Maker's Long Acres

It was right before the weather turned cold that our little FarmHer was gifted a colony of breeding rabbits. And true to rowdy Raye they couldn't just be cute cuddle buns, oh no! They had to of course be…  meat rabbits!  Yes, meat bunnies! It wasn't just the rabbits themselves, it was all the things that go along with them too. She and Ole Pa were tearing up the road dragging home the happy hoppers and all the paraphernalia that go along with them like cages, water system, feeders and more. Somehow they even managed to sneak in another barn kitten to add to our cat herd.  Now what? Raye, having grown up here where we have an almost obsessive need to provide more than adequate care for critters, decided the accompanying cages were not large enough. This, despite the fact that they are almost double in size of industry standards cages just wouldn't work for the pint size peanut. No, she wanted her bunnies living their best bunny lives in a happy family style col...

If you need something on the table quickly this Sweet Chili Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry is only a few ingredients and will come together in literal minutes!  Easy Sweet Chili Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry RECIPE: Ingredients: - 1 pound ground beef - 4 cups broccoli florets - 1/2 red onion, minced - Sweet chili sauce (Panda brand preferred, to taste) - Salt and pepper, to taste - Cooked rice or noodles, or lettuce cups (optional) Instructions: 1. Brown ground beef and minced red onion in a skillet. 2. Add broccoli florets and cook until softened. 3. Stir in bottled sweet chili sauce to taste (Our family enjoys the flavor of Panda Express brand sauce) 4. Serve over cooked rice, noodles, or even in lettuce cups if desired. Enjoy your quick and tasty stir-fry!

Well, if you landed here it likely means you're thinking of adding bunnies. Totally understandable—they're adorable, right? But here's the thing: getting a bunny is a big responsibility, not just a seasonal whim. It's heartbreaking that many bunnies end up abandoned or neglected after the Easter hype fades. Let's make sure any decision we make is one that's best for the bunny, too! First things first, if you're adding a rabbit,   where are you adding it? They can thrive both indoors and out! Let's start with living arrangements. Each environment requires careful consideration. Indoor rabbits can indeed be potty trained, thanks to their natural inclination to choose a specific spot for their business. With patience and consistency, you can teach them to use a litter box just like a kitty cat! Outdoor living is also a great option but it also means providing a secure hutch that offers protection from predators and the elements. It should be spa...

Let's chat!  Hey there Guys! Welcome to our first-ever Makers Long Acres newsletter! We're thrilled to have you join us as we kick off this journey together. Get ready to dive into what's been happening, catch a glimpse of what's on the horizon, and snag an exclusive offfer on beef, (Yes BEEF!). So, grab a cup of coffee, cozy up, and let's get started! Trotting towards spring.... Trotting Along!  Our farm is abuzz with anticipation as we await the arrival of some new fluffy friends. With several of our lovely sows, like Sweetpea, Spots and the beautiful Briar expecting! Keep an eye on our updates or swing by our Instagram for all the adorable snapshots once the piglets make their grand entrance. Warmer Days Coming...  As winter blanketed the farm in its icy grip, we've grappled with the unavoidable truth that this season brings loss. While each departure weighs heavily on our hearts, two recent losses have been particularly... read more!  No Cluckin' Around,...

As winter blanketed the farm in its icy grip, we've grappled with the unavoidable truth that this season brings loss. While each departure weighs heavily on our hearts, two recent losses have been particularly significant. Big Bird, our cherished emu at the age of 37, bid us farewell after many years of companionship. While her departure was expected due to her age, it has left a profound void in our hearts. During her final hours, as we noticed she wasn't doing well, we brought her into the warmth of our home. For her last 24 hours, she was nestled under a blanket, surrounded by the comfort of our presence. It was a peaceful and intimate farewell, a fitting end for our dear feathered friend. Another somber loss that should be mentioned is the passing of Meri, our beautiful Berkshire sow. Taken from us tragically during the horrible cold snap that hit the Northwest. A fight with a basic infection coupled with that dangerous cold tipped the scales and unfortunately s...

And speaking of protection! As we approach the spring season, many of you may be preparing to welcome adorable baby chicks to your farms or homesteads. While it's an exciting time, it's important to remember the potential dangers associated with using heat lamps to keep chicks warm. Did you know that heat lamps are a leading cause of barn fires? According to the National Fire Protection Association, heating equipment, including heat lamps, is responsible for a significant number of fires on farms each year. These fires can result in devastating losses of property, animals, and even lives. In addition to the fire risk, heat lamps can also pose a danger to the health and well-being of baby chicks. Improperly installed or positioned heat lamps can cause burns or overheating, leading to injury or death. But fear not! There are safer alternatives available to provide warmth for your baby chicks. Consider using radiant heat sources such as brooder plates or heat panels, w...

Our family absolutely loves this creamy beef and tomato soup recipe! It's hearty, comforting, and bursting with flavor. Plus, it's so easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. It's become a go-to meal for busy weeknights or whenever we're craving something warm and satisfying. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do! Ingredients: - 1 pound loose, cooked, crumbled ground beef (from us of course) - 2 25 oz Jars Tuscan Traditions brand Tomato and Basil flavored spaghetti sauce (or your favorite brand) - 2 Jars Milk (use the spaghetti sauce jar to measure the milk) Instructions: 1. In a large stockpot, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked and crumbled. 2. Once the beef is cooked, add the spaghetti sauce to the pot. Save one of the empty spaghetti sauce jars. 3. Use the saved spaghetti sauce jar to measure the milk. Add the milk to the pot with the beef and sauce. 4. Stir the mixture well to combine all ingredients. 5. Bring the soup to ...