Let’s just get this out of the way: I hate April Fools Day. The idea of a day dedicated entirely to pranks and tomfoolery? No thank you. Haven’t we had our fill of nonsense the other 364 days of the year? It’s not clever. It’s not fun. And for some of us, it stirs upContinue reading “Farm Table Talk: No Love for April Fools”
Author Archives: Traci Houston
Farm Table Talk: The Labor Debate—’You’re Going to Work Anyway’
Ah, the good old, “You’re going to do the work anyway” argument. It seems to pop up like an unwelcome weed whenever pricing comes into the conversation. Some folks genuinely believe that labor costs shouldn’t factor into the price of farm goods because, apparently, farmers are out here working “for fun.” Let’s pause for aContinue reading “Farm Table Talk: The Labor Debate—’You’re Going to Work Anyway’”
Farm Table Talk: When Did We Lose Touch with Our Food?
Somewhere along the line, society seems to have misplaced its connection to food. Not just in the sense of what’s on our plate, but in understanding where it comes from, the work that goes into producing it, and the value it holds. This disconnection has grown so deep that many consumers expect low prices forContinue reading “Farm Table Talk: When Did We Lose Touch with Our Food?”
Farm Table Talk: Respecting Small Businesses—We’re Not Just Hobby Farmers
Let’s get something straight: running a farm—whether it’s sprawling acres or a few well-loved barns—is not a hobby. It’s a business. A full-blown, sweat-drenched, problem-solving, all-hands-on-deck business. And yet, there’s this maddening tendency for people to treat small farms like they’re a quaint pastime rather than a legitimate enterprise. It’s a disrespect that shows upContinue reading “Farm Table Talk: Respecting Small Businesses—We’re Not Just Hobby Farmers”
The Time-Change Tango: Why Daylight Saving Time is Still a Burden in 2025
As March 9th approaches, many of us brace ourselves for the annual ritual of “springing forward,” setting our clocks an hour ahead to begin Daylight Saving Time (DST). While it might seem like a minor inconvenience to some, DST impacts millions of people, animals, and farms in ways that extend far beyond a single hour.Continue reading “The Time-Change Tango: Why Daylight Saving Time is Still a Burden in 2025”
Farm Table Talk: The Slow Return of the Grass
Every piece of land has a story, and our old coal-built lane carries generations of memories—along with its fair share of stubborn coal bits. My granddaddy built that lane back when he worked at the coal mine. Crushed coal was cheaper than rock, so that’s what he hauled home to pave the path. It connectedContinue reading “Farm Table Talk: The Slow Return of the Grass”
Why Farm-to-Table Matters: Educating Customers on Food Origins
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to forget where our food actually comes from. With the convenience of grocery stores and online food delivery, most consumers are disconnected from the process of growing, raising, and harvesting the food that ends up on their plates. This disconnection, however, comes with hidden costs—both for our health andContinue reading “Why Farm-to-Table Matters: Educating Customers on Food Origins”
Farm Table Talk: Modern Cars Make Me Miss My S-10
Ah, the good old days of cars you could actually work on yourself. I’m not talking about my old Jeep—that thing was a nightmare. Multiple trips to the mechanic, countless headaches, and let’s not forget that “epic” six-month saga of trying to get a motor that actually worked. It took three tries (thanks for nothing,Continue reading “Farm Table Talk: Modern Cars Make Me Miss My S-10”
Sustainable Living: How Canning Reduces Food Waste
Canning is not only a practical method for preserving food, but it’s also an excellent way to contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle. By reducing food waste and decreasing reliance on commercially packaged goods, canning can play a significant role in promoting environmental sustainability. Let’s explore the environmental benefits of canning and how it helpsContinue reading “Sustainable Living: How Canning Reduces Food Waste”
Farm Table Talk: Back to School and Beyond—Farming Meets Business Savvy
Life on the farm rarely slows down, but sometimes, you need to step back and adjust. For me, that step was taking off half a semester to acclimate to having a newborn on the farm again. Between midnight feedings for the baby and early morning chores with the animals, it was a necessary pause beforeContinue reading “Farm Table Talk: Back to School and Beyond—Farming Meets Business Savvy”
