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, 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 the importance of hard work, encouragement, and a can-do attitude to secure a way forward for future generations.

Format: Hardback
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 skills 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 memories, vividly captured in the book, transport readers back to a bygone era in the countryside and on the farm. Throughout his journey, lifelong learning emerges as a central theme, with opportunities for both educational pursuits and travel through the Young Farmers Club providing insightful glimpses into farming practices in the United Kingdom and the United States during the 1950s.

Back on Red House Farm, David Black faces the everyday challenges and responsibilities that come with transitioning 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. Gradually, the diverse array of crops grown is streamlined, yet the book offers valuable insights into various farming techniques, such as harnessing horses, draining land, cultivating virus-free strawberry plants, and creating fields of tulips, peonies, cocksfoot, and fescue.

Pigs play a significant role in the family business, and the evolution of suitable feed mixes, pig housing, breeding, and outdoor rearing, seamlessly integrated with cereal production and milling on the farm, is thoroughly explored. The book also delves into changes to field sizes, farm buildings, and the provision of housing for farm workers, accompanied by numerous interesting anecdotes.

The importance of sharing knowledge and fostering cooperation with other farmers, both formally and informally, is underscored throughout the narrative. The author expresses profound admiration for the contributions of others but remains modest in his own achievements.

Born to Farm is a testament to the resilience, determination, and unwavering spirit of farmers who have weathered the storms of change and embraced the opportunities that lie ahead. It serves as a valuable resource for anyone interested in agriculture, history, or the human journey of perseverance and growth.

Weight: 592g
Dimension: 160 x 237 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781839759918