Book Description

Rick Marrs, Ph.D., has been a soul care provider for decades, first as a Christian counselor and licensed psychologist, then as a pastor and seminary professor. He has taught Christ-centered soul care to thousands of counselors and pastors. “Phil Bradshaw and I are both Illinois farmers who share a passion for the land and a desire to help feed a growing global population. I have had the pleasure of working with Phil on many issues during my career, especially while serving as the US Secretary of Agriculture for President Ronald Reagan’s administration. Phil has always been a champion for agriculture, traveling the globe to improve the lives of people. A lot of misinformation about food and farming exists today, this book gives a factual, firsthand perspective on food production and will give you a better understanding of today’s farmer.” John Block, former US Secretary of Agriculture Philip E. Bradshaw shares stories and recollections from a lifetime of farming in this memoir that celebrates a way of life. He highlights the advancement of farming and reflects on his efforts advocating for agriculture, serving as a leader, and policymaker, and traveling to more than 53 countries and meeting seven U.S. presidents along the way. Born on a family farm in Pike County, Illinois, he grew up during the turbulent 1940s and 1950s amid cows, chickens, and pigs—taking trips to Mexico and helping haul dozens of pigs at a time to the stockyards in East St. Louis in a truck. The author reflects on everything from the importance of international trade, starting his own career in farming, serving in the Army Reserves during the Cold War, managing his money, and meeting his future wife, Linda Bradburn, while speaking about farming at a meeting for young adults. He provides a meaningful historical perspective on how food production has progressed and explores where it is headed in the future—all while celebrating the importance of good living and helping others.