Being a farmer’s daughter, in combination with living and working on our family farm for most of my life, one could assert that I’m a little bit biased on the topic of agriculture, and I suppose they would be correct in their assertion. I’ve always been quite passionate about farming, and my background and experience … More Why aren’t we worried about the future of farmland?
Anyone who works in agriculture can arguably attest to the fact that there is a high probability of having to work alongside family, specifically if you’re working on a farm. Many farms are operated by a variety of family members, and my own family and our farm are no exception to this likelihood. I started … More The reality of working with family
As much as my family and I anticipate Winter and the slower pace it presents here on our farm, we simultaneously dread it in the sense that we are aware that the time is approaching during which we must say our goodbyes to our migrant workers. Some people might read that sentence and find it … More Adios Amigos
When Blaine initially suggested writing about pigs, as I mentioned in yesterday’s post, I was not anticipating having to allot two posts to the subject matter. But, as it turns out, there is more to know about pigs that one may suspect, hence why we are here, on day two of our conversation pertaining to … More How much do you know about pigs? (part two)
I have to share a personal little tale with all of you before we delve into the subject matter of all things pigs. I had just started on a draft of this post and left my laptop open with my blog page on the screen. All I had written was the title, which reads “How … More How much do you know about pigs? (part one)
Allow me to stipulate that I used a short form in my title if you’re pondering what in the heck The Royal is. The Royal in question refers to The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair that takes place annually in Toronto, Ontario, and it has been something my family and I have frequented since my sister … More Have you been to The Royal?
If you aren’t terribly familiar with the term ‘wrangler,’ please do not stress. In fact, there is a strong probability you do, in fact, know what this term encompasses, and instead have simply heard it being called by another name that is synonymous with its meaning, which is ranching. I think I recall hearing or … More Wondering about wrangling? Read this
Everyone and their mother seems to be talking about beef tallow as of late, and for good reason; it has exploded into the beauty realm with an undeniable presence, arguably a result of the incredible benefits it offers to those who make use of it. I try my best to shop and support local whenever … More Move over, moisturizer: Tallow Twins’ For the Face has you covered
Agriculture, like any other sector of the business world, has its highs and lows. Regardless if you’re a cash cropper or involved with livestock, you’re going to have days that are great, and you’re inevitably going to have days that are pure shit. Sometimes I can’t help but speculate as to whether or not the … More The importance of challenging agricultural misconceptions
This past weekend, Blaine and I had the pleasure of attending a wedding of longtime friends of ours. Blaine has been friends with the groom for many years; I went through high school with both the bride and groom; and furthermore played rugby with the bride back in high school. Needless to say, the couple … More Have you visited Stonewall Estates?
Over the weekend, Blaine and I went to The Keg to celebrate our second wedding anniversary. We had a nice dinner and we both enjoy The Keg anytime we visit; we only go for special occasions and celebrations, and we figured it would be a great choice for our anniversary. We both had steak, and … More The ultimate satisfaction of reaping what you sow
My family and I have always loved Mexican food, and I believe our appreciation for it stems from our temporary foreign migrant workers who assist us on our farm annually. Our workers come from Mexico, and they’ve been working on our farm for longer than I’ve been alive; our one worker, Salome, has been with … More If you’ve never tasted tomatillos, consider this your sign
In the rare case I haven’t yet mentioned this here on my blog, I will now, and proudly so; Blaine, my husband, is a beef farmer, and a damn great one at that. I thought I would use this post as an opportunity to discuss how phenomenal he is with raising beef cattle for consumption, … More Perks of being married to a cattle farmer
About a year-and-a-half ago now, I decided that I wanted to learn how to speak Spanish. My family and I know a little bit of Spanish because of our migrant workers; over the years, they have taught us a few phrases and words, but none of us are anywhere near fluent. One of our workers, … More The reality of learning a new language
A few weeks ago, in an attempt to formulate a topic idea for a blog post, I found myself Googling absolutely arbitrary things to provoke some inspiration. Eventually, and not surprisingly, I started looking up some farming facts and statistics, and believe me or not when I say I truly had no clue how dangerous … More Do you know just how dangerous farming can be?
