Joel Salatin is a farmer, author, and speaker who helps people explore the connections between farming, food, and the natural world.
Joel and his family own Polyface Farm in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, where they use practices such as rotating animals through pastures, composting, and portable animal shelters. Their approach uses relationships among plants, animals, and soil to guide how they care for the land and raise livestock.
Through his books, presentations, and hands-on farm experiences, Joel shares lessons about agriculture, entrepreneurship, and building local food systems. His work gained widespread attention through Michael Pollan’s book The Omnivore’s Dilemma and the documentary Food, Inc.
Joel’s career offers students a chance to discover how farming brings together science, creative problem-solving, business, and a daily connection to nature.
