That quick swap of your extra tomatoes for your neighbor’s eggs isn’t just convenient. It’s part of a quiet shift in how people feed themselves and each other. Once upon a time, borrowing a cup of sugar wasn’t nostalgic. It was survival. That world is coming back. Not because people miss it, but because they need it.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In a world grappling with climate change and the unsustainable practices of large-scale animal agriculture, rabbit meat is emerging as a compelling and delicious solution. Often overlooked, rabbits offer a sustainable protein source with a surprisingly low environmental footprint and a rich history of culinary enjoyment.