I was doing some things outside the barn the other day when I heard a very loud humming sound, and looked up to see a dark mass hovering over our bee hive boxes. I’d seen this before and knew what to do. Quick action was needed. Luckily I had my phone with me. “Joe,...
It's a widely accepted and well studied notion that our modern way of life has created a disconnect between humans and the natural world, and this affects our health and well-being. Our direct interaction with the sun and wind, the weather, the seasonal shifts, water...
We’ve banned plastic straws, bought our reusable water bottles, and become expert thrift shoppers. We’ve learned that small changes in our lifestyle can have mighty impacts on the environment. But did you know that contributing to the health of the planet will not...
Walk into any clothing store these days and look around. Garments are available in a vast array of colors, from black, white and neutral tones all the way to neon brights in any hue and everything in between. To the modern day consumer, it's perfectly normal and...
It's time for apples, pears and pumpkins, our seasonal favorites! But how do we choose the most sustainable of these mass produced products? Although farm-grown and pick-your-own options are becoming much more available in certain areas, many people are still...
Nothing says summertime like having a cool drink in the shade. We enjoy a lot of iced drinks here on the farm, especially when the chores keep us outside on hot days. Despite the hundreds of beverage choices on the market, however, there are several reasons we choose...
Often when we think of sustainable fabric with natural fibers, we think of cotton. It is grown in America and marketed as one of the softest and most useful materials for our everyday needs. Many consider it a sustainable fabric choice for...
There’s a lot of talk about eating local these days, but as with anything else, it’s not for everybody. Here’s a list of reasons why you might be one of those who’ll want to think twice about this. You should not eat local if; 1) You like your food well traveled. ...
We are so excited to introduce Mo this week, not only as our Lady Farmer Spotlight but as one of our dynamic workshop leaders for the upcoming Lady Farmer Slow Living Conference Retreat, Nov. 9th-11th, 2018. She will be helping attendees plan for cultivating healthy...
Knowing that everything I do in the garden is all connected, all leading to witnessing that bloom, is what keeps me going. Caitlin Robinson is co-owner of Moonflower Farm and...
We were so excited to be a part of “Free Range Saturday” a few weekends ago at Polyface Farm in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley outside of Staunton, Virginia. The day started with an Artisan Market during which we were able to share our Lady Farmer story and goods...
Yes, we know that leather is an animal byproduct, and the whole tanning process is not a pretty one. So why do we support leather companies like our friends at Farrier and now Central Grazing Company? Because the leather we support is sourced...
Meet Lauren Rudersdorf, one half of Raleigh's Hillside Farm. She farms on seven acres of leased family land outside of Evansville, Wisconsin with her husband Kyle. They are in their sixth season of production growing high quality, organic vegetables for their growing...
Farming challenges me intellectually, physically and spiritually, every year and every season. I can't imagine another profession where I could be learning every moment, where every year is another layer of the onion, an invitation to go deeper, do more, learn more....
Being a lady farmer in my community has opened up opportunity for me to share my story, put food on many tables, and be a listener and provider. Lauren holds a bachelor’s in social work and a master’s in management. She couples her background in social work with a...
I am Arden (sometimes known as Garden) Jones and I live on a farm owned by my family in Bedford County, Virginia. I am farming 1 acre with my husband Michael and several seasonal employees (all young ladies this year!). We raise mixed vegetables for market and a small...
Kitchen sink cabinets can be scary. You know what I’m talking about, the mess of half empty bottles clattering around-- soap, cleaners, scrubs, disinfectants, detergents--all containing numerous unidentifiable ingredients that are conjured and combined in a lab...
Eva is a young and beginning farmer growing produce, flowers, and herbs in the Piedmont of North Carolina, along Highway 64 near the town of Staley. She currently owns and operates Heartstrong Farm by herself, marketing mainly through a CSA as well as local farmers...
We planted garlic this week, one of the few gardening chores for December. After the flurry of fall with harvesting, preserving and clearing out for winter, it has the luxury of my focus. The prepared beds with the lovely, waiting soil feel spacious, uncluttered and...