What are “GMOs” and why should I be concerned about them? GMO is short for Genetically Modified Organism. In agriculture, genetic modification is used to increase yields, to strengthen resistance to pests or disease, and to make them unaffected by common herbicides.

What’s the difference between organic and other labels like “Natural?” While “organic” is a label which has strict federal regulations regarding its use, there are no such requirements for the term, “natural.” Products labelled as organic must be made without the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, genetic modification, or irradiation.

It’s our opinion at Coyote Creek Organic Feed Mill that if you want to make the biggest positive effect on the sustainability of our food system, you should purchase pasture raised, organically fed, and humanely treated eggs and meats.

Keeping laying hens is an enjoyable and rewarding hobby. Fresh eggs, free garden labor (composting, insect control), and comic relief are right at hand when you’ve got a backyard flock.

The three basic soil types are sand, clay, and loam. The first two are not usually desirable, either because they do not retain water or are too easily compacted and prevent root growth. Loam is the happy medium, containing approximately even portions of sand and clay. While an even ratio of sand and clay will provide the ideal structure for a plant to grow, it does not give any nutrient to feed the plant.

Humans have eaten insects for thousands of years, and while they still remain a significant source of nutrition in Africa, Asia, and parts of South America, they’ve never really gotten the attention they’ve deserved in North America and European countries.

Along with chickens, hogs are the perfect complement to any farm or homestead. They quickly dispose of any and all food waste, create rich manure for composting and soil building, act as “tillers on four legs” – efficiently turning over soil, and they have amusing personalities.

Rabbitry has a storied history. Rabbits provide a lean, high-protein meat source which can be produced with very little space and resources. Coyote Creek Organic Feed Mill encourages you to step into this fun and rewarding way to take control of your food supply! Rabbits, along with chickens, are ideally suited to small-scale farming and urban homesteading scenarios.

If chickens are the “gateway drug” to the farm life, goats are the first taste of “the hard stuff.” Goats take an additional commitment in time and energy and will generously reward conscientious owners in milk, meat, and amusement.

For lots of folks who keep chickens, adding a turkey or two is a natural next step: they often get along well together and can even be kept in the same enclosure.

While chickens tend to be the natural choice for the backyard poultry flock, we encourage you to take a look at their web-footed cousins. Chickens and ducks are more alike than they are different, but ducks do require a bit more upkeep and cleaning.