Hobby Farms Magazine - July - August 2024

In this issue

Feeding Layers
A healthy flock begins with the right food.
by Lesa Wilke

Midsummer Garden
Keep vegetables growing late into the year.
by Daniel Johnson

Metabolic Disorders in Cattle
Diagnosis, treat and prevent issues in your herd.
by Tammy Cupp

Kohlrabi

You probably plant lots of brassicas in your garden each year; after all, brassicas include garden staples such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and kale. But there's a good chance you aren't growing one of the most interesting members of the Brassica oleracea family: kohlrabi.

3 mins

Acorns = Better Pork

By feeding your hogs acorns, you can reduce your feeding costs and get better pork. Pigs can safely consume acorns as part of their diet, unlike other livestock. Pigs were historically pastured in woodlands in the fall to consume the falling nuts, chestnuts and acorns. This provided much benefit to the forest and was great for the hogs.

3 mins

Feeding Layers

What to feed laying hens should be top priority as egg-laying hens must be fed correctly to achieve their potential.

1 min

Recognizing & Treating Bloat

Growing up on my father's dairy farm, bloat was a condition that I gained a familiarity with early on.

6 mins

Microclimate Trouble Spots

Spend enough time gardening in one place and you can get to know it well.

6 mins

Midsummer Garden

Keep those vegetables growing late into the year with these planting options and advice.

6 mins

Metabolic Disorders in Cattle

Manage these body conditions in your herd with diagnosis, treatment and prevention.

7 mins

Santa Carota BEEF

For 35 years, the Pettit family has been upcycling waste carrots for cattle feed, challenging traditional ranching practices while producing exquisite beef.

7 mins

Sheep HOOF CARE

The key to good sheep hoof care is keeping an eye out for problems and moving to prevent serious issues.

2 mins

beyond TRADITION

Raise these alternative animals on your hobby farm.

7 mins

ELECTRIC BORDERS

Here's what you need to know before you buy a portable electric fence.

7 mins

ON TRACK

Animal activity trackers, also known as pet location trackers, let you keep an eye on your pets or livestock from your phone or computer.

7 mins

HISTORIC Hogs

The Hereford breed has a bright future.

6 mins

Meet Holly Callahan-Kasmala & Chrisie DiCarlo

In Maryland, best friends of 40-plus years share a passion for good food, laughter and, most of all, poultry.

2 mins

Read all stories from Hobby Farms

Hobby Farms Magazine Description:

Whether for sustainability or profitability, Hobby Farms celebrates the challenges and accomplishments of creating and maintaining a successful low-acreage farm, garden or orchard.
Hobby Farms magazine helps readers realize their farming goals with expert articles on subjects such as livestock husbandry, sustainable agriculture, equipment purchasing, irrigation, pest control, new technologies, and more. Hobby Farms also addresses core information for newcomers and advanced how-to information for seasoned farmers.
With well-executed articles and photos, Hobby Farms embraces the growing population segment returning to farm life in search of self-sustainability.