Half Acre Farm is a small hobby farm in State College, PA. It is amazing what you can do on half an acre! We currently have a pack of Corgis, a flock of chickens, an apiary with 0-9 hives, depending on how many survive the winter, 2 bunnies, 4 cats, and 1 toad.
We are proud, self admitted tree huggers who care about the environment and sustainability and debate about the local versus organic dilemma (when you can’t have both). We love our animals, treat them all like family, and name them even when we shouldn’t. Our goal is to keep all of the animals happy and healthy, produce quality products, continue the constant remodeling and upkeep of an old farmhouse, and not get too stressed in the process!
We are now in the quiet time of year on the farm. Before Christmas, we found a new home for our ducks and had 10 chickens butchered. That was a big step for a couple of vegetarians (now converted locavores). With as many dogs as we have, we felt that it made sense economically and ethically to raise our own dog food. As much as we don’t like killing the chickens that we raised, it is better to know that they were raised humanely rather than stuffed in a battery cage.
Speaking of farm animals, I just finished reading a great book titled, “The Inner World of Farm Animals” by Amy Hatkoff. It is an eye opening book with beautiful pictures. While not very in depth, it has wonderful stories and scientific evidence that make you wonder why society has placed farm animals in a separate category with less emotions and feelings than our beloved dogs and cats. A personal tip: don’t read it in public if you’re an animal lover like me-I was crying in Barnes and Noble!
We’re selling candles at the Old Gregg School Winter Farmers Market in Spring Mills on select Saturdays during the winter.
Contact Information:
814-574-2273
half-acrefarm@hotmail.comClick here for more information and to sign up for our 2010 Spring Beekeeping Classes!
