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I'm in California. It's nice to meet you all! @Grace Grange I love your idea of hosting a bed and breakfast. It sounds like you've done well for yourself. @CDN-Cowboy I've vacationed in Vancouver and went skiing in Whistler. It's absolutely gorgeous where you live!

Do you think it's really a supply chain problem or is it more of a selfish problem? Maybe selfish isn't the right word I'm looking for. I haven't dealt with that side of farming, but isn't food wasted on purpose in order to keep prices high (maybe stable is a better word)? I've noticed my...

That's my primary business and I'm happy to help her. My number one tip is to grow a mix of three things when she first starts out. First, grow whatever is most likely to thrive with little care in her area. Second, grow something that no one else grows within a 15-minute radius. And third...

Climate change would happen anyway, but not at the catastrophic rate it is now. When the earth warms up or cools down slowly, living organisms can adapt and evolve to survive in their new environment. That's not what we're seeing though. I'm like Hank Hill from King of the Hill. Texas (well...

Did anyone else show their livestock through county fair competitions, through 4-H, or through some other avenue as a child? I'll never forget the pride I felt when my goat won the blue ribbon at the county fair. I've won a few things since then, but as a kid, that was the first competition...

Is it just me or does it feel incredibly tough to create work-life balance in this field? I try to find time for my kids and husband, but there's always something that needs doing around here. Do you manage it better?

I never do it, but then again, I live in California and in my area it's not exactly frigid. I bet your equipment will be just fine, especially if you took the time to winterize it before storing it away.

Snap-on has some good tools, but they're pretty pricey. I have some of their stuff and I use their ratcheting screwdriver regularly. I used to be loyal to the Craftsman brand because of their warranty and high standards, but they're no longer the gold standard. Now they're mostly made...

Here's what I think is true. Some home based business where clients come by regularly can warrant a tax deduction for a portion of the yard since many clients won't hire you or buy from you if your landscaping looks awful. I know I wouldn't buy plants from someone who can't take care of their...

You can keep quite a few herbs going on a windowsill. Garlic is the only crop I can think of that grows year-round in the ground.

I wouldn't use pond water for anything, I don't think. It's standing water, so I wouldn't want to use it for herbs, vegetables, or flowers. I have a rain garden which allows the water to percolate through the soil. I landscape with succulents and other plants that don't need a lot of water...

This year I think I'll gift every customer with a packet of seeds, at least for the first month that the farmers market is open. I'm also selling classes where I'll teach customers how to creatively build their own bouquet. There's a huge design element to it and it's truly an art form. What's...

Can you apply some winter weather stripping or what about caulking around the windows, would that help? I use WD-40 on my car doors to keep them from freezing. Maybe that will work on your windows too.

@Chickadee it really depends on what you want them for - fiber, meat, or milk. Or are these goats just meant to be pets? There are several small breeds to choose from with the temperament you're after, so it really boils down to use.

This isn't the scientific answer, but personally I'd give it the ole sniff test and if it doesn't smell like it's gone bad and doesn't look like it's gone bad, then I'd eat it. I wouldn't serve it to my children, my elderly grandparents, or anyone with a compromised immune system, but I'd feel...

I'm in the flower farming business (floriculture) and have been very busy gearing up for Valentine's Day. It's not all about roses though. Pots of amaryllis and bouquets of carnations and peonies also do well this time of year. What are the most profitable flowers in your area this season?

No, I believe most addicts in my area abuse prescription pain pills if the news articles about drug busts and overdoses are any indication. How has your community decided to deal with the issue, Locksmith? When it comes to my area's pain pill crises, the status quo is to pretend that it's not...

Another family member usually fills in for me when I need to be away from the farm, but this time we're all heading to an out-of-town wedding. I have chickens, ducks, goats, horses, cats, and dogs. I live in California and I'm not worried about their water freezing. I've taken precautions to...

I don't like change and it can take ages to feel comfortable with a new system, so I tend to keep mine for a long time. I keep my software and operating system up to date and I use security software for the business. I'd say I replace the whole thing every eight to ten years. I'd say you're...

I give adults practical gifts and I give the younger crowd fun gifts. On the practical side, I try to gift something that will make their lives easier. @Andrew T, have you decided on a gift for your wife yet?