Deeply Rooted Book Evaluation

Abby Orlowski

Professor Santos

English-102

27 November 17

Deeply Rooted Book Evaluation

    The Novel Deeply Rooted, by Lisa M. Hamilton, is a nonfiction compilation of three different farmers and the story of their daily lives as they work tirelessly to stay alive in the business. It is made clear in all three parts of the book that agriculture is a dog eat dog world as we hear of the adaptations and specifications these farmers possess as a means of staying afloat in a sea of sinking ships. As the author ventures into the lives of these farmers we see exactly what sets them apart from the competition around them, dedication to the land, and to their practices.

    Hamilton first introduces us to an old dairy farmer named Harry Lewis located in Texas. Harry is considered an organic farmer because his livestock have free roam of the pasture to graze as they please. Although this is true for Harry’s herd, many others cheat the system and claim to be organic, but  don’t have lush pastures for free roaming. He is a man that lives by the moral, “Cleanliness. Godliness. Pasture” (Hamilton 47). He lives under these claims because in what he considers “penitentiaries,” people are fooled into believing that just because it says organic; means the herd gets free roam of the pastures. Uncommonly know this is untrue and many fall for these false pretenses believing otherwise. Harry is old school in his practices, and does not rely on new equipment to get the job done, but rather prefers the bare minimum. The less he strays from his roots the better off he is. This leads me to the next farmer, a man named Virgil Trujillo located in Abiquiu, New Mexico.

    Virgil, a cattle farmer, takes extreme pride in his work and of his roots spreading his beliefs among the minds of many but often being shut down by others. We see an example of this during re election after Virgil speaks of his ideas to the crowd. Sadly it says “ Virgil lost his seat. At the end of the meeting, his sign up sheet was blank. The next day Virgil was right back in the groove, coming up with new ideas and wishing people would get involved”(Hamilton 162). It is clear he has enough dedication for 100 men and his plans for expansion are what keep him alive. He is a true cowboy and his attitude towards his lifestyle is unlike many others who were bought out or forced out of the business.

    Lastly we have the Podolls, a family located in LaMoure, North Dakota. This family organically grows crops for profit, but also has a small garden that they use to feed there family. This garden keeps them connected to the land, and the time spent caring for it has taught them the ultimate lesson. David says “ When we went from the hoe to the diesel engine. Ever since then we have been on a power trip, and I think it’s been really bad for the land” (Hamilton 235). Although machinery makes farming more efficient, nothing gives you the same appreciation as caring for something by hand, and raising it with care and patients. This family strives because of these values, and their success and crops are enviable by others.

    Overall Deeply Rooted takes the reader on an educational journey to open the eyes of people who are naive to farming practices. Many people don’t understand the work that must be put into any of these jobs, and it is clear throughout the reading that many people aren't cut out for it. Although farming isn’t the most interesting topic the book is still important to read.  We have strayed so far from our roots and many are entirely disconnected from the process of growing or tending to their food; to then eating it. For most a simple trip to the grocery store will suffice. As said by Zissu “Whether you're someone -- like me -- who spends a lot of time thinking about where your food comes from or someone who has yet to consider this crucial question, or fall somewhere in the middle, Deeply Rooted is a must read.” It will answer most questions on the process of how these farmers operate, but it may leave you with questions about your own produce or crops that you purchase at your local store. Overall this book was an enjoyable read for me, and as a fellow FFA member it was interesting to hear how they talked about their practices in other areas. If you have any interest about gaining a sense of appreciation for the hard work of the farmers of America, pick up a copy at your local bookstore today.

Works Cited

Hamilton, Lisa M. Deeply Rooted: Unconventional Farmers in the Age of Agribusiness. Counterpoint, 2010.

Schulz-Elsing, Sharon E. “Curled up with a Good Book.” Book Review: Lisa M. Hamilton's *Deeply Rooted: Unconventional Farmers in the Age of Agribusiness*, 2010, www.curledup.com/deeplyrt.htm.

Zissu, Alexandra. “A Review of Deeply Rooted: Unconventional Farmers in the Age of Agribuisness.” The Daily Green, 29 Aug. 2009, 11:59, preview.www.thedailygreen.com/living-green/blogs/organic-parenting/deeply-rooted-review-47092902.