We’ve been deluged with thank-you notes, testimonials from the real-time Salatin Semester and reviews of the product…
here’s just a small selection:
There are few people who can inspire you inaction while preaching about cow, pig, turkey, sheep, chicken and rabbit s***. But that's what Joel Salatin does. If you're read his other works, listened to podcasts and still had the question, "But how do I farm like this?" this is for you. Not only a compiled book of global farmers' experiences, tweaks and hacks on Joel's work, it also includes three days of education that Joel provided. Produced as it was being filmed, the video gives you a sense of being in the audience. The editing on the book is well completed and helps the reader with a "detailed contents" section in the back. Overall I haven't seen another product like this that covers what Polyfaces (Joel's farm) does as well.
- Green City Acres
What a package this is. The content is also totally stellar. I've been a huge fan of Salatin for years, and this is hands down one of the best products he's ever been involved with.
- All Points Land Design
There are few people who can inspire you inaction while preaching about cow, pig, turkey, sheep, chicken and rabbit s***. But that's what Joel Salatin does. If you're read his other works, listened to podcasts and still had the question, "But how do I farm like this?" this is for you. Not only a compiled book of global farmers' experiences, tweaks and hacks on Joel's work, it also includes three days of education that Joel provided. Produced as it was being filmed, the video gives you a sense of being in the audience. The editing on the book is well completed and helps the reader with a "detailed contents" section in the back. Overall I haven't seen another product like this that covers what Polyfaces (Joel's farm) does as well.
- Milkwood Permaculture
This is a seriously useful resource. Short of spending days (and days!) with Joel Salatin in person, this package is a great substitute for anyone wanting an in-depth overview of Polyface Faming systems, as well as the nuts-and-bolts side of the animal enterprises. We'd recommend this to anyone wanting to dive into polyface-style farming.
- Abundant Permaculture
If you want to get serious about farming (especially for a living), there's now a definitive guide from Joel Salatin himself, The Salatin Semester. I've had a chance to peek inside this course and believe it's MOST of the info you would need to be a successful (sustainable) farmer.
- The Permaculture Student
If you want a detailed tour-de-force of the Salatin farm, this is it. I cannot recommend this enough. You will learn more than you realize you learned! I write and teach permaculture, and this is a wonderful in-depth case study on holistic management, raising cattle, raising multiple species of animals, and building soil.
- Common Sense Homesteading
I would love to get The Salatin Semester into the hands of [...] friends, and everyone dedicated to the small family farm, to give them the tools they need to make positive changes to their farmsteads. For the health of the planet (and my stressed out friends), I believe that food production has to evolve back to local diversified production, and people like Joel Salatin and the team at Verge Permaculture are helping to lead the way. (Read the full review here).
- The Ruminant Podcast
My overall take on The Salatin Semester is that it is a really good investment for anyone willing to put some serious hours of their own into becoming better farmers. (See the full review here.)
- Earth Works Farm (AB, Canada)Managing your own farm is often a balance of calling on the inspiration of individuals like Salatin, on the experience of other farmers - like the voices that come through in this study guide, and on the knowledge you have of your own locale. The Salatin Semester brings together all three providing support and confidence to new and experienced farmers, alike.
- Electrician (Prince Albert, SK)
I was very intimidated to try a “non-traditional” way of farming, but this course has given me the confidence and tools that I need to build a successful biodynamic farm. I now know that it is possible to farm while having a positive impact on my surrounding environment! Thanks Joel and Verge!
- Eco-Friendly Landscaper (Calgary, AB)
The course with Joel Salatin inspired me to grow more of my own food and preserve it; to patronize local farmers directly; and to think in a new way about how to restore soil –seems like pasture-fed herbivores do the best job of that. This course was well worth it. Well done - I highly recommend Verge courses!
- Farmer (DeWinton, AB)
Attending a 3 day Salatin workshop was a profound and inspiring experience for us – but a huge amount of info to process and retain! Thankfully the diverse, practical wisdom and experiences so clearly and effectively expressed in The Salatin Semester continue to provide and reinforce great farming principals and support the ongoing improvements we are making in our work and our lives.
- Would-be-Farmer (Bluffton, AB)
I loved getting the 'big picture', by attending all three days of Joel's presentation - find myself looking at my farm in a new light. I am reminded that the more I learn, the more I have yet to find out - here's to Joel for a great three days of thought-provoking information in an entertaining, fast moving presentation. Anyone on an acreage or farm would benefit from this course.
- Acreage Owner (Millarville, AB)
It was great, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm very inspired and have been feeling more like my dream is within reach.
- Urban Farmer (Calgary, AB)
Joel Salatin has shown that there is a viable working proof of concept for a truly sustainable agriculture enterprise that is healthy for the planet, the people and the pocket book. I was excited and pleased to attend the workshops hosted by Verge Permaculture, and was truly impressed with the quality of the event. The combination of an excellent speaker and a tightly run ship made this incredibly valuable and will help my family transition into our future agriculture enterprises.
- Food Tour Operator (Calgary, AB)
It was amazing and beyond my expectations. I learned more about how to run a business in this farming workshop than I ever dreamed. Joel's work and philosophies are applicable to many of life's domains.
- Equine Sports Therapist (Saskatoon, SK)
Joel was the most engaging speaker that I have ever had the pleasure of listening to. He was so passionate, intelligent, articulate and delivered his message with so much enthusiasm!! I left the course more inspired than I ever have been about farming and raising food! I feel the knowledge I gained participating in this course was far greater than the amount I paid to participate. Thank you Verge for bringing in such a wonderful instructor.
- Acreage Owner (Okotoks, AB)
Joel Salatin is a wealth of knowledge. His course saved me thousands of dollars in mistakes I would have made getting started with my farming operation!
- Anesthesiologist, Organic Food Manfacturer, Farmer in Evolution (Shelburne, VT)
The best bang-for-my-buck educational experience that I have had.
- Business Manager (Sao Paulo, Brazil)
With this course, Verge provided me with a full toolbox and confidence to go & make a difference for this and future generations.
- Gentleman Farmer (Olds, AB)
The knowledge I gained from listening to Joel was priceless. He is extremely articulate, philosophical, passionate, creative, inspirational and intelligent.
- Sustainable Farmer (Turner Valley, AB)The Joel Salatin three day workshop was the most important and influential event I’ve ever been to as a young agricultural producer. Spanning subjects from the ideology of sustainable farming, sales and marketing advice from a successful farmer, to the nitty gritty details of how to make a successful farm operation work; Joel’s content was clearly meant to empower others to succeed in sustainable agriculture. I would recommend this course to anyone interested in sustainable food production, especially producers; but consumers would enjoy Joel’s entertaining presentation for its high quality content and humorous delivery as well.