines. International Harvester is copiously illustrated with much previously unpublished material.
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Iconic John Deere tractors ranging from the spartan Waterloo Boy to the Model AOS, and from German and Argentine models to the acclaimed New Generation tractors are featured in this celebration of industrial tractor design. Loaded with photographs, both modern and vintage, and excellently written info, this book will have John Deere fans salivating.
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<p>This award-winning history of International Harvester and Case IH tractors includes data and photos of every model built from 1958, as well as in-depth information about how these tractors were designed and constructed.</p> <p>With interviews of engineers and executives, the book covers how the 40 and 60 series were created, and thoroughly covers the red tractors from the 1960s through the 1980s. The book also traces the innovations and struggles of the final days of International Harvester. The authors unearthed a treasure trove of concept drawings and photos of prototype machines to shed new light on how these tractors were created.</p> <p>The book includes the exciting story of the creation of the Case-IH Magnum, an innovative machine that blends some of the great engineering done by IH with the Cummins engine built by Case. The modern era of Case IH is also included, with the story of the creation of the Quadtrac as well as the entire line of tractors. With a mix of new photography of some of the most exceptional collectible models in existence along with hundreds of previously unpublished photographs, this thorough book is the most authoritative guide on red tractors ever published.</p>
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<b>Two classic love stories in a keepsake edition that will heat up your winter!</b><br> <br> <i>The Winter Soldier</i><br> <br> Everyone in Jacobsville, Texas, steered clear of taciturn Cy Parks-everyone but the spirited Lisa Monroe, who electrified the formidable loner with her tantalizing kisses. Their fiery passion escalated when the soldier returned from the line of duty-and claimed Lisa as his bride, to shield her from a revenge-seeking desperado. Clearly Cy was getting mighty possessive of this enchanting woman who needed the type of safeguarding only he could provide. But who would protect the beguiling bride from him...'<br> <br> <i>Cattleman's Pride</i><br> <br> He was strong, seductive and set in his ways. She was shy, unassuming and achingly innocent. Yet when Jordan made it his personal crusade to help Libby hold on to her beloved homestead, everyone in Jacobsville knew it was just a matter of time before wedding bells chimed. But a cattleman's pride was a force to be reckoned with. Could Libby accomplish what no woman had before and tame this Long, Tall Texan's restless heart?
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<b>A nutritionist and a renowned organic farmer explore and explain the art of eating well.</b><br><br>Do you want to be healthy, happy and free? But find yourself stuck in your healing journey and want some guidance and encouragement? Perhaps you are overwhelmed by all of the conflicting diet advice. Maybe you don’t know where to start or who to trust. Or, maybe you just need a little motivation. <br><br>You’re not alone. We’re constantly bombarded with ever-changing diet recommendations and the latest diet crazes: Paleo, Keto, Whole 30, Specific Carbohydrate Diet, and the list goes on. Eggs are bad one day and good the next. Kale is good for you today. Tomorrow it contains high levels of thallium and is toxic to your thyroid gland. How do you know what to put on your plate that will bring you toward greater health and wellness?<br><br>In <i>Beyond Labels</i>, Joel Salatin, a farmer who is blazing the trail for regenerative farm practices, and Sina McCullough, a Ph.D. in Nutrition who actually understands unpronounceable carbon chains, bring you on a journey from generally unhealthy food and farming to an ultimately healing place. <br><br>Through compelling discussions leavened with a dose of humor, they share practical and easily doable tips about:<br>• What to eat<br>• How to find it and prepare it<br>• How to save money and time in the kitchen<br>• How to stay true to your principles in our modern culture<br><br>Whether you are just starting your health journey or you grow all of your own food, this book is designed to meet you where you are and motivate you to take the next step in your healing journey – ultimately bringing you closer to health, happiness, and freedom.<br><br>“The ideas, evidence and takeaways from this book have the power to reshape America's declining health. This is the most-fascinating, inspirational, and flat out most useful book I've ever read. Joel and Sina have done what no other authors have managed to do. They've created a survival guide for the war on our gut microbiome.”—<b>Andy Snyder, Founder of Manward Press</b>
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Describes how the plow company got into the tractor business, and recounts the history of successive tractor models.
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