The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair has a special place in my family’s heart. We have been going for years, since my sister and I were babies, and have kept the tradition going strong for many years. I will admit that I haven’t been to The Royal in a hot minute – my mom and sister … More Have you been to the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair?
When I was trying to find some inspiration for today’s post, I found myself visiting a mental note I made earlier in the day regarding the fact that I am out of face wipes at our chicken barn. I use these wipes to clean my face and respirator each and every time I visit the … More Farm girl hacks 101
I sat down to write this post just prior to leaving to attend this year’s Harvest Party. If you are unfamiliar with the term ‘Harvest Party,’ I certainly would not be surprised. It is a term that is arguably used and well-known within farm families, and it is a get-together with all of the individuals … More Thank you, temporary foreign workers
For as long as I can remember, my parents have had a small plaque on one of the dressers in their bedroom reading what is commonly known as ‘A Farmer’s Prayer.’ I used to read it just about each time I was in my parents room when I was a child; the only bathroom on … More Are you familiar with ‘A Farmer’s Prayer’?
I have to begin this post by acknowledging my dad – this one is for him, and any other dads out there who raised their daughters to be firm and stand their ground. If my previous sentence didn’t give it away, I consider myself a strong woman. By strong, I mean physically, to an extent; … More Understanding strong, assertive women
To reference my title, today’s post will share with you some more helpful hacks that assist in making certain things in life a wee bit simpler. To continue yesterday’s topic, I thought I would present to you some more incredibly savvy life hacks to help make some things in life a little less complicated, or … More Read this to learn how to make life easier
Yesterday’s post discussing ginseng hopefully provided anyone who read it with a firmer understanding of how exactly it is produced. I didn’t mention each and every step involved in the complete process of growing ginseng, from start to finish, but I did provide you with the gist of the method. For today’s post, I thought … More What health benefits does ginseng offer?
I recently had a tutoring session with a client I have been working with for quite a while now. My client and I, in working together for almost two years, have become good friends, despite not having the opportunity to meet in person as they are not local to me. During our last session, they … More Let’s talk about ginseng
I’ve been working alongside my Dad on our family farm for a few years now. I’ve always worked with him/for him, but in the last five years or so, I’ve become more involved with the operation, and in doing so, I’ve found myself spending a lot more time with him. I love my dad something … More Dislike versus misunderstanding: a fickle concept
Blaine has been dealing with sweaty feet since I first met him nine years ago. Over time, however, the sweating has increased in severity, to the point that in the last couple of years or so, the bottoms of his feet are literally raw. The skin in between his toes is so worn down it … More Sweaty feet? Read this
This past weekend, Blaine and I and his mom and dad attended a lovely wedding in Flamborough, Ontario. The groom is a friend and co-worker of Blaine’s, as well as Blaine’s dad, and we had been looking forward to the celebration since our invitation arrived in the mail. The now newlyweds chose The Earth to … More Looking for a wedding venue? Read this
I can say with confidence that my appreciation for rice has increased exponentially since marrying Blaine. I realize that’s a somewhat odd proclamation, but allow me to explain; Blaine loves rice and could arguably eat it every single day. I’ve always liked rice, don’t get me wrong, and seeing as I am preparing meals for … More Let’s hear it for rice
I’ve made mention of my family’s farming operation here on my blog many times, and I will probably mention it many more times still. Farming is a central component of my own life, my family’s, and our ancestors, so it is arguably something I’m going to discuss here and there. Our farm produces tobacco, ginseng, … More Do you know where your chicken comes from?
I’m pretty sure I’ve mentioned this before, but in case I haven’t, allow me this opportunity to inform you all that Blaine works on his family’s cattle farm. It’s a beef operation, meaning the cattle aren’t exclusively Holstein for producing milk; rather, these cows are a variety of breeds and are raised for consumption. Being … More Let’s make homemade hamburgers
Here we are, once again, chatting about goats. I did stipulate in yesterday’s post that today’s would be a continuation of all things goat, and I’m not here to disappoint anyone. Again, this information comes from livelyrun.com. I realize if you’re located in an urban setting, finding a goat may not be the easiest thing … More Get your goat on, again
ontheedgeofeverything 