4Acres Farm

10/07/2024

Not too much is ready in the garden right now. Is everyone else’s super behind?? Anyways, I have been foraging and doing herbs, plus the odd leftovers in the freeze dryer to make future concoctions ie, teas and herbal remedies. What are you foraging for right now? Sometimes I don’t know what I need until someone suggests it 😎

20/05/2024

Hey guys! I'm putting in an epicure order Monday May 20, 2024 by 7pm. If you are near central alberta you can save the shipping.
Below is my book party link.

We know you will love our products! If for any reason you are not completely satisfied with your Epicure products within 90 days of your purchase, we will exchange or fully refund your purchase.

13/05/2024

Well this the most accurate thing I have read in a long time.

02/05/2024

Anyone local want to support Hayes 4Hclub raffle? You can e-transfer or pay cash.

09/04/2024

This famacha training is great for anyone with goats. Parasites are a huge issue with goats and dewormer resistance is a real thing. This course is via zoom and 1.5 hrs.

Canadian Nigerian Dwarf Association - CNDA for more info

Canadian Nigerian Dwarf Association - CNDA
Interested in obtaining your famacha certification?
Make sure to send $$ to [email protected] to secure your spot.
Training will be approx 1.5 hrs and then you will need to send in a video of you demoing on your own animal. Our instructor Dr. Moggy will discuss this in the training.
Did you know, Dr. Moggy is the ONLY Famacha instructor in Canada?? We are lucky to have scored this training.

03/04/2024

My phone went for a swim in a bucket of milk. It's in a container of rice. If you have not heard from me, that is why!

27/03/2024

Hey fam! It's that time of year when the farm gets a little more heartbeatin' with new life! If you're like us, spring's the season you can't wait to welcome some new furry or feathered friends to your homestead. Well, we're right there with ya!

We're super stoked to let you know that we've flung open the doors to our waitlist for some downright adorable farm additions coming soon. If you've been itching to grow your farm family, now's your chance to jump on board!

But enough about us, we wanna hear from you! Are you planning on adding any new critters to your farm this year? Thinking about some chickens or maybe some bouncy baby goats? Share your 2024 farm addition plans with us!

And hey, don't forget to check out all the deets and sign up for our newsletter over at www.4acresfarm.org. Let's make this year's spring additions the best yet!

25/03/2024

Our Homestead Journey: From City Life to Country Dreams
Hey y'all! Ever dream of ditching the city buzz for some peace and quiet? 'Cause that's exactly what we did! No more endless barking from the neighbor's dog—just wide-open spaces and the sweet sound of silence. 🌾

We scooped up baby Hayes, said goodbye to the city, and snagged ourselves a charming old farmhouse sitting on a cozy 4-acre plot. But life's full of surprises, right? A few years in, we faced a crumbling foundation and a nasty surprise—hello, asbestos! 😱

So, we rolled up our sleeves and made the bold move to tear it all down. We built a brand-spankin'-new house and even expanded our little slice of heaven by another 6 acres. Now, we've got more room to grow, for us and our farm dreams.

That's our homestead story, but what about yours? Spill the beans and tell us how you turned your homestead dreams into reality!

23/03/2024

Just wanted to share some good news about our beloved Kuvasz, Maggie. She's aced her health tests – talk about a champ! This girl's got a heart of gold, especially when it comes to our little humans and her farm family. It's true love, I tell ya!

Separation anxiety? You betcha. Take her away from her goat, pig, or horse buddies, and she's one stressed pup. She's even been known to snuggle right up to the fence, just to stay close to her critters. That's dedication, folks!

Now, for the exciting part – we're on the hunt for the perfect match to sire her upcoming 2024 litter. Think royal lineage meets farmyard charm. If you're dreaming of a fluffy bundle of Kuvasz joy, why not join the waitlist? Shoot us an email at [email protected] and let's chat!

21/03/2024

Just wrapped up a day full of simple pleasures that remind me how sweet life can be. From the laughter of my kids echoing across the yard to the satisfaction of a job well done, today was a reminder that joy often lies in the simplest of things. It's the small, everyday moments that weave the rich tapestry of a life well-lived. And let me tell you, the feeling of contentment is as warm as the setting sun on your face.

