Omnivore's Dilemma

My sister has been reading, and raving, about a book called, "Omnivore's Delimma". She is going to lend it to me when she is finished - and I can't wait. From what I can tell about it, it is just the type of philosophy that would suit me.

The book talks about the truth of "Free Range" and "Organic" products, and well as the benefits of buying locally, how there is corn in just about everything you eat because there was a surplus at some point and the government had to find ways to use it. It also goes in depth about a farm that has a very inovative and practical approach to farming - in fact this farm will have a documentary done about it soon.

I am sure some of you reading have already heard of Poly Face Farms. The gentleman who runs this farm has deviced a completely self sufficient, and non-wasteful way of farming that is so simple, I am surprised other's haven't done it prior to him. He rotates his crops and live stock. He starts with a grassy field, lets te cows in so they can graze at will. They clear the field of grass and leave their droppings and then get moved to another field. The next step - he brings in the chickens. They eat the maggots out of the manure, and then leave thier droppings until they are moved on to the next field - and so on until he has an excellent compost, or fertilizer that can be tilled and made into cash crops. Amazing isn't it! From what he says - it takes excellent planning, a firm understanding of all of your livestock and crops, and timing. Here is the great thing - he takes in apprentices (or something like that - I can't think of the right word here) and teaches all of them how to farm his way - then they move on to start thier own farms, using the skills they have learned. Just imagine the possibilities!

And like the herb book - I found it at Amazon for you if you are interested.