Storey's in the Dirt

Regenerative Farming & Food Sovereignty

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Homesteading

From seasonal rhythms to backyard basics, learn practical skills for building a more self-sufficient life. Whether you're keeping chickens, foraging wild edibles, or working with the land's natural cycles, these posts share real-world lessons from the homestead.

37 posts

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KISS: Keep it simple Sally

5 Posts
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Updated Jan 12, 2026

Start: IT’S GOING TO BE A FANTABULOUS 2021! JOIN US ON OUR JOURNEY

## Introduction The farm is now in a very interesting location due to the fact that we have no top soil, yet….Well, I have started manifesting soil….with the help of the pigs and chickens.  If you know me you know my “Happy, Healthy, Safe and Strong” moto.  As a parent, my job is to make sure my ki...

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Beekeeping Myths

12 Posts
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Updated Jul 2, 2025

Start: Beehive Immunity and Biome

## Introduction 1st conversation: So I took a deep dive right out of the gate into Beehive Immunity and Biome and of course the first attempt to meet and record was interrupted by weather. I did an impromptu recording of this presentation, so as to complete the first conversation. Due to scheduling...

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Myths and Misnomers: Apiculture Myth #9

## Pre-stamped Foundation Is Easier for Bees **Truth:** _Feeding bees their own honey is ideal—as long as you know its source._ Many beekeepers will repeat this rule without hesitation: _"Never feed bees honey."_ It sounds counterintuitive. After all, honey is what bees make for themselves. So why...

•Beekeeping

Myths and Misnomers: Apiculture Myth #8

— ## Never Feed Bees Honey **Truth:** _Feeding bees their own honey is ideal—as long as you know its source._ Many beekeepers will repeat this rule without hesitation: _"Never feed bees honey."_ It sounds counterintuitive. After all, honey is what bees make for themselves. So why the caution? ### W...
•Beekeeping

Myths and Misnomers: Apiculture Myth #7

— ## You Must Requeen Every Year to Maintain a Productive Hive **Truth:** _Bees know when to replace their queen—trust their timing._ In commercial beekeeping, it’s common practice to requeen hives every year. The reasoning is simple: a young queen is typically more productive, and requeening preven...
•Beekeeping

Myths and Misnomers: Apiculture Myth #6

— ## Fall & winter Bees: You can feed or supplement with sugar water instead **Truth:** _Honey is bee medicine. Sugar is just calories._ A common practice in conventional beekeeping is to harvest all or most of the honey from a hive in the fall, then feed the bees sugar syrup or fondant to get them ...
•Beekeeping

Myths and Misnomers: Apiculture Myth #5

— ## The Queen Rules the Hive Like a Monarch **Truth:** _The hive is a democracy—the queen lays eggs, but the workers make the calls._ The queen bee has a regal title, but she doesn’t wear a crown. She isn’t barking orders or deciding who does what. In truth, **she's not in charge of the hive—she's ...
•Beekeeping

Myths and Misnomers: Apiculture Myth #4

— ## Smoke Calms Bees Because It Makes Them Sleepy **Truth:** _Smoke doesn’t sedate bees—it triggers survival mode._ One of the most iconic images in beekeeping is the gentle puff of smoke wafting into a hive. Beekeepers have used smokers for centuries, and many will tell you, “It calms the bees.” B...
•Beekeeping

Myths and Misnomers: Apiculture Myth #3

— ## A Clean Hive Is a Healthy Hive **Truth:** _Bees have their own housekeeping rules—and over-cleaning can disrupt the balance._ There’s something satisfying about a tidy hive. Straight comb, clean frames, minimal burr comb, no mysterious goo in the corners. It makes the beekeeper feel in control....
•Beekeeping

Myths and Misnomers: Apiculture Myth #2

— ## Healthy Hives Have No Hive Beetles or Intruders **Truth:** _Complex hives host guests—and your response should depend on what they’re doing._ There’s an idea floating around that if you spot hive beetles, earwigs, or other little creatures inside your hive, something has gone terribly wrong. Bu...
•Beekeeping

Myths and Misnomers: Apiculture myth #1

— ## White hive To keep Moths away ## Myth #1: _Paint Your Hives White to Keep Out Moths_ **Truth:** _Color doesn’t stop moths—strong bees do._ Spend enough time around old-school beekeepers, and you’re bound to hear a few firm “rules” passed down like gospel. One of the more persistent ones? > _“...
•Beekeeping

Myths and Misnomers in Beekeeping

— ## A introduction to Beekeeping Beekeeping tends to attract advice—from books, forums, neighbors, mentors, and especially the old-timers who swear by what they "always" do. Sometimes that advice is grounded in decades of real experience. Sometimes it’s a holdover from another climate, another time,...
•Beekeeping

