In this reflection of Kurt Timmermeister's Growing a Farmer: How I Learned to Live off the Land, I will discuss my thoughts on the chapters “The Slaughter” and “Butchering” as well as his future goals.
“The Slaughter” and “Butchering”
These chapters were tough to read. I appreciate Timmermeister's ability to discuss the less glamorous aspects of farming. Many pro-farming documentaries conveniently gloss over. But this fact didn’t make reading the details of slaughtering and butchering- the animals that he raised- any more enjoyable. I am torn between appreciating his intentions and wishing that this process didn't last for 25 pages.
Future Goals
Timmermeister’s main goal, like most farmers, “is to sell enough food to pay the bills so that a job in the city is no longer necessary” (p 282). He shares the struggle that most citizens face: getting money. But I find it interesting that his goal is not excessive. Kurt’s never says that he wants to get rich off of his land. This is a rare sentiment to read in a business class.
I believe that Timmermeister's sentiments stem from a community mindset. His limits his consumption, and his choices are environmentally focused . I enjoyed reading this business man's perspective because he was not recklessly greedy. He made choices that benefited him, but he also sacrificed potential profits to protect his community. This book was a refreshing reminder that working towards your goals do not have to be a selfish journey.
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