Growing a Farmer Part 2
The first half of the book I felt like Kurt was explaining in great detail the steps it took to do certain things in what then would lead to becoming or "growing" into a great farmer. Now as I have read the second half of the novel, I have come to realize that Kurt metamorphs into an expert where "every year [he becomes] a bit better at working the land, a bit more efficient, and the farm’s production tends to increase, but the weather often plays a large role and crops fail (pg. 526)”. Every chapter is merely an explanation but rather an educational learning experience and testament that proves to both himself and the reader that "growing food can be profitable," inspiring to "work harder, producing more and better [product]" while "improving the productivity of the pastures"(pg.509).
I wouldn't necessarily say "The Slaughter" was my favorite chapter, however it definitely stood out the most to me. I think it's because the idea of a slaughter house remind me of my grandfather, whom I was very close with, worked for Farmer John's slaughter house in Vernon, CA. Growing up my father would tell me of the stories he told him of his time there and I had just learned so much in school and through my grandfather about the conditions and repercussions of this job. There are many physical repercussions and physical impacts from slaughtering game. He too had to slaughter pigs and animals like my grandfather, however reading this chapter made me think of the morality of it. I thought it was incredibly interesting to see Kurt explain the process but also have a sincere ethical way of killing the animals. It made me feel a little better than the slaughter house my grandpa worked in. I also thought the second half of the book highlighted Kurt's character and made a social comment on how our society should be a little more curious and scrutinize where we derive our food. He always claimed to be "stubborn" but I felt like he was very controlling. Although it seems liked he did so to maintain the integrity of food to the plate and maintain a level of sustainability, I felt like he wanted to have control over the process because he didn't trust the source and ethics over how food and produced is mass produced in society today.
Overall, I enjoyed this short read and have recommended it to three people already. I found it incredibly inspiring to know a man who was almost my age created this whole business and was fearless enough to undergo a career and lifestyle change. I looked how much detail he went into and describes the process. Although many people might feel a sense of appreciation now after reading this, I feel otherwise and feel a sense of admiration for the time, effort and knowledge of farmers. As a Latina I was always familiar with farming rights learning about Cesar Chavez in the second grade and driving by the pastures to visit my uncle in Carpenteria. But to actually read about it gave me a better understanding and the beauty and inspiration that if Kurt can do it, so could I.
I wouldn't necessarily say "The Slaughter" was my favorite chapter, however it definitely stood out the most to me. I think it's because the idea of a slaughter house remind me of my grandfather, whom I was very close with, worked for Farmer John's slaughter house in Vernon, CA. Growing up my father would tell me of the stories he told him of his time there and I had just learned so much in school and through my grandfather about the conditions and repercussions of this job. There are many physical repercussions and physical impacts from slaughtering game. He too had to slaughter pigs and animals like my grandfather, however reading this chapter made me think of the morality of it. I thought it was incredibly interesting to see Kurt explain the process but also have a sincere ethical way of killing the animals. It made me feel a little better than the slaughter house my grandpa worked in. I also thought the second half of the book highlighted Kurt's character and made a social comment on how our society should be a little more curious and scrutinize where we derive our food. He always claimed to be "stubborn" but I felt like he was very controlling. Although it seems liked he did so to maintain the integrity of food to the plate and maintain a level of sustainability, I felt like he wanted to have control over the process because he didn't trust the source and ethics over how food and produced is mass produced in society today.
Overall, I enjoyed this short read and have recommended it to three people already. I found it incredibly inspiring to know a man who was almost my age created this whole business and was fearless enough to undergo a career and lifestyle change. I looked how much detail he went into and describes the process. Although many people might feel a sense of appreciation now after reading this, I feel otherwise and feel a sense of admiration for the time, effort and knowledge of farmers. As a Latina I was always familiar with farming rights learning about Cesar Chavez in the second grade and driving by the pastures to visit my uncle in Carpenteria. But to actually read about it gave me a better understanding and the beauty and inspiration that if Kurt can do it, so could I.
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