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.

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.

At Carlton Hill Farm, we’ve chosen to grow and thrive on a single acre of land. Some might wonder: Why take on the challenge of farming small? For us, it’s not just about the land—it’s about the impact, the community, and proving that even a modest space can create something extraordinary.

The farm doesn't stop in the winter. We have animals to care for, projects to prepare us for the next season, and let's face it, does anyone with a Black Lab ever get a lazy day indoors? 

We’re excited to add a new garden area next Spring. Stick season slows us down enough to give us time to dream about what we want to grow. Depending on your growing zone, planting season can sneak up quick. Dedicating time in December and early January to plan ensures you'll have plenty of time to buy seeds and prep for sowing indoors.

In a world increasingly dominated by sprawling cities, concrete jungles, Zenith televisions, and Nintendo Power Glove ;) finding ways to live sustainably is more crucial than ever. Our family has embarked on a journey to create a small but thriving farm on just one acre of land, a testament to the fact that sustainable living can be achieved even on a modest scale.

Why 1 Acre is Enough:

One might think that a single acre wouldn't be enough for a farm, but we believe it's the perfect size.

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.