*BOOK REVIEW* The Joy of Hobby Farming

2 out of 5 stars

This is an awful read. As a matter of fact, I will probably resale this book to re-coop some of my money. I would have gave it 1 star, but there was some decent vegetable and flower gardening tips. This book is a hard read, starting out with the very basics. VERY basic, I might add. I was expecting them to tell me to insert keys into tractor ignition and turn key to start the tractor.

I had hoped from the title that I would be reading about a couple’s adventure on their farm and stories of lessons learned throughout their years. All I took from the first third of the book was a bunch of warnings and how tough it is to farm. No joy was added in the first third. The second third had vegetable and flower gardening ideas and tips. Most were very elementary, but there were a few ideas I had never heard of. Still a difficult read at this point. The last third was dedicated to telling you why you should NOT own each individual farm animal and why they should all be adopted and spayed/neutered animals if you do.

Most of the ideas and pictures that I found interesting, were neither their idea or from their farm, but instead were from other farms throughout the country. If only these other people had written the book, it might have been a joy. The title should read: The Awful Act of Buying a Hobby Farm and Actually Having to tend to it.

Now that I think about it, I think 1.5 stars is more than it deserves. Don’t waste your money or time, unless you want to give it to some city slicker to keep them out of the rural lifestyle. Awful.

*BOOK REVIEW* Storey's Guide to Raising Rabbits

This is the first of many book reviews to come. I will rate on a 5 star system, with 5 being a "must read", and 1 being a "don't even thumb through it". A blogger that I subscribed to (Brooks Hobby Farm)  advised me on books to read when I first started into this adventure. I took heed of the advise and asked Santa for many of her recommendations. Her advise: Any of the Storey's books that fit your intentions. Storey's Guide to Raising Rabbits is where I started, after all, you have to start somewhere. Knowledge is truly power.

5 out of 5 stars.
This book is a must read if you think you may or are pursuing raising rabbits. This is not a "how to" book for the soft, fluffy, gentle named pet in the corner of the living room. This book is written strictly on a farm supply basis, mostly meat. It details from beginning to end what to expect and how to plan to be successful in your endeavor. It starts out telling you how to set up your rabbitry, select the right breeding stock, maintain your breeding stock, selling any rabbits you wish, and eating the rest. The book is very well written and an easy read.
Any questions you have as far as the book is concerned, I will answer promptly.

New Year = New Post

Where did December go? As a matter of fact, where did September, October, and November go? 2011 was such a blur and went by way too quickly. Life became busy and no time was left for the farm. 2012 will NOT be that way. Time to focus and get back on track.

Santa brought me tons of reading material. I guess I was a good boy after all. I am excited to start reading and learning things that I have yet to discover. I will write a book review on each book I read. I have already finished one and will start on the review shortly.

Our garden got started a little earlier than I had hoped. My son received a science experiment for Christmas which resulted in the planting of seeds. Since we were already planting seeds, why not plant a few more eh? We have decided to do raised, wide rowed beds for our garden. Our soil is not conducive to draining, plus raised beds look nicer. Time to start saving money for landscape timbers and building massive rows.

Here's to a prosperous and happy 2012!