Joel Salatin, 2007

Although Polyface farm has been glowingly featured in countless national print and video media, it would not exist if the USDA and the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services had their way. From a lifetime of noncompliance, frustration, humor, and passion come the behind-the-scenes real stories that have brought this little family farm into the forefront of the non-industrial food system.

Asked recently where he thought America's food system was on a continuum of history, Joel Salatin responded: “We're at Wounded Knee. For all the foodie fluff and eco-local buzz, in the final analysis the imbedded, heritage, transparent, truthful food system is in danger of annihilation. The Seventh Cavalry wears blue pinstriped suits and sits in posh government office buildings. The Native Americans are farmers trying to heal their land, their neighbors, and their food.”

Using the stories as a springboard to the broader philosophical issues surrounding food choice and entrepreneurship, Joel comes across as both evangelist and lover. You may not agree with all of his conclusions, but this book will force you to think about things that most people didn't even know existed. 338 pp.