Best Agricultural Science History Books of 2025

The Native American Herbalist's Bible is a comprehensive guide to natural healing. In this collection of 15 books, Drina Kaulja shares her knowledge of herbal medicine and the secrets of long life. The book covers the science and spirituality of herbalism, the properties and uses of over 500 sacred herbs, and 51 ways to treat every disease. It also includes a list of Native American perpetual remedies and seven remedies for demand. The book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in natural healing and traditional medicine. It offers a unique perspective on the healing power of nature and the wisdom of indigenous cultures.

The King Of California: J.G. Boswell and the Making of A Secret American Empire is a gripping social history that tells the story of J.G. Boswell, the biggest farmer in America, who created the first big agricultural empire of the Central Valley of California. This meticulously researched narrative details how a Georgia slave-owning family migrated to California in the early 1920s, drained one of America's biggest lakes, and carved out the richest cotton empire in the world. The book is a must-read for those interested in business history, environmental issues, and the impact of agriculture on American society.

The Practical Permaculture Project is a comprehensive guide that offers practical techniques to design and build a sustainable garden. The book emphasizes the importance of having a plan in place before starting a permaculture garden and covers essential topics like garden design, water management, soil improvement, and composting. The author also explores the benefits of permaculture, such as self-sufficiency, health, and vitality. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in creating a beautiful oasis in their backyard while helping to restore our planet.

The Herbal Remedies & Natural Medicine Bible is an 8-in-1 guide that provides an essential collection of the best 400+ herbs and remedies to create essential oils, tinctures, tea, antibiotics, and improve health. The book offers a comprehensive guide to natural medicine remedies that have been passed down from Native American ancestors. It includes helpful tips on optimizing plant growth, suitable temperature, and proper nutrition to have natural remedies available year-round. The book also covers the ethics of foraging and aromatherapy and herbal remedies for children. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for anyone interested in natural medicine and provides a unique and comprehensive guide to herbal remedies.

The Joy of Keeping Chickens is a comprehensive guide that covers all the basic details of raising chickens, from general biology to health, food, choosing breeds, and more. Written in charming prose from the perspective of an organic farmer, Jennifer Megyesi discusses the importance of self-sustainability, organic living, and the satisfaction of keeping heirloom breeds. The book also includes information on how to show chickens for prizes. With Geoff Hansen's gorgeous full-color photographs, this book is an instant classic in the category. Overall, this is an excellent guide for backyard farmers who want to keep a few hens for fun or profit.

The Homesteader Herbal Handbook is a comprehensive guide that teaches readers how to grow, harvest, and store 25 different medicinal herbs to make their own natural remedies. The book covers 25 of the most popular herbal plants used for medicinal purposes and provides five unique steps for planting each herb. It also includes tried and tested recipes for multiple herbs and spices, as well as the best uses of each herb. The author provides science-backed studies to prove that herbal medicine isn’t just hocus pocus. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for anyone looking to learn about herbal remedies and the benefits of natural medicine.

The Bumpy Road: Farm Life in the Great Depression is a captivating memoir that takes readers on a journey to a farm community in Missouri during the 1930s and 1940s. The author recounts stories from his childhood, offering a glimpse into the everyday struggles of his family and neighbors during the Great Depression. Despite the difficult economic conditions, these hardworking individuals remained hopeful and determined, finding ingenious solutions to everyday problems. The book also includes photos and illustrations of farm tools and household items from the era. Overall, The Bumpy Road is a unique and inspiring read that offers valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of rural Missourians during a tumultuous time in American history.

The book, "The Future of Food Is Female: Reinventing the Food System to Save the Planet," highlights the stories of fifteen women leaders who are revolutionizing the food industry and making a positive impact on the environment. From plant-based to cell-based innovation, artificial intelligence, and policymaking, these trailblazers are disrupting traditional ways of producing and thinking about food. Through exclusive interviews and original insights, readers can learn about the exciting advancements and advocacy within food tech and be inspired to make a difference. Overall, this book offers a unique perspective on the future of food and the important role that women are playing in shaping it.

Back to the Country: Memoir of a 1950s Farmer (In the Country) is a heartwarming account of Bud Mertens' life as a farmer in the 1950s. Following his return from the army, Bud embarks on a journey to make a success of farming, despite facing numerous setbacks. Armed with only an 8th-grade education, Bud thrives and becomes a leader in his field. The book is charmingly illustrated with dozens of photos, providing readers with a glimpse into mid-century farm life in America. This inspiring memoir is a must-read for anyone looking to learn from the lessons of a man who started with nothing and made his way through hard work and perseverance.

The Tears of Re: Beekeeping in Ancient Egypt by Gene Kritsky is a fascinating exploration of the importance of honey bees in ancient Egyptian culture. Kritsky delves into the multifaceted society of ancient Egypt, tracing the significance of bees in everything from death rituals to trade. The book is richly illustrated and appeals to a broad range of interests. It provides a unique social commentary of a community so far removed from modern humans chronologically speaking, and yet so fascinating because of the stunning advances their society made. Overall, The Tears of Re is an engaging and informative read that sheds new light on the relationship between ancient Egyptians and honey bees.