“Why can we only get lamb in the US, as opposed to mutton?” That’s what Bobbie Kramer, a veterinarian near Portland, Oregon, was wondering when she responded to our recent call for reader questions about where their food comes from. “As a meat eater, I enjoy the flavor and texture of lamb. But I’d love […]
For too long, the pork industry has been permitted to inflict what amounts to criminal animal cruelty—with the help of billions of dollars in public funding. Approximately two-thirds of mother pigs, weighing 525 to 790 lbs, are trapped within gestation crates for the entirety of their 114-day pregnancy. These stalls, measuring 2.5 feet by 7 […]
On the last Tuesday of August, a vehicle pulled into Providence Farm in McLeansville, North Carolina. Joy Combs had been expecting these guests—they were from the Carolina Great Pyrenees Rescue (CGPR), and they were there to drop off a five-year-old Anatolian Shepherd named Max. Combs planned to work with the rescue to evaluate his behavior […]
Less than one percent of the US is covered in pavement. Although it may feel like roadways, highways, back lanes and city streets are omnipresent—inevitable, in some ways—they actually cover a shockingly small portion of the country. But the impacts of roads? Those go on for miles. As Ben Goldfarb writes in his new book, […]
Are you considering adding poultry to your backyard farm? Quail and chickens are two popular options, each offering its own set of advantages and challenges. In this post, I’ll compare raising quail to raising chickens, helping you make an informed decision for your small-scale farming venture. Quail vs Chicken: Space Requirements One of the first… […]
Kombucha is widely consumed as a fermented, effervescent tea. But some people in the world of textiles look at kombucha and see something else. Asiah Brazil-Geyshick, an Ojibwe student studying apparel, textiles and design at the University of Idaho, saw a pair of moccasins, a medicine bag and a wallet, all of which she hand-stitched […]
Anyone with chickens knows they can fall ill seemingly overnight. They’re robust little creatures and often won’t show any signs of problems until you find them sickly (or worse) one morning. Often, those illnesses can be because of a lack of nutrients like calcium in their diet. Imagine laying an egg a day, and not…
In 2019, Jeff Siewicki was a pharmacist who never planned to become a farmer. His plan was to create a 25’ x 25’ garden for personal use near his home outside of Charleston, South Carolina. He hunted hogs, ducks, crabs and fish. The only protein he was buying at the grocery store was chicken, so […]
Chicken breeds for backyard homesteaders. Raising chickens in your backyard can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Not only do they provide a sustainable source of fresh eggs and, in some cases, meat, but they also make charming, feathered companions. However, before you embark on your backyard chicken adventure, it’s crucial to understand the various chicken… […]
Your mental image of an Alaskan farm probably involves a plot of land amid endless country, hemmed in only by distant, snow-capped peaks. Perhaps that image is informed by articles on “cheap” and abundant farmland in the far north or articles on how climate change opens opportunities by increasing the number of Alaska’s growing days. […]
Getting a clutch of chicks is always fun. I don’t care how old you are; those sweet little peeping balls of fuzz melt even the hardest of hearts. But most of us only want chicks that will grow to be laying hens. In fact, most of us pay for sexed pullets because we really don’t […]
Josh Payne planted chestnut trees six years ago. The rows of nut trees haven’t fully matured yet, but he’s banking on the future shade they’ll provide to shield his animals from sweltering heat. “We started with that largely because we want to get out of commodity agriculture,” Payne said. “But also because I’m worried that […]
Every August, the Alberta government surveys grasshopper populations to discern the number of adult females capable of reproduction and egg-laying. Based on these tallies, the following year’s grasshopper population is calculated. But in 2022, the data was stark: Researchers warned of severe grasshopper infestations in southern Alberta and along the Saskatchewan border. But without much-needed […]
Since the resurgence of regenerative agriculture, farming has never been sexier. The star-studded film Kiss the Ground, featuring celebrities Woody Harrelson and Tom Brady, put the movement on the map in 2020, claiming that regenerative farming could be the solution to, not the cause of, climate change, biodiversity loss and soil erosion. But what does […]
Every spring, beekeepers across the country ready their hives for the long drive west. As California almond growers ready their groves for the incoming blossoms, a deluge of honey bees converges on the state—nearly two million hives worth. With roughly 1.5 million acres of almonds to pollinate, it takes a lot of bees to get […]
