tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13729569.post5068409346471335508..comments2024-03-23T05:42:07.516-04:00Comments on The Deliberate Agrarian: The Deliberate Agrarian BlogazineforDecember 2010Herrick Kimballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17116051416696885647noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13729569.post-46486480059023162252011-01-29T19:43:38.642-05:002011-01-29T19:43:38.642-05:00I'm about to post my next monthly essay and be...I'm about to post my next monthly essay and before I do I just want to say again how much I appreciate the comments, and links, and so forth that everyone has posted here this month. Your responses here have made this blog more thought provoking and worthwhile.Herrick Kimballhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17116051416696885647noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13729569.post-61686185600052471222011-01-29T18:51:27.773-05:002011-01-29T18:51:27.773-05:00Oops....forgot the link. Here it is:
http://www.m...Oops....forgot the link. Here it is:<br />http://www.mnn.com/your-home/organic-farming-gardening/photos/farms-of-america-in-color-1939-1943/life-on-the-farmLarry G.https://www.blogger.com/profile/06285065404510851562noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13729569.post-71203005764554935542011-01-29T18:49:39.873-05:002011-01-29T18:49:39.873-05:00Just thought you might like to see these pictures ...Just thought you might like to see these pictures from the past. This is from CNN's website today. Picture 5 is from Aroostook county, Maine.<br />My wife and I have been following your website for a number of years now and really enjoy the good information and sound advice that you present. We also follow Michael Bunker and Scott Terry (I actually visited Scott and Leah Terry a few years ago when looking for land in New York. Wonderful folks.) <br />We recently purchased an Amish-built, off-grid house in the mountains of southwest Virginia and hope to homestead there in a few years.<br />God Bless.<br /><br />Larry G.Larry G.https://www.blogger.com/profile/06285065404510851562noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13729569.post-11151860420498449322011-01-26T13:44:19.219-05:002011-01-26T13:44:19.219-05:00Dear Mr. Herrick-
I came upon your blog when I was...Dear Mr. Herrick-<br />I came upon your blog when I was looking, of course, for a chicken plucker! Your Whizbang Machine is a wonder. After a bit of perusing, I had to follow your blog, too. Though my religious and educational beliefs are entirely different from yours, I find your viewpoint refreshing and your information relevant. So thank you for doing what you do! I respect that you homeschooled your sons. They seem to have flourished under your tutelage, and it seems to be the best system for you. I think it's unfortunate that the current economic/governmental pressures force most families into "the system." But!!! On behalf of "the system," (I've been a teacher for nearly 18 years) most of the American educators I know DO encourage children to think independently and work hard. I often do wish that I had the means to homeschool my son. It is much more difficult to "innoculate" him against the poisons of our culture when he is exposed to them every day, but I blame the negative influences more on his peers than on the teachers. So, the "tune-out" problem, in my experienc is more social and parental than a product of education. Certainly, there is still pressure for kids to compete academically with countries like China & Japan, who rely completely on rote memorization. Still, American teachers resist. So, please know, that I am not bashing home-schoolers; some are better than others at it, in my observations. But I do feel the need to defend hard-working teachers, too. We have to do a whole lot for so many who come to us with, often, little to nothing. Many parents don't put much effort into teaching. Too many have few economic or emotional resources. My choices as a parent and citizen have become more like your own, despite having come to them by a somewhat different path. I involve myself in my son's learning. And I'm starting my own agrarian lifestyle. And, again, I truly appreciate what I see here in its guidance on my journey.Books Dudes Will Readhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06885913075478078588noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13729569.post-16451392367510142322011-01-17T23:03:54.191-05:002011-01-17T23:03:54.191-05:00Herrick,
As a member of the LDS faith, I respectf...Herrick,<br /><br />As a member of the LDS faith, I respectfully dis-agree with you regarding our Christianity. However, I truly appreciate what one of the earlier commenters called your "graceful blog moderation". You are truly an inspiring example of how to treat others, even those with whom you disagree. As such, a true example of a Christian. I found your blog through the Chicken butchering essays, then found it again a couple months ago, and it really took hold the second time- I started at the beginning, and read through it, in chronological order. It took me two months of evenings, and has inspired me to work harder at realizing my dreams, and aligning myself and my plans with God's will for my life. I bought the "Deliberate Agrarian" writings for myself, and upon your recommendation, several Eric Sloane books for my children (I had one years ago, did not realize he was so prolific) and some of the Sugar Creek books for my youngest son.