Small Farms: Most Popular Articles
These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Buy Honey Bees Online
Bees for sale! Are you a beginning beekeeper who needs to buy package bees or nucs? Learn how and where to order honey bees online.
Bees for sale! Are you a beginning beekeeper who needs to buy package bees or nucs? Learn how and where to order honey bees online.
How to Keep Chickens
Ready to raise your own chickens on your small farm for delicious eggs, meat, or just for pets? Everything you need to know to raise and keep chickens on your small farm or homestead is right here.
Ready to raise your own chickens on your small farm for delicious eggs, meat, or just for pets? Everything you need to know to raise and keep chickens on your small farm or homestead is right here.
Raise Baby Chicks
Want to raise baby chicks on your small farm or homestead? Learn how to take care of and raise happy chickens.
Want to raise baby chicks on your small farm or homestead? Learn how to take care of and raise happy chickens.
Top 10 Tips for Building a Chicken Coop
Considering building your own chicken coop? These tips will help you create a chicken coop that will last for many years and keep your laying hens safe and happy.
Considering building your own chicken coop? These tips will help you create a chicken coop that will last for many years and keep your laying hens safe and happy.
Collecting Chicken Eggs
Are your chickens laying so many eggs you don't know what to do with them? Learn how to properly collect, clean and store your laying hens' eggs.
Are your chickens laying so many eggs you don't know what to do with them? Learn how to properly collect, clean and store your laying hens' eggs.
Do I need a rooster for eggs?
I'll give you the scoop on roosters and hens. The short answer: you don't need a rooster for your hens to lay eggs. But, there's more to it than that.
I'll give you the scoop on roosters and hens. The short answer: you don't need a rooster for your hens to lay eggs. But, there's more to it than that.
Build a Movable Chicken Coop
Learn how to build a simple chicken tractor or movable coop for your laying hens' needs. What are the essential elements of a design?
Learn how to build a simple chicken tractor or movable coop for your laying hens' needs. What are the essential elements of a design?
How to Make Your Own Chicken or Poultry Feed
Move toward greater self-sufficiency when you make your own chicken or other poultry feed on your small farm or homestead. This will get you started toward a custom mix that meets your needs for chicken feed and keeps your hens healthy.
Move toward greater self-sufficiency when you make your own chicken or other poultry feed on your small farm or homestead. This will get you started toward a custom mix that meets your needs for chicken feed and keeps your hens healthy.
Before you Buy a Chicken Coop
Ready to bring those baby chicks home, but need to build or buy them a chicken coop before they feather in? Never fear. I will help you figure out what you need to know so you can give your chicks a healthy, durable home.
Ready to bring those baby chicks home, but need to build or buy them a chicken coop before they feather in? Never fear. I will help you figure out what you need to know so you can give your chicks a healthy, durable home.
How to Raise Turkeys
Learn how to raise heritage or standard turkeys from day-old poults into delicious birds for the table - or as pets. From feeding and watering to how to range them, you'll find out everything you need to know about raising turkeys.
Learn how to raise heritage or standard turkeys from day-old poults into delicious birds for the table - or as pets. From feeding and watering to how to range them, you'll find out everything you need to know about raising turkeys.
Where to Buy Baby Chicks
Ready to place your order for baby chicks for your small farm or homestead? Here's a list of the best places to order baby chicks, turkeys, ducks, geese, keets, and other poultry online.
Ready to place your order for baby chicks for your small farm or homestead? Here's a list of the best places to order baby chicks, turkeys, ducks, geese, keets, and other poultry online.
How to Keep Bees
If you're ready to start beekeeping, you've come to the right place. Learn how to set up your hive, when to harvest the honey, and what supplies you really need to keep honeybees.
If you're ready to start beekeeping, you've come to the right place. Learn how to set up your hive, when to harvest the honey, and what supplies you really need to keep honeybees.
How to Start a Small Farm Business
You may want to start a small farm business and be wondering where to begin. Let me guide you step by step through the process of starting your small farm business.
You may want to start a small farm business and be wondering where to begin. Let me guide you step by step through the process of starting your small farm business.
How to Clean Eggs
Learn all about how to clean your chicken eggs so that they are safe and healthy for eating and selling to consumers.
Learn all about how to clean your chicken eggs so that they are safe and healthy for eating and selling to consumers.
Build a Chick Brooder
A DIY brooder setup for your chicks is one of the simplest ways to save money while raising chickens. Get some ideas for what to use for a safe, comfortable brooder - including heat lamps, waterers and feeders, bedding and temperature monitoring.
A DIY brooder setup for your chicks is one of the simplest ways to save money while raising chickens. Get some ideas for what to use for a safe, comfortable brooder - including heat lamps, waterers and feeders, bedding and temperature monitoring.
How to Get Hens Lay Nest Boxes
Do your chickens lay their eggs everywhere but in the nest boxes? These tips will have you collecting fresh, clean eggs out of the nest boxes in no time.
Do your chickens lay their eggs everywhere but in the nest boxes? These tips will have you collecting fresh, clean eggs out of the nest boxes in no time.
How to Design a Small Farm
How to design a small farm or homestead. Planning the first year on your small farm. Deciding what animals to keep, what crops and vegetables to plant, and how to arrange buildings and gardens. Making a plan for the future.
