Slaters' Funny Farm

Sunday Blessings October 11. 2026

2026-10-11T05:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Homemaker Monday - October 5,2026

2026-10-05T07:00:04.505-07:00

Hello and welcome to another edition of Happy Homemaker Monday here on the hobby farm that I call home. I will be linking up with Sandra and other bloggers to bring you some of the exciting homemaking information that we offer. Each Monday, we write about our homemaking lives and what we do for our families throughout the week.

It is hard to believe that harvest time is upon us and that we are in the beautiful fall month of October. As I look around outside, I still find it hard to believe that we are nearing the end of the year, as I still am picking tomatoes and still have spring flowers that are blooming.

This time of the year, I love fragrances like Sweater Weather, Flannel Blanket and Cashmere scents and I purchase all of my home fragrances from Pink Zebra as they are non-toxic and even offer headache friendly scents that don't trigger migraines.

Enough about me, let's get started with our Happy Homemaker...

THE WEATHER....

We are to have temperatures that are about normal for this time of the year this week. Highs in the upper 70's and lower 80's with nighttime temperatures around the mid 40's. Sunny all week and no rain, which we desperately need, in sight.

AS I LOOK OUT MY WINDOW...

I am starting to see more leaves turning yellow and a vibrant red and orange. I also see a side yard that truly needs some tending too. I enjoy fall, but I dislike spending such pretty days cleaning up, when I would rather be at a fall festival.

RIGHT NOW, I AM...

Sitting at my computer desk, writing this post and drinking a cup of pumpkin spice coffee with brown sugar in it. The brown sugar is made from monk fruit and it is so tasty. I am not a huge fan of pumpkin spice coffee, but for some reason this morning, it just sounded tasty.

THINKING AND PONDERING...

What will we have for dinner? What I need to work on the most today? Which tasks I can leave for tomorrow? What mood the grand will be in when she gets home as she was fussy this morning because we made her change her outfit that didn't match and she didn't get her normal sleep last night. Why are preteen girls so moody?

HOW I'M FEELING...

Not motivated for sure. I feel like it is a day that I would like to snuggle under my blanket again and just read my book, but that does not get the chores for the day accomplished. Anyone else ever feel this way? Is it because it is Monday or is it because I want to be lazy today?

ON THE LUNCH PLATE:

Leftover ranch pork cutlets or pasta. I am not sure which one I will want when lunch gets here.

ON THE DINNER PLATE...

No idea. I wanted soup, but husband does not really care for soup. I might make orange chicken. I really need to work on a menu, but I have not spent any time doing those types of things this weekend.

WHAT I AM WEARING...

Sweats. I had to take the grands to school, and it is a bit chilly out, so I threw on sweats. They will be comfy till about noon and then it will be too warm for them. It is fine as I will need to shower then and get ready for parent teacher conferences then.

ON MY READING PILE...

This has been a slow read for some reason, but it is starting to get more interesting now that I have read 11 chapters of it. The rest should go much faster.

The audio book that I am listening to. It is hard to listen to at times, and I have had to stop it for a few days and return to it later. I can't imagine any of my girls going through the things that this woman endured by her own family and men like Epstein. I truly think that there is a special place in hell designed for men that abuse young women and women that abuse young men, especially sexually.

ON MY TV....

Nothing right now and I am not sure when it will be on today. I know I recorded "Sister Wives" last night because I want to see why Kody and Robin left the show and see how the other women are doing now that they have made lives for themselves without him. I also know "Fire Country" and "Sheriff Country" premiere this week and I can't wait for the new seasons!

LOOKING AROUND THE HOUSE...

I see clutter that truly needs cleaned up this week. My daughter and grand visited last week and it was hectic and a mess. I was gone most of the weekend and what time I was home was spent doing laundry, so lots of cleaning up today. Plus, it is time to wash bedcovers, so that is already happening. Washer will be busy today.

TO DO LIST FOR THE WEEK...

M - Launder bed covers, clean from last week and weekend, meal plan, graphics to design, work to be completed and mail to be filed.

T- work, laundry

W- Work, pack for weekend and fall break next week, paperwork, buy license plates

TH - Work, vacuum and mop each room. clean tub

F- Tidy up, work, PZ game night. Get hubby meals for weekend ready

S- travel with friends

SOMETHING FUN TO SHARE...

