All Flesh Is Grass: The Pleasures and Promises of Pasture Farming

by Gene Logsdon

Book Overview

Amidst Mad Cow scares and consumer concerns about how farm animals are bred, fed, and raised, many farmers and homesteaders are rediscovering the traditional practice of pastoral farming. Grasses, clovers, and forbs are the natural diet of cattle, horses, and sheep, and are vital supplements for hogs, chickens, and turkeys. Consumers increasingly seek the health benefits of meat from animals raised in green paddocks instead of in muddy feedlots.

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• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0804010692
• ISBN13: 9780804010696
• Release Date: August 2004
• Publisher: Ohio University Press
• Length: 280 Pages
• Weight: 0.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.8" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Building a pasture; Rotational methods and grains to use

No one interested in building pasture with a minimum of machinery and time investment could do better than a read (and re-read) of Logsdon's book. Coming from one of the deans of sustainable farming, Logsdon concentrates on which grains and methods of rotation are the most efficient and productive for the creation of a good pasture. One important aspect of the book is the treatments given to smaller plots, as Logsdon himself has in Northern Ohio, in such a way as to maximize the length of yearly grazing for a variety of livestock. Logsdon also brings in others with whom he has shared methodologies, reporting on variations in the methodology which, nonetheless, all support a basically non-invasive, non-heavy mechanical approach to pasture health and livestock nutrition. Highly recommended.

excellent book for new(old) farming ideas!

This book is excellent for many ideas for the new farm owner and those experienced farmers willing to try something different than current ag promotes. Basicaly its everything old is new again, if youve ever read any early 20th century ag books you will see what I mean. Gene writes in a very fun and easy to digest manner, it really is like listening to your favorite uncles advice! Any way cant recommend this enough, if your lookin to get a few acres and get rolling, this is your first and best Book!

Excellent. Mind opening yet practical

I found this as one of the best books on this subject (grazing, non-conventional agriculture, small scale farming), that melded practical information with well-founded global concerns. Really made one take a hard look at 'conventional agriculture' - which by definition is not sustainable. There still may be some hope for humanity. The author has a good sense of humour, so it reads easily. If you buy only one book on this subject, you won't go wrong with this one.

This book will stir up your passion...

A compelling look at the benefits and solid argument for pasture farming. Skillfully written as if you were engaged in a friendly dialogue with an old friend, you are provided with more than an armfull of knowledge to guide you down the path of true agrarianism with respect to livestock and crop farming. I came away with a clearer sense of the merits of adhering to the natural cycle and relationship between the earth and the farmer. Most importantly, I came away with the notion that farming is best when the farmer provides an environment where the animals can work for themselves - it is more environmentally-friendly, more productive and more economical.

Grass-Fed is Best

Gene Logsdon understands what farming should have always been and still could be. The book is very focused on the cumulative health benefits that come from feeding the soil, the plants, the animals and you. He has little patience with agribusiness and is not afraid to name names. This book is a "must have" for those new to farm ownership. Pratical matters such as "cattle panels verses woven-wire fences" and stock ponds are presented in ways that integrate the farm into healthy cycles of growth and rest. A stronger section on the health benefits of raw milk would have made the section on milk and dairy from grass-fed cows more complete. But not even Gene can be expected to discuss everything. Buy it and give it to your closest farming friends.