How to design a small farm or homestead. Planning the first year on your small farm. Deciding what animals to keep, what crops and vegetables to plant, and how to arrange buildings and gardens. Making a plan for the future.
How to Raise Chickens for Meat
Ready to raise your own chickens for meat? Learn everything you need to know about how to raise meat birds from fluffy chicks to slaughtering and processing time.
Ready to raise your own chickens for meat? Learn everything you need to know about how to raise meat birds from fluffy chicks to slaughtering and processing time.
Stop Egg Eating
Have a problem with egg eating among your laying hens? Learn these crucial tips to stop your chickens from eating their own eggs. Your investment in those hens will pay off with fresh, delicious eggs that you get to eat instead of your hens!
Have a problem with egg eating among your laying hens? Learn these crucial tips to stop your chickens from eating their own eggs. Your investment in those hens will pay off with fresh, delicious eggs that you get to eat instead of your hens!
When You Get Your Chicks
Raising baby chicks doesn't have to inspire fear - with this guide you will get your baby chicks off to a great start.
Raising baby chicks doesn't have to inspire fear - with this guide you will get your baby chicks off to a great start.
Grants for Small Farms
Looking for grants or money to start your small farm? Look no further; we've gathered the best resources for you to find the grants you need.
Looking for grants or money to start your small farm? Look no further; we've gathered the best resources for you to find the grants you need.
Prepare Your Soil - Tillage
Learn how to prepare your soil for planting: tillage methods from conventional to no-till to reduced tillage will be discussed. Whether you have a homestead, a tiny hobby farm or a small-scale farm, you'll find the right method for tilling your soil here.
Learn how to prepare your soil for planting: tillage methods from conventional to no-till to reduced tillage will be discussed. Whether you have a homestead, a tiny hobby farm or a small-scale farm, you'll find the right method for tilling your soil here.
Top 10 Tips for Hatching Chicks Naturally
If you want to hatch chicks naturally with a broody hen from your own flock, these tips will help you maximize your success.
If you want to hatch chicks naturally with a broody hen from your own flock, these tips will help you maximize your success.
Poultry Predators
It seems that more animals are after chickens and poultry than any other farm animal - so learn what predators put your chickens at risk and how to best protect them.
It seems that more animals are after chickens and poultry than any other farm animal - so learn what predators put your chickens at risk and how to best protect them.
Sell at the Farmers Market
Learn how to sell your small farm's produce, meat, eggs, dairy and poultry at the farmers market. What are the best strategies for success?
Learn how to sell your small farm's produce, meat, eggs, dairy and poultry at the farmers market. What are the best strategies for success?
Deep Litter Method
The deep litter method of litter management is used to keep chickens healthy and happy in their coop on small farms and homesteads. Laying hens are particularly suited for this method of litter management.
The deep litter method of litter management is used to keep chickens healthy and happy in their coop on small farms and homesteads. Laying hens are particularly suited for this method of litter management.
Choose Chicken Breeds
Did you know there are more than 200 breeds of chickens? Why do you care? Besides color, plumage pattern,
Did you know there are more than 200 breeds of chickens? Why do you care? Besides color, plumage pattern,
How to Hatch Chicks Naturally
You don't always need an incubator to hatch chicken eggs. Some hens take to the task of hatching baby chicks naturally, going broody on a clutch of eggs that you or she collects.
You don't always need an incubator to hatch chicken eggs. Some hens take to the task of hatching baby chicks naturally, going broody on a clutch of eggs that you or she collects.
Ongoing Chicken Care
Learn the basics of how to keep up with your flock of laying hens or meat chickens. Collecting eggs, refilling feed and water, and maintaining a clean chicken coop.
Learn the basics of how to keep up with your flock of laying hens or meat chickens. Collecting eggs, refilling feed and water, and maintaining a clean chicken coop.
Chicken Problems
Keeping a small laying flock of chickens is fairly easy, but not entirely free of problems. Here you will learn about the common problems you may encounter with chickens on your small farm or homestead.
Keeping a small laying flock of chickens is fairly easy, but not entirely free of problems. Here you will learn about the common problems you may encounter with chickens on your small farm or homestead.
Chicken Breed Profiles
Once you've decided to keep chickens, you need to pick from over a hundred possible chicken breeds to find the one that is right for your farm or homestead's needs. This handy list will help you pick a dual-purpose breed that is a good fit.
Once you've decided to keep chickens, you need to pick from over a hundred possible chicken breeds to find the one that is right for your farm or homestead's needs. This handy list will help you pick a dual-purpose breed that is a good fit.
Plan Garden to Feed Family
Wondering how much to plant on your small farm to feed your family? Is 5 tomato plants enough, or would 15 be better? Get started planning your garden so that you have fresh, delicious produce for your family all year.
Wondering how much to plant on your small farm to feed your family? Is 5 tomato plants enough, or would 15 be better? Get started planning your garden so that you have fresh, delicious produce for your family all year.
Preparing the Land for Farming
Preparing your land for crops, pasture, or animals is critical to success as a small farmer. With the proper preparation, veggies and animals will thrive and flourish. If you skimp here, you may end up with more maintenance later on – repairing downed fences, desperately weeding an overgrown garden, or scrambling to get water to animals in the winter. So take the time to learn a bit about what’s needed to prepare your land. You’ll find it’s well worth the time and effort up front.
