Dairy Farming: The Beautiful Way by Adam Klaus

I looked at our local library online and could not find it. Are you selling this book privately?

Hi jonnie, yeah it just came out. You can get it here:

Amazon.com

That is so awesome Adam wrote a book! I was able to see him at Permaculture Voices last year and it was inspiring hearing his story. I recommend listening to him on the Permaculture Voices podcast! https://soundcloud.com/ermacultureoices/big-steps-through-adversity-with-farmer-adam-klaus-pv2

Yup! And he is going to be at Permaculture Voices 2015 too! He is doing two talks. I am excited!

I am about half way through the book and I must say it is really good so far. The descriptive style reminds me of Joel Salatin's Pastured Poultry Profit$. I will report once I am completely done.

I give the book 8 out of 10 acorns.

A few months ago, Adam asked me to review his new book. Although I am very interested in dairy farming, I have mostly book knowledge on the topic. I was very pleased when I started reading to find out that the book does not make any assumptions on the level of knowledge of the reader. It has a nice progression and thoroughly covers the basics: what raw milk is, the equipment needed for a small dairy, the layout and characteristics of the dairy parlor, a comprehensive description of the milking process, sanitation and milk handling, some general explanation on processing (cream, butter, cheese, yogurt), how to establish a herd, breed selection, pasture/herd management, breeding, calving, weaning, bull management, business considerations (milk sales, customer relations), and a lot more. As I was reading, his style reminded me a lot of Joel Salatin's "Pasture Poultry Profit$". The narrative was clear and the description not unnecessarily complicated. However, some pictures would have helped, especially when he was talking about the milking equipment and the layout of the dairy.

I liked the fact that the book is deeply rooted in his experience as a young farmer establishing a raw milk dairy business. He is not trying to present farming in a romantic way, but rather a realistic view, covering the good, the bad, and the ugly of small scale dairy farming. The way he described herd and pasture management through the seasons, was very appropriate for an activity so dependent of the weather patterns. I really liked the line breeding section, even though it was pretty short, it made me curious to read more about it. I also liked that he talks about the business end of things and the different buying arrangements that can be made (direct sales, cow shares, etc.) His idea of farming without a tractor to make the business more sustainable was really interesting.

In some sections, I had to keep reminding myself that this is Adam's experience and not an ultimate answer to all issues and challenges dairy farmers face. For instance, the portion on pasture management would be done differently depending on one's location. I also sometimes wondered if there were not more sustainable alternatives to some of the solutions he talks about. For instance, alternatives to the cleaning products and disinfectants. On the other hand, he explains very well those solutions he has tried and why they succeeded or failed for him. His approach is definitely pragmatic and probably always evolving towards an even more holistic way.

Overall, this book is an excellent introduction to dairy farming. I think that some pictures and drawing would make it even more useful for people who are new to the topic, but this is not a show stopper. I would definitely recommend the book to people who want to have dairy cows, even just for homesteading.

The book is both available as paperback.

8 acorns - I love this book. I am but a homesteader and I found this book very helpful. From milking, feeding, management and more. I can not give specifics since I have loaned the book out. I can totally relate to his way of doing things.
I believe this book is excellent for anyone considering buying 2 cows or a herd of cows for dairy farming. TY Adam for such a wonderful book. The new cover looks wonderful by the way.

Thank you Pamela, for your impressions great to hear its useful. I'll think about buying it since I know I'll get at least one cow one day, and this will be the book.

just ordered another copy

Is it a book or an e-book?

Miles Flansburg wrote:Is it a book or an e-book?

Through amazon it is a print book.

THANK YOU!!! Cassie and Paul! Tons of folks have purchased books this week, so glad to be doing this promotion.

And just a reminder that I am happy to offer free phone consultations to anyone who helps promote my book in any way, such as amazon reviews, facebook shares, etc. I'm serious, and a handful of folks have gotten personal phone calls to talk cows. If you're interested, just send me a PM.

Thanks!

Just purchased the book, thanks!

I rate this 8.5 out of 10 acorns.

I got my copy, and finished reading it in about 3 days!

An easy read, tons of really great, relevant information for anyone wanting to start a raw milk dairy. Adam has a nice writing style that flows well and conveys his information accurately. The information on selecting an easy keeping, high production animal was awesome! What I would really like to see in a future edition, or addition to the text would be some nice illustrations. Maybe floor plan sketches of the milking parlor layout, barn and paddock set ups, etc. I think this would really help folks who are more visual in these areas to learn how to set something like this up. Add the illustrations and I'd give it a 10 out of 10 acorns. A great read that will be at the front of my library for years to come as I start to expand my cattle ventures into dairy!

I also put in a review for Adam on Amazon, anyone reviewing this book here really ought to run out and give him a bump on Amazon as well... he deserves it!

I give this book an 8 out of 10 acorns.

A very well written, informative read, a great introduction to dairy cattle and their care.
As others have said there are a few places in the book where pictures or drawings would have been a great addition.
Thanks to Adam for adding his holistic experience to the world.

To all who have read it, please respond:  is it strictly about dairy cattle or can the principles apply equally to dairy goats?

Remember goats need different food stuffs and care,
I'm not sure this translates into a book for all dairy species, yet the book looks intriguing.

Jan Cooper wrote:To all who have read it, please respond:  is it strictly about dairy cattle or can the principles apply equally to dairy goats?

Remember goats need different food stuffs and care,
I'm not sure this translates into a book for all dairy species, yet the book looks intriguing.

the books specifically refers to cattle, but i think a lot of the info can cross over into the goat milking world as well.

A cute image one of our volunteers put together for us, thank you Tracy!

I just wanted to say I've been talking with Adam and he's super nice. And now his book is on the permies digital market!

Just want to post say that I read this book, and it was an eye-opener!  That the standard, commercial ways of managing cows really are counterproductive, and that the natural way is best!

It was an inspiration to me, and I hope it is to many others!