Growing a Farmer

Telling a friend about this book: 

Growing a Farmer is about a man, Kurt Timmermeister, pursuing his passion. So far, he has written about his adventures leaving his city job as a restaurant owner to become a farmer. He had always had a passion for food, however was not happy about the supply of his restaurants food; to the point where he wouldn't even eat at his own restaurant. Finding out that his true passion was to live off the lands and farm, he bought a small farm. In fear of stability, he maintained his city job, while clearing and building his farm. Once cleaned, he started his endeavors. Kurt started of with beekeeping, followed by tree growing and raising cows. He eventually sold his restaurant to become a full time farmer. He knew very little about farming, only having some gardening experience when he was little, however this didn't stop him of pursuing his dream. He did research, and learned on the way, just by doing. He started of with beekeeping, with no fear of bees, however had trouble toward the beginning. It was hard for him to keep the bees alive during the cold weathers, but he did learn the whole process of gathering honey from the combs. Another of his quests was apple trees. Again, after failing, he learned how to keep the deer from eating his trees. He made vinegar from his apples. After every chapter, he learns a little more about himself and his wants. He decided to buy a cow named Dinah. This was the moment he realized that he had become a true farmer, Dinah needing attention all the time. Even though Kurt was pursuing his dream, he knew at some point he had to make some income, therefore he learned how to turn his farm into a small business. He began selling raw milk, a sacred product, to the locals. Kurt liked his attachment to his customers. But, quickly learning how dangerous raw milk could be, he knew he couldn't risk the shutdown of his farm or being sued. Even though obtaining licensing from the government, they made it extremely difficult for farmers to sell raw milk, hence everything being pasteurized milk. Kurt, still needing to make a living, settled to cheese crafting. In addition, he started a dinner service, called Cookhouse, every Sunday, using what his farm made. Kurt not only loved farming, but he cared for all his customers and his animals. He cared for the health of his customers, wanting to provide the healthiest foods, while being tasty. Kurt raised all his animals with care, and even though he didn't like it very much, slaughtered them himself to ensure the taste for him and his customers. Through his various adventures on his farm, he continues to grow and learn as an individual, as a farmer. 

What I think about the book so far:

I really enjoyed reading the first half of this book. It was easy reading and went by pretty quickly. I really like Kurt's style of writing. He's not only telling a story, but also teaching us the way he did things. For example, learning how milk is made into butter and cheese was very interesting. Kurt explains it in a way that is easy for the reader to understand. I found it interesting how most food we buy at supermarkets are not the "real" thing. With the government regulations, commercial farmers produce with shortcuts and additives to supply food to the country. That made me rethink if my cream cheese is actually cream cheese, or if my cheese slices I make grilled cheese with are actual cheese. I enjoyed the way Kurt farmed for his own interest, but then making it into a small business. At the same time, he doesn't let the business side of it infringe on his quality of farming. I am looking forward to reading the rest of this book.