Preparing your land for crops, pasture, or animals is critical to success as a small farmer. With the proper preparation, veggies and animals will thrive and flourish. If you skimp here, you may end up with more maintenance later on – repairing downed fences, desperately weeding an overgrown garden, or scrambling to get water to animals in the winter. So take the time to learn a bit about what’s needed to prepare your land. You’ll find it’s well worth the time and effort up front.
Top 10 Tips for Keeping Chickens in Winter
With these handy tips, your laying hens will be happy and warm all winter long.
With these handy tips, your laying hens will be happy and warm all winter long.
How to Raise Turkeys from Poults
Learn how to raise healthy, happy turkeys from day-old poults (baby turkeys).
Learn how to raise healthy, happy turkeys from day-old poults (baby turkeys).
How to Feed Your Chickens
What do chickens eat? What kind of chicken feed do I need to get for them? What table scraps can they eat? If you're a small farmer or homesteader just getting started with keeping chickens, this will help you feed them right.
What do chickens eat? What kind of chicken feed do I need to get for them? What table scraps can they eat? If you're a small farmer or homesteader just getting started with keeping chickens, this will help you feed them right.
How to Raise Pastured Poultry
Why keep your lovely hens confined to a coop and fixed run, when they can roam over fresh green grass and eat bugs and grubs to their hearts' content? Learn about the options for pasturing poultry, especially chickens, on the small farm or homestead.
Why keep your lovely hens confined to a coop and fixed run, when they can roam over fresh green grass and eat bugs and grubs to their hearts' content? Learn about the options for pasturing poultry, especially chickens, on the small farm or homestead.
How to Predator Proof Your Chicken Coop
Keep your chickens safe from predators like weasels, raccoons, and even neighborhood dogs, in a predator-proof chicken coop.
Keep your chickens safe from predators like weasels, raccoons, and even neighborhood dogs, in a predator-proof chicken coop.
How to Grow Blueberries
Instructions and tips teach you how to grow blueberries on your small farm or homestead.
Instructions and tips teach you how to grow blueberries on your small farm or homestead.
Grow and Harvest Dry Beans
Learn how to grow and harvest dry beans. Covers planting time, spacing, growing notes, pests and problems, maintenance, harvesting, seed saving, storage and preservation.
Learn how to grow and harvest dry beans. Covers planting time, spacing, growing notes, pests and problems, maintenance, harvesting, seed saving, storage and preservation.
Supplies for Baby Chicks
This list of supplies you'll need for your baby chicks will get them off to a great start.
This list of supplies you'll need for your baby chicks will get them off to a great start.
Types of Fencing
An overview of the types of fence and fencing methods most commonly used on small farms today and why you'd choose a particular type of fence. Includes maintenance procedures for each option.
An overview of the types of fence and fencing methods most commonly used on small farms today and why you'd choose a particular type of fence. Includes maintenance procedures for each option.
Top 10 Tips for Starting Your Hobby Farm
These tips will get you started on your hobby farm.
These tips will get you started on your hobby farm.
Should You Keep Bees
Learn what you need to consider when deciding whether to keep bees in the city, country, on a small farm or homestead.
Learn what you need to consider when deciding whether to keep bees in the city, country, on a small farm or homestead.
Grow Great Garlic
Ever wondered: hardneck or softneck? How do I grow garlic? Can I sell it profitably as a crop on my small farm? Find out the answers to all your garlic growing questions.
Ever wondered: hardneck or softneck? How do I grow garlic? Can I sell it profitably as a crop on my small farm? Find out the answers to all your garlic growing questions.
Types of Commercial Chicken or Poultry Feed
Learn about the different types of poultry and chicken feed and when to use which one: chick starter, broiler rations, layer pellets and more.
Learn about the different types of poultry and chicken feed and when to use which one: chick starter, broiler rations, layer pellets and more.
Parts of a Beehive
Learn the essential components of a beehive and how to put one together to keep bees. Whether you're a beekeeper in the country or city, you'll need a hive to get started beekeeping.
Learn the essential components of a beehive and how to put one together to keep bees. Whether you're a beekeeper in the country or city, you'll need a hive to get started beekeeping.
What to Do With a Broody Hen
Laying hens in small farm chicken flocks can sometimes go broody, sitting on eggs for days or weeks, even if the eggs are not fertilized. Learn what to do to encourage or discourage broodiness in your laying flock.
Laying hens in small farm chicken flocks can sometimes go broody, sitting on eggs for days or weeks, even if the eggs are not fertilized. Learn what to do to encourage or discourage broodiness in your laying flock.
Tips for Urban Chicken Keepers
Many people successfully live in the city or suburbs and have a small flock of laying hens. With these tips, you can keep your neighbors happy and avoid any written warnings or fines.
Many people successfully live in the city or suburbs and have a small flock of laying hens. With these tips, you can keep your neighbors happy and avoid any written warnings or fines.
How to Write a Small Farm Business Plan
Overwhelmed at the thought of writing your small farm business plan? Not sure where to start? Learn the basic components to a small farm business plan so you can start writing one for your farm. Take it one step at a time!
