9 Must-Read Nonfiction Books for Farmers

I’m an avid reader, and so are my boys. We are always looking for new books, and while I have discovered many agriculture-accurate books for my sons, finding books about ag for grown-ups has proven trickier. 

Many books I’ve found have been too technical for a nonfarming audience, or for farmers in a different field. I have started a collection of books I’ve found that are about agriculture and written to appeal to farmers and nonfarmers alike. Here are nine books that would be great for any personal library or Little Free Library:

“Growing Slow” by Jennifer Dukes Lee shares insights about growing up on a fifth-generation farm and how slowing down benefits the “body, heart and soul.” This is a lesson I’m constantly learning. There is also a study guide, making this an excellent read for a Bible class or book club.

“Animals in Translation” by Temple Grandin and Catherine Johnson looks at Grandin’s experience with autism and how she relates to animals and interprets their behavior. You can’t go wrong with anything written by Grandin, but this one will especially appeal to pet owners.

“An Industry Worth Fighting For” is dairy farmer Derrick Josi’s look at a working dairy operation, and the challenges that come from running a farm and people who don’t understand modern agriculture. 

“Confessions of a Counterfeit Farm Girl: A Memoir” appealed to me because I interned in the same part of Virginia where author Susan McCorkindale moved to from New York. Making the adjustment is full of humor, second-guessing oneself, and cow poop.

“No More Food Fights” by Michelle Payn looks at issues creating confusion at the grocery store. The book has sections for farmers and consumers. Her message to both groups is that in the end, we all make personal choices we should be able to talk about respectfully.

“Dear County Agent Guy” is based on Jerry Nelson’s column in a Midwest newspaper detailing his experience on the job. As a former Extension agent, I could relate to many of his tales that will leave anyone laughing. Nelson has also written many columns for Agriculture.com.

“The Legacy of the New Farmers of America” came across my radar because I know one of the coauthors, Antoine Alston. This book shares the story of a national organization for African American farm boys studying agriculture before it merged with FFA. Before this book, I didn’t know there had been separate organizations.

“The Pioneer Woman Cooks” or any cookbook by Ree Drummond shares recipes and photos from the farm. Several of her recipes are among my favorites. If you are setting up a Free Little Library at your farm’s market, this or other cookbooks written by someone on the farm will be great inspiration and may lead to extra farm purchases.

Michele Payn makes my bookshelf with another book, “Food Truths From Farm to Table.” This book looks at 25 ways we can shop for food and enjoy it without the guilt that has become so common around our choices. 

If you have any book suggestions I should add to my library, let me know!