Aren't these the cutest animals ever?

PRAYERS AND DEVOTIONALS...

Please pray for my cousin, John, as he is battling cancer and has finished his treatments, but is still so weak from them. Pray that God touches and heals him! Also, pray that justice is swiftly given to a man that killed a woman and her young stepson, about 20 years ago, and has finally been caught. The sad thing is that he was only 14 years old when he killed them. The families deserve swift justice though.

Have a blessed and Happy Monday and remember that turning to God can help the bad feelings evaporate and the struggles lessen when we put our trust in Him.

Sunday Blessings - October 4, 2026

2026-10-04T16:54:20.306-07:00

Hard to believe that we are weeks away from cold and snow. We are still having amazing weather although, we need rain!

Wordless Wednesday 9/30

2026-09-30T04:00:00.000-07:00

Sunday Blessings 9/27

2026-09-27T05:00:00.000-07:00

Wordless Wednesday 9/23

2026-09-23T05:00:00.000-07:00

Sunday Blessings 9/20

2026-09-20T05:00:00.000-07:00

May the sunrise bring you happiness and good health and may God pour his blessings on you today.

How Family Farms Have Changed

2026-09-18T04:59:09.687-07:00

Family farming has changed more in the past decade than in any ten‑year span since the postwar era. The core shift is this: family farms are still the backbone of U.S. agriculture, but the way they operate, invest, and survive has transformed under pressure from technology, markets, and consolidation. Below is a clear, evidence‑based look at what has changed — and why it matters for families running farms today.

🌾 The Landscape: Fewer Farms, Larger Operations

Family farms remain the dominant ownership structure in the U.S., but their numbers have continued to decline. Between 2017 and 2024, the total number of U.S. farms fell from 2.04 million to 1.88 million — an 8% drop. At the same time, average farm size increased to 466 acres in 2024, up from 440 acres in the early 1970s. USDA ERS. Ag and Food Statistics: Charting the Essentials - Farming and Farm Income | Economic Research Service

This trend is even more pronounced in livestock: the number of cattle operations dropped 28% between 2002 and 2022, even as hog and broiler inventories rose sharply — meaning fewer farms now raise more animals.

For family farms, this consolidation means:

More pressure to scale up or specialize
Higher land prices and fewer available acres
Greater competition with large corporate operations

🚜 Technology Adoption: From Optional to Essential

Ten years ago, precision agriculture tools were used mostly by large farms. Today, they’re becoming standard across family operations.

GPS auto‑steering is used on 70% of large farms and 52% of midsize farms.
Yield monitors, soil mapping, and data analytics are increasingly common, helping farmers cut input costs and improve efficiency.
Autonomous machinery and robotics are emerging, especially for planting and harvesting.
Smart irrigation systems help manage water more precisely during drought cycles.

Family farms that adopt these tools often see higher productivity — a major reason U.S. agricultural output has continued to grow even as land and labor remain steady.

🌱 Regenerative and Sustainable Practices

Over the past decade, many family farms have shifted toward practices that improve soil health and reduce long‑term costs:

Cover cropping
Reduced tillage
Rotational grazing
Integrated pest management

While certified organic acreage remains small (3.6 million acres nationwide), interest in regenerative methods has grown rapidly.

Family farms often lead these efforts because they take a long‑term view of land stewardship — protecting soil for future generations.

💻 Digital Marketplaces and Direct‑to‑Consumer Sales

The rise of digital platforms has changed how family farms sell their products:

Online farmers markets
Subscription produce boxes
Direct meat sales
Social‑media‑driven marketing

These tools help small and midsize farms compete by building loyal local customer bases and capturing more of the retail dollar.

👩‍🌾 Changing Farm Household Economics

Farm household income has become increasingly diversified. Many family farm operators rely on off‑farm jobs for health insurance and stable income, a trend reflected in USDA household data updated through 2026.

Key shifts:

More dual‑income households
Rising health insurance costs
Greater reliance on non‑farm earnings to stabilize finances

This diversification helps families stay on the land even when farm income fluctuates.

📉 Market Pressures and Volatility

Family farms face more volatile markets than they did a decade ago:

Input costs (fertilizer, fuel, chemicals) have risen sharply
Weather extremes create unpredictable yields
Global trade shifts affect commodity prices

Despite higher gross cash farm income over time, net farm income is forecast to decline in 2026 — showing how rising costs eat into earnings.

