Cart
Free Shipping in Australia
Proud to be B-Corp

Born to Farm David Black

Born to Farm By David Black

Born to Farm by David Black


$235.99
Condition - Like New
Only 1 left

Summary

A fascinating book which follows the fortunes of one Suffolk farmer and the farm which has been his life for almost ninety years.

Born to Farm Summary

Born to Farm by David Black

Born to Farm sheds light upon the enormous changes that have taken place in farming over the past 90 years, as seen through the eyes of one of the participants. It is an absorbing and fascinating autobiography; the author's enthusiasm and quest for knowledge, his ingenuity and practical skills, have enabled him to keep abreast of changes in the wider world while building up the family farming enterprise in Suffolk. The author's early memories of the 1930s and of his school days, evoke a bygone era in the countryside and on the farm. Lifelong learning is a theme which runs through the book. Opportunities for learning and travel through the Young Farmers' Club, for example, are described with humour and give an insight into farming both in the UK and the USA during the 1950s. Back on Red House Farm, David Black deals with everyday challenges as he progresses from dogsbody to decision-maker. Problem-solving is part of a farmer's life and no aspect of the business escapes his steady hand and scrutiny. Gradually, the huge variety of crops grown is streamlined but not before we've learned about harnessing horses and draining the land, about virus-free strawberry plants and fields of tulips and peonies, of cocksfoot and fescue. Pigs are an important aspect of the family business and the evolution of suitable feed mixes, pig housing, breeding and outdoor rearing, integrated with cereal production and milling on the farm, makes compelling reading. Changes to field sizes and to farm buildings and the provision of housing for farm workers are all covered, with many interesting anecdotes. The value of sharing knowledge and of co-operation with other farmers - both formally and informally - is made apparent. The author is full of admiration for the contributions of others, but modest about his own considerable achievements. Hard work, encouragement of others, and a 'can do' attitude summarise his approach. Family life is explored and glimpses into village life provide an interesting social history of the period. Working alongside family members has its own rewards and challenges and the journey has begun along the path to secure a way forward for future generations.

Born to Farm Reviews

Anyone with an interest in the countryside and farming in Suffolk, particularly how they have interacted over the past century, will thoroughly enjoy this book which makes an important contribution to the history of rural life. Lord Framlingham;It shows great insight into how farming has arrived at its present, pivotal position in the great environmental debate. Lord Framlingham

Table of Contents

FOREWORD v AUTHOR'S NOTE vii INTRODUCTION ix Chapter 1 EARLY MEMORIES 1 Chapter 2 SCHOOL DAYS 24 Chapter 3 BIB AND BRACES 39 Chapter 4 THE YOUNG FARMERS' CLUB 70 Chapter 5 BROADENING HORIZONS 100 Chapter 6 PIGS 114 Chapter 7 FARM BUILDINGS 153 Chapter 8 CO-OPERATIVE ACTIVITIES 170 Chapter 9 FAMILY LIFE 191 Chapter 10 REFLECTIONS 218

Additional information

GOR013262128
9781839759918
1839759917
Born to Farm by David Black
Used - Like New
Hardback
Grosvenor House Publishing Ltd
2022-03-24
240
N/A
Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
The book has been read, but looks new. The book cover has no visible wear, and the dust jacket is included if applicable. No missing or damaged pages, no tears, possible very minimal creasing, no underlining or highlighting of text, and no writing in the margins

Customer Reviews - Born to Farm