Jerry Apps Books

Focusing on Wisconsin's cheese-making heritage, this book captures the voices of farmers, milk haulers, and producers, tracing the evolution from farmhouse kitchens to a diverse industry. Jerry Apps highlights the changes over the past two decades, including the influence of corporate megafarms and the rise of artisanal cheese makers. With historical photographs and portraits of family-operated factories, the narrative emphasizes the balance of art and science in creating various cheese flavors, celebrating the farmers and producers who have shaped this thriving industry.

"This is the story of the logging era in Wisconsin, of lumberjacks and camp cooks, of log drives and log jams, of sawmills and lumber barons and the echo of the ax in the Northwoods as yet another white pine tree fell to the ground. Jerry also walks readers through the aftermath of the logging era, including efforts to farm the cutover, reforestation work, and the legacy of the state's lumber and wood products industry"-- Provided by publisher

Set in the 1950s, a 16-year-old named Billy Steiner grapples with post-high school decisions amid the expectations of adults. His quest for clarity leads him to the enigmatic Wild Oak, rumored to grant glimpses into the future. As he unravels the mystery of the tree, he seeks to understand his potential paths in life, blending themes of self-discovery and the influence of small-town dynamics.

The story follows Bill Steiner, a farm boy and recent university student, as he seeks extra income for his upcoming school year. He takes a position at a pea cannery, where he faces challenges managing a small team, including an alcoholic worker who reacts violently when Bill confiscates his liquor. This tense situation highlights themes of responsibility and the struggles of youth as Bill navigates the complexities of work and personal safety.

On Farms and Rural Communities is an exploration of the past, present and future importance of our rural communities, which are often overlooked in our national discourse. The author examines a host of issues, including agriculture, land use, population shifts and other socio-economic factors to argue that we must restore rural communities to the status they once held and deserve to be held again.