21/03/2024

I’m so sorry! Now I’m on the hunt for our recordings and if I cant find them I will need to re-record them. Good thing we are heading into farrowing and kidding season. Sorry for the hassle. Reach out if you have questions and I can walk you through.

18/03/2024

Run don't walk like Silo though most of this photoshoot to check out all the updates on our website!

www.4acresfarm.org

17/03/2024

5 fun facts about the Kuvasz

1. Origins: The Kuvasz breed has its roots in Hungary and is believed to date back to the age of the Magyars' migration to Europe. They were traditionally used as royal guard dogs and for protecting livestock.

2. Appearance: These dogs are known for their beautiful white coats, which are both thick and wavy, providing insulation from the elements. Their striking appearance is complemented by a strong, muscular build.

3. Temperament: Kuvaszok (the plural form of Kuvasz) are loyal, intelligent, and courageous dogs. They have a strong protective instinct and are often reserved with strangers, making them excellent watchdogs.

4. Work Ethic: They are hardworking and have been used for centuries to protect sheep from predators. Their endurance and strength make them well-suited to challenging tasks and environments.

5. Family Life: Despite their size and protective nature, Kuvaszok can be gentle and affectionate with their families. They require socialization and consistent training but can be a loving addition to the right home.

Have you heard of this breed before?

13/03/2024

Hey folks! We often get asked about our method for culling and selecting breeding quality in our pigs. Well, let me give you the lowdown. 🌾

One of the criteria we look at is the symmetry of teats. We like to see no more than a one-teat difference on each side of the sow. So, we're talking 5/5, 6/6, or even 6/7 configurations. Now, every breeder has their own set of rules, and that's cool. There's no one-size-fits-all guidebook for this stuff.

But why does this matter, you ask? It's all about the piglets. They're pretty smart little critters and they pick their own special teat to nurse from. If mama sow rolls over and there's a teat or two missing, it's like a game of musical chairs with not enough seats. That means not enough milk to go around, which leads to poor growth rates. And when you're in the business of raising top-notch pork, that just won't do.

So that's a little insight into how we keep our piggy family thriving. It's part of the art and science of farming, making sure every little oinker gets its share of the milk buffet.

We still have room on our waitlist for kunekunes in 2024. www.4acresfarm.org

08/03/2024

Let me introduce you to the queen of our farm, Maggie, our Hungarian Kuvasz. 💖 She's a gentle giant with a heart of gold and a fierce protective streak. Not the biggest fan of our feline crew.

Our homestead's safety is top-notch thanks to her. With coyotes getting braver and magpies up to their tricks, she's our reliable guardian. As long as Maggie's on watch, we can all sleep a little sounder. 🌙✨

We're all on pins and needles here, waiting for her hips and elbow tests. If she gets the all-clear, we're looking at a future of adorable, fluffy Kuvasz puppies via AI breeding. Can you imagine the pitter-patter of those little paws around here? 🐾👀

Fun fact: There's just one other breeder of this breed in Alberta! I've always had a soft spot for Kuvasz since I was knee-high to a grasshopper. Finding Maggie was like a treasure hunt, and boy, was she worth the adventure. 🏔️🐕

Stay tuned for updates on Maggie's journey to potential motherhood. We're hoping to bring a little more Kuvasz love into the world!

07/03/2024

How can you tell she was feeding a single kid?

Last years photo of Dee. Getting close to baby time!!

06/03/2024

We hear the bees are still buzzing in the hive and see some out on nice days.

What is the highest maintenance animal on your farm?

my vote is the bees
Stephen says, "the goats by far"

01/03/2024

Kidding season is approaching for us so that means the does we have to kid will be moved into the barn pen. (they have access to indoors but are fed and watered outside) They will get their boosters and a vitamin supplement and if they need a hoof trim. I will start them on some soaked hay chop with grains/seeds and oregano oil. In the past this has worked with smaller numbers for parasite management. I only have 12 does kidding this first round so figured I would implement this process again. Get the ole milking equipment setup and all the bottles/pails cleaned up, then hope it goes relatively smooooooth. Wish us luck!

