Hi Reader, At a rainy event in New Tripoli, I met a man wearing a VegStock T-shirt who made a beeline for our organic farm food stand. Turns out, he’s a fellow foodie! VegStock is a BIG event that promotes plant-based eating, a growing trend these days. While I don’t believe in completely excluding animal products forever, I know that focusing on organic, plant-based meals can be a great way to heal the body. And guess what? You can reintroduce nutrient-dense animal products later, like Bone...
12 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, What's the best travel food? Jerky, of course! Pioneers and American Indians used it and now its a manufactured convenience food with lots of plastic packaging and additives. I mentioned in our Farm Member Chat Group that I made Beef Jerky this week with our own ground beef. Calls for the recipe came quickly! Since we are traveling this weekend, I'm sharing the recipe and a list of our tried and true travel foods. Grass fed Ground Beef Jerky Recipe & More We Are Open at Willow...
26 days ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Even my jaw dropped. Did I forget or was this info SO SHOCKING that it's hard to believe? The head farmer at Rodale spoke at a Health Symposium for medical professionals in July. Reuben and I were the only other farmer attendees. When talking about food and health to the doctors, nurses, and students, he chose to make sure they knew that organic food is the only way to eat for health and sustainability. Over 70 crops are sprayed directly with glyphosate, most immediately before...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader! Are you curious about the health benefits of fermentation but unsure where to begin? Do you find yourself fascinated by the idea of making your own kraut, pickles, kimchi, or kombucha but feel overwhelmed by the process? If you've ever wondered how to transform simple ingredients into delicious, probiotic-rich foods that nourish your body, you're not alone. Many people are intrigued by fermentation but are held back by the fear of the unknown or concerns about safety. But what if...
about 2 months ago • 3 min read
Hi Reader! Is your home garden a success this year? Did you plant too many seeds? Frustrated by weeds, bugs, or disease? If your goal was to save money on groceries, you might be wondering if your garden was worth the time and effort. Are you questioning what didn’t work and how you can improve your garden next year? Growing even one thing is something to be proud of. It connects you to a valuable human experience and is worth celebrating. Wouldn’t it be even better if your garden truly...
about 2 months ago • 3 min read
Hi Reader! Letting overwhelm keep you from canning your own food is costing you money and freedom. Here's why you haven’t learned to can food for your family yet. You have too many questions that are holding you back. Do you know what it’s costing you? Beyond the savings you'll realize in your grocery budget, the real benefit is peace of mind knowing you have emergency food and/or convenient food for a busy day. Plus, you know where your canned food came from and what exactly is in that jar...
about 2 months ago • 3 min read
Hi Reader, My Grandma Miles lived in this house when I was a girl. She cooked more meals here than I have.Collected more eggs. Drove more tractors. Lead more Bible Studies. Growing up in town, she became the farm wife who canned the peaches and made the apple butter that everyone loved! But one day she got tired of waiting for her busy farmer husband to keep a promise. "I'll get to it!" he insisted. Grandma Miles was resourceful and resilient. You need some of her skills in your life. Don't...
2 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, You know it's true. Can you walk away from your phone for a minute, hour, or day? Can you make your clothing? from leather, wool or flax? No? Maybe you are a slave to convenience, like me. You'll want to be part of our Round Table Discussion on Friday, August 9. What is Tessa talking about now?! ON Farm MarketWe Are Open! Saturday: 9 AM - 3:00 PM Local Tomatoes and Watermelon! Click over to my blog to: Push Back Against Impersonal Corporations: Explore how we can resist the lure of...
3 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Another Farm Boy is leaving. This time it's for a long time. What lesson's has he learned? Is he prepared? But most important... How does his mom feel? The story continues We Are Open! Saturday: 9 AM - 3:00 PM Local Peaches and Berries! Click over to my blog for: How we balance farm and family life with nine kids? Send your own message to the Farm Boy before he leaves. The story continues We'll keep farming for you! Reuben and Tessa DeMasterWillow Haven Farm P. S. PSST! 2nd Annual...
3 months ago • 1 min read