Gardening
Hobby Farms
NEW YEAR, NEW CROPS
As you make your garden plans for this season, consider these picks from growers across the country.
6 min |
January / February 2026
Hobby Farms
Garden-Scale Crop Rotation
You don't have to be a big-time farmer to benefit from rotating crops.
4 min |
January / February 2026
Hobby Farms
BELTED GALLOWAY CATTLE
The unique appearance of Belted Galloway cattle inspires many questions about their origins.
1 min |
January / February 2026
Hobby Farms
Goat Parasites
Grazing on an overly soiled pasture can sometimes lead parasites in your goat herd.
3 min |
January / February 2026
Hobby Farms
Rediscover Ancient Grains
Explore these nutritious and adaptable grains, known by many cultures over thousands of years.
8 min |
January / February 2026
Hobby Farms
HIGHLAND CATTLE
Highland cattle are an old heritage breed known to have grazed the rugged Scottish landscape since the 6th century.
1 min |
January / February 2026
Hobby Farms
SAY CHEESE
KEEP 'EM COMING
1 min |
January / February 2026
Hobby Farms
DIY Essential Oils
Steam-distill your own essential oils at home.
6 min |
January / February 2026
Hobby Farms
Kubota Goes Grand
Kubota Tractor Corp. has unveiled its latest innovation for small-scale farmers and landowners: the Grand L70 Series. Designed with residential and commercial users in mind, this series blends power, comfort and cutting-edge technology into one versatile machine. With three configurations available — premium, deluxe and cold weather — the Grand L70 Series is built to meet the diverse needs of today’s small farms and rural properties.
1 min |
January / February 2026
Hobby Farms
Raising a Bottle Calf
Being raised on a dairy farm, I don't remember a time when I wasn't well-versed in the raising of bottle calves.
9 min |
January / February 2026
Hobby Farms
Splash Down
Here's a primer on farm pond management.
10+ min |
January / February 2026
Hobby Farms
CONSERVATION FLOCKS
Many backyard chicken breeds face endangered status. Here's what to keep in mind when starting a flock to ensure a breed's future.
3 min |
January / February 2026
Hobby Farms
DEXTER CATTLE
Dexters are tri-purpose cattle (beef, milk and draft). Today's Dexter cattle descend from a herd of hardy Irish mountain cattle assembled by Mr. Dexter, agent to Lord Hawarden, around 1750.
1 min |
January / February 2026
Hobby Farms
agvice
Temperature stress is observed when pigs fall outside of their thermal neutral zone.
1 min |
January / February 2026
Hobby Farms
Hardy Greens for All Seasons
Collard greens, kale, mustard greens and Swiss chard are real workhorses in the garden.
6 min |
January / February 2026
Hobby Farms
Weed Management
The days of making a single, spring, pre-emergent herbicide application are behind us as we're faced with increased weed-resistance issues, microbial degradation in the soil, shifting climate patterns (longer seasons) and a loss of efficacy with traditional herbicidal chemistries.
3 min |
January / February 2026
Hobby Farms
February Is Frost Seeding Month
If your pastures are showing signs of wear and tear, patches of open ground, more weeds than grass, overgrazing last fall or mud damage this winter, it’s time to rehab them with frost seeding. Frost seeding is an inexpensive and easy way to rejuvenate overgrazed or weather-damaged livestock pastures and hayfields without tilling or disturbing already established grasses and legumes.
2 min |
January / February 2026
Hobby Farms
SNOW Removal
Attachments can make a significant difference in how a farmer experiences winter and all that comes with it.
3 min |
January / February 2026
Hobby Farms
BEST IN BREED
The Rex rabbit was first shown in Paris in 1924 and was brought to the United States in the same year. Known as the King of Rabbits, the Rex remains the most used rabbit for pelts, due to its plush coat. The breed was developed in 1919 from a mutation found in a litter of wild rabbits. The mutation had no prominent guard hair, giving the rabbit a softer, denser coat. Like most rabbit breeds, the rex is a docile animal. According to PetMD.com, the average lifespan of a rex is 6 to 8 years, giving it a shorter lifespan than the average 7 to 10-year lifespan of most domestic rabbits.
2 min |
November / December 2025
Hobby Farms
FUEL EFFICIENCY
Use these 10 tips to get the most mileage for your dollar.
2 min |
November / December 2025
Hobby Farms
FENCE & GATE REPAIR
Sometimes the farm fence or gate needs repair. Here are six cost- effective (and easy) fixes for fences and gates on the farm.
8 min |
November / December 2025
Hobby Farms
Feeling HOT, HOT, HOT
MAKE YOUR OWN FERMENTED HOT PEPPER SAUCE.
6 min |
November / December 2025
Hobby Farms
Safe Use of Pesticides
For those who use pesticides, their safe handling should be a paramount concern. Darrell Hensley, Ph.D., an extension specialist with the University of Tennessee Extension explains key areas of pesticide safety.
7 min |
November / December 2025
Hobby Farms
Growing Utility Gourds
Specialty gourds aren't just fun to grow. They're functional, too. Since they come in so many different shapes and sizes and their final products are so durable, you can turn them into all kinds of useful things. For instance, some gourds can be made into cozy homes for birds. Some can be crafted into baskets, bottles or spoons. Others are perfect for making musical instruments, kids' toys, decorative boxes and more.
6 min |
November / December 2025
Hobby Farms
MINI LOP RABBITS
Mini lop rabbits are small, but not the smallest of the lop breeds.
3 min |
November / December 2025
Hobby Farms
Goodnight Garden
It's time to think about the cold season and getting the garden ready.
5 min |
November / December 2025
Hobby Farms
ATV/UTV Farm Use
Once upon a time, the typical farmer needed little more than a single, trusty tractor to handle most of the jobs and tasks on a farm.
3 min |
November / December 2025
Hobby Farms
Faithful Farm Dogs
Farm dogs are having a renaissance, and they're finally getting the attention they deserve.
8 min |
November / December 2025
Hobby Farms
Ice-melt Alternatives
While snow totals vary from year to year, there's one thing you can always count on in winter in northern climates: Ice.
6 min |
November / December 2025
Hobby Farms
One & Done!
Our lives are busier than ever — there never seems to be enough time to get it all done! — so here are five one-pan meals to the rescue.
7 min |