In the ongoing efforts to conserve land, protect biodiversity, and mitigate the effects of urban sprawl, ranchers play an often underappreciated role as stewards of the land. The vast open spaces managed by ranchers provide critical habitats for wildlife, preserve ecosystems, and serve as buffers against the encroachment of urbanization. Far from being just centersContinue reading “The Role of Ranching in Preserving Open Space and Wildlife Habitats”
Author Archives: Traci Houston
Environmentalism By Participation Not Abandonment
Why showing up again—after the weeds, the chaos, and the chickens in the garden—is still environmentalism. This year, we kind of abandoned things. Life got hectic. Health issues flared. Finances tightened. And the farm—well, it slipped through our fingers a bit. The chickens took over the garden. The weeds took over the yard. Some ofContinue reading “Environmentalism By Participation Not Abandonment”
Farm Table Talk: The Barn Is Falling Down
I don’t give a flying monkey fart who’s to blame for the shutdown. I don’t care if it’s the Democrats refusing to budge on healthcare or the Republicans refusing to come to the table. I don’t care whose press conference sounds more polished or who’s winning the blame game on cable news. What I careContinue reading “Farm Table Talk: The Barn Is Falling Down”
Things Nobody Told Me About Raising Livestock (That Would Have Saved Me Hours of Headache)
A practical-but-honest guide for beginners who think livestock is just feeding and collecting eggs. When we started raising livestock, I thought I was signing up for fresh eggs, happy animals, and a wholesome connection to the land. What I got instead was a crash course in disappearing chickens, suicidal rabbits, and goats with a personalContinue reading “Things Nobody Told Me About Raising Livestock (That Would Have Saved Me Hours of Headache)”
Farm Table Talk: I’m Not Lying Down for the End of Days
I’ve been attending church lately. It’s new for me. I haven’t decided if I’ll get baptized. I’ve got a lot of questions, a lot of history, and a lot of hesitation when it comes to organized religion. But I’m showing up. I’m listening. I’m learning. And I’m also pushing back. Because recently, in a conversationContinue reading “Farm Table Talk: I’m Not Lying Down for the End of Days”
If You Give a Homesteader a Cold Morning
If you give a homesteader a cold morning, they’ll check the wood rack on the porch. Seeing it half-empty will send them to the main pile to refill it. While hauling wood, they’ll uncover a cluster of grubs nestled in the bark. Finding grubs will remind them the chickens would love a snack. Feeding theContinue reading “If You Give a Homesteader a Cold Morning”
Farm Table Talk: People Deserve to Eat
I’ve seen the comments. You probably have too. “They should just get a job.”“SNAP was supposed to be temporary.”“Why are we paying for people to eat junk food?”“They drive nicer cars than I do.”“Take away the handouts and they’ll get motivated.” Let me be clear: I am sick to death of this cruelty masquerading asContinue reading “Farm Table Talk: People Deserve to Eat”
Farm Table Talk: The Fox Isn’t the Problem—We Are
The fox that visits my farm doesn’t pretend to be anything other than what it is. It’s hungry. It’s wild. It takes what it needs and leaves the rest. I can respect that. What I can’t respect is the mess our government has become. We’re over a month into a shutdown, and it’s not justContinue reading “Farm Table Talk: The Fox Isn’t the Problem—We Are”
Creating a Winter Wildlife Sanctuary: Support Nature During the Cold Months
As winter approaches, we bundle up and prepare for the chilly months ahead, but the local wildlife also needs help to thrive during the cold season. Birds, insects, and small mammals struggle to find food, water, and shelter in freezing temperatures. By creating a winter wildlife sanctuary in your yard or homestead, you can supportContinue reading “Creating a Winter Wildlife Sanctuary: Support Nature During the Cold Months”
If You Give a Homesteader a Frost Warning
If you give a homesteader a frost warning, they’re going to harvest the last of the basil. Harvesting the basil will remind them to feed it to the rabbits. Feeding the rabbits will lead them to check the rabbitry for winterization. While checking the rabbitry, they’ll notice a torn cover on one of the cages.Continue reading “If You Give a Homesteader a Frost Warning”
