Radical Farm
Animals, Food and Our Future
by Abey Rae Scaglione

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As a species, we have perhaps never been so confused about what to eat. The ethical, environmental, and health-related impacts of our diets are hot topics of discussion, with plant-based lifestyles often touted as the best way forward. But what if the opposite is true? What if animal agriculture is not only beneficial but necessary to ensure the health of our soil, ourselves, and our food system? Part memoir, part homesteading guide, Radical Farm argues this is the case. Drawing on a wealth of research and hands-on experience, author and farmer/rancher Abey Rae Scaglione recounts how her and her family make their living and their life raising animals and growing crops on a heritage farm on Salt Spring Island. Along the way, she argues compellingly for the need for a return to local, regenerative farming practices, setting the record straight on common arguments against meat-eating and highlighting the need for animal agriculture because of animals’ vital relationship with the soil (and the plant foods grown from it). The best way to support animal welfare, she argues, is not by opting out of animal agriculture altogether, but by supporting farms demonstrating good management. Radical Farm is also a guide to the basics of sustainably raising animals and growing plants. With information on cattle, sheep, chickens, turkeys and gardening, this book also includes instructions on how to use and preserve food. With information on canning, fermenting and cheesemaking, as well as plenty of real food recipes, this book is for anyone wanting to take back control of the food they eat. Informative and thoughtful, it is sure to make a welcome addition to the bookshelves of anyone interested in self-sufficiency, sustainability, and our modern food system.

radicalfarmbook.com

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"Abey has done a masterful job of encapsulating how agriculture and food have moved from the time proven knowledge of working with nature to striving against nature.  In her insightful analysis of the situation, she weaves together the need for farming in a way that utilizes livestock to promote intact and diverse ecosystems.  We do not have to have agriculture or ecosystem diversity when we can have agriculture and functioning ecosystems coexisting." — Allen R. Williams, PhD. Founding Partner of Understanding Ag and Regenified "Radical Farm is a must read for anyone who has an interest in taking charge of their own health. By taking an active role in producing your own food, you can make a positive impact on not only your own health, but the health of our planet. Abey shows us how!" — Gabe Brown Regenerative pioneer and author of Dirt to Soil "This book is not some agrarian daydream – but a most eloquent expression of why we need to challenge our current food system and a how-to guide that covers all the angles of a truly regenerative agriculture. Seasoned farmer Abey Rae Scaglione shows us why we need to honor and respect the animals that feed us best, how to prepare the most nourishing food from their milk and their meat, and even how to grow a bountiful garden with their poop. She illuminates how our good work sustains both our soil and ourselves." — David Asher Author of Milk Into Cheese & The Art of Natural Cheesemaking "If you care about the future, put Radical Farm at the top of your book pile. Open this book, open your mind, and your heart is sure to follow. Equal parts manifesto, toolkit, and love letter, Radical Farm will lead you home." — Lierre Keith Author of The Vegetarian Myth: Food, Justice, and Sustainability "In this time of climate crisis, many people think that animals shouldn’t play a role in how we feed ourselves. Radical Farm makes a compelling case for wise animal husbandry as an essential part of agriculture. Written from Ruckle Farm, one of the most productive and oldest farms in British Columbia, Abey’s book is rich with information for utmost sustainability and resilience. A most useful, inspiring and important work!" — Dan Jason Owner of Salt Spring Seeds and founder of The Seed Sanctuary

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Abey Rae Scaglione raises sheep, cattle, turkeys, and chickens, as well as grows vegetables, fruit and medicinal plants at Ruckle Heritage Farm on Salt Spring Island in British Columbia, Canada. She lives with her family, two cats and two dogs—where sometimes bottle-fed lambs and poultry chicks can be found running around in the house. You can visit her website at www.radicalfarmbook.com.

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Abey Rae Scaglione