A Bold Return to Giving a Damn

One Farm, Six Generations, and the Future of Food

By: Will Harris

Narrated by: Will Harris

Length: 10 hrs and 23 mins

Publisher's summary

"If I could have one wish it is that every eater in America would read this book."—Ruth Reichl

From a pioneer of the regenerative agriculture movement, a memoir-meets-manifesto on betting the farm on a better future for our food, animals, land, local communities, and our climate

Raised as a fourth-generation farmer, when Will Harris inherited White Oak Pastures he was a full-time commodity cowboy who played hard and fast with every tool the system offered–chemicals, antibiotics, steroids, and more. His ancestors had built a highly profitable, conventionally run machine, but over time he found himself disgusted with the excess, cruelty, and smalltown devastation this system entailed. So he bet the farm on forging a different way of doing things. One that works with nature not against it, and bridges the quickly widening delta between consumers and their food. Armed with tenacity, conviction and an outsized tolerance for risk, Harris called his approach “radical traditional” and it made him the pioneer of regenerative agriculture long before the phrase existed.

At once an intimate, multi-generational memoir and a microcosm of American agriculture at large, A BOLD RETURN TO GIVING A DAMN offers a pathway back to producing food the right way. At a time when food supply chains are straining, climate-induced catastrophes are playing havoc with harvests, and concern around who owns America’s farmland are more prescient than ever, Will Harris urges us to consider where the food we eat really comes from, and to re-connect to the places and people who raise what we eat each day. With keen storytelling, a good dose of irreverence, and an unflinching willingness to speak truth to power, Harris shows us why it’s never been more important to know your farmer than now.

Featured in Food and Country directed by Laura Gabbert and Ruth Reichl

©2023 Will Harris (P)2023 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"There’s a lot to like about the book — Harris’s cheeky sense of humor, for one. And his exploration of his family’s roots, their sacrifices and hard-earned victories...But it’s Harris’s dogged insistence on explaining the hidden costs of the “abhorrently cheap food”...that makes the book so necessary."—The Washington Post

"A Bold Return to Giving a Damn is more than a memoir—it is a full exploration of the history of food production in this country, with all its beautiful and ugly aspects. It’s the education we all need to embrace."—NY Journal of Books

"A solution-based offering from a Georgia farmer who has practiced regenerative agriculture for over three decades...Throughout, Harris pushes readers to have the courage to give a damn about the future. Two of his adult daughters came back home to farm; inspired readers will want to join them."—Booklist

A must read!

I laughed, cried and laughed again! Will is an amazing story teller with a lot of great information to share! The story of his farm and his family is incredibly inspiring! This is a must read for anyone who cares about their health and the beautiful country we live in! Thank you Mr Harris, I can’t wait to listen to the book again and hopefully soon will be able to bring my grandsons down to Bluffton!!!! Great title too, truly says it all!!!

Eye opening

I feel we all deep down kind of know our food chain is broken. I love that not only does this book really point out the real problem, but shows us the light and how we can make the change if only we gave a damn. Truly inspiring how one family is standing up to the broken status quo.

Nailed it

For someone just learning the ideas of regenerative agriculture, or for someone who has the feeling that something in our food system is on the verge of disaster, I don't know if there is a better place to start. This man embodies every side of the discussion and his story is beautiful and encouraging. This is the future of a healthy planet. Step 1.

The clear explanation of the disaster our food production is in and how it can be repaired.

Will presents his points in a down to earth and homey manner interspersed with humor and a high degree of knowledge of the subject. Hope I can visit his ranch one day. You are on the right path, Mr Harris.

Amazing book by an incredible man Will Harris

This book by Will Harris is an inspiring journey from conventional agriculture to sustainable farming, offering valuable insights into the food industry. Harris, a true cowboy at heart, provides a firsthand account of the pitfalls of big agriculture and the importance of understanding where our food comes from. His honesty about his past involvement in factory farming and his commitment to change are commendable. The book sheds light on the unhealthy practices of the big food industry, from animal mistreatment to the use of harmful chemicals.

Harris's transition to sustainable farming is not just a personal story but a call to action for all Americans to rethink their food choices. His farm, White Oak Pastures, exemplifies the benefits of regenerative farming, producing meat that is not only delicious but also nutritious. After reading this book, I've made the conscious decision to support local, grass-fed farms like White Oak Pastures, knowing that the animals are treated humanely and the meat is of superior quality. Supporting regenerative farms not only benefits our health but also contributes to a more sustainable future. Will Harris's story is not just about farming; it's about making a positive impact on our food system and the environment. The food we buy from White Oak Pastures is so much better the it’s really not an option for us to buy from big chains anymore. It a staple in our household. We also buy eggs & pork from local farms near our home in San Diego & the quality of the food is so much more delicious it’s mind blowing. I wish I would’ve purchased this way and supported local farms and White Oak Pastures years ago but I’m glad we are now. Its never too late to make better decisions & it just happens to be better for the environment which is always a plus.

It was eye opening!

This is a great book and I would encourage anyone to read, or listen to, if you care about what you put on your families table and in their bodies.

Did not dissappoint

This is a must read for anyone interested in regenerative ag.

I am a new farmer and rancher and have been reading all i can on the topic and Will is clearly one of the leading voices in this movement.

Informative and Engaging

Great insights and provides alternatives to the climate alarmists war on cows. Will also needs to narrate classic books like Of Mice and Men, Grapes, and Old Man and the Sea. I would buy all of those.

The future of food!

Love hearing Mr. Will tell his own story of his farm, the evolution of the current food system and the bright light at the end of the tunnel. This is a must listen/read for all eaters who care about a resilient food system that will last till the end of humanity.

Feels like a personal Bible

Absolutely amazing book of your into the reasons why regenerative ag is so important!! I recommend this to everyone who cares about food or the environment.