Overwhelmed at the thought of writing your small farm business plan? Not sure where to start? Learn the basic components to a small farm business plan so you can start writing one for your farm. Take it one step at a time!
Chicken Coop Requirements
These are the basic considerations for building your own chicken coop.
These are the basic considerations for building your own chicken coop.
Types of Beehives
Can't decide which type of hive is best for your backyard beekeeping operation? We'll demystify the types of beehives and help you figure it out.
Can't decide which type of hive is best for your backyard beekeeping operation? We'll demystify the types of beehives and help you figure it out.
Slaughtering Chickens for Meat
Learn how to slaughter and process chickens and other poultry for meat.
Learn how to slaughter and process chickens and other poultry for meat.
Must-Read Small Farm Books
This list of recommended books for small farms and homesteads makes a great start to your library.
This list of recommended books for small farms and homesteads makes a great start to your library.
Beekeeping Tasks by Season
Learn what you need to do to keep your bees healthy and happy through the seasons: spring, summer, fall and winter beekeeping tasks.
Learn what you need to do to keep your bees healthy and happy through the seasons: spring, summer, fall and winter beekeeping tasks.
How to Make Fizzy Kombucha
Take delicious homemade kombucha and add carbonation, fizziness and flavors like raspberry, elderberry, ginger, lemon-ginger and more.
Take delicious homemade kombucha and add carbonation, fizziness and flavors like raspberry, elderberry, ginger, lemon-ginger and more.
How to Raise Goats
If you know how to raise goats, they can make a great addition to the small farm or homestead. The basics are here to help you get started.
If you know how to raise goats, they can make a great addition to the small farm or homestead. The basics are here to help you get started.
Supplies for Keeping Chickens
Chickens don't need much to keep them happy and healthy. Learn what you need to buy to get started keeping chickens.
Chickens don't need much to keep them happy and healthy. Learn what you need to buy to get started keeping chickens.
Choose Animals and Crops
Pigs, goats, ducks, chickens, emu - it all seems overwhelming! How can you decide what you want to raise on your farm? I'll give you some ideas to get you thinking, researching, and ultimately, deciding on some animals and crops for your small farm or homestead.
Pigs, goats, ducks, chickens, emu - it all seems overwhelming! How can you decide what you want to raise on your farm? I'll give you some ideas to get you thinking, researching, and ultimately, deciding on some animals and crops for your small farm or homestead.
Build a Raised Bed
The next step in building a raised bed is to fill it with your soil or soil mix.
The next step in building a raised bed is to fill it with your soil or soil mix.
How to Start a Chicken Broiler Business
Learn how to sell chickens on your small farm - start a great, profitable and fun chicken broiler business.
Learn how to sell chickens on your small farm - start a great, profitable and fun chicken broiler business.
How to Water Your Chickens
Learn about the different types of chicken waterers and how to water your chickens or laying flock on the small farm or homestead. Keep water from freezing in winter and keep your hens' water clean and fresh.
Learn about the different types of chicken waterers and how to water your chickens or laying flock on the small farm or homestead. Keep water from freezing in winter and keep your hens' water clean and fresh.
How to Choose Meat Goat Breeds
Learn how to choose the best breeds of goats to raise for meat production on your small farm, homestead or hobby farm.
Learn how to choose the best breeds of goats to raise for meat production on your small farm, homestead or hobby farm.
Set Up New Baby Chicks
Before your chicks arrive in the mail, make sure you have all the supplies you will need for them.
Before your chicks arrive in the mail, make sure you have all the supplies you will need for them.
How to Raise Sheep
Raising sheep and lambs can be intimidating when you don't know where to begin. Learn the basics here so you can have happy, healthy ewes, rams and lambs.
Raising sheep and lambs can be intimidating when you don't know where to begin. Learn the basics here so you can have happy, healthy ewes, rams and lambs.
Housing and Fencing Turkeys
Learn how to build a great turkey house, turkey coop, or movable turkey shelter, and how to fence turkeys to protect them from predators.
Learn how to build a great turkey house, turkey coop, or movable turkey shelter, and how to fence turkeys to protect them from predators.
Frozen Eggs
If it's wintertime, your chicken eggs might have frozen. Can you still use them?
If it's wintertime, your chicken eggs might have frozen. Can you still use them?
Light in the Chicken Coop
If winter has come and with it, egg production of your laying hens has slowed or stopped, learn how a supplemental lighting program can induce laying again.
If winter has come and with it, egg production of your laying hens has slowed or stopped, learn how a supplemental lighting program can induce laying again.
Chicken Management
When it comes to housing your chickens, you have several different options for containment - everything from allowing them to range or roam freely, to having them contained within movable electric net fencing, to a traditional coop and run.
When it comes to housing your chickens, you have several different options for containment - everything from allowing them to range or roam freely, to having them contained within movable electric net fencing, to a traditional coop and run.
How to House and Fence Goats
Learn the basics of providing shelter and fencing for your small farm goat operation. Whether you're raising meat goats or dairy, you'll learn how to keep your herd safe from predators and your property safe from them.
Learn the basics of providing shelter and fencing for your small farm goat operation. Whether you're raising meat goats or dairy, you'll learn how to keep your herd safe from predators and your property safe from them.