Sponsored By: The Anderson’s Plant Nutrient With the growing season nearing harvest, it is time to think about fall fertilizer applications, particularly for pH and liming needs. The first step is to take a thorough soil test to measure values of major nutrients (NPK), cations (calcium, magnesium, potassium, hydrogen, and sodium), and micronutrients. Depending on […]
Agriculture sucks a whopping 80 percent of the Colorado River’s water every year. The largest contributor to that massive amount of drainage is not commonly criticized culprits such as California almonds or avocados—it’s hay. Alfalfa hay, the nutrient-rich backbone of the dairy, beef and horse industries in the West, produces more protein per acre than […]
Andrea Parish holds back Zora, her black Labrador Retriever, who is coiled like a spring. Zora, a detection dog, can’t wait to get to those potatoes. Parish scans the environment for potential distractions—how noisy is it? Did the wind just change?—then releases Zora and watches her posture and ear and tail positions for cues. Zora […]
In Washington’s Skagit Valley, the beginning of summer is largely marked by the first ripe, red strawberry. Just off of State Route 20 headed west out of Burlington sits the Skagit Valley location of Viva Farms. Viva Farms is a nonprofit that helps new and limited-resource farmers with access to land, equipment and more, and […]
When the lockdowns began at the start of the coronavirus pandemic, many people found themselves unexpectedly stuck at home. Some worried about the food supply chain, while others were simply bored. Staring out the window into their vacant backyards, people around the country were suddenly seized with the same inspiration. Why not start a backyard […]
If you want to eat more sustainably, the answer seems obvious, according to researchers at the University of Oxford: Go vegan—or at least eat vegetarian as much as possible. Avoid animal products. Get your protein and your iron and your B12 elsewhere. Stock your fridge with tofu, tempeh and beans, and forgo the trip to […]
Tinned fish is hot. The colorful packages are trending on Tik Tok and Instagram, (#tinfish has 38.6 million views on the latter platform), with influencers touting high nutrient value, long shelf life and convenience. Cookbooks such as Tin to Table by Anna Hezel and The Magic of Tinned Fish by Chris McDade feature tinned-fish recipes. […]
In 2016, when Lex Corwin opened his off-grid, biodynamic cannabis farm in Nevada City, California, he incorporated sustainability into every facet of the company. He powered the greenhouse with on-site solar panels, opted for natural pest control instead of synthetics and sold his products in recyclable, 99% plastic-free packaging. “It’s a very important political topic […]
When the mercury climbs, your chickens have to endure the heat, too. And extreme temperatures can lead to a host of health issues. But you can take some easy steps to keep your flock cool and safe during hot weather. That is unless you’re willing to let them inside to enjoy the air conditioning with […]
Sweet corn destined for the freezer or the canned food aisle has been steadily decreasing over the last three decades, according to a new study published in HortScience. Researchers from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) analyzed a 27-year data set spanning 20,000 sweet corn fields across four states. Between 1992 and 2018, this data […]
Crystal Kraft first saw Nacho, a sturdy golden chestnut Halfinger with a flaxen mane, on Fountain Hill Horses Facebook page. The post stated that the Haflinger, a breed known for its laid-back, people-pleasing temperament, would be sent to a Mexican slaughterhouse if no one paid the $2,500 “bail.” Anyone who paid could buy him out […]
A full-service approach to CEA Sponsored By: Spacesaver While a multi-acre plot spanning the countryside is what comes to mind when most hear of a farming operation, some growers do not have access to the amount of real estate necessary to support this functionality. For these individuals, an efficient and productive alternative is available – […]
Self-reliance is a very beautiful and practical way of living to strive for, which offers many rewards, mostly beyond the monetary realm. Yet, there are a few intrepid homesteaders out there who want to push their limits even further. Self-sufficiency isn’t an “all or nothing” act. Learning to live a self-sufficient life takes time, as […]
When the North American Bat Conservation Alliance (NABCA) released its first ever State of Bats report this spring, it was intended as a baseline record of how bat species in North America were faring. NABCA is a trilateral network, with biologists and resource managers across Canada, the US and Mexico. With hundreds of bat species […]