🧭 What It All Means for Family Farms

The last ten years have reshaped family farming into a more technology‑driven, data‑dependent, diversified, and financially complex enterprise. The family farm is still alive — but it looks different:

More acres per farm
More technology per acre
More animals per operation
More off‑farm income
More pressure to innovate

Yet the core remains unchanged: families continue to run most U.S. farms, stewarding land and livestock with a long‑term commitment that corporate operations can’t replicate.

Wordless Wednesday 9/16

2026-09-16T04:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Homemaker Monday -9/14

2026-09-14T05:31:27.913-07:00

Good Morning on this second Monday of September! As we have managed to get past Patriot Day on September 11 and celebrated the 25th anniversary of one of the worst days in American history, we welcome this Monday with a prayer of peace around the world.

Today, I am pleased be linking up with Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom and several other bloggers that just like to write about what is going on in their homes and how they have their week planned. I hope you will stop by and read each of the posts that these wonderful bloggers have written. Spend an hour or so enjoying some amazing writing and relax while reading with a cup of your favorite drink.

THE WEATHER IN MY NECK OF THE WOODS:

Mon. - 75 -sunny

Tues. - 93 -sunny

Wed. - 91 - sunny

Thurs. - 91 - mostly sunny

Fri. - 85 - mostly sunny

As you can see, we are still having very warm temperatures and no rain, which we desperately need right now. Our leaves are drying out and falling off the trees instead of turning the bright, vibrant colors we normally see in September and October.

AS I LOOK OUTSIDE MY WINDOW:

I see the early morning sun and a few red leaves on the small tree outside the window. I also see a bunch of stuff that needs to be cleaned up around my husband's workshop (shed).

RIGHT NOW, I AM:

Thinking of all that needs to be finished this week, before I head out to Tennessee for a weekend wedding of my best friends' son. I am excited to be going and spending time with my oldest daughter and enjoying some time with my friend.

THINKING AND PONDERING:

Just how fast life seems to fly by these days. I guess always, but for some reason it seems faster now. As I look at my children having babies of their own and how chaotic life gets for them some time, I think back on the days that my husband and I were in the same stage of life and sometimes putting a meal on the table was an accomplishment.

Also, thinking about my dear cousin battling cancer and how he has had such a hard time with the radiation. I am also praying for a childhood friend whose husband is currently being treated for congestive heart failure. It seems so many people are struggling with health issues this year and we know the ultimate healer and we know how to ask Him for His help.

HOW I AM FEELING:

Tired, excited to be leaving this weekend, stressed over all that I need to accomplish.

ON THE LUNCH PLATE:

Tuna with crackers

ON THE DINNER PLATE:

Teriyaki steak tips with peppers and onions, stir fry rice

WHAT I'M WEARING:

A blue flowered cotton dress - easy to slip on to take grands to school. May change into jeans in a bit

ON MY READING PILE:

In Secrets of Wayfarers Inn, Book 2: River of Life, Tess finds a quilt with an unusual pattern in the underground secret room that once housed runaway slaves. Does the quilt provide something more than a source of warmth? What bygone stories and secrets are waiting to be deciphered in its intricate stitch work? Within the walls of the Wayfarers Inn, and amid the streets and residences of this historic Ohio River town, LuAnn, Tess, and Janice find evidence that exposes the darker chapters of local history—as well as its citizens’ unsung acts of heroism and kindness.

Plus, the Bible as I do my Bible study each morning. I prefer the King James Version but am looking for a good study version as well. Anyone have any recommendations?

ON MY TV:

Probably won't be much. I am hoping to catch a few vlogging episodes. Does anyone know good ones for homemaking, Christian homemaking, crafting? I am looking for a few things that my granddoll and I can do together. She's getting to be a preteen, and she is interested in squishies, dumplings, etc.

ON THE MENU:

M - teriyaki stir fry or steak tips and rice, peas and carrots

T - Enchiladas, salad

W - Beef stew

Thurs - Chicken, Mashed potatoes, gravy, and peas

Fri- I won't be home

LOOKING AROUND THE HOUSE:

Lots of cleaning to do and I would like to finish the fall decor this week. I have a couple of areas, that I am still interested in doing more too.