Winter in the Chicken Coop
It's getting chilly outside. But that doesn't have to mean frozen combs and wattles, painful toes, and unhappy hens. Keeping chickens happy through the winter just takes a little bit of extra attention.
It's getting chilly outside. But that doesn't have to mean frozen combs and wattles, painful toes, and unhappy hens. Keeping chickens happy through the winter just takes a little bit of extra attention.
When to Feed Honey Bees
Learn how, when and why to feed - and not feed - your honey bees.
Learn how, when and why to feed - and not feed - your honey bees.
Plan the First Year
You know where you want to end up in one year, or five years - with a successful small farm. How do you get there? I'll help you take your dreams and make them reality.
You know where you want to end up in one year, or five years - with a successful small farm. How do you get there? I'll help you take your dreams and make them reality.
Before You Build Raised Beds
Before you build raised beds, learn why you might want to use them, how many to build, what size to make them, what material to use, and what plants grow well in them.
Before you build raised beds, learn why you might want to use them, how many to build, what size to make them, what material to use, and what plants grow well in them.
Improve Your Soil
Learn about the different soil types, how to tell what type of soil you have, and the basics of how to amend your soil to produce delicious, high yields of your crops.
Learn about the different soil types, how to tell what type of soil you have, and the basics of how to amend your soil to produce delicious, high yields of your crops.
How to Feed and Water Turkeys
If you're raising turkeys, figure out what are the best feeders and waterers are and what feed to use to get the biggest, healthiest turkeys.
If you're raising turkeys, figure out what are the best feeders and waterers are and what feed to use to get the biggest, healthiest turkeys.
How to Feed Goats
Proper goat nutrition is key to keeping healthy, happy goats on the small farm, homestead or hobby farm. Learn all the basics of feeding goats properly.
Proper goat nutrition is key to keeping healthy, happy goats on the small farm, homestead or hobby farm. Learn all the basics of feeding goats properly.
How to Sell Chicken Eggs
Learn how to sell your homegrown, pastured chicken eggs from your small farm or homestead.
Learn how to sell your homegrown, pastured chicken eggs from your small farm or homestead.
How to Raise Meat Goats
Wondering whether raising meat goats is right for your small farm, homestead or hobby farm? Learn the basics of raising goats for meat to help you decide.
Wondering whether raising meat goats is right for your small farm, homestead or hobby farm? Learn the basics of raising goats for meat to help you decide.
How to Start an Egg Business
Learn how to start an egg business on your small farm.
Learn how to start an egg business on your small farm.
How to Raise Dairy Goats for Milk
Learn the basics of keeping dairy goats for milk on the small farm, homestead or hobby farm. Is keeping milk goats right for you?
Learn the basics of keeping dairy goats for milk on the small farm, homestead or hobby farm. Is keeping milk goats right for you?
Beekeeping Supplies
Here's a list of what you'll need to get started beekeeping!
Here's a list of what you'll need to get started beekeeping!
How to Build a Root Cellar
Building a root cellar doesn't have to involve a backhoe. Learn some simple ways to store vegetables and crops for winter, and some guidelines for going big and digging one out of the earth.
Building a root cellar doesn't have to involve a backhoe. Learn some simple ways to store vegetables and crops for winter, and some guidelines for going big and digging one out of the earth.
Where to Buy Turkey Poults
Ready to place your order for turkey poults for your small farm or homestead? Here's a list of the best places to order turkey poults online.
Ready to place your order for turkey poults for your small farm or homestead? Here's a list of the best places to order turkey poults online.
Small Farm Magazines
A collection of some of the best magazines about small farming, homesteading and self-sufficiency out there.
A collection of some of the best magazines about small farming, homesteading and self-sufficiency out there.
How to Start a Small Farm
Is it time to make your dream a reality and start a small farm? These are the basic steps to follow to start farming, whether you're beginning this season or in five years.
Is it time to make your dream a reality and start a small farm? These are the basic steps to follow to start farming, whether you're beginning this season or in five years.
Supplements to Commercial Chicken or Poultry Feed
When you feed chickens a commercial chicken feed, you will probably still want to include treats or other supplements - such as oyster shells for calcium - they may need.
When you feed chickens a commercial chicken feed, you will probably still want to include treats or other supplements - such as oyster shells for calcium - they may need.
Set Goals for Your Small Farm
Not sure if you're in this to create a market garden, if you're trying to become self-sufficient, or if you're simply hobby farming for pleasure? Ask yourself these essential questions and figure out your overarching goals for your small farm.
Not sure if you're in this to create a market garden, if you're trying to become self-sufficient, or if you're simply hobby farming for pleasure? Ask yourself these essential questions and figure out your overarching goals for your small farm.
Should You Raise Chickens?
Wondering whether laying hens or chickens are the right choice for your small farm or homestead? Learn what's involved and what you should consider as you make your decision.
Wondering whether laying hens or chickens are the right choice for your small farm or homestead? Learn what's involved and what you should consider as you make your decision.
Prepare for Beekeeping
If you're starting a beehive this year and you're a beginner, learn what you need for a successful beekeeping operation.
If you're starting a beehive this year and you're a beginner, learn what you need for a successful beekeeping operation.
