Anna Timmerman and her collection

Through both 4-H and FFA agricultural education programs, I became involved in many projects for various contests and exhibition at the county fair. 4-H and FFA both operate on the principle that members will develop their agricultural knowledge through hands-on activities, such as raising livestock, growing plants, and learning about farming practices. I grew up on the corner of the old family farm, but was one generation removed from the knowledge necessary to become successful in my extracurricular activities. I found it necessary to compensate for knowledge that most kids gleaned from everyday farm life, and chose to do so through books. My projects began small, with a few laying hens and some rabbits. The first books that I purchased on agriculture came from the local feed mill, and have since been passed on to younger members to help develop their interests.

By the end of my senior year, my program encompassed the original poultry and rabbit projects, as well as sheep, swine, cavies, horticulture, crops, and soils. In that time, I had accumulated books to broaden my knowledge, from a variety of sources. Some were purchased at the Groenink’s Feed Mill in Nunica, others from the Coopersville library’s used book sale and many were gifts given to me by family members still active in production agriculture.

Most volumes predate my birth, but are still relevant in today’s agriculture. My oldest book dates back to 1922, and cost the original owner “one dollar- postpaid”. I have a signed, first edition copy of The Prairie Farmer’s Poultry Book, and many books are inscribed with the name of past owners on the cover, including one from my great grandfather Musolff. Most all books contain my name and contact information in them, as an insurance plan for when they were loaned to younger members.

Topics covered in my collection seem broad, but all compose the knowledge necessary for running the organic farm that I owned and operated for six years. Animal care is a popular subject, as I would purchase a book about the next animal I wanted to raise before investing blindly. There are many gardening books, covering vegetables, flowers, and even shrubs. These came in handy for studying for national 4-H horticulture competitions. I also have books covering the fundamentals of sustainable agriculture, as this topic is one that shaped the production practices I implemented. Some books came later, after I moved to college, to support my extensive houseplant collection, and in research for papers and projects.

Contained in three milk crates in my dorm room is the accumulated know-how of twelve years of farming. In preparing to come to college, I debated packing my collection. Within weeks of beginning classes, I was able to reference seven volumes in various projects. Since joining 4-H and FFA, I have never stopped learning about agriculture, and am continuing that process to date here at Michigan State. These are my real textbooks, ones that have and will continue to see practical use each day.

-American Poultry Association, Inc. The American Standard of Perfection. Santa Rosa: Global Interprint, 2001.

The American Poultry Association’s accepted bi-laws and standards set for the exhibition of purebred poultry. It contains a score list for each breed and variety, color illustrations of the “ideal” bird, and pen and ink drawings of defects and disqualifications.

- American Rabbit Breeder’s Association. Official Guide Book to Raising Better Rabbits and Cavies. Bloomington, Ill., American Rabbit Breeder’s Association, 2000.

The officially endorsed guide to rearing exhibition rabbits and cavies. Outlines care, grooming, nutrition, breeding, anatomy, health, and uses of standard bred animals. This book comes free with an $8.00 membership dues submission.

- American Rabbit Breeder’s Association. Standard of Perfection. Bloomington, Illinois: American Rabbit Breeder’s Association, 1996.

The complete standard for judging purebred rabbits and cavies. Includes proper judging techniques, color photos of “ideal” animals, and a set of guidelines for each breed. Guidelines include physical characteristics, scoring, and weight standards.

- Better Homes and Gardens. New Garden Book. Des Moines: Meredith Corporation, 1990.

Better Homes and Gardens Magazine’s compiled articles from the magazine, covering all aspects of horticulture. Many illustrations and color photographs of projects and procedures in gardening, both indoor and outdoor.

- Bridwell, Raymond. Hydroponic Gardening. Santa Barbara, California: Woodbridge Publishing Co., 1972.

The how-to guide to growing vegetables indoors, without soil medium. Outlines materials, setups, nutrient medias, health, and plant care. This book helped me to set up a hydroponics system at my high school, to grow strawberries indoors in January.

- Brookes, John. The Indoor Garden Book. New York: Crown Publishers, Inc., 1986.

This book explores all aspects of rearing houseplants, from care and arrangement, to types and propagation. Full color photographs of all ideas expressed, and a comprehensive guide to common houseplants.

- Burnie, Geoffrey. The Little Guides: Herbs. San Francisco, California: Fog City Press, 2000.

A pocket guide to herb culture in the garden. Includes color illustrations of each topic, a guide to species, uses, and recipes for cooking with herbs.

- Carr, Anna. Rodale’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs. Emmaus, Pennsylvania: Rodale Press, 1987.

Presented in A-Z format, this book covers all topics of herb culture. Illustrations and diagrams are largely in color, and many useful charts are included.

- Cramer, Craig and the staff of New Farm. Controlling Weeds With Fewer Chemicals. The Rodale Institute, 1991.

This book explores the controversy and myths surrounding the impacts of cutting chemicals from a farming system. Management practices and testaments from real farmers employing these methods are included.

