Gaining Ground: A Story Of Farmers' Markets, Local Food, And Saving The Family Farm

Wow! What a fun read. I can't recommend this book enough - everyone can enjoy it. It's a quick, easy read and you'll definitely learn something along the way. I'll admit upfront that I've been buying meats (beef, lamb, chicken, pork) and eggs from Smith Meadows farm for the past 3-4 years - conveniently brought every Saturday morning to my local Del Ray farmers' market. I also used to go to the Arlington farmers' market where they also have a Saturday stand. It was in Arlington that I first met Forrest. He's one of the nicest, friendliest, warmest people you'll ever meet. From the moment I met him, I could tell that he's very passionate about his work, his farm, and his products. After about a year of buying from him, I decided to visit the farm - on their annual Farm Day. Forrest gave us a thorough and fully educational tour of the pastures and the various livestock raising techniques. The family and community feel on the farm is palpable. So when I heard that Forrest had written a book, I pre-ordered it on Amazon and had it in my hot little hands as soon as it was released. I don't know what I was expecting other than a story about "life on the farm" - I was not expecting the absolutely entertaining tale of perseverance that Forrest weaves. I couldn't believe that half that stuff happened... and kept happening... and yet he stuck with his goal of turning around the family farm and making it work in these crazy, modern times we live in. He effortlessly blends farming 101 with humorous anecdotes and family tragedies and life lessons. It's really a hard book to put down. I read it in just a day or so. My dad even read it cover-to-cover within 36 hours and he hardly ever reads anything. He LOVED it! It's a great slice of life story, but with the added insights into: what are we, as Americans, eating these days? why? how can we have healthy food and more environmental responsible farms? what will it take to make that happen? My dad finished this book and instantly wanted to drive from eastern Pennsylvania to the Smith Meadows farm near West Virginia - just to load up on a freezer full of goodies. But I reminded him that the real lesson from Forrest's book is that there are local farmers all across the U.S. and there are wonderful local farmers near most of us - go out and support them. You'll be glad you did!

Normally, I never read novels as they won't keep my interest. I always prefer more educational/information books. I couldn't put this book down. It's one of the best books I've read in my life. At the time I first read it I was reading many books on natural farming, as I was planning to try my hand at it. While this book isn't a technical step by step guide, it gives the feel of what I would be in for. Both the ups and downs. It's a heartwarming story that opens a window into the difficulty of trying to start a simple county life in a time that they're fading away. One of the things I liked best about this book is that Forrest comes off very intelligent, but yet he never lacks humility and sports a great sense of humor, which makes the story fun to read.After I read it I gave it to my mother. She loved it, and agreed that it was one of the best books she'd ever read. Later I went on a road trip with my girlfriend and read it to her while she drove. We read most of the book on that trip and finished reading it sitting in the woods with my goat herd when we got back. She absolutely loved the book and came away with a new perspective on county life, and why we need to buy real food from real farmers. It created just as much discussion as it did reading. I enjoyed it just as much the second time through.I recommend this book to everyone, whether you've lived your entire life on a farm, grew up in New York City, or anywhere in between, it's for you.

This is the best book on family farming I have ever read. The author provides interesting aspects of family farming and did not hesitate to write about his successes and as well as his failures. This is a book that will not only give the reader a different perspective on farming and food but also about problem solving, being willing to put everything into an endeavor, to persevere, to learn from what worked and what didn't, to even question decisions made and steps taken. There are also sprinklings of humor throughout that always brought a smile or a chuckle. I found this book to be a fantastic read, and was a little sorry to get to the end. The author is a wonderful writer and it would be great it if he could continue the story...

I first became aware of Forrest Pritchard after reading an article about the way he raised hogs, and I immediately purchased this book, hoping to learn more. You won't get a ton of actual how-to here, but it's enough to get the wheels turning. I've definitely come up with some new ideas after reading it, and the parts of the story that deal with marketing were especially interesting for someone who has thus far only produced enough food to supplement his own diet. But this is less a book about how to farm as it is a story about a farmer, and especially about the man's relationship with his father, with some light commentary about ethics, nutrition, and capitalism sprinkled throughout. There are certainly lessons to be learned, and for homesteaders just starting out, there's inspiration to be gleaned. And for those who will never set foot on a farm, perhaps this story will provide some insight into where food comes from and the true value of what we eat. It's a worthwhile read.My only criticisms are that the dialogue is a bit stilted, where humor is attempted, it usually doesn't succeed, and the odd pop culture references just seem discordant with the mood of the story. But these are minor criticisms, and even a snob like me had no trouble seeing past them.

When of the best stories of this type I have read. This is not so much a 'how-to', more of a you can do!! It just a very pleasing tale that warms the soul, well worth the purchase price, just to get you to stop dreaming and start doing!! BTW its by Forrest Pritchard, not Joel Salatin?!?

My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is a must-read for any grass-based farmer as well as all consumers. The story is well written and thoroughly entertaining. Lessons are woven through the story. If you enjoy Joel Salatin's books and farming methods you will also enjoy this one.

interesting farming, how to do things differently

I chose this rating because I really had fun reading the book from start to finish and I appreciated how honest it was too.

Excellent story of personal experience, well written and flows perfectly. Enough humour throughout to keep you looking forward to the next excerpt.