We have some exciting news on The Ridge! A few weeks ago we finally welcomed our honeybees from Sourwood Farm in Earlysville, VA. Growing up with a mom who was an avid beekeeper, I never imagined having my own hives until we bought our own farm. Then it quickly became one of the first goalsContinue reading “Welcome to The Ridge: Honeybees”
Author Archives: mrs.russ
Recipe: Honeysuckle Syrup
It’s summer time! And there’s nothing that reminds me more of childhood in the summer than foraging honeysuckle. While it is an invasive plant, if I can’t get it under control – might as well put it to good use! I personally love the taste of honeysuckle, so I decided to make it into aContinue reading “Recipe: Honeysuckle Syrup”
DIY Chicken Coop Build
Springtime is always busy around a farm! But it’s especially busy this year as we expand our garden, chicken flock and juggle the day-to-day. Last weekend we finally accomplished a big to-do on our list: building a chicken coop. For the last year, we have used our breeding pens as full time set ups forContinue reading “DIY Chicken Coop Build”
Get ready for chick season
It’s officially chick season! With warmer weather upon us, day old chicks and hatching egg orders have picked up. So, I thought it was a better time than ever to put together some guides on how to raise quail and chickens. Here you’ll find tips for getting your chicks, hatching eggs or adult birds homeContinue reading “Get ready for chick season”
Why we feed Kalmbach
When it comes to raising poultry, nutrition plays a pivotal role in their health, growth, and overall well-being. Over the years, I’ve experimented with various commercial feed brands, but none have resonated with me quite like Kalmbach Feeds. I am a firm believer in “you get what you pay for”, and that saying rings especiallyContinue reading “Why we feed Kalmbach”
Spring has sprung on The Ridge
And just like that – winter is over and spring is here! While we still have a few nights forecasted in the low 30ºs, we are enjoying 70º days and all that comes with the change of seasons. We have been busy prepping our gardens, hatching chicks and clearing the wood paths through The Ridge.Continue reading “Spring has sprung on The Ridge”
Welcome to The Ridge: Lucy and Goosey, our new ducklings
We have exciting news on The Ridge.. we have started our duck flock with two very cute Khaki Campbell ducklings. It always feels like Spring when there are chicks hatching, flowers budding and ducklings quacking! Since we started keeping livestock on The Ridge, we have wanted pet ducks. I grew up raising Muscovy ducks andContinue reading “Welcome to The Ridge: Lucy and Goosey, our new ducklings”
Recipe: Lemon Poppyseed Cookies
One thing about me is I love baking cookies and I love lemon and poppyseed flavored anything. So when Farmer J suggested I combine the two, I said why not? Here’s my recipe for lemon poppyseed cookies with brown sugar cream cheese frosting. A decadent treat for Spring, that would make a great addition toContinue reading “Recipe: Lemon Poppyseed Cookies”
Recipe: Smoked Cheddar and Herb Sourdough Loaf
Well, we’re nearing our first month of baking sourdough and it has been so much fun trying new recipes. So we thought we’d share some of them with you! Today, I experimented with inclusions and made a Smoked Cheddar and Herb loaf. This loaf is one of the best things I’ve eaten in awhile andContinue reading “Recipe: Smoked Cheddar and Herb Sourdough Loaf”
Recipe: Basic Sourdough Loaf
Well, we’re nearing our first month of baking sourdough and it has been so much fun trying new recipes. So we thought we’d share some of them with you! This recipe was kindly shared with me, along with our starter, from my amazing little sister who is quite the baker! She gives me lots ofContinue reading “Recipe: Basic Sourdough Loaf”
Ravens Ridge Micro Farm 