- Crockett, James Underwood. Crockett’s Victory Garden. Lee Lockwood/ Black Star, 1977.

Designed around the horticultural calendar, this book is formatted to show necessary gardening projects during each month, such as planting times, prevalent pests, harvesting, and upkeep of a garden.

- Dadant, C. P. First Lessons in Beekeeping. Hamilton, Illinois: Dadant and Sons, 1917.

The beginner’s guide to beekeeping, covers equipment, management of colonies, health, and harvesting information.

- Damerow, Gail. Barnyard in Your Backyard. Storey Publishing, LLC, 2002.

The combined books of Storey’s Guide to Farm Animals series, covers the complete care of cattle, sheep, goats, rabbits, ducks, geese, and chickens. Great book for beginners in agriculture, many useful diagrams, charts, and illustrations on topics covered.

- DiTomaso, Joseph M., Joseph C. Neal, and Richard H. Uva. Weeds of the Northeast. Ithaca and London: Cornell University Press, 1997.

A guide to weeds found in the Northeastern U.S. Each species is categorized and described in detail. Also includes lifecycles, habitat, distribution, and similar species. Photos of mature plants, seedlings, fruit, seeds, and root systems are also included on opposite page. Very useful in the garden, field, or in preparing for an agronomical competition.

- Elward, Margaret. Guinea Pigs, A Complete Introduction. T.H.F. Publications, Inc., 1987.

A complete guide to raising guinea pigs as pets. This book covers selection, housing, care, health, exhibition information, and a guide to purebreds. Very informative and a great reference material for 4-H youth projects.

- Goldman, M. C., and William H. Hylton. The Basic Book of Organically Grown Foods. Emmaus, Pa., Rodale Press, 1972.

This book covers the basics of choosing and raising organic foods, including fruit, vegetables, grains, meats, and dairy products. Includes a guide to purchasing from other farms, nutritional benefits, and the future of health foods.

- Graham, Linda E., James M. Graham, and Lee W. Wilcox. Plant Biology. Upper Saddle River: Pearson Education, 2003.

Michigan State’s recommended textbook for PLB 105. I never actually used this book for class, but I have used it in personal research and projects in other classes. This book covers all aspects of plant bio, from plant microbiology to ecosystems.

- Hellyer, A. G. L. Shrubs in Colour. New York: Collingridge Books, 1965.

A book of colored watercolor pictures of common shrubs in North America, in addition to a species guide with a detailed botanical description of each species.

-Howard, Sir Albert. An Agricultural Testament. New York and London: Oxford University Press, 1943.

Written in the 1940’s, the content of this book is relevant today to the sustainable agriculture movement. Ideas and theories that were presented in this text are now found in mainstream agricultural practices.

- Klober, Kelly. Storey’s Guide to Raising Pigs. North Adams, Mass.: Storey Books, 1997.

A guide to small-scale hog raising, designed by a 4-H leader for use by 4-H members. Covers selection of piglets, feeding and housing, health, breeding, butchering, and fitting and showing hogs.

- Kramer, Jack. The Pit n’ Pot Grower’s Book. Thomas Y. Crowell Company, 1975.

A guide to growing your own houseplants from commonly found materials, such as fruit pits and seeds. Interesting method of recycling organic waste by growing it indoors. Includes black and white and pen and ink drawings accompanying many topics.

- Messner, Jack. Rabbit Diseases... Cause, Prevention, and Treatment. No publisher information given.

A comprehensive guide to rabbit ailments, including disease, injury, and conditions. Each section includes detailed illustrations, dissected rabbit anatomy, and a textual support. Also covers common causes for disease, and how to better manage your rabbits to avoid them. Treatments are also highly detailed, often with more than one suggested for each one.

- Miles, Bebe. The Wonderful World of Bulbs. Princeton, New Jersey: D. Van Nostrand Company, Inc., 1963.

This book covers all aspects of bulb culture in the garden. Some topics covered include species, varieties, forcing indoors, storage, hybridization, and health. Color and black and white photographs, along with pen and ink drawings help to illustrate methods outlined in the text.

- National FFA Organization. 1993 Official Manual. National FFA Organization, 1993.

The official manual for running chapter functions. Includes speaking roles of officers, parliamentary procedure, the constitution and by-laws, and a brief history of FFA.

- National FFA Organization. 2006-2007 Official Manual. National FFA Organization, 2006.

The updated manual for FFA conduct, includes a more streamlined layout, updated history and guidelines, and an easy-to-find outline of opening and closing ceremonies; the most used portion of the book.

- Nearing, Helen and Scott. Living the Good Life. New York: Schocken Books, 1954, 1970.

A book designed as a testimony for those interested in living the rural lifestyle- without the benefit of electricity. Includes photos and accounts of the author’s home construction, agricultural endeavors, technology, and a bit about communal living. Interesting subject matter.

- Osburn, William. Prairie Farmer’s Poultry Book. Chicago: Prairie Farmer Publishing Company, 1922.

