West Faithful Acres

Overall Condition of the Snow-Covered Fields This is the second entry in my Winter Farm Patrol series. After checking the overall field conditions in the previous report, today I focused more closely on what is happening beneath the frozen surface. Although the ground appears frozen and still, there is steady change happening below. Winter plays an important role in improving soil structure and preparing the land for the next growing season. Compost Area Disturbed by Deer Tracks in the Snow During this patrol, I found that the compost area had been disturbed. Deer tracks were clearly visible around the shed, indicating recent activity. Compost Area After Deer Feeding Some low-quality fruit that had been placed in the compost was gone. It appears that the deer may have eaten it, likely attracted by the smell and easy access. This was a reminder that even in winter, wildlife actively interacts with the farm. The compost area, in particular, can become a point of contact between agr...

This article contains Amazon affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links at no extra cost to you. Hi there, The Detroit Pistons have reportedly traded guard Jaden Ivey to the Chicago Bulls, acquiring sharpshooter Kevin Huerter, veteran forward Dario Šarić, and a 2026 first-round pick swap with Minnesota (1‑19 protected).  Huerter’s elite 3-point shooting and Šarić’s veteran experience are expected to provide Detroit with the added depth needed for a strong push in the Eastern Conference. With Cade Cunningham leading the charge as an All-Star starter and coach J.B. Bickerstaff at the helm, this move strengthens Detroit’s championship contention while maintaining future flexibility. We’re rooting for the Pistons! 🏀 By the way, today's post is titled: "The Deep Connection Between Valentine’s Day and Agriculture." Let's dive in. Assorted small Valentine's Day cakes on a glass display shelf What Is Valen...

Fields Abandoned for Years Today, a close farmer friend of mine made a hard decision. He left farming and chose a salaried job instead, simply to make a living. It was painful to hear. I want to see fewer people walk away from farming. The question that keeps coming back to me is this: how do we make farming something people can actually continue? I want to be honest from the start: I don’t want farming to break my body. I love working with the land. I enjoy being outside, watching crops grow, and moving with the seasons. But heavy labor, repetitive work, and constant patrols take a toll. If farming is going to last not just for a season, but for decades it has to be sustainable for the farmer too. That belief has pushed me toward sustainable farming, organic farming, and carefully chosen smart agriculture tools. Not to replace nature, but to protect my time, my body, and the balance of the land. Organic Farming Is Rewarding but Demanding Farming without pesticides sounds s...