My Rural Mom friend suggested to me…
Farm Guides for Embracing Sustainability!
Topping our list is a book no rural bookshelf should be without. The Encyclopedia of Country Living, 40th Anniversary Edition
is an enchanting book chock full of crazy-good information you will turn to over and over again!
First written at the height of the 1960s back-to-the-land movement, the book has been continually revised, updated, and expanded, and has grown from a self-published, mimeographed document to an exhaustive reference of more than one million words, 2,000+ recipes, and over 1,500 mail order sources.
This incredibly detailed, diverse reference is as enjoyable as it is useful. Practical, step-by-step advice on basic self-sufficiency skills such as how to cultivate a garden, buy land, bake bread, raise farm animals, make sausage, milk a goat, grow herbs, churn butter, build a chicken coop, cook on a wood stove, and much, much more. An ideal gift for everyone on your holiday shopping list!
Other Fabulous Farm Titles for your Rural Bookshelf to consider:
The Chicken Encyclopedia is a fully illustrated reference containing absolutely everything you want to know and need to know about our fine-feathered farm friends. From addled to wind egg, crossed back to zygote, if it concerns chickens, it’s covered.
Chickophiles will find breed descriptions; definitions of the most common conditions, situations, characteristics, and behaviors of chickens; and a whole lot more.
With 
The Backyard Homestead Guide to Raising Farm Animals even urban and suburban residents can successfully raise chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, rabbits, goats, sheep, cows, pigs, and honey bees. It’s easier than you think, and it can be done on small plots of land.
This essential guide covers everything from selecting the right breeds to producing delicious fresh milk, cheese, honey, eggs, and meat. Whether you want to be more self-sufficient, save money, or just enjoy safer, healthier, more delicious animal products, you’ll find all the information you need.
Disclosure: We often receive advance reading copies of books for review and choose to share the best of the best with you. All thoughts and opinions are that of Rural Mom.
