Growing a Farmer

How I Learned to Live Off the Land

By: Kurt Timmermeister

Narrated by: Ax Norman

Length: 9 hrs and 26 mins

Publisher's summary

When he purchased four acres of land on Vashon Island, Kurt Timmermeister was only looking for an affordable home near the restaurants he ran in Seattle. But as he slowly settled into his new property, he became awakened to the connection between what he ate and where it came from: a hive of bees provided honey, a young cow could give fresh milk, an apple orchard allowed him to make vinegar. With refreshing honesty, Timmermeister details the initial stumbles and subsequent realities he faced as he established a profitable farm for himself. Personal yet practical, Growing a Farmer will entirely recast the way we think about our relationship to the food we consume.

©2011 Kurt Timmermeister (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Charming . . . . [Kurt Timmermeister] narrates his personal journey with an open, straightforward spirit." (Wall Street Journal)

So you want to be a farmer?

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. The author's journey from an urban restaurant owner to an accomplished small farmer over a number of years is a story worth reading (or hearing).

What other book might you compare Growing a Farmer to and why?

Most books about small farming are not memoirs, but "how to" books, so it is hard to compare. Carla Emery's Encyclopedia of Country Living, which is part memoir, might come close.

Which scene was your favorite?

There were not really "scenes", but the author's descriptions of the habits of the various animals he has raised are interesting.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No. For one thing, it is too long for that. For another, too much information at one time is hard to absorb. I did listen to it consistently and was never bored.

Any additional comments?

Yes. About 20 years ago I was able to acquire my present residence and 6 acres from a "don't wanter." I didn't really know what to do with it, but began to plant vegetables (primarily tomatoes). Today, I plant a variety of vegetables including many heirloom tomato varieties. This book really struck a chord with me as the author related his progress through various experiences growing vegetables and fruits and raising farm animals, actually making a living from his endeavors. Although I have occasionally thought about raising animals, I have concluded that it would require too much time and dedication. His description of raising the animals to provide eggs and dairy products, through actual slaughter for meat, were detailed and fascinating. They also reinforced my conclusion that I'm not really cut out for that level of commitment. I did appreciate his concept of the "50 year plan," making gradual improvements year by year, and like to think I do that myself.

I also gave 5 stars for the narrator, who sounded as if he might have been the actual author.

Growing a Farmer

loved this book.
Entertaining and easy to listen to. Really honest about challenges and triumphs of farm life.

Uninspired and Mianndering

There really is no story here, no central theme, no thread that carries you from start to finish. Rather this is an odd miss mosh of how to (kind of), some history, some general cooking information, some vague farming information. All in all uninspiring and not especially informative.

The narration is mostly flat except for one brief narrative toward the end where the death of a lamb is described in a very emotional way.

Not much to see here.

Arrogant and ignorant all at the same time

I did not enjoy listening to the story. The fact that the author continued to base his actions on his assumptions after learning time and again that his instincts were poor was simply too frustrating.

He didn't seem to care about the wasted resources of his folly and the sometimes he appeared extremely uncaring toward the creatures which relied on him.

Most people simply can't afford to screw up so much. And intelligent people ask questions when they don't know something. They don't behave like impulsive teenagers doing what they want to do because they can especially when they are responsible for the lives of animals.

The author ran out of stories...

This book could have been a short story. He bought a property then he bought some cows... done... ..
There was about an hour talking about cheese.... No, no not how to make it... just about the different types of cheese....
Buy Growing Ground.. Much, much, much better...

A good book

I enjoyed the whole book each chapter talking about each segment of the land and the animals. If you like to homestead or farm this is a good beginner book. Lots of inspiration and motivation.

Not what I expected, but decent.

Not what I expected, but decent.

beyond that, I really have nothing more to add. But I'm required to have 15 words.

Whiny Liberal

Great book, listening to it for the second time, but the parts where he whines about not feeling safe in a conservative environment... give me a break. I live in a very podunk pro-Trump area, and while I don't like the orangutan, people here are generally awesome. It's the Liberal Karen's we have to worry about nowadays.

excellent

the story is great, the ideology is inspiring. thank you for writing this book kurt.

A perfect blend of farming and food!

Both interesting and informative, the author dives into the process he went through to create a beautiful self, sustaining farm within reach of downtown Seattle. Different chapters on vegetables, sheep, livestock, chickens, both the raising and preparing of them. If you love food and enjoy the process of where good food comes from, this book is a winner!