<br /><br />I have been working my way through "Deliberate Agrarian", I read no more than a chapter a day, a bit of inspiration before breakfast, and then I re-visit ones I have read previously. One I have marked and returned to many times is the one on deliberate contentment. I have always struggled with that, never being satisfied, pushing for more. But the sentance that struck me the most was "That, in most instances, He grants us gifts far beyond our genuine needs is a further manifestation of His grace (getting what you don't deserve) and mercy (not getting what you do deserve)." I don't think I have ever read a more concise explanation of grace and mercy, and will likely quote from it, the next time I am asked to speak in church.<br /><br />Finally, despite our theological differences- you have inspired me to work harder at being a better man, a better husband, and a better father. Thanks- James ChristsiansenAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13729569.post-86261655876383083662011-01-17T10:01:56.034-05:002011-01-17T10:01:56.034-05:00http://www.faith-at-work.net/Docs/WhyWork.pdf
This...http://www.faith-at-work.net/Docs/WhyWork.pdf<br />This was written by Dorothy Sayers in the 1940s. I think you will find it very interesting. I enjoy reading on your site and wish you well.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13729569.post-6483285435143501602011-01-13T05:09:25.480-05:002011-01-13T05:09:25.480-05:00Thanks again everyone for your comments here this ...Thanks again everyone for your comments here this month. Thomas—I wish I had the garden tote plans together for you. I wanted to have them done long ago but that's the case with so many different product and project ideas I have. I can't keep up with my imagination. The totes have been very useful around here and I fully intend to get the how-to information together but right now I am focusing like a laser beam on this newest book project. Maybe next January. :-(<br /><br />Thanks for asking.Herrick Kimballhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17116051416696885647noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13729569.post-85261991476919697182011-01-12T22:06:50.672-05:002011-01-12T22:06:50.672-05:00Mr. kimball, I greatly admire the work you have do...Mr. kimball, I greatly admire the work you have done here in these essays, Thank-you! I am a devoted reader from before the end of month blog and am writing not to comment but to ask where i might find your plans for the garden tote? Your January 2010 essay mentions that it would one day be available in your store? Just seeking a project to fill the cold northern new york winter before the maple sap starts to run. Thank-you for your time. Sincerly, ThomasAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13729569.post-79157062505976655702011-01-07T17:16:47.251-05:002011-01-07T17:16:47.251-05:00I look forward to the new book.
All the best to yo...I look forward to the new book.<br />All the best to you & yours in the New Year.<br />Granny MillerAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13729569.post-11166978858261553822011-01-07T09:34:40.726-05:002011-01-07T09:34:40.726-05:00Herrick,
Love your blog. My wife and I are tryi...Herrick, <br /><br />Love your blog. My wife and I are trying to learn as much 'pre-industrial era wisdom/skills' as we can and are blogging about it. Hog butchering is one of those that I hope to learn some day soon. Stay tuned! <br /><br />My mother in law got me a great gift for Christmas - she scrounged the first six volumes of the foxfire series. Its a great starting point.<br /><br />God Bless. RobertRoberthttp://www.hisandhershomesteading.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13729569.post-67990933007994658352011-01-06T11:10:04.857-05:002011-01-06T11:10:04.857-05:00Mr. Kimball
As always I enjoy your monthly update...Mr. Kimball<br /><br />As always I enjoy your monthly update.<br /><br />Regarding family hog slaughters, we raise pigs in SC and slaughter some 8-10 every year on our property. While i have posted pictures on my blog in the past, I have never documented pictorally the entire process. Maybe I will some time in the future.<br /><br />Most of my boys and girls look forward to slaughter days, especially when we have friends helping and sharing in the process and proceeds.<br /><br />Happy New Year!<br /><br />JimJim Curleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02225590468579353857noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13729569.post-60424099550085851022011-01-05T16:55:10.262-05:002011-01-05T16:55:10.262-05:00Graceful blog moderation.
Great blog-o-zine t...Graceful blog moderation. <br /><br />Great blog-o-zine this month. I am looking forward to reading more as you outline some way out of the "common conundrum" of the "industrial system vortex." Sadly, there are some women stuck in it too.Julie-Annnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13729569.post-62004194147974888832011-01-05T11:51:21.021-05:002011-01-05T11:51:21.021-05:00If you are interested in the Amish, I think you wo...If you are interested in the Amish, I think you would love this BBC documentary available on youtube titled "Trouble in Amish Paradise".<br /><br />http://www.nogreaterjoy.org/audio-video/view-video/archive/2010/december/10/trouble-in-amish-paradise/<br /><br />Love your blog!Diane in TXnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13729569.post-53041529008635192482011-01-04T20:51:42.886-05:002011-01-04T20:51:42.886-05:00Some of you may be interested in reading....
