My husband, a voracious reader, says Beth Hoffman's book, BET THE FARM, is the best book he's read all year. And that's not just Sh*t Richard says.
It gives you a perspective on agriculture and addresses what the author calls two myths: 'bigger is better' and the ‘agrarian myth' that farmers are rugged individualists who will always be there for us.
Wait, dear urban subscriber, don't blow this column off because you don't care about agriculture. We are intricately tied to what's going on around us, from water quality to prices in the grocery store.
If you care about the nation's security, you want to understand how fragile the agricultural industry is.
Hoffman's book reminded Richard of Malcolm Gladwell's writing (BLINK, THE TIPPING POINT, and other best-sellers). Richard says he doesn't think even Gladwell could have done what Beth has done to explain present-day agriculture's policies.
In his early career, Richard was editor of the Iowa REC News, sent to all members of the Rural Cooperatives of Iowa, and was editor of two Iowa newspapers located in rural Iowa. And, he grew up on a farm in Seymour, Ia.
Hoffman points out that even with massive government subsidies, most farms are barely profitable.
Beth Hoffman left a successful career as a journalist covering agriculture and as a professor in San Francisco to move to Lovilla, Ia., to 'put into practice what she had learned over decades of reporting on food and agriculture.' She and her husband now work the farm that has been in his family for five generations.
Hoffman will appear at Beaverdale Books tonight at 6:30 p.m.
For more on the author: https://beaverdalebooks.com/event/meet-the-author-beth-hoffman/
We had the good fortune of meeting Beth Hoffman a few weeks ago when she appeared at the Okoboji Writers' Retreat. The attendees who worked with her in small group sessions were wowed and felt they were better writers for the experience.
I'm dashing off this column to let you know about the event tonight on the occasion of the launch of BET THE FARM.
ALSO: You can purchase beef from their farm. The following is a note from Hoffman:
Whippoorwill Creek Farm has grass fed, grass finished beef available for sale now! We offer whole, half or quarter animals, so if you are looking for excellent quality, healthy beef, with great flavor (see the comments from our past customers, below) look no further.
Our price for a whole animal is 3.50 per pound, half is 3.65 per pound, the quarter is 3.85 per pound, plus processing fees. All pricing is based on hanging weight (after the head, hide, feet and entrails are removed). You will likely take home anywhere from 250 to 350 lbs of meat for a half-animal (depending on what parts you decide to keep, i.e., bones, heart, liver, etc.).
You will get the best information on processing fees from Milo Locker; you can see the website here or give them a call at 641-942-6231. They have been accommodating in the past when working with us. If you still have questions after talking with the locker, feel free to give me a call, and I may be able to explain things better.
About John - He is a trained chef and butcher with 20 years of combined experience working in San Francisco and now is the cattle and goat rancher at Whippoorwill Creek Farm. He is happy to work with you to get the cuts you want and to help you with recipes.
Thanks,
John and Beth
641.891.4950
johnbutcherman@gmail.com
And, thank YOU, Beth and John,
Julie