West Faithful Acres

Overall Condition of the Snow-Covered Fields This is the second entry in my Winter Farm Patrol series. After checking the overall field conditions in the previous report, today I focused more closely on what is happening beneath the frozen surface. Although the ground appears frozen and still, there is steady change happening below. Winter plays an important role in improving soil structure and preparing the land for the next growing season. Compost Area Disturbed by Deer Tracks in the Snow During this patrol, I found that the compost area had been disturbed. Deer tracks were clearly visible around the shed, indicating recent activity. Compost Area After Deer Feeding Some low-quality fruit that had been placed in the compost was gone. It appears that the deer may have eaten it, likely attracted by the smell and easy access. This was a reminder that even in winter, wildlife actively interacts with the farm. The compost area, in particular, can become a point of contact between agr...

This article contains Amazon affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links at no extra cost to you. Hi there, The Detroit Pistons have reportedly traded guard Jaden Ivey to the Chicago Bulls, acquiring sharpshooter Kevin Huerter, veteran forward Dario Šarić, and a 2026 first-round pick swap with Minnesota (1‑19 protected).  Huerter’s elite 3-point shooting and Šarić’s veteran experience are expected to provide Detroit with the added depth needed for a strong push in the Eastern Conference. With Cade Cunningham leading the charge as an All-Star starter and coach J.B. Bickerstaff at the helm, this move strengthens Detroit’s championship contention while maintaining future flexibility. We’re rooting for the Pistons! 🏀 By the way, today's post is titled: "The Deep Connection Between Valentine’s Day and Agriculture." Let's dive in. Assorted small Valentine's Day cakes on a glass display shelf What Is Valen...

Fields Abandoned for Years Today, a close farmer friend of mine made a hard decision. He left farming and chose a salaried job instead, simply to make a living. It was painful to hear. I want to see fewer people walk away from farming. The question that keeps coming back to me is this: how do we make farming something people can actually continue? I want to be honest from the start: I don’t want farming to break my body. I love working with the land. I enjoy being outside, watching crops grow, and moving with the seasons. But heavy labor, repetitive work, and constant patrols take a toll. If farming is going to last not just for a season, but for decades it has to be sustainable for the farmer too. That belief has pushed me toward sustainable farming, organic farming, and carefully chosen smart agriculture tools. Not to replace nature, but to protect my time, my body, and the balance of the land. Organic Farming Is Rewarding but Demanding Farming without pesticides sounds s...

Neighborhood Associations in the United States and Japan — How Are They Different? Hi everyone, I hope you’re doing well. Here in my area, we’ve been experiencing very cold weather with heavy snowfall. How is the weather where you live? This time, I’d like to talk about resident-led community organizations that have a long history and are closely connected to agriculture and everyday life. Community Life in a New York Neighborhood Neighborhood Associations in the United States In the United States, community organizations similar to what we call jichikai or neighborhood associations in Japan do exist. However, they are not organizations that all residents are expected to join. Most neighborhood associations in the U.S. are based on voluntary participation . People who are interested in improving their neighborhood choose to get involved. One community organization I am familiar with is a Neighborhood Association in New York. These organizations deal with issues such as g...

Mountains and Fields Awaiting the Snowmelt — From an Early Morning Train Window Why I’m Growing Adzuki Beans This Year This year I’m challenging myself with growing adzuki beans — and preparations are already underway. Why did I choose adzuki beans for my home gardening project ? There are three main reasons: I absolutely love them — adzuki beans are one of my favorite crops. They can be used in seasonal recipes and variations all year long, from spring salads to fall desserts. They’re easy to preserve and store , making them perfect for long-term use and pantry staples. Of course, I’ll also be growing other vegetables and fruits, but adzuki beans are special . Simply handing someone fresh beans isn’t always convenient since it takes time and effort to prepare them. That’s where I come in: I’ll turn these beans into delicious, crowd-pleasing foods. I’m excited to share this journey with you — from planting adzuki beans , to harvesting, preserving, and creating reci...

Small farm sustainable agriculture Continuing a small farm requires seeds, tools, and ongoing preparation. To help cover some of those basic costs, I recently began exploring a few online initiatives alongside my agricultural work. The primary purpose is simple: to support the purchase of seeds and materials needed for sustainable agriculture and organic farming practices. I aim to grow vegetables and fruits without the use of chemical pesticides and, as I have done before, share the harvest freely whenever possible. Within the United States, this often takes the form of direct distribution. If regulations allow in the future, I would also like to offer small processed items internationally, such as homemade jams or simple postcards featuring scenes from the farm. Building a Sustainable Small Farm Over Time In order to maintain this kind of small farm over the long term, practical and sustainable systems are necessary. One option is to make careful use of online platforms and...

Winter Snowstorm Seen From Indoors When people check a weather forecast snow storm , most are thinking about road conditions, flight delays, or school closures. Snow accumulation and timing tend to dominate attention. However, even when travel plans are canceled and people stay home, winter storms and extreme cold can quietly disrupt daily life indoors in ways that are often overlooked. The real challenge is not always the snow itself, but how prolonged cold affects ordinary routines inside the home. How Extreme Cold Impacts Daily Life at Home During extended periods of severe winter weather, indoor environments change in subtle but important ways. Heating systems work harder, some rooms remain colder than others, and daily activities require more physical effort than usual. Unlike short cold snaps, prolonged cold waves can create uneven temperatures throughout a home. Living rooms may feel comfortable, while hallways, bathrooms, and bedrooms become noticeably colder—espe...