Cows Save the Planet: And Other Improbable Ways of Restoring Soil to Heal the Earth

Good but Boring

Cows Save the Planet: And Other Improbable Ways of Restoring Soil to Heal the Earth by Judith D. Schwartz

Unfortunately cows have been unjustly blamed for global warming. I prepared myself to enjoy a refreshing book about all the good cows can do for the planet if they are raised in a natural grazing environment vs. a factory farm. While the book contains a lot of useful information the author lacks at keeping the reader engaged. Books like this are normally page turners for a folks such as myself. I run a small Eco-Farm. I understand the importance of healthy soil & healthy animals. Not over grazing or under grazing land. Crop rotation etc. I wasn't expecting this book to be full of new to me information, but I still expected to come away from it with some new ideas to add to my own farming & to re-enforce knowledge I already have.

While I do not consider this book a bad book; it's not, it's just boring. There are other books that are somewhat similar in nature that are far more entertaining. Entertaining books make for an easier & enjoyable read. They also make for a memorable one. I highly recommend Holy Shit: Managing Manure to Save Mankind by Gene Logsdon. Holy Shit is mostly about the benefits of all types of manure yet it is also about the soil which is what Cows Save The Planet is about.

Cows Save the Planet discusses why we must have healthy soils to have healthy nutrient rich foods that in turn nourish animals & humans alike. Cause & effect. The author believes that if we can return our soil to good health we can then reduce global warming. She warns of the dangers of Genetically Modified foods being planted, chemical fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides & the damages they have done.

Virginia farmer & author Joel Salatin's practices are a fine example of the positive effects of sustainable farming. He has written several books on the topic of farming & grazing that you may find rather enjoyable.

Overall 'Cows Save the Planet' is a good book, but be prepared to yawn & drift off a lot.

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