TO DO LIST FOR THE WEEK:

Mon - Visit Mom, run to feed store, groceries that need picked up for week, Whatnot live, laundry, cleaning

Tues - work, blog catch up, PZ work, laundry, daily cleaning, bedroom

Wed - Kitchen, sweep and mop, clean curtains, work,

Thurs- Pack for weekend wedding trip, Living Room, Laundry, PZ and Blog work, Work

Fri - Work, Trip

WHAT I'M CREATING:

Not that I find much time to create as I am trying to learn to sell on Whatnot with my Pink Zebra business, but I am attempting to get back into my diamond art stuff, and I want to create some amazing pockets for my pen pals. This is similar to the ones I am making.

SOMETHING FUN TO SHARE:

This is an AI image we created for an All About Me book that Miss H had to make for school. She wants to be an artist, and we had visited this fun museum that had these bears and other taxidermy works in it. Fun to create with her. She got an A+ on her book!

PRAYERS, DEVOTIONALS:

You Are a Light

September 14, 2026 by dailywisdomforwomen

The light of the righteous shines brightly, but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out.
Proverbs 13:9 NIV

Great beauty is seen in the flame of a candle, the glow of a firefly, or a twinkling star. You are a light that shines brighter than these because of the righteousness of Christ. Steady and sure, your flame glows with the glory of Christ in you.

Your unquenchable light is made for eternity. This world will not satisfy your eternal soul. Focus on what is lasting—God’s love, Word, and the spirits of His people. Take time for each in your day. When you focus your effort on what is lasting, you carry it with you into eternity.

Make time to hear your child’s discovery. Hold the hand of an elderly neighbor. Seek out a quiet moment and listen to the secrets of someone’s heart—maybe even your own. Ask God to reveal Himself in His Word. These moments will make your heart happy.

You are transformed by trials, your rich golden light deepening with endurance. You are stronger than you think and more vivid than you can imagine. Never be intimidated by the darkness around you. It’s no match for you. You were made to shine forever, so don’t hide your glory.

Father God, thank You for intending me to live eternally with You. Help me focus on the things that last forever. Amen.

I pray you all have a blessed week and I will be posting on Wednesday and Friday this week as well.

Sunday Blessings 9/13

2026-09-13T05:00:00.000-07:00

May your day be filled with happiness, peace, and love. May the fall leaves be a beautiful addition to your life. May your cup be filled with good coffee and God's goodness.

New Chapter

2026-09-08T06:37:56.580-07:00

I have decided to try something new! I have been learning a lot about digital marketing and sales, and I am going to attempt to sell some digital products the remainder of the year. My first digital product is a set of three bookmarks that are fall themed and I have them listed on Etsy.

I created three bookmarks with a little help from AI for graphics, but I love the idea of three completely different bookmarks in one file. The first is super cute and kid friendly with forest animals on it, the second is very plain with just polka dots, and the third is more geared towards adults and has a beautiful sunset and mountains to it.

Let me know what you think.

2026-09-07T11:00:00.000-07:00

One Tuesday Morning / Beyond Tuesday Morning (9/11, #1-2)

Karen Kingsbury (Goodreads Author)

Carol Slater's review

Sep 07, 2026 · edit

it was amazing

As usual, Karen Kingsbury has written more stories that reinstate my faith and allow me to see just how a horrible tragedy like 9/11 can turn into a beautiful love story- both personal and with God.

In One Tuesday Morning, Karen shares the horrible tragedy of the World Trade Center collapsing and the aftermath of the heroes and the families that were directly involved in it. As Luke Bryan and fellow firefighters are called to rush into the worst scene in their careers, Eric Michaels goes to work in the World Trade Center, his job being more important to him than his family. After the planes hit the tower, Eric decides that he must leave without the approval of his boss and a chance passing in the stairwell with Luke Bryan, who looks like Eric, will be a pivotal moment in his life.

Can a firefighter that loses his life in the Trade Center truly chance Eric's life for the better and make him appreciate his family more than he ever has? Can Eric Michaels race down the stairwell at the last minute as the tower is collapsing have an effect on Luke's wife, Jamie, that he has never met before?

