In 2005, United Poultry Concerns launched International Respect for Chickens Day to “celebrate chickens throughout the world and protest the bleakness of their lives in farming operations.” The thought was to do an action for chickens. Ideas they suggest include letter writing, handing out leaflets,...

Editor’s note: We know we’ve been going a little heavy on gardens lately, but it’s that time of year! We’re excited . Think that a shady area can’t have a garden? Think again! Shade gardens can be fantastic places to showcase foliage color, texture and flowers too. The key to designing a shade garde...

The National Garden Bureau has declared 2022 “The Year of the Garden,” but honestly, gardens both large and small have been receiving much more attention for the past two years. In 2020, when shutdowns led to the vast majority of people staying home, putting in a garden – whether for flowers or for ...

Do you want to get in some good cardio exercise without going nowhere fast on a treadmill or hurting your aching knees? Do you want to see more of your region in the fresh air, not from behind the window in a car? Get on your bikes and ride! May is National Bike Month, and this week, May 16 – 22, is...

May is National Salad Month. Created by the Association for Dressing and Sauces in 1992, National Salad Month encourages people to incorporate more salads into their daily food regimen. What is arguably the foundational ingredient in salad? Lettuce! USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture ...

May is National Beef Month, and it almost seems like the month was made to celebrate this protein. Between taking Mom out for a fancy steak dinner, finally firing up the grills as spring warms up and graduation parties for certain regions, May is made for beef. The good news is, as a homesteader or ...

Growing flowers, vegetables and berries for eating is fun and nourishing, but what about growing them to make colorful dyes? Natural pigments in these can be harnessed to dye fiber or fabric. Indigenous people throughout history and across the globe have made pigments out of plants and minerals, add...

Oneida County, NY, Sheriff Robert Maciol, who was joined by numerous officials, held an on-the-farm press conference to urge motorists to watch for slow-moving agriculture vehicles and to remind farmers of their responsibilities when operating farm equipment on the public roads. The event was gracio...

Do you want to enjoy fresh, home-grown veggies this summer? Perhaps you’d like to adorn your home with fresh-cut flowers. Whatever the reason, this year you’ve decided to start a garden of your own. But before you grab a spade and head for the backyard, put pen to paper and make a plan. Dream as big...