One sweltering day last July, two Shasta County, Calif. sheriff’s deputies struck out on a 500-mile journey, armed with a search warrant. But this was no manhunt. Law enforcement was hot on the trail of a 4-H goat. Cedar, as his nine-year-old owner named the young Boer, had been whisked from the Shasta District Fairgrounds […]
If you’ve got chickens, you already know they’re curious little buggers. You’ll often find them where you don’t want them, like in your flower bed or under the neighbor’s bird feeder. They have a knack for mischief, and it’s only a matter of time before one becomes sick or injured. Rather than running to the […]
Samantha Craun oversees 1200 acres and roughly 900 cows at her farm in eastern Tennessee. She took over Davis Brothers Dairy from her father and uncle, and it’s a lot of work. She grows all the forage the cows eat, so between growing her grain and tending to her animals, she’s nearly always busy. But […]
In the fall of 2014, when the Elzinga family of Alderspring Ranch were bringing their cattle back to the ranch from the jagged river canyons and rocky peaks of their public grazing allotment above Idaho’s Salmon River Corridor, they discovered 14 of their animals were missing. Despite riding 30 to 50 miles on horseback four […]
There are two kinds of chicken people in this world. Those who pluck their own, and those who build themselves a chicken plucker because ain’t no way in hell they’re gonna pluck another chicken ever again. I’m of the latter. (can you tell??) It all started back in 2012 when I decided we were going to try […]
It happens to the best of us… We take our regular walk to the chicken coop, open the regular door, reach into the regular nesting box… And we get a very IRREGULAR-looking egg. So, what does it mean when a chicken lays a soft egg? And how can you prevent it? Today I’m going to share […]
The dream is sustainability. And as an urban farmer, raising meat chickens is one of the most sustainable things you could do, but also one of the most intimidating. 7 years ago when we decided to grow our own food, that meant we’d dive into gardening, goat milking, egg gathering, and yes, even chicken butchering. […]
How do you know if you’re chickens have stopped laying eggs? That was the same question we had this week as we noticed our egg production had slowed down over the past several weeks. With chickens in and out of the coop throughout the day, it was near impossible for us to tell which was […]
Oh my gosh, isn’t life terrible right now with all the snow and icicles and frostbite? Yeah…that’s not really what I’m dealing with here in Arizona. You see, ’round here this time of year we’ve got grass, and leaves, and maybe a bit of wind? Living in Arizona definitely has its perks, and the gorgeous winters […]
We’ve talked a lot about the deep litter method with fellow backyard flock owners, but so many are confused about the process and concerned about the well-being of their flock. We’re here to calm your nerves, teach you how to use the deep litter method in your coop, and give you all our tips and […]
Cream Legbar chicks – I dare you not to fall in love with those faces. Getting baby chicks is so much fun. Those fuzzy balls of fluff have a way of melting even the chilliest of hearts, and before you know it, you’re completely attached to them. So, you can imagine the problems that arise […]
If you have a backyard flock, two words can make your heart skip a beat – avian influenza. HPAI has been splashed all over the news for quite some time, accompanied by statistics quoting the number of birds lost at commercial farms or dollar amounts in lost revenue. But what does this disease mean for […]
As a new poultry owner, there’s nothing quite as exciting as looking into the nest box and seeing your first egg. Here we go, the reason we decided to get chickens in the first place; it’s finally starting! There’s also nothing as disconcerting as when they suddenly stop laying. Backyard flock owners often worry there […]
DIY chicken feeders have come a long way from the old trough-style feeders. Because chickens have a narrow intestinal tract, they like to eat often but in small portions. This means that chickens are almost always hungry and food obsessed. Keep them well-fed with a DIY chicken feeder. Egg-laying hens require a balanced diet that […]
Do you know this mystery chicken breed? With European roots (and a name to boot), this striking bird lays dark-brown eggs all year long. The post Can You Identify This Mystery Chicken Breed? appeared first on Hobby Farms.
I’m getting ready for my first year as a beekeeper. My hives are ready, but I’m building this simple, table-style bee stand to keep the boxes off the wet ground. The post Video: Build A Simple DIY Bee Stand For Your Hives appeared first on Hobby Farms.