In Beyond Tuesday Morning, Karen pieces together the lives of those characters in the first story to have even a deeper meaning and bond. Following a time of deep peace and hurt, Jamie Bryan is learning to live without her husband, Luke. As she takes a ferry ride, she is harassed by a trio of young men, that are up to no good, but she is helped by two strangers- both detectives in town for training. What is it about Clay that fills her soul with a feeling that she has reserved for so many years for Luke?

Will this tenacious man be a new beginning for her and her daughter or is he simply going to bring more grief into her life and make her face a past that she has set aside to never face again.

Happy Homemaker - September 7,2026

2026-09-07T07:11:02.194-07:00

Here we are in September, and the heat and humidity of summer should be about over. Many have decorated their homes with fall decor and fall scents are everywhere! Today we honor the American workers- all of them. Whether you are a construction worker, mechanic, blue collar worker that makes the world work, a lawyer, doctor, more schooled worker, or a stay-at-home mom or dad, the work you do matters and deserves to be celebrated.

Today, I am linking up with Sandra over at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom with some other phenomenal women to share some of the amazing things we do with our homes and lives throughout the week. I hope you will hop over and read some of the other amazing articles that are written today.

THE WEATHER IN MY NECK OF THE WOODS:

It is much cooler than it was last week and it is such a blessing. Last week with heat indexes in the lower 100's, life was miserable if you had to be outside. Highs this week are supposed to be in the mid 80's most of the week with lower humidity and a few showers, which we need!

THINGS THAT MAKE ME HAPPY:

A good cup of hot coffee

A refreshing cup of iced coffee

A cozy blanket

A good book, especially one by my favorite author- Karen Kingsbury

BOOK I AM READING:

Just started this one yesterday

WHAT'S ON MY TV TODAY:

Probably nothing. I have some live shows to do today, and I need to do some cleaning, so I doubt that it is on until the hubby decides to watch something.

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE:

ON THE LUNCH PLATE:

Left over beef and noodles

ON THE MENU:

Monday - hot dogs, hamburgers, and potato salad

Tuesday - Taco salad

Wednesday - beef tips with rice, spinach, and butter beans

Thursday - Chicken and pork sheet pan dinner

Friday - ?????

ON MY TO DO LIST:

No plan yet, as there are so many things that I need to do. Today is a live selling day with my Pink Zebra and then cooking dinner. Tomorrow, I need to go see my mom and make some stops at the post office.

NO WORDS NEEDED:

BIBLE VERSE:

Sunday Blessings

2026-09-06T05:00:00.000-07:00

Be still and know that I am God was the theme to the Ladies Conference I recently attended and it has truly touched me. I have a pencil case for my Bible study with this verse, and I have seen it often, but it recently has become the verse that I seem to go to. I find that many times we feel we must say the right thing or have the last say on something, but many times we need to be still and hear God or allow God to finish the conversation for us. Let God!!

Happy Friday - Blog Glitch

2026-09-04T05:49:34.067-07:00

I hope everyone has a blessed Friday. My granddoll and I love highland cows, so this is perfect for us.

Blogger seems to have a glitch today that is not allowing me to comment on anyone's posts. Please know I am stopping by with lots of love today. I just can't comment.

Welcome September

2026-09-01T05:00:00.000-07:00

September 1st is a day to welcome the beginning of fall. Fallen leaves, pumpkins, cooler temperatures, and all the vibrant colors that the season has to offer.

Do you have a fall bucket list?

This one is a good start, I believe.

Maybe this one if you don't care for fall.

If you need some inspiration on decorating, here is a great example of colors.

Here is a simple but elegant fall decorating idea as well. I know our local Hobby Lobby has florals on sale 40% off right now, so leaves and berries are not hard to find. Small pumpkins are everywhere and the sign could be anything that says fall.

Enjoy September

Happy Homemaker Monday - Aug. 31

2026-08-31T09:18:41.315-07:00

Welcome to the last Monday of August. In my neck of the woods that means that the heat and humidity should be dying down and nicer weather should be upon us, but I believe that this week we are to have temperatures in the mid 90's all week. UGH!!!

As I write this post today, I will be linking up with Sandra over at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom where several bloggers share about things happening in their homes this week. Some of us maybe raising small children, some of us older children, and some of us may be raising or enjoying grandchildren, but we all have something to share among ourselves.

