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If your social media algorithm is anything like mine, it serves up videos of animals doing ridiculous things–horses sliding uncontrollably down hills, geese with buckets stuck on their heads, goats fainting when the UPS truck drives by–and the most perfect audio track is an exasperated owner yelling “you don’t pay your own vet bills!!!” And it’s true. We spend so much time trying to keep our animals safe and healthy, and somehow they manage to astonish us regularly with their not-so-brilliant antics. We try to stay a few steps ahead of them and think of all of the possible ways they could damage themselves, and still find ourselves scratching our heads at some of the scrapes they get into. And it doesn’t even have to be stupidity; sometimes things just go wrong, and you need an expert’s help. I happen to have seen a lot of our local vets in the last couple weeks, so vet care is definitely on my mind, and I wanted to share a bit of what it looks like to safeguard so many critters on our farm.

Original Blog Post:

https://www.laughlinhighlandsfarm.com/blogs/farmer-marys-field-notes/your-dont-own-your-own-vet-bills-farmer-mary-field-notes-week-50

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🔥 This podcast is supported by tryourfarm.com! ➡️ tryourfarm.com

🔥 Order a sampler box from us for 50% off the regular price!! Frozen meat from our farm to your doorstep, shipped Next Day Air.

In this episode, I share how our kids found their sport—not on a field, but in the barn—and how horseback riding has shaped their resilience, confidence, and emotional strength far more than traditional team sports ever could. From weekly lessons to a whirlwind local jumper show, we talk about the skills they’re building, the nerves they pushed through, and the joy of watching them grow as riders and humans. I also reflect on my own decision to sit out the competition this time, what it means to choose between stretching yourself and stepping back, and why saying yes to the horse—literally and metaphorically—might be worth it more often than we think.

Original Blog Post:

https://www.laughlinhighlandsfarm.com/blogs/farmer-marys-field-notes/horses-kids-and-courage-farmer-mary-field-notes-week-2-2026

Buy Meat Raised on Our Farm -> Laughlin Highlands Farm

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🔥 This podcast is supported by tryourfarm.com! ➡️ tryourfarm.com
🔥 Order a sampler box from us for 50% off the regular price!! Frozen meat from our farm to your doorstep, shipped Next Day Air.

A week on the farm turned into a lesson in humility, patience, and why meat costs what it does. From a routine trip to the processor that spiraled into escaped sheep, fading daylight, and a community-wide rescue, to a solo, hours-long chess match of loading stubborn bulls with nothing but fencing, grit, and slow pressure—this story is all about learning the hard way that livestock always exploit your smallest mistake. Pride took a hit, strangers showed up when it mattered, and in the end, everyone (human and animal) made it home safe. Slow and steady wins, check your parking twice, and maybe don’t underestimate a four-inch gap.

📝 Original Blog Post: https://www.laughlinhighlandsfarm.com/blogs/farmer-marys-field-notes/pride-goes-before-the-fall-farmer-mary-field-notes-week-51

Buy Meat Raised on Our Farm -> Laughlin Highlands Farm

Our YouTube Channel

Facebook

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🔥 This podcast is supported by tryourfarm.com! ➡️ tryourfarm.com

🔥 Order a sampler box from us for 50% off the regular price!! Frozen meat from our farm to your doorstep, shipped Next Day Air.

Well. Winter has arrived, and with a vengeance. It feels like we barely got past Thanksgiving, and we are in full-on snow mode. Our darling 9-year old daughter has been praying for snow (it’s literally on our hand-written prayer list) and they got their first snow day on what would’ve been their first day back from Thanksgiving break. To be fair, I think most of the state was shut down, but I thought you might get a kick out of hearing how our day played out. Plus, stick through till the end for a tasty and unusual recipe to try (hint: it's the persimmons)

Original Blog Post:

https://www.laughlinhighlandsfarm.com/blogs/farmer-marys-field-notes/snow-days-and-sweet-corn-pudding-farmer-mary-field-notes-week-1

Buy Meat Raised on Our Farm -> Laughlin Highlands Farm

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❤️ Support the Farm:
Shop our farm products and meat boxes at LaughlinHighlandsFarm.com

This week’s farm update starts with a skillet, a little too much smoke, and a visit from the volunteer fire department. Yes — all because of bacon.

What began as a peaceful farm breakfast turned into one of those small-town moments we’ll never forget: neighbors, laughter, and a reminder that community means showing up — even when the emergency is breakfast gone wrong.

In this episode, we’re sharing the story behind the smoke, what it’s like living in a place where your firefighters are your friends, and how humor and humility keep small-town life grounded. Along the way, we’ll still do what we do best — cook a hearty meal outdoors, talk about homesteading, and find the joy in life’s simple (and smoky) surprises.

