Self-taught farmers confidently raising chickens, ducks, geese, and pigs. Our focus is on practices that are environmentally harmonious and respectful to our livestock. We appreciate the beauty around us, clean eating, fermenting, and responsibly utilizing the bounty of the land. If you like thinking for yourself, continuous learning, and connecting with the homesteader lifestyle, check us out.
No, the farm’s staying right where it is…but the blog is moving to a new host in the next few days. This transition may mean you’ll see a blank page if you visit the site while it’s being migrated. Be patient – we’ll be back!
Having raised both purebred and mixed breed poultry, I’ve seen the benefits of genetic diversity, such as heterosis (also known as “hybrid vigor”). When we crossed Easter Eggers that laid blue-green eggs with French Black Copper Marans roosters, we expected that the pullets would eventually lay olive eggs…and they did. And these girls turned out be some of the nicest birds we’ve raised to date.
Continue reading “Farm Fowl: Omnifarious Olive Eggers”
With winter’s approach, my thoughts go to ferments, and how particularly satisfying – and beneficial – they are at this time of year. Cool-weather vegetables, such as brassica, lend themselves to making easy and delicious living foods like sauerkraut and kimchi. Why not make some today?
Continue reading “Farm Ferments: Brassica’s Biotic Bounty”
Geese have a reputation for being silly, and when you spend much time with them, you understand why…they’re goofy creatures and, often, rather clumsy. But silly though they may be, they’re some of the most intelligent fowl we’ve raised, and intelligent creatures seek enrichment. Fortunately, a plain old lime rind can entertain these guys for hours.
Continue reading “Farm Fowl: Genuinely Goofy Geese”
With the chill in the air, warming soups and comforting meals are just the ticket – and they can be made quickly and easily using an electric pressure cooker! For this one, I cooked dry chickpeas without soaking them first and used them as the base for a delightfully hearty and veggie-packed curry.
Continue reading “Under Pressure: Chunky Chickpea Curry”
Winter may not have officially arrived, but it’s certainly felt like winter here already: I’ve seen a few snowflakes, and temperatures have ensured solidly-frozen hoses and slightly-frozen faces.
Continue reading “Haiku: Lofty Layers”