29/02/2024

Kidding starts April 2024 over here. ALL doelings will be retained. We currently have a waitlist for bucklings & wethers. This year we will be bottle feeding all the kids. If you are wanting bottle bucklings/wethers you need to let me know asap. We already have a waitlist started. The kids will be expected to be in their new home on the bottle within the week of them being born. I will likely retain a couple grow out bucklings for myself but the rest will be gone asap. This mama is not getting stuck bottle feeding a million babies

28/02/2024

Hello!! We have not done any form of welcome for quite awhile. Here at 4acres Farm, we believe in more than just raising happy, healthy animals – we're all about building a strong, knowledgeable community too. Working well with people? That's our jam! We're a tight-knit team where everyone pitches in, learns from each other, and grows together.

But it's not just about us. We've got a burning passion to spread the word about the wonders of farming and homesteading. So, we're on a mission to educate – whether it's sharing tips on goat care, showing you how to preserve that summer bounty, or teaching the kiddos the value of good, honest work. We're here to share the love!

So, if you're curious about farm life We're always ready to welcome new friends and share our slice of heaven at 4acres Farm. Let's learn and grow together!

Follow along on facebook or Instagram!


Photo credit: Nicole Hopaluk Photography

24/02/2024

Seriously though find one ..
It's like finding a needle in a haystack when trying to find truly pure and natural honey in a market flooded with mass-produced, potentially contaminated options.

Last year we ran out of honey and I had to get some from the grocery store and man it would give me the worst headaches. Not sure what the deal with it was but I stopped using it.

There is a documentary series on netflicks that talks about different industries. I cant remember the name of it but one of the episodes was of the honey industry and jesh dirty things going on. I wish people could just not be terrible.

22/02/2024

uhhhh have you ever heard a more accurate canning statement ??? When you hear that jar lid pop, it's like a pat on the back from yourself in the past. "We've got this," My goals over the last decade is to have a pantry packed with our own preserved goodness. It's easy-peasy—prep, preserve, and you're set for whatever life throws at you. No fretting, just eating.

21/02/2024

Anyone else looking forward to a beauty flower garden in 2024?!!

20/02/2024

I have recently started doing breathwork and one of the suggestions was to start dancing. It actually really lightens the day 😄 Looks like it's time to turn up the beats and get our groove on! Whether it's while doing chores, taking a break from the farm work, or just because we feel like it, let's make the whole place our dance floor. 🎉 Remember, a little wiggle goes a long way in lifting spirits and spreading joy. So, gather the kiddos, maybe even the goats, and let's show 'em how it's done. B***y b***y b***y everywhere – let's dance like nobody's watching!

What unconventional thing do you do to lessen the stress on your day?

Photo credit : Nicole Hopaluk Photography

19/02/2024

Ever noticed how some mornings are just... peaceful? That's us today. Kids laughing, no signs of chaos in the barnyard—just pure, sweet calm. Makes you wonder what switched up the vibe around here, doesn't it?

I hope you are having a wonderful family day with those that fill your cup!!

Photo credit: Nicole Hopaluk Photography

17/02/2024

What does our life offer..

Enhanced family bonding and educational opportunities through shared food production and preservation activities

15/02/2024

Our Kunekune pigs are bred with a focus on traits such as high maternal instincts, which ensure that sows can adequately care for large litters. Their long bodies and sufficient teats support the feeding of all piglets ( this is why teat count is important for breed quality animals), leading to consistent birthweights. Their docile nature makes them safe and pleasant for families to interact with, and their grazing habits help maintain the land rather than destroy it.

14/02/2024

In honour of love day. What do you LOVE most about your garden?

13/02/2024

We got our first kunekune back in 2016, we got a breeding pair. We were so excited to start our breeding program. Our gilt was bred and while we were awaiting the birth of the piglets a terrible accident happened. Our gilt fell headfirst into a water trough and died. We were so upset!! We got lucky when our mentor offered us a mature sow so that we didn't have to start from scratch. Animal ownership can be a real b****

In 2021 Nicole did a podcast interview with Katelyn Duban over at the rural woman podcast. It is episode 88, if you would like to hear more of our story and why we added kunekune pigs.

12/02/2024

Hands up if you have had to unfollow many over the years ( both hands up waving frantically). It's cool if you want to use social media to make this lifestyle pretty buuuuuut friends you are not doing this lifestyle any favors by not showing the reality of it toooo. Livestock ownership is not for the faint of heart. It's not just snuggly goats. I hope what you get from us is realness and honesty.