Even during this time of social distancing and concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, small farms, homesteads and backyard hobbyists are planning for the arrival of this spring’s batch of poultry chicks. Read More
Any couple who works their own land will also tell you it’s not unusual to also have some totally divergent interests and passions that, from the outside looking in, would seem to put you at odds. Read More
At the best of times, there are few things more frustrating than being in the middle of a cooking or baking project and being out of an ingredient. With people in Maine avoiding stores due to social distancing or, when they do go to a store finding empty shelves, knowing a few kitchen ingredient substitutions can come in very handy. Read More
As Mainers come to grips with the reality of COVID-19, they are learning the things they usually do to help are suddenly not allowed or are drastically altered. Read More
But even in a pandemic situation, more is not better when it comes to cleaning solutions. Read More
Around Maine, small farms that normally sell everything from meat to cheese to baked goods to regular wholesale customers are dealing with indefinitely cancelled orders as restaurants reduce their services to take out and delivery or shut their doors entirely. Read More
Now with the first cases of novel coronavirus confirmed in the state, the Maine Federation of Farmers’ Markets wants market customers and the public to know they are taking immediate and proactive steps to ensure markets are safe places to shop during the pandemic. Read More
Whatever you do, don’t ever call it a tractor seat. Those who share an affinity for those parts of antique tractors and other rolling iron upon which a farmer rests their derriere know the proper term is “implement seat,” and they’ve been supporting farmers for almost two centuries. Read More
With all the information available on human responses and precautions related to the ongoing coronavirus strain COVID-19, animal experts are urging pet and livestock owners to prepare for their pets and livestocks’ needs in the event they become ill, travel becomes limited or are they unexpectedly separated from animals for an extended period of time. Read More
Julia Bayly has been involved in some capacity with the Can-Am since 1993, but for her, the most enduring involvement has been hosting mushers. Read More
Maine has already carved out a niche in the craft beer industry with unique flavors and brands thanks in part to the use of locally grown hops and barley. Experts say there is no reason the same can’t be done with the steadily growing hemp production in the state. Read More
If you weren't able to get a bottle of hand sanitizer for yourself, you can make your own using ingredients available in any drug store and most grocery stores. Read More
This year's ordering of chicks comes amid increasing concerns over the new coronavirus, which can be carried by poultry, among other animals. Read More
Most of the time I have fun creating my own little stories, especially the ones that involve appearances from the real-life critters here on Rusty Metal Farm. Read More
Just when I think I’ve got a handle on all the wonders of Maine, something new pops up on my radar that begs to be explored. Frankly, that’s one of the best parts about living in Maine. There is always something new to discover. Read More
These are not the friendly, soil-enriching earthworm gardeners and farmers welcome on their land. Read More
I honestly will not be surprised to one day hear a knock on the door and open to find several critters wanting to come in for a visit. Read More
When a fire destroyed a Clifton chicken coop last week, firefighters identified a newly installed heat lamp as the most likely cause for the blaze that killed six chickens. In the wake of that fire, officials want people to know the risks associated with those heat sources. Read More
For decades, wooden cabinets with drawers upon drawers containing paper cards were used by library patrons, students, researchers and bibliophiles to search for books by author, title or subject. Read More
Every so often there are days when enough goes wrong around here that if someone offered to buy the farm, I’d simply hand them the keys and drive off on my tractor. Assuming it started. Read More
