The Happy Homesteader Blog

When we dream of the country most of us envision something like walking barefoot through a field of lush green grass as the wind kisses our faces and the animals bask in the sun.  Everything is bliss!  Well, while I actually have done this and felt this on more than one occasion, there are many other sides to country living that you must also deal with in order to realize the bliss that is possible.  I think…

I am a Professional Health Coach and local Herbalist for my community -- when I am at home (more on that later).

I learned my Health Coaching skills through Health Coach Training, Inc. My certification credentials will be complete in the fall of 2012.

I began my herbal studies in July 1993 and completed formal studies at Clayton College of Natural Health where I received my Doctor of Naturopathy degree. I am a member in good standing in the American Herbalists Guild.

My…

This is a guest post and entry in Round 1 of the Farm Dreams writing contest. The prizes for this round include:

First Prize: A $300 gift certificate toward any purchase of Featherman Poultry Processing Equipment, including pluckers, knives and more!

Second Prize: A 164' roll of electric…

This is a guest post and entry in Round 1 of the Farm Dreams writing contest. The prizes for this round include:

First Prize: A $300 gift certificate toward any purchase of Featherman Poultry Processing Equipment, including pluckers, knives and more!

Second Prize: A 164' roll of electric…

This week's hour long podcast is now live. You can listen/subscribe directly here, or at itunes here.  If you prefer just click here to listen now.

The Food Lawyer

At midnight on December 31, 2011, a Washington State law expired which  exempted farm interns from the state's minimum wage requirements. It is now illegal for unpaid interns to work on farms in the state, depriving farmers an economical opportunity to provide young, aspiring farmers with on-the-job training. 

A farm owner is a…

This is a guest post and entry in Round 1 of the Farm Dreams writing contest. The prizes for this round include:

First Prize: A $300 gift certificate toward any purchase of Featherman Poultry Processing Equipment, including pluckers, knives and more!

Second Prize: A 164' roll of electric…

This is a guest post and entry in Round 1 of the Farm Dreams writing contest. The prizes for this round include:

First Prize: A $300 gift certificate toward any purchase of Featherman Poultry Processing Equipment, including pluckers, knives and more!

Second Prize: A 164' roll of electric…

The Practical Prepper

Sponsored by: Nitro-Pak

In the weeks since starting The Practical Prepper, we've…

This is a guest post and entry in Round 1 of the Farm Dreams writing contest. The prizes for this round include:

First Prize: A $300 gift certificate toward any purchase of Featherman Poultry Processing Equipment, including pluckers, knives and more!

Second Prize: A 164' roll of electric…

The first thing I want to say to anyone is: It's not too late. Doesn't matter who you are... what you do. It's never too late. Find your dream, realize your passion...and refuse to live your present life without change if you are not happy. And if agriculture, farming, preserving, or any other farm related or agricultural practice is part of that - hug it and draw it in.

My connection with food and farming began early in my life in Webster, NY. My earliest memories (though I was not a…

The Happy Homesteader Blog

Sponsored By: Gurneys! - Get $20 off any $40 Order!

When you farm or homestead you realize how important the weather is.  It often feels like Mother Nature is working against you and you can't figure out what her master plan is.  I don't know how many times I've asked where the balance is!  It's either too…

This is a guest post and entry in Round 1 of the Farm Dreams writing contest. The prizes for this round include:

First Prize: A $300 gift certificate toward any purchase of Featherman Poultry Processing Equipment, including pluckers, knives and more!

Second Prize: A 164' roll of electric…

This is a guest post and entry in Round 1 of the Farm Dreams writing contest. The prizes for this round include:

First Prize: A $300 gift certificate toward any purchase of Featherman Poultry Processing Equipment, including pluckers, knives and more!

Second Prize: A 164' roll of electric…

Wow ! this drought has been just torture. I am that type that just loves hot weather, I would rather toil in my garden in 100 degree weather than in 50 but this last few years have me reconsidering. Heat is one thing, drought is another, it depresses it saddens and dismays.

My hens have just now began laying again. My pond is down six feet, I lost 15 trees on my 10 acres and the ground cracked open all over the farm. I actually started to read Grapes of wrath to feel a kind of kinship…

A Parent's Prayer

Now I lay me down to sleep,

I pray my sanity to keep.

For if some peace I do not find,

I'm pretty sure I'll lose my mind.

I pray I find a little quiet,

far from the daily family riot.

May I lie back--not have to think

about what they're stuffing down the sink,

or who they're with, or…

This is a guest post and entry in Round 1 of the Farm Dreams writing contest. The prizes for this round include:

First Prize: A $300 gift certificate toward any purchase of Featherman Poultry Processing Equipment, including pluckers, knives and more!

Second Prize: A 164' roll of electric…