First edition, signed copy, with the price printed as “One Dollar- Postpaid”. This book claims to double your poultry profits, by using methods outlined that are still relevant almost one hundred years later. All period black and white photos, with content covering all aspects of poultry rearing on the farmstead, geared towards “farmer’s wives and daughters, whose diligence and skill in handling the management of the farm flock are responsible in a large measure for the magnitude of the poultry industry.”

- Phillips, E. F. Beekeeping. New York: The MacMillan Company, 1942.

A discussion of the life of the honeybee and the production of honey. Covers all aspects of beekeeping, and honey harvest. This book came from my great grandfather Musolff, who learned beekeeping from his father, and has since passed it to my grandfather, who passed it to my father and his siblings, who passed it on to me. Beekeeping has been a Timmerman agricultural pursuit since we came to America from Germany, along with clock making and woodworking.

- Reader’s Digest. Success With Houseplants. The Reader’s Digest Association, Inc. Pleasantville, New York, 1979.

A comprehensive guide to houseplants, including an A-Z variety guide, propagation, general care, and a guide to pests and diseases. A full color drawing of each plant and photos to support text make this a great reference book.

- Rodale, J. I. Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening. Emmaus, Penn.: Rodale Books, Inc., 1971, 1977.

I own two copies of this book; the colored 1971 edition, and the more current 1977 edition that lacks color illustrations. This book is an encyclopedia covering all areas of horticulture from an organic management perspective. Topics include planting, cultivation, and harvesting methods of vegetable, ornamental, and fruit crops. Includes helpful guides to diseases, pests, composting, and more. Very informative, and relevant still today in organic operations.

- Salatin, Joel. Pastured Poultry Profits. Swoope, Virginia: Polyface, Inc., 1993.

The pioneer guide to raising poultry on grass, as opposed to confinement housing. This book was written by the largest producer of pastured poultry products, and is based largely on his farming methods. Includes information on health, nutrition, rations, pen diagrams, and marketing of products.

- Schwanz, Lee. The Family Poultry Flock. Farmer’s Digest, 1979.

A complete guide to poultry care. This book was my first chicken book, given to me by my Aunt Claudia, along with a hatchery catalogue to order chicks from. All technology and science covered in this book is relevant today, and was my guide to flock management for many years.

- Shirley, Christopher and the staff of New Farm. What Really Happens When You Cut Chemicals? The Rodale Institute, 1993.

A compiled collection of farmer biographies and testament to the positive and negative effects observed when chemicals are cut from an agricultural operation. Explores both crop and livestock systems, and outlines the scale of the operations described.

- Simmons, Paula. Raising Sheep The Modern Way. Pownal, Vt.: Storey Communications, Inc., 1976, 1989.

The small scale sheep raiser’s bible, it includes information on breeds, breeding, lambing, health, feeding, housing plans, fencing, and herding dogs. I’ve lost count of the times I have used this book to diagnose a sick lamb, care information, or as reference in project essays for 4-H.

- Stromberg, Loyl. Exhibiting Poultry for Pleasure and Profit! Stromberg Publishing Company, Pine River, Minnesota, 1978.

The beginner’s guide to rearing and exhibiting purebred poultry. This book covers breeds, standards, judging, preparing for shows, breeder’s associations, coop layouts, and all things poultry. Very informative for even an experienced exhibitor, and a great introduction for new members of 4-H clubs.

- Taylor, Norman. 1001 Questions Answered About Flowers. New York: Dodd, Mead, & Company, 1963.

A list of 1001 questions commonly asked about flowers, and answered. This book is full of the answers to some of the questions that flower enthusiasts ask while they work, but often fail to look up. It is very informative, and useful to any gardening trivia lover.

- Taylor, Norman. Taylor’s Garden Guide. Princeton, New Jersey: D. Van Nostrand Company, Inc., 1957.

Designed as the armature’s guide to gardening, this book covers gardening in the simplest of terms. Topics include low-maintenance layouts, easy care plants, and a guide to color coordination. This book is the original “Idiot’s Guide to Gardening.”

- Time Life Books. The Encyclopedia of Flower Gardening and Landscaping. Time Life Inc., 1998.

A gardening book in encyclopedia format, includes landscaping components as well. Color pictures and graphs illustrate the topics covered in this book.

- Wahlfeldt, Bette Galman. All About Greenhouses. TAB Books, Inc., 1981.

First printing and addition copy, contains fifteen build-it-yourself greenhouse blueprints, along with a history of greenhouses, how to manage and utilize them, and suggested cropping methods.

- Williams, Carol. Bringing a Garden to Life. New York: Bantam Books, 1998.

This book manages to combine gardening with philosophy, through the use of the author’s personal stories and thoughts developed while gardening. Many people escape to gardens to think, and Williams captures that act in her writing and sketches.

- Wood, Carroll E. Jr. A Student’s Atlas of Flowering Plants: Some Dicotyledons. Harper & Row Publishers, 1974 by Harvard College.

A Dichotomous key to North American flowering plants, for use in reference and identification of flowering plants. Each page includes pen and ink drawings of all plant parts laid out for reference, in addition to anatomical information. This book is arranged by Latin name.