THE WEATHER IN MY NECK OF THE WOODS:

As I said it is to be hot! I think it will be humid too with how it felt when I was out feeding chickens and refreshing waters today. I need to clean the chicken coop, but I just don't think I can do it today. Maybe tomorrow if I can get started before it gets hot.

THINGS THAT MAKE ME HAPPY:

Grandbabies

My husband

My girls

BOOK I AM READING:

Been reading this for a few weeks, but I just haven't had much reading time lately. I do love Karen Kingsbury books though.

ON THE LUNCH PLATE:

Since I am being most cautious about what I am eating as I truly need to lose a bit of weight, I will have some tuna with mayo on crackers, blueberries, and maybe a fresh tomato.

ON THE DINNER PLATE:

We are having homemade sloppy joes and french fries.

ON THE MENU:

Tuesday- turkey Manhattans, green beans and brownie sundaes

Wednesday - something in the crockpot

Thursday - beef and noodles, corn, and dinner rolls

Friday - bluegill and tater tots

ON MY TO DO LIST:

Laundry, digital products to sell, Pink Zebra work, sort mail

Wed, - small business expo, visit mom, laundry, vacuum

Thurs, - shopping, clean bathroom. Pink Zebra work

Fri. - Clean bedroom. plan weekend meals, visit mom

WHAT I'M CREATING:

I am working on junk journal pockets and homemade squishy's that I can sell. I also need to create new games for my Pink Zebra business.

NO WORDS NEEDED:

Thanks for stopping by and I hope that you each have a blessed day!

Sunday Blessings Aug 30

2026-08-30T04:00:00.000-07:00

Dolly Parton

2026-08-26T04:29:07.972-07:00

From a dirt-floor cabin in the Great Smoky Mountains to the highest echelons of global pop culture, Dolly Parton’s life story remains one of the most remarkable journeys in modern American entertainment.

Appalachian Roots to Nashville Breakout

Born in 1946 as the fourth of 12 children in rural East Tennessee, Dolly Rebecca Parton was raised surrounded by folk balladry, church gospel, and deep poverty. Learning guitar at age eight, she was already singing on local television by ten and made her Grand Ole Opry debut at thirteen. The day after graduating high school in 1964, she packed her bags for Nashville. Her big break came in 1967 as the co-host on The Porter Wagoner Show, a partnership that launched her to national stardom before she launched her legendary solo career.

A Songwriting Powerhouse

At her core, Dolly was a master storyteller with sharp business instincts. She wrote thousands of songs throughout her career, famous for retaining full publishing ownership over her catalog. In a single legendary 24-hour creative burst in 1973, she wrote both "Jolene" and "I Will Always Love You"—the latter becoming one of the best-selling singles in music history when Whitney Houston covered it decades later. Her crossover into pop with hits like "Here You Come Again" and the workplace anthem "9 to 5" made her a household name across genres.

Key Career Milestones

Era / Year	Milestone & Cultural Impact
1967	Released breakout single "Dumb Blonde" and joined The Porter Wagoner Show.
1973–1974	Wrote "Jolene" and "I Will Always Love You," establishing her solo independence.
1980	Starred in the film 9 to 5 and wrote its Oscar-nominated title song.
1986	Opened Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, transforming the local economy.
1995	Launched the Imagination Library, mailing hundreds of millions of free books to children.
1999	Inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Business Mogul & Philanthropist

Dolly turned down Elvis Presley when he requested half the publishing rights to her songs—a sharp business decision that paid off for decades. She used her fortune to build an economic empire centered around Dollywood, providing thousands of jobs in Appalachian Tennessee. Her philanthropic heart was just as large: from supporting disaster relief in the Smokies to donating $1 million toward COVID-19 vaccine research, her generosity matched her fame.

Dolly Parton's legacy endures through her unmatched songwriting, resilient humor, and extraordinary generosity, proving that talent paired with authenticity can change the world.

A girl from East Tennessee to a star across the world

Sunday Blessings Aug 23

2026-08-23T04:00:00.000-07:00

Hobby Farm Living

2026-08-22T06:45:24.955-07:00

Life on a hobby farm can be very fulfilling for many people. It seems that people are wanting to slow down in life and enjoy more than just a typical 9-to-5 lifestyle that is then rushed with many kids' activities and other responsibilities after work. Life on a hobby farm can be busy, but very enjoyable and time to not feel rushed.

