Farmer Reflection 1

In this reflection, I will discuss the overall structure, societal pressures, and moral dilemmas of Kurt Timmermeister's Growing a Farmer: How I Learned to Live off the Land.

The Overall Structure
A great mix of technical and personal explanations made this book interesting to read because it flowed nicely and gave Kurt's experiences credibility as a businessman and farmer. This novel wasn't always chronological, which was an effective storytelling tool because it created clarity and a road map for readers.

Occasionally, this structure was unpleasant because Kurt spent multiple pages detailing the process of using bees or making vinegar. For non-farmers, these dull sections were broken up with delightful insights that the average reader could internalize, like believing in your dreams and taking strong stances on public safety issues. For me, these overarching and thought-provoking discussions were the most redeeming aspect of the novel.

Societal Pressures

When Kurt was transitioning from an urban center to a rural society, he felt pressured to assume certain roles and characteristics, so he could gain status and confidence within this rural structure. I can relate to this pressure, and watching Kurt pursue aspects of farming that he wasn't passionate about, like growing mass amounts of vegetables or spending large amounts of capital on obtaining cows, was both frustrating and a reminder to look inward for acceptance and happiness. 

In the chapter "Cows", Kurt admitted that he wanted cows because then he would be a "real farmer. Sheep and goats always had an air of hobby farm to them. Cows were farm" (98). It was refreshing to see all of these imperfect moments lead to him realizing his true passions: using homegrown foods to feed guests and make cheese. However in the moment, watching societal pressures affect his decision making was unpleasant. 

Moral Dilemmas

Kurt inserts several controversial opinions into his book including the use of plastic in farming, the slaughtering his animals, and raw milk regulations and consumption even when these morals potentially lowered his  production and income. I found these moments both thought-provoking and entertaining because they added more personality and zest to an otherwise tame story. 

Even if I did not agree with him on certain positions, I learned more about the implications of Kurt's farming techniques on society as a whole. These instances grounded Kurt's small farm into the harsh realities of production and consumption in both urban and rural centers. After reading his words, I gained further insight into my own life despite not being a farmer.