Davi...Some of you may be interested in reading....<br /><br /><a href="http://www.thetreeofliberty.com/vb/showthread.php?t=114267" rel="nofollow">David Barton's View of Glenn Beck</a>Herrick Kimballhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17116051416696885647noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13729569.post-35377087906443457442011-01-04T20:38:34.398-05:002011-01-04T20:38:34.398-05:00HSDadPhD—
I can think of no better investment for ...HSDadPhD—<br />I can think of no better investment for an inheritance than to use it to put down roots in a place where you and your family can be a family and establish a farm/homestead family economy. However, unless the rest of your family is "on board" with the agrarian vision, you may be getting into a difficult situation. I suggest that you take it one prayerful step at a time. I also suggest that you and your family read my book, "Writings of a Deliberate Agrarian." e-mail your address to me and I'll send you a complimentary copy: hckimball@bci.net<br /><br />Gina—<br />It was my pleasure. I'm glad to direct people to such a wholesome and inspiring blog as yours.<br /><br />Anonymous—<br />Agreed. <br /><br />I have a feeling that a great many of G.B.'s audience is Christian and they do not for a second interpret his call to humility and prayer as a call to the Mormon religion.<br /><br />It is remarkable to me that a mainstream media sensation is telling the masses that he has no idea how we're going to get out of the mess we're in as a country and that we just need to humble ourselves and rely on "divine providence," as our founders did. Those founders were not Mormons.<br /><br />It has been fascinating to me that many of his guests have been outspoken Christians. David Barton or Wallbuilders is one. I did hear one Mormon guest but I don't listen to the show every day. <br /><br />I should point out that when I said "God bless Glenn Beck"in my essay I was not condoning his Mormonism, I meant very sincerely that I hope God will bless him with safety and wisdom and a deeper understanding of Biblical truth.<br /><br />Thanks for your comment here.Herrick Kimballhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17116051416696885647noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13729569.post-33233250479313287982011-01-04T20:10:05.683-05:002011-01-04T20:10:05.683-05:00Anonymous—
I appreciate your comment and expected ...Anonymous—<br />I appreciate your comment and expected someone to make the point you have. Years ago I spent some time looking into Mormon beliefs. I have Mormon kin on my mother's side of the family, and have been asked more than once if I am related to the 12th Mormon president, Spencer W. Kimball (I am not, at least not that I am aware of).<br /><br />The conclusion I came to was that Mormon doctrine adopts biblical terminology but defines the terms differently than orthodox Christianity does. "Grace" is one example. My bible, and orthodox Christian doctrine, declares that grace is totally undeserved favor. No one can "earn" grace. Yet, I am persuaded that Mormon doctrines teach that grace and salvation are earned.<br /><br />Beyond that, the sovereignty of one creator God over all of creation, even unto the entire universe, as the Bible clearly teaches, is called into question by Mormon doctrine. Also, as I understand it, Mormon doctrine says that men can become gods just like God himself. That is very strange to me.<br /><br />There is much more I could say, but in the final analysis, I see the Mormon religion relying on a great deal of extra-biblical revelation which they consider on par with the Bible, and I'm always skeptical of that.<br /><br />I never assume that any group that uses the name of Christ is truly Christian. In fact, many of them are not (the Shakers come to mind). And, sadly, I'm of the mind that many who live under the belief that they are Christians are not. This is made alarmingly clear in Matthew 7:21-23.<br /><br />It appears to me that Mormon followers, as a group, are moral people, remarkable in many ways for their hard work and responsibility. They are serious about their faith and do many positive, admirable things. All of this is commendable, but I do not believe they are true followers of Jesus Christ.Herrick Kimballhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17116051416696885647noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13729569.post-3127488730287346652011-01-04T19:50:42.698-05:002011-01-04T19:50:42.698-05:00Robert—
You're welcome. Thank you.