Hobby farm chores can be gathering eggs, feeding livestock, growing your own foods, building things by hand and simply resting by the heat of a wood stove and being thankful for what you have. Many hobby farmers are not concerned about what is the latest and greatest gadget or video game out there, they might be researching which breed of chicken lays the best, what crop to plant and DIY projects, but they are looking for simpler and more down to earth than what is available these days. Is there satisfaction from these things? Yes, how nice to sit down at a meal and know that you are feeding your family healthy foods that you have grown.

How exciting to sit on a piece of furniture you built or give your child or grandchild a toy that you have made by hand. Little things like a cross-stitch project that you have finished and hung on the wall can be a bright spot in your day. Seeing a chick that you have hatched that is thriving outside can bring such joy to your life. What about serving your family a cake you have baked from scratch? Maybe handing a neighbor that is struggling a basket of homegrown food or homemade soap, blanket, etc?

Enjoying time with nature and all that life offers outside the world of offices, warehouses, Amazon, video games, and Tik Tok can be very rewarding.

Roasted Fall Vegetable Medley recipe

2026-08-22T05:00:00.000-07:00

Delicious and hearty fall vegetable recipe using butternut squash, Brussel sprouts, onion, carrots and sweet potatoes. I enjoy making this in the fall as the maple syrup just seems to add that extra special fall touch.

Fall Farm Activities: Harvesting, Animal Care, and Prepping for Winter

2026-08-21T05:13:55.271-07:00

Fall Farm Activities: Harvest, Animal Care, and Preparing for Winter

As summer fades into fall, farms become busy with harvesting crops, caring for animals, and preparing the land and buildings for the colder months ahead. Fall is one of the most important seasons on the farm because much of the year's hard work comes together at harvest time.

It’s Harvest Time!

Fall is harvest season for many crops. Farmers carefully watch their fields to determine when crops are ready to be picked, dug, or gathered. Depending on the region and weather, common fall crops include pumpkins, squash, apples, corn, potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, beets, and many varieties of beans.

Grains such as corn, soybeans, wheat, and oats may also be harvested during late summer and fall. Farmers use combines and other specialized equipment to efficiently gather these crops from large fields.

After harvesting, crops must be sorted, cleaned, stored, or prepared for sale. Some vegetables can be stored for months in cool, dry conditions, while others are taken directly to markets, grocery stores, processing facilities, or farm stands.

Caring for Farm Animals

Fall also brings important changes to animal care. As temperatures begin to drop, farmers make sure their animals have adequate shelter, clean bedding, fresh water, and nutritious food.

Many animals begin growing thicker winter coats naturally, but they still need protection from cold temperatures, wind, rain, and snow. Farmers inspect barns, fences, roofs, and shelters to make sure everything is safe and ready for winter.

Fall is also a good time to check animals' overall health. Farmers monitor their animals for changes in appetite, behavior, or condition and make sure regular vaccinations, hoof care, grooming, and other routine care are completed as needed.

Preparing Feed for Winter

One of the biggest fall jobs is making sure there will be enough food for animals throughout the winter. Farmers may harvest and store hay, corn, silage, and other feed before winter arrives.

Hay must be properly dried before it is stored so that it does not spoil. Farmers often stack hay bales in barns or other protected storage areas. Having enough feed stored ahead of time helps ensure that livestock have nutritious food even when fields are covered with snow or frozen.

Preparing the Farm for Winter

Fall farm work goes beyond harvesting and animal care. Farmers also prepare equipment and buildings for winter. Tractors, combines, plows, and other machinery may be cleaned, inspected, repaired, and stored.

Farmers may also plant cover crops to help protect and improve the soil during the winter months. Fences are checked, gardens are cleaned up, and fallen leaves and other plant material may be composted.

A Season of Hard Work

Fall is a busy and rewarding time on the farm. The harvest represents months of planning, planting, watering, weeding, and caring for crops. At the same time, farmers are preparing their animals, equipment, and land for the challenges of winter.

From gathering pumpkins and apples to storing hay and making sure animals are warm and healthy, fall is a season of harvest, preparation, and hard work on the farm.

Wordless Wednesday

2026-08-19T04:45:30.979-07:00