They always ask.

How do you pay for this?
How do you afford that?
How did you make this happen?

The question is never neutral. It’s never just curiosity. It’s a challenge. A polite way of calling us liars. Of saying this life must be a trick, a scam, a fantasy we fabricated for likes.

If you've ever walked away from a patch of beautiful land because there was a Black Walnut tree nearby, you're not alone. We recently had someone inquire about our Crop Collective who explained they don't have much room because they are surrounded by black walnut trees and so they have to use raised beds. We smiled because every single one of our gardens is under or adjacent to massive Black Walnut trees.

Let’s get this out of the way first: the bees aren’t gone. Not everywhere. Not yet. But they are unstable. And if your food system depends on stability, that should concern you.

Pollinator populations are in decline—regionally, seasonally, and sometimes catastrophically. Some places still have healthy native bees, hoverflies, and managed hives doing their job. Others don’t. And the thing is, by the time you notice the decline in your own garden, it’s already too late to pivot.

We’re not anti-pollinator. We’re anti-fragile. We want food that grows even if the bees don’t show up that day, that week, or that year. Not because it’s fashionable. Because it’s practical.

Our website says we started farming to feed ourselves. And that's true, but it's not the whole story.

We didn't start a farm because we were chasing some pastoral fantasy or trying to live off the land in some Instagram-worthy way. We started because we were suffocating inside systems that demanded everything while giving back scraps.

When we think about currency, most of us picture dollars and cents. But there's another form of currency that flows through our communities every day, one that's far more essential than any paper bill: food.

Noticed how we’re not mowing? It’s not because we’re lazy. It’s on purpose.

When people think of raising farm animals, they often picture big animals like cows or pigs. But one of the most practical and surprisingly rewarding animals to raise for meat is the humble rabbit. Whether you live on a farm or have a small backyard, here are 10 reasons why you should consider adding meat rabbits to your life.

Today’s the day.

The farm stand is officially open, and we’re somewhere between “this is awesome” and “why do we feel like we forgot literally everything?”

Every so often, someone hears the word rabbit and brings up something they read or saw online: "rabbit starvation." It’s usually said as a warning, or a reason not to eat rabbit meat at all.

Let’s clear this up once and for all: rabbit starvation is real—but it has nothing to do with eating rabbit as part of a normal diet. It’s a survival issue, not a food safety issue. And it definitely shouldn’t stop anyone from enjoying rabbit meat, especially when it’s locally raised, clean, and affordable like it is here at Carlton Hill Farm.

When you’re starting out as a homesteader, it’s tempting to just buy everything you need—chicken coops, rabbit hutches, quail hutches, and all the gear that goes with them. And while we do build and sell sturdy, predator-resistant structures here at Carlton Hill Farm, we’re the first to say this: every homesteader should learn how to build their own animal housing.

Quail is a delicious and tender game bird that cooks beautifully in an air fryer, giving you crispy, flavorful results with minimal effort. This easy air-fried whole quail recipe keeps things simple, using fresh herbs and a handful of seasonings to enhance the bird’s natural flavors.

A growing crisis is sweeping across Appalachia: farmland is vanishing. A recent article from Appalachian Memories (“Farmland Disappearing in Appalachia as Subdivisions Take Over”) highlights the staggering loss of farmland in East Tennessee—over a million acres gone in just a few decades.

Even with a dusting of snow on the ground today, we’re excited to announce the upcoming Carlton Hill Farm Stand, where you’ll be able to pick up fresh, locally raised food and farm products without needing to coordinate a pickup. This stand will make it even easier to access everything grown and raised at Carlton Hill Farm.

With bird flu concerns on the rise, many people are turning to backyard chicken keeping for a steady egg supply. If you’re bringing home baby chicks, they’ll need a warm, safe brooder for their first few weeks. Instead of buying an expensive setup, you can build a cheap and easy DIY chick brooder using a plastic tote, hardware cloth, and a few simple materials.

A balanced diet is essential for maintaining good health, and one way to ensure you're getting the right nutrients is by choosing locally raised farm products. At Carlton Hill Farm in Parkersburg, we proudly offer high-quality locally raised meat, farm-fresh eggs, and seasonal produce. By incorporating our products into your meals, you’re not only fueling your body with nutritious foods but also supporting sustainable, ethical farming practices in your community.

Raising meat rabbits isn’t just about production; it’s a daily rhythm of care, observation, and connection that brings a surprising sense of peace. The routine of tending to the rabbits—the quiet moments spent feeding, watering, and checking on each animal—offers a grounding effect that many farmers find deeply fulfilling.

Egg shortages have become an unfortunate reality for many households, with prices soaring and grocery store shelves often empty. Whether it's due to supply chain disruptions, avian flu outbreaks, or rising production costs, chicken eggs are becoming harder to find at an affordable price. But there's good news—quail eggs offer a sustainable, nutritious, and readily available alternative.

Coturnix quail are more than just a great source of eggs and meat—they can play a valuable role in a regenerative farming system. On a small farm like Carlton Hill Farm, where sustainability is a priority, quail can contribute to soil health, pest control, and efficient land use. Here’s how these small birds fit into a regenerative approach.

This week, the brooder at Carlton Hill Farm is bustling with new life! We’re thrilled to announce the arrival of thirteen new chickens that will add variety, charm, and practicality to our growing flock. These little feathered friends will soon become an integral part of the farm ecosystem, and we couldn’t be more excited to share the journey with you.

At Carlton Hill Farm, wildflowers are more than a visual delight—they are key players in maintaining a sustainable and thriving ecosystem. These blooms contribute to biodiversity, enhance soil health, and provide essential support for pollinators and wildlife. Here’s an in-depth look at how wildflowers are woven into the fabric of our farm’s operations and why they matter so much.