Illinois farmer writes book
Phil Bradshaw has accomplished many different tasks during his 55 plus years of farming. Now he can add being an author to that list.
Bradshaw shares stories and recollections from a lifetime of farming in this memoir “Your Food - My Adventure: One Farmer’s Journey to Feed the World” (published by Archway Publishing). From driving a small MG car to Mexico City in 1959 to going to the Summit of Americas in 2009, this book celebrates a way of life, highlights the advancement of farming, and reflects on his efforts advocating for agriculture.
Bradshaw’s book recounts numerous journeys while serving as a leader and policymaker, traveling to more than 53 countries, and meeting seven U.S. presidents along the way. His life story tells how rural America creates a modern food and agricultural system to feed everyone in an increasing world population.
“This book provides a historical perspective on how food production has progressed and gives people a better idea of where it is headed in the future,” says Bradshaw. “Lots of misinformation about food and farming exist today, I hope this book can help sort out the chaff from the wheat and help readers be a better, more informed consumer.”
“Your Food - My Adventure” addresses many current issues in agriculture from the trade war with China to animal diseases such as African Swine Fever. In 1978 Bradshaw was a member of the U.S. Agriculture Trade Mission to China. He also spent many years working to eradicate animal diseases such as Pseudorabies and Foot and Mouth Disease.
The author reflects on everything from expanding 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.
Bradshaw’s list of credentials is lengthy and includes serving as President of three major state and three national agricultural organizations, as well as serving on advisory committees and boards for six U.S. Secretaries of Agriculture. Bradshaw has been a leader on the international level on animal health and soybean issues. His passion for involvement is all about trying to make people's lives better.
“I hope readers will see that you do not have to hold high offices or be rich and famous to have great adventures and help your fellow citizens,” Bradshaw shares.
Phil and his wife, Linda, have three children, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren and live on their farm near Griggsville in Pike County, Illinois.
The book is available for purchase on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/Your-Food-My-Adventure-Farmers/dp/1480879509.
Books can be purchased at Farmers National Bank of Griggsville, all branch locations:
108 W. Quincy St. 201 W. Washington St. 220 Pittsfield Rd.
Griggsville IL 62340 Pittsfield, IL 62363 Mt. Sterling, IL 62353
“Your Food - My Adventure”
By Philip E. Bradshaw
Hardcover | 6 x 9in | 214 pages | ISBN 9781480879508
Softcover | 6 x 9in | 214 pages | ISBN 9781480879515
E-Book | 214 pages | ISBN 9781480879522
Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble
