Includes bibliographical references (pages 237-255).
Contents:
The simple life? -- Land rich, cash poor -- The land of corn and cattle -- The price of sustainability -- Privilege to farm -- Money matters -- What about subsidies? -- The cattle runaround -- Keeping up with the Joneses -- Everybody does it - off the farm -- A new narrative -- Self-care is key -- Co-farming and community -- Sharing the pie -- People and policy --- Meanwhile, back at the ranch.
Summary:
"In her late 40s, Beth Hoffman decided to upend her comfortable life as a professor and journalist to move to her husband's family ranch in Iowa-all for the dream of becoming a farmer. There was just one problem: money. Half of America's two million farms made less than $300 in 2019, and many struggle just to stay afloat. Bet the Farm chronicles this struggle through Beth's eyes. She must contend with her father-in-law, who is reluctant to hand over control of the land. Growing oats is good for the environment but ends up being very bad for the wallet, and finding somewhere, in the midst of COVID, to slaughter grass finished beef is a nightmare. If Beth can't make it, how can farmers who confront racism, lack access to land, or don't have other jobs to fall back on hack it? Bet the Farm is a first-hand account of the perils of farming today and a personal exploration of more just and sustainable ways of producing food"-- Provided by publisher.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.