The Ancient Superfood Hiding in Plain Sight

— ## What Makes Silkie Chickens So Special? At first glance, Silkie chickens look like something out of a fairy tale—fluffy feathers, black skin, and a sweet, docile temperament. But behind their striking appearance is a deeper story: one of ancient medicine, rare biology, and surprising nutritional ...
•Livestock Management

How to Buy or Raise Silkies

— ## for Nutrient Density If you've made it this far in the series, you're probably wondering how to get your hands on Silkie chicken—or maybe even raise your own. Whether you're a curious cook, a backyard homesteader, or a small-scale farmer, this post will help you bring Silkies to your table with ...
•Livestock Management

Precision Supplementation for Waterfowl

Premium— ## A Deep Dive for Serious Keepers\\ If you’re raising ducks, geese, or specialty breeds like Muscovies or Mandarins with long-term performance in mind, you already know that general feed isn’t enough. Strategic supplementation is key to optimal growth, fertility, disease resistance, and egg qualit...
•Systems Thinking

Starter Supplement Guide for Ducks and Geese

Premium— ## Niacin, Grit, & More Raising ducks or geese for the first time? Whether you’re starting a backyard flock or building a small homestead, getting nutrition right from the beginning is one of the best things you can do for their long-term health. While feed is the foundation, **supplements help bri...
•Livestock Management

Do Ducks Really Need Vitamins?

Premium— ## What to Know About Waterfowl Nutrition When most people think of feeding ducks or geese, they imagine tossing bread into a pond or letting them nibble on kitchen scraps. But the truth is, these charming birds have very specific nutritional needs, especially when raised at home or on a homestead....
•Livestock Management

Precision Supplementation

— ## for Heritage, Exotic, and Breeding Waterfowl For those managing breeding flocks, heritage lines, or exotic waterfowl, supplementation is no longer optional—it is strategic. Birds under these conditions have higher nutritional demands, stress sensitivity, and performance expectations. This pro-le...
•Livestock Management

Waterfowl Nutrient Supplements

— ## Advanced Supplementation Science for Heritage, Exotic, and Breeding Waterfowl For advanced farmers, homesteaders, and breeders, managing waterfowl nutrition transcends general care. It becomes a detailed practice rooted in nutritional biochemistry, environmental modulation, and genetic conservat...
•Livestock Management

Getting Started with KNF Chickens

— ## A Foundational Guide for Backyard Growers If you're raising chickens and looking to ditch store-bought supplements in favor of a natural, DIY approach, Korean Natural Farming (KNF) offers a practical and affordable path forward. This guide will help you start integrating KNF into your chicken ca...
•Korean Natural Farming (KNF)

Slower, On Purpose

— ## A Shift Toward Stewardship There’s a point...sometimes it sneaks up, other times it hits all at once. When the noise fades, a different rhythm takes over. A pull toward the garden, toward animals, and toward your own land. It doesn’t always have a name, but it comes with weight. And what we call...
•Soil & Microbiology

Local Harvesting Worms

— ## Local Vermiculture Every now and then, I come across something that just works. No fuss, no fancy tools, just observation, patience, and a bucket. That’s what this is. A bucket of life. I keep it tucked in the shade, somewhere cool and quiet. Inside is a mix of bark, soft rotting wood, a littl...
•Composting

What Do Chickens and Forests Have in Common?

— ## A Gentle Introduction to Korean Natural Farming for Backyard Flocks ## Have you ever watched chickens scratch around in the woods? They seem at home there—scraping the earth, pecking at plants and bugs, dust bathing under dappled sunlight. It’s the kind of scene that feels ancient, right. And i...
•Livestock Management

Alternative Ways to Sell Pasture-Raised Pork

Premium— ## Cooperatives, Meat Shares, and Community Buying Models For small-scale farmers, selling pasture-raised pork directly to consumers can be challenging. **High processing costs, fluctuating feed prices, and the need for consistent buyers** make it difficult to ensure profitability. Instead of relyi...
•Economy

Marketing Your Pasture-Raised Pork

Premium— ## Strategies for Small Farms Raising **pasture-raised pork** is only part of the business—you also need a **strong marketing strategy** to ensure your hard work translates into profit. Whether you’re selling directly to consumers, at farmers’ markets, or through wholesale channels, here’s how to s...
•Sustainable Agriculture

KuneKune Pigs: A Beginner Homesteader Guide

— ## A Beginner Homesteader’s Guide KuneKune pigs are an excellent choice for beginner homesteaders due to their friendly temperament, small size, and ability to thrive on pasture. This guide covers essential aspects of raising KuneKune pigs, from breed selection to sustainable management. * * * ##...
•Livestock Management