Kavius—
Th...Robert—<br />You're welcome. Thank you.<br /><br />Kavius—<br />That strong sense of community and co-operation is the most endearing aspect of the Amish culture, at least to my way of thinking.<br /><br />Carla—<br />Glad you liked the soaps and thank you for the prayers. The Nordhoff book does mention the Indiana Harmonist settlement.<br /><br />Harold—<br />Wow. 17 days sounds terrible! I guess 48 hours wasn't as bad as it could have been.<br /><br />As for the Amish, I find it fascinating that they are spreading out and establishing communities. They have moved into my area of NY in just the past few years. And my grandfather's farm in northern Maine was purchased by one of the first Amish families to settle in that area, only a couple years ago. <br /><br />In reading The Budget newspaper (published for the Amish & Mennonites across the US) it is clear that they are, like pioneers of old, heading out in groups to establish new settlements.<br /><br />Hi Richard—<br />Yours is the common conundrum among men who realize they are caught in the industrial system vortex. I can relate. It truly is a quest to get home and establish a homestead and a home economy and live life closer to the way it should be lived. I will endeavor to put some thoughts together on this subject for an upcoming blogazine entry. Thanks for the comment.<br /><br />Ryan—<br />I'll look into the Hutterites someday. I've heard of them but they are not in Nordhoff's book. As for being a cult, I think many of the religious communities Nordhoff studied were cult-like.<br /><br />Kelle—<br />I enjoyed reading your comment here. There isn't a doubt in my mind that your desire to "live a more frugal, God reliant, lifestyle came exactly from God." Anyone who takes their Christianity seriously—as I gather you do— will see that frugality and God-reliance are entirely biblical. I think those who are finding and pursuing the Christian-agrarian path today are being led to it by God. And He is such an incredible orchestrator that he can do this in different lives using different influences, even over the course of many years. Awesome, eh?<br /><br />Emma—<br />Thanks for the YouTube movie suggestion. I will watch it soon. <br />Tell the kids that "Mr. Chicken Plucker" says, "Hi"Herrick Kimballhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17116051416696885647noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13729569.post-15468953704854578162011-01-04T18:38:04.299-05:002011-01-04T18:38:04.299-05:00I know that you didn't want to get side-tracke...I know that you didn't want to get side-tracked by Beck's mormonism, but...<br /><br />Martin Luther is often quoted as having said "Better to be ruled by a good Turk than a bad Christian." I similarly believe that someone can add constructively to the discussion and be a productive member of society without being a Christian. Glenn Beck evidently has a lot of common sense things to say, and for that, I think one can admire him, and "follow" him, as an individual.<br /><br />But, when it comes to his religious beliefs, we have to be careful not to buy into the LDS lie that they are a Christian organization, simply because they use the same terminology that we do. The fact that Beck urges people to "humbly pray to God" is not a good thing, because the god that he is praying is no less a fabric of human imagination, and an affront to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, than the god of Islam or any other false religion. <br /><br />Thank you for your blog. I loved reading your book last year, and look forward to your blog each month. I'll also check our Glenn Beck's writings, as you have peaked my interest.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13729569.post-58709345285349695032011-01-03T15:58:12.983-05:002011-01-03T15:58:12.983-05:00Thanks for sharing the link to my post on our fami...Thanks for sharing the link to my post on our family butchering. It is fun to hear from so many that are interested in the "old ways". <br /><br />As always, I enjoy your monthly post.<br />GinaGinahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05420137490490341730noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13729569.post-13945428800927106762011-01-03T07:03:51.316-05:002011-01-03T07:03:51.316-05:00Dear Mr. Kimball:
Waht a joy to come across your ...Dear Mr. Kimball:<br /><br />Waht a joy to come across your blog. I have recently lost my father, and, after finishing a Doctorate in an esoteric field, find (at 55) I am now 'legit,' but also 'too old' to find that 'plum job' in a market where my race and ethnicity and sex(!) i.e., White American Male, are ALL against me!<br /><br />Because of the $ale of my dad's home in Southern California, I am able to find that 'dream farm' with a small bit of acreage, and pay CASH- nothing fancy, but definitely not bottom of the barrel.. and with the market being the way it is, 12-15 acres homes for under 200k are out there in my part of the upper Midwest. <br /><br />Trouble is, the wife and kids are rather comfortable suburbanites! The thought of owning (and living off of!) chickens and a 'family cow' (or three- gotta have that hamburger, you know!) is 'udderly foreign' to any of our upbringings, short of 'Old MacDonald' sung when the kids were 4-5. <br /><br />Though I've homeschooled them for three of the last five years (dealing with dad in Cal, selling his house, and finishing the dissertation 1000 miles away, kinda puts a damper on homeschooling!) and my son wants to be homeschooled again... :-) <br /><br />we're a looong way from self-sufficiency, and the psychological freedom to enable us to 'step out' and not be dependent for one person to pull home a paycheck every two weeks as a 'state employee,' if you get my drift. (wife's a school teacher, ready to retire- but, as she says, "I've got a few good years left in me.")