How to Buy a Goat
Learn how to buy a goat or goats for your herd on the small farm, homestead, or hobby farm. Getting started with keeping goats begins with getting your first goat!
Learn how to buy a goat or goats for your herd on the small farm, homestead, or hobby farm. Getting started with keeping goats begins with getting your first goat!
How to Brew Kombucha at Home
Learn how to home brew kombucha, a healthful fermented tea made with a symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast called a scoby.
Learn how to home brew kombucha, a healthful fermented tea made with a symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast called a scoby.
How Bees Make Honey
Learn how honeybees take nectar and make it into sweet, delicious honey.
Learn how honeybees take nectar and make it into sweet, delicious honey.
Preventing Turkey Problems and Diseases
Learn how to prevent and treat problems and diseases in your turkey flock - including protecting them from predators.
Learn how to prevent and treat problems and diseases in your turkey flock - including protecting them from predators.
Rhode Island Red Breed Profile
Learn all about why to choose one chicken breed over another with this breed profile of Rhode Islands, a dual-purpose chicken for meat and eggs.
Learn all about why to choose one chicken breed over another with this breed profile of Rhode Islands, a dual-purpose chicken for meat and eggs.
Requeen a Honey Bee Hive
Next it's time to install the new queen bee in the cage, in the beehive.
Next it's time to install the new queen bee in the cage, in the beehive.
Hobby Sugaring
Do you have some sugar maples, or even just one maple tree, on your land? Then you can make maple syrup. I'll give you the rundown on equipment and the sugaring process so you can get started.
Do you have some sugar maples, or even just one maple tree, on your land? Then you can make maple syrup. I'll give you the rundown on equipment and the sugaring process so you can get started.
7 Easy-to-Grow Plants for Beginning Farmers
If you're just beginning your small farm or homestead, try these 7 easy-to-grow plants.
If you're just beginning your small farm or homestead, try these 7 easy-to-grow plants.
How to Market Your Small Farm Products
If you're wondering where and how to market your small farm products, find out the best places: the farmers market, direct farm sales, community supported agriculture or CSA shares, and the Internet.
If you're wondering where and how to market your small farm products, find out the best places: the farmers market, direct farm sales, community supported agriculture or CSA shares, and the Internet.
Woven Wire Fencing
Learn about woven wire fencing, a good choice for many types of livestock on the small farm.
Learn about woven wire fencing, a good choice for many types of livestock on the small farm.
5 Must-Have Beekeeping Supplies
Learn the five most critical beekeeping supplies for the beginning hobby or small-farm beekeeper.
Learn the five most critical beekeeping supplies for the beginning hobby or small-farm beekeeper.
How to Choose Turkey Breeds
Trying to decide what breed of turkey to raise on your small farm? Learn the most common heritage breeds and the pros and cons of each one to help you choose.
Trying to decide what breed of turkey to raise on your small farm? Learn the most common heritage breeds and the pros and cons of each one to help you choose.
Setting Up Electric Net Fence
Learn how to set up and move electric net fencing on your small farm or homestead without getting it into a tangled mess!
Learn how to set up and move electric net fencing on your small farm or homestead without getting it into a tangled mess!
Ordering Package Bees
Are you a beginning beekeeper who needs bees? Learn how and where to order honey bees online.
Are you a beginning beekeeper who needs bees? Learn how and where to order honey bees online.
Top 5 Cover Crops
Learn about five of the best cover crops you can pick for your small farm or homestead: how to grow them, when to plant them, and more.
Learn about five of the best cover crops you can pick for your small farm or homestead: how to grow them, when to plant them, and more.
Definition of Pullet
What kind of chicken is a pullet, exactly?
What kind of chicken is a pullet, exactly?
Should I Farm
It's often the first question people ask when considering starting a farm. But how to begin to answer it? I'll give you somewhere to get started.
It's often the first question people ask when considering starting a farm. But how to begin to answer it? I'll give you somewhere to get started.
Speckled Sussex Breed Profile
Learn all about the Speckled Sussex, a dual-purpose chicken for meat and eggs.
Learn all about the Speckled Sussex, a dual-purpose chicken for meat and eggs.
How to Build or Buy a High Tunnel
A high tunnel, or unheated greenhouse, is a great way to expand your small farm to the shoulder seasons and to grow warm-climate crops such as tomatoes in northern climates. Learn why you might want to invest in a high tunnel and how to build or buy one.
A high tunnel, or unheated greenhouse, is a great way to expand your small farm to the shoulder seasons and to grow warm-climate crops such as tomatoes in northern climates. Learn why you might want to invest in a high tunnel and how to build or buy one.
How to Keep Your Goats Healthy
Keeping your goats happy and healthy is key to success as a goat farmer, homesteader or hobby farmer. Learn how to know when they're sick and how to keep them from getting sick in the first place.
Keeping your goats happy and healthy is key to success as a goat farmer, homesteader or hobby farmer. Learn how to know when they're sick and how to keep them from getting sick in the first place.
Orpington Breed Profile
Learn all about why to choose one chicken breed over another with this breed profile of Orpingtons, a dual-purpose chicken for meat and eggs.
Learn all about why to choose one chicken breed over another with this breed profile of Orpingtons, a dual-purpose chicken for meat and eggs.
