BeeCharmer’s Buzz

I bought this book at the college bookstore. It was a “suggested reading” title for a class I am not even taking. Again my geekiness shows through as I bought allthe suggested reading for all classes starting with HORT, AG or CROPS. 

The first part of this book begins with explaining the “hows” and “whys” of government sponsored corn subsidies then attempts to follow one farmer’s field corn through the food system chain that leads to our dinner tables. I am only a quarter the way through this book and I can already tell you that I love, love, love it. It’s well written and easy to follow for the non-agriculturists and non-food scientists among us.

It takes a look at how corn is fed to the livestock (which goes against the cow’s natural diet) we eat and in every conceivable processed food we buy at the grocery store. So far it eludes to a connection between cheap surplus corn and our growing obesity problem in the US. Absolutely fascinating.

I was so inspired in the first 116 pages that I placed an order with our local beyond-organic meat producers. Grass fed beef, no antibiotics or hormones and pork with a vegetarian diet consisting of forage and not feed corn. I pick up my order on the 15th. What am I going to do with all the conventionally grown meat I have in the freezer? I suppose I could give it away, but alas I am too cheap for that. Meat is expensive. I guess I better wait to educate Honey and the kiddos until after the frezer is empty. I will just have to think happy thoughts and try to ignore the fact that I am eating….well…… I’m not exactly sure what. I just know it isn’t good and isn’t good for me. Ugh.

If you are interested in organics, sustainability, agricultural activism, let me know- I have tons of book and website recommendations.

 **Update** I am now half way through this book and it is still great. Pt. 2 of the book takes a look at organic growing as a philosophy and as a giant industry. even more fascinating.