For almost as long as my husband and I have raised pigs on our farm, we have relied on AI breeding (artificial insemination) to get the job done. Although AI is the norm when it comes to ...
How to Grow Watermelon in a Container – 8 Basic Tips for Successful Growth
For the first time ever this year, I tried my hand at growing watermelon. Although the plants did remarkably well, forming long, trailing vines that twisted and turned and curled all over my ...
Footrot in Sheep: Causes, Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatment
Every few months, it’s time for my husband and I to head out to the sheep barn and complete one of our least-favorite tasks. What is this dreaded activity, you might ask? For some, it’s mucking out ...
What Is Potato Scab and How Can You Best Prevent It
I thought we were doing the right thing by adding loads of manure to our garden last fall. All that nitrogen would be great for our vegetables, right? Wrong. While manure is an excellent ...
What Are Vegetarian-Fed Chickens and What’s the Deal with Them?
Every time I walk into the grocery store (which, thankfully, isn’t all that often), I find myself increasingly frustrated with the way that food producers choose to market their products. There are ...
Everything You Need to Know About the Dorper Sheep
If you’re thinking about raising sheep, you’re likely going to find yourself with plenty of decisions to make. Where will you house your sheep? Will they be raised primarily for meat, wool, ...
Flowers You Shouldn’t Plant Near Vegetables (And What to Do Instead)
After I’ve finished harvesting the garden for the year, one of my favorite things to do is sit down with a notepad, a calendar, and a mug of something warm to plan out next year’s plot. I take note of ...
9 Ways to Use Cinnamon in the Garden to Help Your Plants Thrive
When it comes to baking, there are very few ingredients (besides maybe flour and sugar, of course) that I find as beneficial and as integral as cinnamon. It’s a versatile spice that can be used in ...
How to Help Your Ewes Bond with Their Lambs Effectively
In the time that I have been raising sheep, I have been very fortunate in that my ewes have fantastic maternal instincts. As soon as their lambs are born, they are with them, caring for them, ...