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Silvopasture Guide Book – Combining Trees and Livestock

October 17, 2018 by Guest Leave a Comment

“Silvopasture : A Guide To Managing Grazing Animals, Forage Crops, And Trees In A Temperate Farm Ecosystem” by Steve Gabriel delves into various components of silvopasture and managing grazing animals in a silvopasture system.

The USDA Forest Service defines silvopasture as, “The deliberate integration of trees and grazing livestock operations on the same land.” Mr. Gabriel answers many questions about managing a silvopasture system, including pros and cons of both tree and animal species. He writes in a straight-forward, easy to understand manner. [Read more…]

Duckies We Love – Our Crew at Ice Station Duck Patrol

April 21, 2018 by Laurie Neverman 10 Comments

Since our little crew of duckies has become a big part of our lives, I wanted to formally introduce them and tell a little about their story. We'll also use this page to answer some basic duck questions, and share some duck videos for those who need more duckie time. [Read more…]

Schmaltz – How to Render Chicken Fat, and What to Do With It

October 30, 2017 by Laurie Neverman 14 Comments

Confession – I never heard the term “schmaltz” until sometime in the last decade. Growing up on the farm, rendered poultry fat was prized for cooking and baking, but I didn't realize it had a name other than chicken fat, duck fat, goose fat, etc. Thankfully, I've had a chance to rediscover this wonderful cooking oil, first, with poultry fat from a friend, and more recently, with chicken fat from our first flock of broilers. In this post we'll talk about what schmaltz is, how to make it and how to use it. [Read more…]

Homestead Geese – Easy to Care for Barnyard Protectors and Weed Eaters

March 13, 2017 by Laurie Neverman 65 Comments

Homestead geese are not the first animals that come to mind when you consider homestead livestock. That award usually goes to backyard chickens, or dairy goats with the occasional pastured pig thrown in. But geese deserve to be fourth on that list in my opinion. Geese are entertainment, lawn control, homestead guardians that also happen to taste pretty darn good. Goose fat is prized among top chefs, and many a hawk or fox has been scared away from a chicken dinner by the threatening wing span of an angry goose. You might share that opinion if you encountered an aggressive goose in childhood (or adulthood for that matter). [Read more…]

Bird Flu Busters – 5 Strategies for a Healthier Flock

June 19, 2015 by Amber Bradshaw 3 Comments

“The worst bird flu outbreak in U.S. history”

If you are a chicken consumer or raise chickens yourself, chances are you are concerned over this recent bird flu outbreak, both personally and financially. The price of eggs has increased over 58%, causing grocery stores and restaurants to restrict consumption and availability and increase cost.

Bird Flu, also known as avian influenza, has reached 21 states across the nation and is spreading. Affecting more than 47 million birds and counting; this outbreak is having a direct impact on consumers and farmers across the nation. [Read more…]