Joel Salatin

type: #person
organisation / role: Farmer, Author
place: #usa

About

Self-proclaimed “Lunatic Farmer” Joel Salatin is a pioneering voice in sustainable agriculture, known for his innovative farming methods and outspoken advocacy for regenerative food systems. Operating Polyface Farm in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, he has demonstrated how holistic, pasture-based farming can be both ecologically sound and financially viable. His approach—eschewing industrialized agriculture in favor of rotational grazing, composting, and diversified livestock integration—has inspired farmers worldwide to rethink their relationship with the land.

Beyond farming, Salatin is a prolific author and sought-after speaker, sharing his insights through books listed below. His writing combines practical farming advice with sharp critiques of government regulations and corporate control over food systems. He frequently challenges the status quo, urging consumers to engage directly with local farmers and advocating for decentralized, transparent food networks. His work has been featured in documentaries like Food, Inc. and Fresh, bringing his philosophy to a broader audience.

A passionate advocate for food sovereignty, Salatin champions the idea that small-scale, independent farmers can provide healthier, more ethical alternatives to industrial agriculture. His emphasis on direct-to-consumer relationships, local food economies, and regenerative practices aligns with a growing movement seeking to restore balance between farming, nature, and communities. Through his work, he continues to inspire a new generation of farmers and food-conscious consumers to take control of their food choices and reconnect with the land.

Videos

Can You Feed the Masses Without Factory Farming with Joe Rogan 30m
Polyface Farm 1h50m
A Selection of Salatin how-to Videos

Books

salad-bar-beef (1995)
Pastured Poultry Profits (1996)
You Can Farm (1998)
Family Friendly Farming (2001)
Holy Cows and Hog Heaven (2005)
Everything I Want to Do Is Illegal (2007)
The Sheer Ecstasy of Being a Lunatic Farmer (2010)
Folks, This Ain’t Normal (2011)
The Sheer Ecstasy of Being a Lunatic Farmer (2001)
Fields of Farmers (2013)
The Marvelous Pigness of Pigs (2017)
Your Successful Farm Business (2017)