These 7 tasty drink recipes make luxurious cocktails (or mocktails) using, among other ingredients, your bounty of backyard eggs. Great for summertime sipping! The post Use Your Eggs In These 7 Summertime Cocktails! appeared first on Hobby Farms.
One of the original dual-purpose birds, the Redcap chicken is slowly starting to make a comeback. Learn more about this historic poultry below. The post Hats Off To The Redcap! Historic Chicken Makes A Comeback appeared first on Hobby Farms.
For Malia F., the family’s flock led to hen bonding, a case of chicken math, a nasty pecking order incident and an introduction to poultry exhibition. The post Chicken Chat: Falling In Love With A Special Flock appeared first on Hobby Farms.
What is Cold Pressed Neem Oil Sponsored By: Terramera In the realm of sustainable agriculture, the demand for effective and eco-friendly solutions to protect crops from pests and diseases has grown significantly. Neem oil is a complex compound containing over 150 biologically active compounds better known as limonoids, it has emerged as a potent natural […]
TRACTOR TIME #70: In this special episode AcresUSA invites you to a special Podcast Series on Integrating Precision Analysis with Crop Input Applications. Learn how to use precision lab analysis to optimize crop input selection, application and timing while minimizing budget. Presented by Apical Crop Science Thank you for listening. You can learn more about […]
Sponsored By: AEA By Jason Stoll, Regenerative Agriculture Consultant, Advancing Eco Agriculture As I continue to share and interact with others in the agricultural industry, several ideas seem well-ingrained in farmer knowledge. One of these ideas is that growing a crop is an extractive process that removes energy and nutrients from the soil. These then […]
Sponsored Sponsored by Brandt Amino acids and zinc are both essential components for the growth and development of almond trees. Amino acids are naturally occurring organic compounds that are essential to crop quality and yield. Plants use amino acids to make proteins – the main component of living cells. It is important for plants to […]
Sponsored By: AEA The Upper Midwest experienced remarkably high snowfall this winter. Wisconsin received a staggering 130 inches. Bismarck, ND tallied 101 inches. An early May storm dropped ten more inches in Michigan, disrupting planting. Even for hardy Northerners accustomed to such weather, prolonged winters impact farmers profoundly. In addition to the delays in field […]
As farm animals go, cattle have it pretty good. Most of them roam free and forage in green pastures before they’re loaded in a trailer, paraded through a series of chutes and gates, and admitted to a feedlot to finish out their days. If I had to be a farm animal in our modern food […]
You may want to have a cow for your homestead to provide milk and produce a calf yearly for meat. You might want to have a herd of beef cattle to provide meat for your family and to sell for profit. You might want to have a string of dairy cows to milk for profit. […]
I suppose there are advantages to living in a desert. For one, allergy season is probably pretty short. Without vegetation carpeting the landscape, the human immune system must have little to overreact to. Here, in the borderlands between the subtropic and temperate climes, my white blood cells are currently waging war against any trace of […]
Should California be able to require higher welfare standards for farm animals raised in other states if products from those animals are to be sold in California? On May 11, 2023, the US Supreme Court upheld California’s position by a 5-4 vote in National Pork Producers Council v. Ross. While the ruling was fractured and […]
In May, when the bitterness of Canada’s winter subsides and sprigs of green poke through patches of dead pasture, horse ranchers prepare for the bustle of new foals about to be born. But those who raise horses for human consumption wonder how many of those seasons are left. Jane, who asked that Modern Farmer not […]
Facial recognition technology isn’t limited to humans. Livestock are now getting their mugs snapped in order to help farmers monitor animal health, increase efficiency and improve traceability. Researchers from the US to Australia are using drones to handle health assessments of cattle from the air, developing a system to recognize the emotional states of farm […]
Tove Danovich’s Under the Henfluence: Inside the World of Backyard Chickens and the People Who Love Them is decidedly not a sugary love letter to Danovich’s flock, loaded with sappy, capricious odes to her pet chickens. Instead, it’s a realistic and immersive look into our relationships with those beings in our care. “Chickens are a […]
If you’ve never heard a guinea pig “wheeking” when you get up in the morning, you’re missing out. Most people associate guinea pigs with childhood pets, but they are the perfect companion for all age groups. Not only that, but they’re perfect as pets on the homestead because of their easygoing nature and adaptability. Here…
Alpacas are excellent animals to have on the homestead. They’re gentle with kids, will fiercely guard your property, and you can use their fiber for making textiles. Raising these animals is easy if you have the necessary space and time to look after them. With a bit of training, they can have calm and friendly…
Anyone who’s stepped into livestock care knows the question “what to feed my animals” is a huge one. It can be overwhelming, and information is hard to find and harder to wade through. Words like “fodder” are thrown around as if we all know what that means. Some people use “fodder” to refer only to…
There are many ways to raise fish in your backyard. You can use an existing lake on your property or install a complex tank system. Or, you can convert an existing swimming pool or koi pond into a pond for fish farming. If you’re new to farming fish, head to our comprehensive primer first. It…
It’s hard not to feel happy when you see a puppy or kitten, but for some people, pets are an essential lifeline to support their mental health. An Emotional Support Animal (ESA) is a pet that offers emotional assistance for mental health disorders and other problems. Professionals train service dogs to assist their owners with…
Project will explore genetic variation of grazing traits in a subtropical environment.
