Mother Earth News and Friends

Latest Episodes:

Audio Article: Bovine Leukemia Virus, A Call to Action Nov 29, 2022

Show notes

Story by Paul Bartlett, read by Jessica Mitchell.

The majority of dairy cattle in the U.S. are now infected with Bovine Leukemia Virus (BLV). Virus control through BLV testing and infected animal segregation are among the next steps against BLV in cattle.

For more great articles on livestock and land management, large and small farming, and even bees, go to the GRIT website.

If you're interested in workshops about everything from cheesemaking to soil health to building around your property, you can take our online classes and attend the MOTHER EARTH NEWS Fairs.

Grit's sister publications are MOTHER EARTH NEWS, Backyard Poultry and Backyard Beekeeping.

Audio Article: Scrapple: Tasty Economy Nov 22, 2022

Show notes

Story by Meredith Leigh, read by Jessica Mitchell. Scrapple and Souse are both ingenious methods of stretching food scraps into delicious meals. Meredith Leigh digs into their history and shows you how to make these traditional meat-stretcher dishes. This is the audio version of an article from the August/September 2022 issue of MOTHER EARTH NEWS magazine.

For more great articles on livestock and land management, large and small farming, and even bees, go to the MOTHER EARTH NEWS website.

If you're interested in workshops about everything from cheesemaking to soil health to building around your property, you can take our online classes and attend the MOTHER EARTH NEWS Fairs.

MOTHER EARTH NEWS's sister publications include Grit, Countryside, Backyard Poultry, Backyard Beekeeping, and Goat Journal.

Audio Article: Spill the Beans Nov 18, 2022

Show notes

Story by Jenny Underwood, read by Jessica Mitchell.

Forgot to soak your beans overnight? Try this technique for cooking beans without soaking, and learn a few other methods for how to prepare beans.

For more great articles on livestock and land management, large and small farming, and even bees, go to the Grit website.

If you're interested in workshops about everything from cheesemaking to soil health to building around your property, you can take our online classes and attend the MOTHER EARTH NEWS Fairs.

Grit's sister publications are MOTHER EARTH NEWS, Backyard Poultry, and Backyard Beekeeping.

Ep. 166 Hunting Skills & Ethics Nov 17, 2022

Show notes

Hunting is a lot more than just going outside to see if you can harvest an animal. It takes preparation, practice, sharpened skills, and a mindfulness to the ethical questions that arise. Dennis Biswell, a long-time outdoorsman and MOTHER EARTH NEWS staff member, shares his knowledge about honing your hunting skills before you head into the outdoors. We'll be covering scouting, placing your shot, survival tips, and hunting ethics. To see more podcasts, visit our Mother Earth News and Friends page. Check out the MOTHER EARTH NEWS Bookstore for more resources to help you achieve your health and farming goals. Go to the MOTHER EARTH NEWS FAIR page for webinar and courses on everything from gardening to livestock management.

Audio Article: Peak Apple-Picking Season Nov 12, 2022

Show notes

Story by Andrea Lawrence, read by Jessica Mitchell.

When is apple-picking season? When are apples ripe? Venture out in fall and try these apple-harvesting techniques to bring home the best fruits that apple trees have to offer.

For more great articles on livestock and land management, large and small farming, and even bees, go to the MOTHER EARTH NEWS website.

If you're interested in workshops about everything from cheesemaking to soil health to building around your property, you can take our online classes and attend the MOTHER EARTH NEWS Fairs. MOTHER EARTH NEWS's sister publications are Grit, Backyard Poultry and Backyard Beekeeping.

Ep. 165 Therapy Chickens Nov 10, 2022

Show notes

Have you ever heard of therapy chickens? This is an up-and-coming field, where people of all ages and situations can enjoy the presence of hens. In this episode, we'll be learning about what therapy chickens do, the benefits people get from this service, and how you can become a certified therapy chicken-keeper yourself. Podcast team member Kenny Coogan chats with Gwenne Baile of Camden County Chickens to learn more about the therapy chicken services she offers in her community.

To see more podcasts, visit our Mother Earth News and Friends page. Check out the MOTHER EARTH NEWS Bookstore for more resources to help you achieve your health and farming goals. Go to the MOTHER EARTH NEWS FAIR page for webinar and courses on everything from gardening to livestock management.

Audio Article: Farmsteading Profits Beyond Meat, Eggs, and Vegetables Nov 05, 2022

Show notes

Story by Kirsten Lie-Nielsen, read by Jessica Mitchell.

Looking for a side business for your farm, or profitable hobby farm ideas? Gain some tips and inspiration from these big and small farm income ideas.

For more great articles on livestock and land management, large and small farming, and even bees, go to the Grit website

If you're interested in workshops about everything from cheesemaking to soil health to building around your property, you can take our online classes and attend the MOTHER EARTH NEWS Fairs.

Grit's sister publications are MOTHER EARTH NEWS, Backyard Poultry, and Backyard Beekeeping.

Audio Article: Grandma and Grandpa's Red Wattle Hogs Nov 01, 2022

Show notes

Story by Amanda Sorell, read by John Moore.

Red Wattle hogs are among the struggling livestock breeds that a small group of dedicated farmers and ranchers are working to preserve. Join an editor on her visit to two local heroes (and relatives) who explain their efforts to revitalize one heritage hog breed.

For more great articles on livestock and land management, large and small farming, and even bees, go to the MOTHER EARTH NEWS website.

If you're interested in workshops about everything from cheesemaking to soil health to building around your property, you can take our online classes and attend the MOTHER EARTH NEWS Fairs. MOTHER EARTH NEWS' sister publications are Grit, Backyard Poultry and Backyard Beekeeping.

Audio Article: Ancient Grains for Modern Growers Oct 29, 2022

Show notes

Story by Bevin Cohen, read by John Moore.

Easy to grow, harvest, and process, these venerable, versatile crops are nutritious as well as suitable for small-scale farms. Learn about how you can add these ancient grains into your garden and kitchen.

For more great articles on livestock and land management, large and small farming, and even bees, go to our MOTHER EARTH NEWS website.

If you're interested in workshops about everything from cheesemaking to soil health to building around your property, you can take our online classes and attend the MOTHER EARTH NEWS Fairs. MOTHER EARTH NEWS' sister publications are Grit, Backyard Poultry, and Backyard Beekeeping.

Ep. 164 Heritage Breeds of Chickens with the Chicken Ladies Oct 27, 2022

Show notes

For many chicken-keepers, their backyard flock – no matter how big or small – is part of the family. And giving your feathered friends a home isn't just about getting fresh eggs, it can also be a way to live with better self-reliance, preserve heritage breeds, control where your food comes from, and more. In this episode, editor Jessica Mitchell sits down for a chat with Chrisie DiCarlo and Holly Callahan-Kasmala, two best friends who are living out the chicken-keeping lifestyle and sharing their wealth of knowledge through their podcast, "Coffee with the Chicken Ladies." They join us to discuss how their podcast was born, the importance of heritage breeds, accessibility with chicken-keeping, and much more.