Nobody photographs the fence. If you think about it—we photograph the garden inside the fence. The cute lambs. The goat kids. But the fence is just there in the background. Sitting stolidly, overlooked and under-appreciated. Yet—without that infrastructure, you couldn’t keep livestock in. Or keep them out of the garden. Fencing is unglamorous work—unsung labor...

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QUICK NOTE: This story is from 2018. The FSA Beginning Farmer programs are still active as of this writing—the continuing resolution passed in November 2025 specifically reaffirmed funding through September 2026. That said, there may be changes in how these programs are being administered under the current administration, so I’d encourage anyone interested to contact...

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This week I finally walked the back corner of my conservation acreage for the first time this season—calf-deep in snow in the wrong shoes, of course—and put up a trail cam I’ve been meaning to install since I bought this property in 2018. Eight years of wondering what crosses that creek at night, and now...

The post Live with Farmer Sam👩‍🌾🐑🌱 appeared first on Runamuk Acres Conservation Farm.

Over the course of the last week, I’ve been out breaking trail in more ways than one. From the Back-40 to embracing authenticity....

The post Breaking Trail appeared first on Runamuk Acres Conservation Farm.

QUICK NOTE: This story is from 2018. The FSA Beginning Farmer programs are still active as of this writing—the continuing resolution passed in November 2025 specifically reaffirmed funding through September 2026. That said, there may be changes in how these programs are being administered under the current administration, so I’d encourage anyone interested to contact...

The post How I Bought a Farm w No Money appeared first on Runamuk Acres Conservation Farm.

“Augh,” I muttered as snow wedged itself around my ankle inside my sneakers. “Shoulda worn my muck boots for this.” It was for this very reason I’d held off so long on taking the first woods walk of the season. I knew full well there would still be snowy patches in the deep woods. But...

The post It’s Okay to Be Messy appeared first on Runamuk Acres Conservation Farm.

On this rainy spring day, I’m taking a break while bread is baking to read this week’s farm update aloud—bringing listeners into the rhythms, realities, and reflections of life at Runamuk Acres. From a quieter-than-usual lambing season to the small, intentional work of building trust with a timid flock, this episode weaves together the everyday...

The post Homesteading By Necessity appeared first on Runamuk Acres Conservation Farm.

Every season is a new beginning — that's one of the things I love most about farming. No matter what the year before looked like, spring always comes back around with a fresh opportunity.

The post I’m Back! appeared first on Runamuk Acres Conservation Farm.

Let it be known that this was the year I decided if I’m gonna write anyway, I may as well get paid for it. Writing has been pulled from the back-burner to the front, and I’m stoked that things are really heating up in that department. Even with guests to the farmstay...

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Rounding out the week with a Miyazaki Marathon on Sunday afternoon, I’m decidedly grateful for having made the most of these last few weeks. The quiet time between the end of one growing season and the start of the next is a much-needed time of rest and reflection.

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