I suppose there are advantages to living in a desert. For one, allergy season is probably pretty short. Without vegetation carpeting the landscape, the human immune system must have little to overreact to. Here, in the borderlands between the subtropic and temperate climes, my white blood cells are currently waging war against any trace of […]
New research analyzes more than 25 years of climate and biological data. The findings include shorter hibernation periods in arctic ground squirrels, as well as differences between male and female hibernation periods.
After a few years of raising baby pigs, this farmer learned a few things worth considering early—and shares his experience to make yours easier. The post Raising Baby Pigs: Advice From An Accidental Farmer appeared first on Hobby Farms.
May and June are the months to start your fall lambing season, so follow these tips to ensure your flock’s safe and successful lambing in autumn. The post Start Now For A Successful Fall Lambing Season appeared first on Hobby Farms.
Ornamental breeds of chickens bring pizzazz and companionship to the backyard, so consider one of these endangered breeds to add to your homestead! The post 3 Endangered Ornamental Chicken Breeds appeared first on Hobby Farms.
Though prescribed burns reduce wildfire threats and even improve habitat for some animals, new research shows these fires also spread stinknet, an aptly named weed currently invading superblooms across the Southwestern U.S.
Researchers’ expertise includes animal behavior and welfare, red meat quality and safety, and agricultural and environmental science.
Sponsored By: AEA By Jason Stoll, Regenerative Agriculture Consultant, Advancing Eco Agriculture As I continue to share and interact with others in the agricultural industry, several ideas seem well-ingrained in farmer knowledge. One of these ideas is that growing a crop is an extractive process that removes energy and nutrients from the soil. These then […]
Sponsored By: AEA The Upper Midwest experienced remarkably high snowfall this winter. Wisconsin received a staggering 130 inches. Bismarck, ND tallied 101 inches. An early May storm dropped ten more inches in Michigan, disrupting planting. Even for hardy Northerners accustomed to such weather, prolonged winters impact farmers profoundly. In addition to the delays in field […]
We’ve talked a lot about the deep litter method with fellow backyard flock owners, but so many are confused about the process and concerned about the well-being of their flock. We’re here to calm your nerves, teach you how to use the deep litter method in your coop, and give you all our tips and […]
A new study shows that the ability of microorganisms to adapt to climate warming will slow down global warming by storing carbon in soil.
An established breed with newfound popularity (due to social media and importation changes), the Valais Blacknose Sheep could be a great choice for your farm! The post Breed Profile: Meet The Valais Blacknose Sheep appeared first on Hobby Farms.
Cattle can be easy keeping livestock, but having the right tools is essential to effective herd management and wellness. Here are our equipment recommendations for cattle. The post These Tools Are Essential For Keeping Cattle appeared first on Hobby Farms.
As we ready for International Heritage Breeds Week, let’s look at four critically endangered breeds of chickens: Campine, Houdan, La Flèche and Malay. The post 4 Critically Endangered Breeds Of Chickens To Consider appeared first on Hobby Farms.
With its fluffy feathers and gentle demeanor, no other breed of chicken has inspired people to own poultry as has the Cochin, a beautiful Asian bird. The post Breed Profile: The Cochin Chicken Stands Out appeared first on Hobby Farms.
