We couldn’t see a way forward to keep the family farm profitable, afford the labor, and work through our transition. We found the answer in the mail. When’s somebody ever gonna buy that place? I shake my head as we head home past the post office building that sits in the center of our little hamlet of […]
Archives for June 2015
Tamari-Ginger Shaved Steaks
Shaved steaks, also called “sandwich steaks,” are extremely thin slices of meat that your butcher cuts from the top, bottom and eye round with a rotary meat slicer. They are often used for Philly cheese steak sandwiches, but here they take a fabulous Asian twist that is one of my kids’ favorite dishes. Once marinated, […]
Duct Tape
How I got duct tape in my hair. And why I’m leaving it there. Shannon Hayes It is two o’clock Saturday morning. Yes, I should be sleeping. The kids are sleeping down at the farm with Grammie and Pop Pop. Bob and I need to leave for our farmers’ market at 6:30. But I’m sitting in […]
Livestock Farming: Scourge of the Planet, or Victim of Bad Research?
Does the meat on your plate play a role in our planet’s health? Absolutely. By Shannon Hayes A few weeks ago I got into a lengthy discussion with one of my long time customers about the role of livestock farming in our future sustainability. I was reminded of this piece, which was originally printed in my […]
Farm in transition? It’s a job for the Super Friends
What does it take to move a family farm between the generations? Heroes. Bob and I have just finished unloading from the market when Kate, our summer intern, clomps by in her barn boots carrying a dead chicken. Dad is just coming in from the back fields in the Mule and she walks […]
Curried Cashew-Chicken Salad with Raisins and Cranberries
Ready for a garden party? Since we learned how to make real mayonnaise last week, here’s a great way to put that new skill to use for a refreshing moment out on the patio. This is a delicious use of Sunday’s roasted pastured chicken leftovers. The recipe comes from my cookbook, Long Way on a Little: An earth lover’s companion for enjoying […]
Brain Science for Eight-Year-Olds
I couldn’t teach my kid to read. So I taught her about neuroplasticity. I prop a special slanted desk on the porch table at the farm as Ula puffs air out of her cheeks in annoyance. It is a beautiful day. She wants to spend it with the chickens. But I am there, armed with […]