How to Start a CSA
CSA or community supported agriculture programs allow small farm customers to buy shares in a farm's entire season, resulting in a weekly box of produce and farm goods. Learn how to start your own CSA on your small farm.
CSA or community supported agriculture programs allow small farm customers to buy shares in a farm's entire season, resulting in a weekly box of produce and farm goods. Learn how to start your own CSA on your small farm.
How to Combine Two Beehives
In beekeeping it is sometimes necessary to combine hives. Learn when and why to combine colonies or hives, and how to combine beehives in the right way.
In beekeeping it is sometimes necessary to combine hives. Learn when and why to combine colonies or hives, and how to combine beehives in the right way.
How to Grow Mixed Salad Greens on the Small Farm
Growing your own specialty salad mix can be fun and rewarding for the small farmer, homesteader or hobby farmer. Learn how to grow salad mix - an easy, enjoyable and profitable crop on the small farm.
Growing your own specialty salad mix can be fun and rewarding for the small farmer, homesteader or hobby farmer. Learn how to grow salad mix - an easy, enjoyable and profitable crop on the small farm.
Cover Crop - Sorghum-Sudangrass
Learn when and how to plant Sorghum-Sudangrass as a cover crop on your small farm or homestead.
Learn when and how to plant Sorghum-Sudangrass as a cover crop on your small farm or homestead.
Definition of Brooder
What do people mean when they say you need a chick brooder for your new chicks?
What do people mean when they say you need a chick brooder for your new chicks?
Feeding Bees - Sugar Syrup Recipes
It can sometimes be necessary to feed bees sugar syrup or sugar candy. Here is a collection of sugar syrup and sugar candy recipes and information on when and how to feed your honey bees.
It can sometimes be necessary to feed bees sugar syrup or sugar candy. Here is a collection of sugar syrup and sugar candy recipes and information on when and how to feed your honey bees.
How to Choose Dairy Goat Breeds
Ready to start milking goats on your small farm? Learn how to pick a dairy goat breed that meets your farming, homesteading, and hobby farming needs.
Ready to start milking goats on your small farm? Learn how to pick a dairy goat breed that meets your farming, homesteading, and hobby farming needs.
How to Grow Microgreens
Microgreens are a tasty, nutritious addition to salads and meals, and high-end restaurants and chefs use them to top dishes with extra bursts of flavor. It's easy to grow microgreens and this article will tell you how to do it whether it's on a home or small farm scale.
Microgreens are a tasty, nutritious addition to salads and meals, and high-end restaurants and chefs use them to top dishes with extra bursts of flavor. It's easy to grow microgreens and this article will tell you how to do it whether it's on a home or small farm scale.
Cover Crop - Hairy Vetch
Learn when and how to plant hairy vetch as a cover crop on your small farm or homestead.
Learn when and how to plant hairy vetch as a cover crop on your small farm or homestead.
Egg Frittata Recipe
Swimming in eggs? Learn how to make a delicious egg frittata with any ingredients you may have on hand.
Swimming in eggs? Learn how to make a delicious egg frittata with any ingredients you may have on hand.
Beekeeping Supplies for Sale
Find out where to buy the beekeeping supplies you need for your new honey bees!
Find out where to buy the beekeeping supplies you need for your new honey bees!
Maintaining Farm Property
Your animals are all settled in, your garden is producing well, and you’re already thinking about next season’s improvements. But of course, you still need to maintain what you already have. With a little bit of attention and care, you can keep your farm infrastructure well-maintained and functioning smoothly.
Your animals are all settled in, your garden is producing well, and you’re already thinking about next season’s improvements. But of course, you still need to maintain what you already have. With a little bit of attention and care, you can keep your farm infrastructure well-maintained and functioning smoothly.
Inspect a Honey Bee Hive
Tips and tricks for finding eggs during your beehive inspection.
Tips and tricks for finding eggs during your beehive inspection.
Types of Honey Bees
Don't know whether to get Italian, Carniolan, or Russian honey bees? This is a guide to types of bees for the beginning beekeeper.
Don't know whether to get Italian, Carniolan, or Russian honey bees? This is a guide to types of bees for the beginning beekeeper.
How to Keep Farm Records
Learn what farm records you need to keep and why: income tax returns, monitoring progress, meeting your small farm business plan, and allowing you to get small farm loans and grants.
Learn what farm records you need to keep and why: income tax returns, monitoring progress, meeting your small farm business plan, and allowing you to get small farm loans and grants.
Goat Diseases
Learn the basic goat diseases so you can keep them from affecting your small farm goat herd.
Learn the basic goat diseases so you can keep them from affecting your small farm goat herd.
Cover Crop Basics
Cover crops are a great way to add fertility, suppress weeds, and fill a niche in your small farm crop rotation. Learn when, how and why to plant them, and which ones to choose for your needs.
Cover crops are a great way to add fertility, suppress weeds, and fill a niche in your small farm crop rotation. Learn when, how and why to plant them, and which ones to choose for your needs.
How to Build Raised Beds
A complete guide to building your own raised beds for small farming, homesteading and hobby farming intensive growing methods.
A complete guide to building your own raised beds for small farming, homesteading and hobby farming intensive growing methods.
