Our all‑time favourite books on food, farming & living well

Every farm has its quiet influences - the ideas, mentors and stories that shape how you see the land and the food it produces. For us, these books have been companions over decades. They’ve challenged us, grounded us, inspired us and, at times, completely changed the way we farm.

Here’s our all‑time favourite reading list - the books that have shaped Triple B from the early days right through to today.

1. Food for Life - Michael van Straten

A classic that opened our eyes to the deep connection between food and wellbeing. Van Straten’s work is practical, accessible and rooted in the simple truth that what you eat becomes who you are. It’s one of the first books that nudged us toward thinking about food as nourishment, not just fuel.

2. Farming Naturally & Organic Animal Care - Pat Coleby

Pat Coleby is practically a patron saint for anyone farming without chemicals. Her mineral‑based approach to animal health changed everything for us - from how we manage pastures to how we support natural immunity in our herd. This book is dog‑eared, highlighted and permanently on the kitchen table.

3. The Legacy - David Suzuki

A powerful reminder that every decision we make on the farm ripples outward - into ecosystems, communities and future generations. Suzuki’s writing helped anchor our belief that farming isn’t just a business; it’s a responsibility.

4. Call of the Reed Warbler - Charles Massy

If there’s a modern bible for regenerative farming in Australia, this is it. Massy captures the emotional, ecological and practical journey of farmers who choose regeneration over extraction. It’s a book that makes you look at your paddocks differently — and listen more closely.

5. Animal, Vegetable, Miracle - Barbara Kingsolver

A beautiful, personal story about eating locally, seasonally and with intention. Kingsolver’s year of living by the rhythms of her land mirrors so much of what we believe: that food is at its best when it’s grown close to home, with care and connection.

6. Agriculture Course: The Birth of the Biodynamic Method - Rudolf Steiner

The book that started it all. Steiner’s lectures are dense, philosophical and sometimes challenging - but they form the backbone of biodynamic farming. This is where the ideas of living soil, cosmic rhythms and whole‑farm ecology first took shape. It’s not light reading, but it’s foundational.

Why these books matter to us

Each of these books has shaped a different part of our journey:

• how we care for animals

• how we understand soil

• how we think about food

• how we see our responsibility to the land

• how we farm today at Jupiter Creek

They’re more than books - they’re part of our story.

If you’re curious about the ideas behind biodynamic and regenerative farming, or you simply love a good read about food and land, this list is a beautiful place to start.

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