Whatcha Readin?

I love that some of the folks who visit here have book lists on their blogs... or like The D Family.. they have their reading list on the front page. I guess I should start a booklist somewhere but I'm too busy reading to do it! (just kidding)

One of the magazines I love but don't always see on the "usual suspect lists" (Hobby Farms, Mother Earth News, etc)  is The Small Farmer's Journal. They've started an online publication, but there's nothing like getting that big, brown paper covered magazine in the mail to make your day.

It may be over-looked because its not flashy like some of the others, and they do cater to some specific folks (those who farm exclusively with horses) and also to the Amish, but wow - so much good information. And lots to think about. I have to admit I don't subscribe to all of their political views... but Lynn, the editor, is a very knowledgeable man. And very thoughtful. I also likes that he, and the other writers, tend toward the "old timey" way of doing things.

Sometimes they publish old agricultural journal articles where I learned, for instance, that everyone used to finish their dual purpose chickens on milk and corn before butchering...and not the high-protein-who-knows-exactly-whats-in-it-but-more-than-likely-its-soy-bagged food that the creepy meat chickens require.

They also publish success stories and how folks got started. And heck, they like to refer to themselves as farm pirates and how cool is that?  Arrrrrggggg... give me an eye patch and slap a chicken on my shoulder and I'm in, maties!

To be sure, its a pricey subscription but you just might want to check it out.

I'm also about to order "How To Grow More Vegetables...." by John Jeavons. As usual, I checked it out from the library before I bought it to make sure it was something that I'd really use. I really liked it. He has great info and even better yet, garden plans that considers crop rotations and companion planting strategies.

What else you readin'?