Once upon a time, food insecurity looked a lot different than it does today. The defining characteristic of “poor folk food” used to be self-sufficiency—whatever could be grown, raised, or foraged on the homestead was what sustained families through hard times. Fast forward to the 21st century, and the pantry of an economically struggling householdContinue reading “The Evolution of “Poor Folk Food”: From Self-Sufficiency to Shelf-Stability”
Author Archives: Traci Houston
Farm Table Talk: The Emotional Side of Farming
Farming is more than a business. It’s a way of life, a commitment, and often, a deeply emotional connection to the land, the animals, and the community. Every farmer knows this in their bones: the work we do isn’t just about making a living; it’s about feeding others, building resilience, and honoring traditions that haveContinue reading “Farm Table Talk: The Emotional Side of Farming”
Building Resilience: The Power of Adaptive Animals and Survivor Genetics
When we think about resilience, we often picture steadfast humans—those who weather the storm, rise above adversity, and come out stronger on the other side. But let me tell you, humans have nothing on animals when it comes to adaptation. Chickens, rabbits, cattle, and all manner of creatures possess a remarkable capacity to adjust toContinue reading “Building Resilience: The Power of Adaptive Animals and Survivor Genetics”
If You Give a Homesteader a Damaged Fence
If you give a homesteader a damaged fence, they’re going to want to repair it for cattle. Once they add the cattle, they’ll notice the manure piling up. Seeing the manure will remind them that chickens are perfect for scratching through it. Adding chickens to follow the cattle will lead to the realization that theContinue reading “If You Give a Homesteader a Damaged Fence”
Sustainable Ranching: How Cowboys Are Leading the Way in Land Stewardship
For many people, the word “cowboy” conjures images of rugged individuals on horseback, herding cattle across expansive landscapes. While this depiction holds truth, today’s cowboy is much more than a romanticized figure from the Old West. Ranchers and cowboys have become some of the most important players in the movement toward sustainable land management andContinue reading “Sustainable Ranching: How Cowboys Are Leading the Way in Land Stewardship”
Healing with Heart: A Guide to Battery Chicken Rehabilitation
Rescuing and rehabilitating battery chickens is a powerful act of compassion. These birds, often dismissed as disposable commodities, have endured cramped living conditions, malnutrition, and physical modifications, but they are anything but helpless. With the right care and attention, these chickens can recover and thrive, offering a glimpse of their resilience and unique personalities. ThisContinue reading “Healing with Heart: A Guide to Battery Chicken Rehabilitation”
Farm Table Talk: Raising Adults, Not Just Kids—Lessons from 15 Years of Parenthood
Today is a big milestone—my oldest daughter’s 15th birthday. As I sit and reflect on the journey of parenting, I find myself thinking about the monumental shift that happens when you stop raising kids and start raising adults. It’s easy to get caught up in teaching kids how to follow the rules, but what happensContinue reading “Farm Table Talk: Raising Adults, Not Just Kids—Lessons from 15 Years of Parenthood”
Berry Bliss: Growing and Maintaining Cane Fruits
Few things compare to the joy of harvesting sun-ripened berries from your own garden. Whether you’re partial to the tart burst of raspberries or the juicy sweetness of blackberries, cane fruits are a garden treasure worth cultivating. But while these fruits may seem effortless in their wild forms, growing them successfully at home requires aContinue reading “Berry Bliss: Growing and Maintaining Cane Fruits”
Farm Table Talk: Why We Can’t Compete with Big Ag—And That’s Not the Point
It happens all the time. Someone hears the price of our eggs or produce and says, “But I can get it cheaper from [insert massive commercial farm or store here].” And honestly? They’re not wrong. Large-scale agricultural operations have the means to charge less. But here’s the thing: we’re not trying to compete with BigContinue reading “Farm Table Talk: Why We Can’t Compete with Big Ag—And That’s Not the Point”
Farm Table Talk: The Audacity of Social Media Etiquette
Oh, social media. A place where baby pictures, local events, and the occasional recipe for crockpot chili collide with unsolicited advice, blatant misinformation, and the audacity of people who woke up and chose chaos. Don’t get me wrong—community groups can be a fantastic way to connect. But they can also feel like walking into aContinue reading “Farm Table Talk: The Audacity of Social Media Etiquette”
