Born to Farm

Born to Farm is an absorbing and fascinating autobiography that chronicles the enormous changes in farming over the past 90 years, as seen through the eyes of one of the participants. The author's enthusiasm and quest for knowledge, 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 book explores the evolution of crops, pig housing, breeding, and outdoor rearing, as well as changes to field sizes, farm buildings, and housing for farm workers. It also highlights the value of sharing knowledge and cooperation with other farmers and explores family life and village life. The author's hard work, encouragement of others, and can-do attitude have laid the foundation for a secure future for future generations.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 24 March 2022
Publisher: Grosvenor House Publishing Ltd

Born to Farm is a captivating autobiography that delves into the profound transformations that have occurred in farming over the past ninety years, as experienced firsthand by one of the participants. The author's unwavering enthusiasm, insatiable thirst for knowledge, ingenious creativity, and practical expertise have allowed him to not only keep pace with the ever-evolving world but also successfully nurture and expand the family farming enterprise in Suffolk.

The author's early recollections of the 1930s and his school days transport readers back to a bygone era, evoking a nostalgic charm of the countryside and the farm. Throughout the book, the theme of lifelong learning emerges, with opportunities for learning and exploration showcased through the Young Farmers Club. The author humorously describes these experiences, providing insights into farming practices in both the United Kingdom and the United States during the 1950s.

Back on Red House Farm, David Black faces the everyday challenges and responsibilities of a farmer, gradually evolving from a dogsbody to a decision-maker. Problem-solving is an integral part of a farmer's life, and no aspect of the business escapes the author's meticulous attention and scrutiny. As the farm's crop variety expands, the author delves into various techniques, such as harnessing horses, draining land, cultivating virus-free strawberry plants, and creating fields of tulips, peonies, cocksfoot, and fescue. The integration of pigs into the family business is also explored, encompassing the development of suitable feed mixes, pig housing, breeding, and outdoor rearing, all seamlessly integrated with cereal production and milling on the farm.

The book comprehensively covers changes to field sizes, farm buildings, and the provision of housing for farm workers, accompanied by numerous interesting anecdotes. It emphasizes the value of sharing knowledge and fostering cooperation with other farmers, both formally and informally. The author's admiration for the contributions of others is evident, yet he remains modest about his own achievements.

Born to Farm is a testament to the resilience, adaptability, and determination of farmers, showcasing their unwavering commitment to their craft and the land they cherish. It serves as a valuable resource for anyone interested in agriculture, history, or the enduring spirit of rural communities.

Weight: 364g
Dimension: 151 x 228 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781839759314