Back to the Country

Memoir of a 1950s Farmer

By: Clement T. "Bud" Mertens

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

Take a look at farm life in the 1950s

After getting out of the Army in 1945, Bud Mertens embarks on his new life as a civilian. He finds love, attempts various career paths, and finally settles on farming—a life he was born into. Follow Bud and his wife Ida as they struggle to raise their family and try to make a success of farming. Despite many setbacks, they achieve more than they ever hoped they could.

Humorous and heartwarming, you’ll laugh and cry along with Bud as he faces new challenges almost daily. Armed with only an 8th grade education, Bud not only survives, he thrives, becoming a leader in his field.

Bud learns a few lessons the hard way:

• Why Holsteins are better than Brown Swiss cows
• Why you should never turn your back on a calf
• Why you can’t use chicken manure on alfalfa
• And much more…

Charmingly illustrated with dozens of photos, you’ll enjoy learning about mid-century farm life in America. Back to the Country is an inspiring look into a man starting from nothing and making his way in the world through hard work and learning from his (many) mistakes.