KuneKune Pigs: The Friendly, Low-Maintenance Pasture Pig

— ## The Friendly, Low-Maintenance Pasture Pig # KuneKune Pigs: The Friendly, Low-Maintenance Pasture Pig If you’ve ever thought about raising pigs but were put off by the idea of aggressive behavior, rooting destruction, or massive feed bills, meet the KuneKune pig—a small, friendly breed that’s pe...
•Livestock Management

What is a KuneKune Pig

— The **KuneKune pig** is a small, heritage breed of domestic pig originally from **New Zealand**. Known for their **gentle temperament**, **grazing ability**, and **compact size**, they have become a popular choice for small farms, homesteads, and even as pets. Here are some key characteristics: ###...
•Sustainable Agriculture

Beehive Immunity and Biome

— ## Introduction 1st conversation: So I took a deep dive right out of the gate into Beehive Immunity and Biome and of course the first attempt to meet and record was interrupted by weather. I did an impromptu recording of this presentation, so as to complete the first conversation. Due to scheduling...
•Beekeeping

Hive Happy Hour - Beehive Immunity and Biome

— ## Introduction 1st conversation: So I took a deep dive right out of the gate into Beehive Immunity and Biome and of course the first attempt to meet and record was interrupted by weather. I did an impromptu recording of this presentation, so as to complete the first conversation. Due to scheduling...
•Beekeeping

Farm Tour at Taylor Family Farm

— ## Find the Taylor Family Farm at www.taylorfamilyfarmtn.com ![](/images/posts/20210310_102956.jpg) ![](/images/posts/20210310_103008-lll.jpg) ![](/images/posts/20210310_103601.jpg) ![](/images/posts/20210310_103730.jpg) ![](/images/posts/20210310_103902.jpg) ![](/images/posts/20210310_104008.jpg) ...
•Sustainable Agriculture

Socializing Chicks

— ## A Gentle Guide to Introducing New Chicks to Your Flock: There’s something magical about adding new chicks to your existing flock. The peeping of tiny fluff balls, the excitement of fresh energy in the coop—it’s enough to warm any chicken keeper’s heart. But as much as we’d love for our establish...
•Livestock Management

A Chicken Chat with Chef Gale Gand

— ## Introduction Below is the conversation Gale and I had about the joy of backyard chickens. Gale and I met in a FB Group conversation when she shared her chicken therapy story and how having fresh eggs has been fun for her as a chef. This past year of the pandemic has opened so many homes to the j...
•Livestock Management

Coffee and a Farmer's most important tool!

— ## Introduction First things first put the coffee on and check the weather. I don’t have a TV and have not for most of my adult life. So no weather channel for me, I use weather apps. Weather apps are awesome! The only problem with weather apps is just like every other app on the planet, they get ...
•Sustainable Agriculture

Cold Stress and Chickens

— ## Introduction According to Gail Damerow, in The Chicken Health Handbook, a chicken’s body temps for chickens runs between 105F and 107F (40.6C and 41.7C). When a chicken goes without food for a day, their body temps can drop 2.5F (1.4C), and another degree for every day without food. Howeve...
•Livestock Management

IT’S GOING TO BE A FANTABULOUS 2021! JOIN US ON OUR JOURNEY

— ## Introduction The farm is now in a very interesting location due to the fact that we have no top soil, yet….Well, I have started manifesting soil….with the help of the pigs and chickens.  If you know me you know my “Happy, Healthy, Safe and Strong” moto.  As a parent, my job is to make sure my ki...
•Livestock Management

WHAT STOREY’S IN THE DIRT MEANS TO ME.

Premium— ## Introduction 1\. **The dirt under my nails** and in the creases of my hands after a day of working in the soil.  2. The joy I feel when **my kids** work the farm with me.  3. Every wonderful, painful, new **experience** that adds to our own stories.  4.  All the wonderful and some not so wonderf...
•Food as Medicine

The fruit or NO FRUIT? of our labor! 

Premium— Garden Week Twenty 8/21/2018 ### The fruit or NO FRUIT? of our labor! ![](/images/posts/Just-a-few-of-the-bees-I-have-seen-in-my-own-garden-check-out-more-awesome-bee-photos-on-flickr-USGS-Bee-Inventory-and-Monitoring-Lab.jpg) **Just a few of the bees I have seen in my own garden -** check out mo...
•Beekeeping

Can Flood Irrigation Coexist with Urban Development?

— Garden Week Nineteen 8/14/2018 ## Can Flood Irrigation Coexist with Urban Development? **A common ditch gate** which is easy to use and reliable. What is Flood Irrigation? Possibly the oldest form of irrigation wherein water is delivered by ditch or pipe through the means of gravity and water pre...
•Sustainable Agriculture