Buy Meat Raised on Our Farm -> Laughlin Highlands Farm

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Welcome back to Laughlin Highlands Farm!
This week, we hit a major milestone — over 260 chickens and 30+ turkeys processed and ready for the freezer! The barn is quieter, the fields are calmer, and I’m reflecting on what it means to manage time, stress, and sanity during the busiest weeks of farm life.

If you’ve ever felt stretched thin trying to juggle family, work, and homesteading, this one’s for you. We’ll talk about what’s working (and what’s not), how to keep joy in the daily grind, and a few lessons from this week’s farm chaos.

💬 Topics Covered:

• Managing time and expectations when farm life gets overwhelming
• Finding sustainable rhythms between chores and family time
• Stress management tips for homesteaders
• How outdoor work can restore mental balance
• Why slower living doesn’t always mean “easy living”

📦 Farm Updates:

• 261 chickens + 30+ turkeys processed in Baltic, OH
• Prepping pastures for winter rest
• Recipe of the week: a hearty, slow-food comfort meal from the farm kitchen

🐓 Watch more from our farm:
👉 Laughlin Highlands Farm YouTube Channel

❤️ Support the Farm:
Shop meat boxes, lamb snacks, and more at LaughlinHighlandsFarm.com

Buy Meat Raised on Our Farm -> Laughlin Highlands Farm

Our YouTube Channel

Facebook

Instagram

🌱 Are your habits leading to growth—or digging you into a rut?
In this video, I share a farm-inspired reflection on how our daily routines mirror the ruts in our pastures. From corralling escaped turkeys to navigating the muddy paths of habit, this story blends farm life with real lessons in self development, mental health, and personal growth.

We’ll explore:
1. Why habits can either keep you stuck or move you toward transformation
2. How negative thought patterns create “ruts” in your mind
3. Simple ways to adjust your daily routine for motivation and productivity
4. The role of mindset and faith in building a life of resilience and purpose

This isn’t just a farm story—it’s a reminder that with intention, you can break free, reset your perspective, and cultivate habits that bring inspiration, self improvement, and positive change.

✨ If you’ve ever felt like you’re stuck, this motivational video is for you.

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Connect with us!
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Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/farmer-marys-field-notes/id1836965250
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/34haqAnv2OrNrGZMvrPPSH
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@laughlinhighlandsfarm
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laughlinhighlandsfarm/

📧 Subscribe for Farmer Mary in your email and get 25% OFF YOUR FIRST ORDER: https://www.laughlinhighlandsfarm.com/pages/social-email-sign-up

⏰ Timecodes ⏰
00:00 – Daily habits and farm pastures
00:04 – The impact of routines and escaped turkeys
00:08 – Soup season & small farm reflections
00:11 – A request for your help
00:14 – Why grass (and habits) matter
00:23 – Driving paths into pastures (and minds)
00:30 – How ruts form in grass and in life
00:42 – Rain, mud, and habits that get baked in
00:50 – The ruts we make in our minds

🔥 This podcast is supported by tryourfarm.com! ➡️ tryourfarm.com
🔥 Order a sampler box from us for 50% off the regular price!! Frozen meat from our farm to your doorstep, shipped Next Day Air.

Why would someone walk away from a secure career in higher education to chase life on a family farm? In this week’s Field Notes with Farmer Mary, I open up about the tough questions, the doubts, and the unexpected joys of starting over.

From building fences and wrangling animals to reflecting on mindset, regrets, and the meaning of work, this is my raw take on what it’s like to trade the classroom for the pasture.

👉 If you’ve ever wondered about life after college, career change, or pursuing sustainable farming, this story is for you.

🌱 Whether you’re a woman farmer, aspiring rancher, or someone searching for work-life balance in rural living, join me on this journey of personal growth and community.

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Connect with us!
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Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/farmer-marys-field-notes/id1836965250
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/34haqAnv2OrNrGZMvrPPSH
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@laughlinhighlandsfarm
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laughlinhighlandsfarm/

📧 Subscribe for Farmer Mary in your email and get 25% OFF YOUR FIRST ORDER: https://www.laughlinhighlandsfarm.com/pages/social-email-sign-up

⏰ Timecodes ⏰

0:00 – Why did I choose this?
1:05 – Kids going back to school
2:10 – Losing my helpers
3:15 – Balancing animals with jobs
4:20 – Starting from the basics
5:25 – Battling feelings of inadequacy
6:30 – Learning tractor skills
7:35 – Community and open-mindedness
8:40 – Wrestling with pessimism
9:45 – Finding small joys again