The Refuge Food Forest is quiet. The hum of summer insects among the fruit trees has disappeared, the leaves have all fallen, and their dormant branches stand bare against a cold blue sky. Now is the time for careful pruning with sharp shears and keen eyes. Snip. A twig from an apple tree drops to...

“It wouldn't be too bad outside if it weren't for the wind...”  What a wonderful Midwest saying as we are gearing up for the best season for wind. March is the windiest month of the year in Bloomington, with an average hourly wind speed of 12.6 miles per hour. Wind speed varies at a...

When the weather turns cold, windy, and snowy, many of us prefer to stay indoors and keep warm at home. However, for those who venture outside, clear and safe roads are essential for traveling any distance. Using road salt lowers the freezing point of water, which prevents ice from forming. Salting...

“I just heard that Central Illinois Poultry Processing, the only processor in a four-hour radius of us, will no longer be offering ground chicken as a processing option. I’m worried about our ground turkey plans. Possible wrench in the 2025 farm business plan. AHH!”This was the note I received from...

During the holiday season, many hope for a white Christmas, and kids love to make snow angels while they are on school break. In Bloomington, Ill., where I'm located, January typically has the coldest average temperatures, with an average low of 19 degrees Fahrenheit and an average high of 33...