<br /><br />Do you think that (in future posts) you could detail how one 'lives off the land' - whether or not, a 'city job' is necessary, and how 'tight to the wire' one must live with the Almighty Dollar, even when being (somewhat) self-sufficient on a family farm, especially when all the skills you have are useless things like 'book larnin' and classical music backgrounds?<br /><br /><br />- HSDadPhDAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13729569.post-15111891132855004322011-01-02T15:55:06.399-05:002011-01-02T15:55:06.399-05:00I love your website and think that the best way fo...I love your website and think that the best way for this country to get back to the greatness we have had is to become more self reliant. but you need to learn more about the Mormon faith don't rely on other people for your info go to the source Mormon.org will tell you everything about their belief and correct many misconceptions people have. I have lived among Mormons most of my life and the belief that they are not christian is propagated by people who have never looked at the religion at all. The name of the church should tell you something about their belief The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints not Mormon, Mormon is a nickname.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13729569.post-7740719717157187062011-01-02T15:41:03.409-05:002011-01-02T15:41:03.409-05:00Thanks so much for another great read. Our family...Thanks so much for another great read. Our family enjoys sitting down while mom reads "Mr. Chicken Plucker's" post. We have 9 children and most of them really look forward to your monthly update. (most meaning, the ones age 4 and up :)) I have never left a comment, but I felt compelled. We live near Amish and they are well...interesting. Not always upright or just. Very, very hardworking, industrious etc...Just for some info, I would suggest you look up "Trouble in Paradise" on YouTube. We just recently watched it and were shocked. We have lived near Amish all our life and never realized the spiritual vacume they live in. This film reveals that Old Order Amish are not permitted to read "english" bibles and are almost completely ignorant of any scripture. The picture in my mind has always been of a large Amish family sitting around going over the Word. No. Quite a revealing film...Keep the Amish and their salvation in your prayers. Again, thanks for a great post, we savor every issue.Emmahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14458681049961702074noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13729569.post-17510604862631405302011-01-01T16:36:09.185-05:002011-01-01T16:36:09.185-05:00In doing a little research, it seems that the Brud...In doing a little research, it seems that the Bruderhof I posted about above is considered a cult by many people. I can't be sure that it is, but it seems likely to me based on some of what I've read.Ryannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13729569.post-30247335215782707902011-01-01T15:50:07.765-05:002011-01-01T15:50:07.765-05:00Herrick,
Thank you for another thought prov...Herrick,<br /> Thank you for another thought provoking article. The links are wonderful and we really appreciate your sharing them with us, as we don't have time to look for such things, but do enjoy watching them in the evenings.<br /><br /> As you have wonderful influences from your grandparents, I think our desire to live a more frugal, God reliant, lifestyle came exactly from God. Although both Mike's parents as well as my own raised small flocks of poultry and maybe even a steer or two for beef, neither were involved in growing their own foods as a chosen lifestyle, but rather because that is what everyone one was doing back in the late 60's and 70's during the energy crisis. My parent survived this period of time by opening a wood stove store and sold and installed wood stoves, as well as for some of the more crunch periods we harvested trees( lodge pole pine) from the forest service, split, stacked and cured the wood all Spring and Summer and then sold firewood by the cord( and I'm talking a true cord, not a rick, like most firewood dealers in our area try to pass off as a cord) My Dad took pride in giving people what they paid for and it came stacked, nice and neat. :o)<br /><br />Thank you again for another good article, We're going to go back and watch some of the links you shared, since it's New Years Day and it's -35F with the windchill outside< Brrrrr...> It's nice and toasty inside thanks to our wood cook stove and our well seasoned firewood. *wink*<br /><br />Blessings to you and your family this New Year,<br />Mike and KelleKelle at The Never Done Farmhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06089557752054842197noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13729569.post-79643416515896842312011-01-01T13:59:35.821-05:002011-01-01T13:59:35.821-05:00For an example of one of the few Christian communi...For an example of one of the few Christian communistic societies around today, check out churchcommunities.org. It used to be called Bruderhof, and I think they may be related to the Hutterites.Ryannoreply@blogger.com