Great insight into the farming methods of our forefathers. Very relevant information, especially now. Wish there were more people like this guy left in the world.

While the book is old, the information contained was clear and practical. While knowledge has exploded with the advent of the electron microscope the practises detailed are still applicable today though I doubt very much that people would put the physical effort in that the Hendersons did. In a lot of ways they were forerunners of the practises that Joel Salatin promotes today. Well worth the read

I found this book regularly listed among books extolled by people like Joel Salatin, Gene Logsdon, Eliot Coleman and so decided that I needed to read it too. Difficult to find. Finally stumbled upon one that didn't cost as much as the farm I hope to have and am glad I did. Basically it is the story of a young man's journey into farming in England, WW1 - WW2 era. Interesting to see the different attitudes - English/USA and also a generation or two ago to now. This man worked his way up, work being the operative word. He gained his knowledge at the hands of the experienced farmers he worked for, absorbed their teachings, sifted the wheat from the chaff (literallly & figuratively) and then started his own farm implementing what he took away from his varied work experiences. Considering the differences in the times and cultures, this isn't a treatise that will give you a step-by-step how to start up your farm here and now. But the philosophical underpinnings are worth the price of admission. There are two follow up books - Farmer's Progress and The Farming Manual, neither of which I have (yet) read. But I recently scored a used Farmer's Progress is England and am looking forward to it.

The bibliography in Eliot Coleman's book on organic gardening is as good as the book itself. Both Coleman and Joel Salatin rank this little pearl as one of their favorites. Henderson's book is an account of taking a run down farm and tripling its soil fertility with chickens, sheep, hogs, and cattle making it one of the highest per-acre yielding farms in England back during the early 1900's. His wit in castigating government subsidies and bureaucrats is as enjoyable as his farming wisdom. Though Henderson strongly advocated being abreast of the latest agricultural knowledge he also knew that many of his principles were timeless enough that his book would be around long after his death. Henderson's capacity for accomplishing his purposes, even in his teens, approached that of Solomon---the main difference being that Solomon started with unlimited gold and silver...Henderson and his brother started with a few year's experience and a well conceived plan. In fact, the two brothers proved Solomon's observation that "two are better than one, for they have a good return on their labor." Both his advice to farmers looking to hire help and to young people wanting to learn farming are alone worth the hefty price for such a small book. Many thanks to Henderson for writing it and to Coleman for recommending it.

Written in the 1930's (as I recall), so you get a little more traditional English. Great pointers and insight into how they went about Farming back in those days! This gentleman used to write for a magazine in those days, so he is a good/interesting writer. This is some old world knowledge that just isn't around much anymore, and gave me ideas to incorporate into my small farm.

A great education in a farming method that should be practiced by more farmers. These principles work for dairy, beef, and raising young stock. Applicable for today's farmer.

Great Book, very informative.

A pithy book, written in pre Second World War England. The principles covered are enduring however, and predate the current crop of "rock star" farming gurus "new ideas" by three quarters of a century.

Absolutely my cup of tea. Will read more front be author. Sad his farm got in troubles now, 80 years later.

The book was perhaps intended as a guide for people entering agriculture, but it's main fascination now is as a historical account containing many insights about farming and the countryside that should be more widely appreciated today. The author recognised the value of organic matter in the soil and the risks associated with artificial fertilisers; pieces of wisdom that were apparently forgotten in the second half of the twentieth century. It is both a good read and broadens the mind if you have an interest in rural affairs..

I read this book at the age of 12 and it led me to a career in the agricultural industry. Now in my 60th year I decided to. 're READ it and it was equally as good as when I read it in 1973. My only criticism is that now I know the area I wish George had mentioned by name his neighbours and people he dealt with by name.

His policy on mixed farming is so right yet in today's environment it is this type of farming that is under attack from the green lobby.

the farming ladder G.henderson,my husband ray,as read the book,on all about the way farming ladder works and the men were just out of this

world hard working and the things thay new about the ways of farming?? ray said it was worth the money we paid for the book.

susan steel.

Exavcty as described and very prompt service