New Hampshire Red Profile
Learn all about why to choose one chicken breed over another with this breed profile of New Hampshire Reds, a dual-purpose chicken for meat and eggs.
Learn all about why to choose one chicken breed over another with this breed profile of New Hampshire Reds, a dual-purpose chicken for meat and eggs.
Where to Buy Seeds
Learn where to buy the best seeds and garden supplies for your small farm and homestead. Use this list of seed suppliers and seed catalogs for your farm and garden planning.
Learn where to buy the best seeds and garden supplies for your small farm and homestead. Use this list of seed suppliers and seed catalogs for your farm and garden planning.
Should You Raise Turkeys?
If you're thinking about raising turkeys on your small farm or homestead, you might want to read this first and find out whether raising and keeping a flock of turkeys - whether for meat, to breed, or both - is right for you.
If you're thinking about raising turkeys on your small farm or homestead, you might want to read this first and find out whether raising and keeping a flock of turkeys - whether for meat, to breed, or both - is right for you.
Protect Beehives from Bears
Bears can seriously damage or totally destroy a beehive. Learn how to keep your honey bees safe from these large predators who happen to love to eat honey and bee brood.
Bears can seriously damage or totally destroy a beehive. Learn how to keep your honey bees safe from these large predators who happen to love to eat honey and bee brood.
Electric Net Fencing
Electric net fencing is a popular choice to keep poultry and sheep contained on the farm. Learn the pros and cons and decide for yourself whether electric net fencing is right for your management method.
Electric net fencing is a popular choice to keep poultry and sheep contained on the farm. Learn the pros and cons and decide for yourself whether electric net fencing is right for your management method.
Pastured Eggs More Nutritious?
You know the eggs from your grass-eating, pastured hens taste better, but are they really better for you than supermarket eggs?
You know the eggs from your grass-eating, pastured hens taste better, but are they really better for you than supermarket eggs?
Types of Feeders for Beekeeping
All the information you need about the various types of feeders for your beehive and the pros and cons of each one.
All the information you need about the various types of feeders for your beehive and the pros and cons of each one.
Top 10 Farmer Gifts
Here are the top 10 best gifts for the small farmer or homesteader in your life.
Here are the top 10 best gifts for the small farmer or homesteader in your life.
How to Make Elderberry Tincture
Learn how to make elderberry tincture - perfect for fighting winter viral infections from colds to flu - step by step with this tutorial.
Learn how to make elderberry tincture - perfect for fighting winter viral infections from colds to flu - step by step with this tutorial.
Plymouth Rock Breed Profile
Learn all about why to choose one chicken breed over another with this breed profile of Plymouth Rocks, a dual-purpose chicken for meat and eggs.
Learn all about why to choose one chicken breed over another with this breed profile of Plymouth Rocks, a dual-purpose chicken for meat and eggs.
Beginning Beekeeping Books
A collection of great books to learn more about bees and how to keep them healthy and happy.
A collection of great books to learn more about bees and how to keep them healthy and happy.
What Animals Should I Raise
If you're just starting your small farm or homestead, figure out what animal breeds - from chickens to goats - are a good fit for your goals and plans.
If you're just starting your small farm or homestead, figure out what animal breeds - from chickens to goats - are a good fit for your goals and plans.
Top 10 Tips for Raising Goats
These tips will help you raise goats on your small farm more easily, efficiently, and enjoyably.
These tips will help you raise goats on your small farm more easily, efficiently, and enjoyably.
Langstroth Beehive
Learn about what parts make up a beehive, specifically a Langstroth bee hive.
Learn about what parts make up a beehive, specifically a Langstroth bee hive.
How to Slaughter and Process Turkeys
Learn the steps so you can slaughter and process your own heritage turkeys on your small farm or homestead, whether for your small farm business or just for the Thanksgiving table.
Learn the steps so you can slaughter and process your own heritage turkeys on your small farm or homestead, whether for your small farm business or just for the Thanksgiving table.
High-Tensile Wire Fencing
High-tensile wire or woven wire fencing can be a low-cost, long-lasting fencing solution for the small farm or homestead. Especially suited to sheep and cattle, it is also useful for horses and goats.
High-tensile wire or woven wire fencing can be a low-cost, long-lasting fencing solution for the small farm or homestead. Especially suited to sheep and cattle, it is also useful for horses and goats.
How to Sell Small Farm Produce to Restaurants
Learn the best tips for selling your small farm produce directly to restaurants and chefs.
Learn the best tips for selling your small farm produce directly to restaurants and chefs.
Definition of Nest Box
Wondering what a nest box is? Wonder no more; here's an explanation.
Wondering what a nest box is? Wonder no more; here's an explanation.
Cooperative Extensions and Other Farmer Resources
Learn about your Cooperative Extension service, USDA grants and programs that may be available to you, and how to connect with resources in your area.
Learn about your Cooperative Extension service, USDA grants and programs that may be available to you, and how to connect with resources in your area.
Definition of Cover Crop
What is a cover crop? Why might you plant one?
What is a cover crop? Why might you plant one?
Tools for Fencing
These are the basic tools you will need for putting up fencing on your small farm or homestead.
These are the basic tools you will need for putting up fencing on your small farm or homestead.