Nutrition takes an all-natural turn when it comes to raising geese, an increasingly popular type of poultry. But what, exactly, do geese eat? The post What Do Geese Eat? How To Feed These Popular Waterfowl appeared first on Hobby Farms.
It’s important to provide appropriate rations for poultry, but your chickens will enjoy food scraps, too. Check out these “free” foods for the coop! The post Feed Chickens Food Scraps To Reduce Waste (& Your Feed Bill) appeared first on Hobby Farms.
Should California be able to require higher welfare standards for farm animals raised in other states if products from those animals are to be sold in California? On May 11, 2023, the US Supreme Court upheld California’s position by a 5-4 vote in National Pork Producers Council v. Ross. While the ruling was fractured and […]
Aug. 7-9 event attracts cattle producers worldwide to College Station.
In this excerpt from “Chicken Keeping Pure + Simple: A Fun, Friendly Guide to Backyard Chicken Keeping,” author Nikki Husted provides ideas to engage kids with your flock. The post Activities For Kids & Chickens (Book Excerpt) appeared first on Hobby Farms.
If you have sheep, you no doubt feel the pain of wasted hay too often. That stuff isn’t cheap! Here are some tips for minimizing hay loss in your flock. The post Keep Sheep? Here Are Ways To Reduce Hay Loss appeared first on Hobby Farms.
If you are a backyard chicken keeper then you have an amazing life. However, even the most fantastic life can have challenges and when it comes to poultry parenting chicken predators are your enemies. From foxes and raccoons to hawks and snakes, there are numerous animals that see chickens as a tasty meal. Keeping your… […]
This round of Say Cheese contenders includes fuzzy bantams, proud roosters, an adorable duckling and much more, so check out these photos from Hobby Farms readers! The post Say Cheese! For Recent Reader Poultry Photos appeared first on Hobby Farms.
Competitive poultry breeders use the term “quality” when discussing birds. Here’s the difference between show quality, breeder quality and pet quality chickens. The post The Quality Question When It Comes To Chickens appeared first on Hobby Farms.
Facial recognition technology isn’t limited to humans. Livestock are now getting their mugs snapped in order to help farmers monitor animal health, increase efficiency and improve traceability. Researchers from the US to Australia are using drones to handle health assessments of cattle from the air, developing a system to recognize the emotional states of farm […]
If you’re considering chickens but unsure what feeder is right, check out these 3 chicken feeder types for your needs and budget. The post 3 Chicken Feeder Designs To Fit Your Needs & Budget appeared first on Hobby Farms.
When this chicken-keeper decided to build a DIY chicken tractor using salvaged materials, not everything went smoothly. Here’s what worked and didn’t in this DIY build. The post What To Do (& Not Do) When Building A Chicken Tractor appeared first on Hobby Farms.
In addition to herding, a UGV could monitor the health of individual animals more frequently and with more precision than humans can.
In May, when the bitterness of Canada’s winter subsides and sprigs of green poke through patches of dead pasture, horse ranchers prepare for the bustle of new foals about to be born. But those who raise horses for human consumption wonder how many of those seasons are left. Jane, who asked that Modern Farmer not […]
It’s almost 8 a.m. on a Monday morning in San Jerónimo Tlacochahuaya, and in spite of the early hour, the hot Mexican sun is already starting to beat down. In this Zapotecan town, located 15 miles east of Oaxaca City, 11 men and women don sombreros to protect themselves from the quickly strengthening rays and […]
Livestock umbilical care is an easy, effective way to ensure a good start to life for newborn animals. Here’s what to know about managing your young livestock’s belly button. The post The Importance Of Livestock Newborn Umbilical Care appeared first on Hobby Farms.
An egg-bound chicken sounds horrific, and it can be. It is a common issue that can affect chickens of all breeds and ages. It may be embarrassing to your feathered friend, but this condition occurs when a hen is unable to pass an egg properly (yep, the egg gets stuck). If left untreated, egg-bound chickens… […]
When it comes to owning chickens, there’s a lot to love – the clucking of happy hens, the excitement of collecting freshly laid eggs, and the satisfaction of watching your flock work hard around your yard. However, amidst the joys of poultry keeping, there’s one aspect that can be quite unwelcome – chicken parasites. These… […]