Category: Farm

  • Making My Own Chicken Pellets: A Journey to Fresher and More Traceable Feed

    Making My Own Chicken Pellets: A Journey to Fresher and More Traceable Feed

    When I first embarked on the journey to make my own chicken pellets, I didn’t expect it to revolutionize my approach to feeding my flock. While the process didn’t save me much money—especially when factoring in the time and depreciation of the pellet mill—the benefits I gained made it worth every effort. The Importance of…

  • Finding Grounding and Purpose Through Pasture-Raised Chickens

    Finding Grounding and Purpose Through Pasture-Raised Chickens

    Farming is more than a job—it’s a way of life that connects us to the land and to something bigger than ourselves. For me, raising pasture-raised chickens has been one of the most grounding and purposeful endeavors on the farm. It’s not just about the results we see in the soil or the quality of…

  • The Art of Ethical Farming: Rediscovering Our Connection to the Land

    The Art of Ethical Farming: Rediscovering Our Connection to the Land

    By Cody Deluisio Reconnecting with the Roots of Agriculture In a world increasingly dominated by technology and industrial processes, there’s a quiet revolution happening on the backroads of places like Western Pennsylvania. Farmers, myself included, are returning to the roots of agriculture—literally and figuratively—to cultivate not just crops and livestock, but a deeper connection with…

  • Seeds of Independence: Cultivating a Sustainable Life Against the Grain

    Seeds of Independence: Cultivating a Sustainable Life Against the Grain

    By Cody Deluisio Embracing a Return to Natural Agriculture As the sun peeks over the rolling hills of Western Pennsylvania, casting golden hues across the dewy pastures, I find myself immersed in the harmonious rhythms of farm life. The gentle clucking of chickens, the lowing of cattle, and the rustle of leaves in the morning…

  • Fall 2024 on the Farm with Our Cattle

    Fall 2024 on the Farm with Our Cattle

    This fall marks an exciting milestone for our cattle—they’re officially one year old! It’s hard to believe how quickly the time has passed since we first brought them in as bottle calves. Now, they’re grazing happily on 21 acres of pasture, newly fenced in with two sections of sturdy fencing, offering them plenty of room…

  • What is High-Quality Forage? The Basics.

    What is High-Quality Forage? The Basics.

    Forage quality is a term that encompasses various factors and characteristics that determine the value of forage in supporting animal performance. High-quality forage can significantly impact the health, growth, reproduction, and productivity of livestock. Animal performance is the most critical measure of forage quality, particularly when animals are fed forage exclusively and on a free-choice…

  • Raising Friendly Cattle: My Journey from Bottle Calves to Well-Behaved Herd

    Raising Friendly Cattle: My Journey from Bottle Calves to Well-Behaved Herd

    Raising cattle can be a rewarding endeavor, especially when you take the time to nurture and train them to be friendly and well-behaved. At Stella Manor, my approach to raising friendly cattle starts from the moment they arrive as bottle calves. Here’s a glimpse into my process and the steps I’ve taken to ensure my…

  • Building a Fence to Last a Lifetime at Stella Manor

    Building a Fence to Last a Lifetime at Stella Manor

    At Stella Manor, our 55-acre organic farm in Bell Township, Westmoreland County, PA, we are deeply committed to sustainable and regenerative farming practices. As part of our ongoing efforts to enhance the farm’s infrastructure, we recently undertook the construction of a new fence for our cattle. In keeping with our organic principles, we chose to…