Find out from author Randy James during discussion on his new book
Meet formerly local author Randy James and hear the story behind “Why Cows Need Names and More Secrets of Amish Farms,” his new book now on sale on Amazon.
What: Meet the Author: Randy James
When: Monday, September 16 – 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Where: The West Woods Nature Center
9465 Kinsman Road (Route 87), Russell Township
Agriculture continues to be the largest industry in the U.S., with more than 2.2. million farms. Amazingly, well over 100,000 new small family farms have sprung up in the past few years – and almost no one has noticed.
“Why Cows Need Names” tells the true story of one young local Amish family as it contemplated and struggled to establish a profitable, quintessentially American small farm, told from the vantage point of the author, who served almost 30 years as the County Agricultural Agent in the fourth-largest Amish settlement in the world, right here in Geauga County.
As the family’s plan unfolds over the next five years, readers get a glimpse of what it’s like to work in the fields with draft horses; to spend time in the barn with cows, calves, children and Chip the family dog; and to sit at the table talking with family and friends over a noontime meal, according to the publisher, Kent State University Press. Thus, a quiet picture emerges about how a shared goal and “doing without” can strengthen family and provide an appreciation for what’s truly important in life.
Randy James is a professor emeritus with The Ohio State University’s College of Food, Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, and has his PhD in agronomy. He now lives in Beaufort, South Carolina, but visits old friends in the Amish Settlement as often as he can. This is his second book.
The West Woods Nature Center is wheelchair/stroller accessible. Registration is not required for this free discussion. Call 440-286-9516 with questions.
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