Small-Scale Grain Raising

Small-Scale Grain Raising is a comprehensive guide for farmers and homesteaders who want to grow grains on a small plot of land. The book covers cultivation methods for corn, wheat, rye, oats, barley, sorghum, and other grains. Logsdon presents practical instructions for planting, harvesting, processing, and storing grains, with specific guidance for both hand tools and small machinery. The text includes details about soil preparation, pest management, and crop rotation strategies that work for plots ranging from backyard gardens to small fields. The book features case studies of successful small-scale grain operations and contains tables, diagrams, and photographs to illustrate key concepts. Each grain type has its own chapter with region-specific recommendations and troubleshooting advice. This manual serves as both a practical handbook and a testament to the possibility of local, sustainable grain production in an era of industrial agriculture. The text makes a case for the economic and environmental benefits of small-scale grain raising while remaining grounded in real-world applications.

Readers describe this as a practical manual for small-scale grain growing, with detailed instructions for crops like corn, wheat, and buckwheat. Readers highlight: - Clear explanations of tools and techniques - Personal anecdotes that make concepts relatable - Good balance of technical detail and beginner accessibility - Specific information on storage and processing - Coverage of both human and animal feed applications Common criticisms: - Some dated equipment recommendations - Limited coverage of organic methods - Northeast US focus limits relevance for other regions - More photos would help illustrate concepts Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 4.3/5 (89 ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (124 ratings) One reader noted: "The section on corn alone is worth the price." Another mentioned: "Would have liked more detail on threshing equipment alternatives for small plots." The 2nd edition (2009) addresses some outdated content from the original 1977 version.

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🌾 Gene Logsdon was nicknamed "The Contrary Farmer" for his opposition to industrial agriculture and his advocacy for small-scale, sustainable farming methods. 🌾 The book was first published in 1977 but was extensively updated in 2009 to include modern techniques and varieties, making it relevant for both traditional and contemporary farmers. 🌾 Before becoming a farming author, Logsdon worked as a professional journalist and magazine editor, which helped him develop the clear, engaging writing style that makes complex agricultural topics accessible to beginners. 🌾 The grain-raising methods described in the book can be practiced on as little as one acre of land, proving that you don't need a large farm to grow your own grains. 🌾 Logsdon practiced what he preached, successfully growing various grains on his 32-acre farm in Upper Sandusky, Ohio, where he lived and worked until his death in 2016.