Hello, all! Checking in here, it's been a while! We're much more active on our self-hosted instance: @stewards

There has been a lot going on this season. We have sunflowers the size of us opening now, we brought home rabbits (rabbits!), we processed our first pig, and there is a lot to consider about the world as it is right now and how we fit into it.

There was an extremely stressful few months where it looked very much like we might lose the Ranch, but we recovered and it looks like we'll be here to stay. There are still some plans in the works as we consider the viability of certain projects here, and the shifting climate, and the longevity of our family's survival -- all of which are very exciting and which I hope to be in a position to finally share more about soon.

Our next newsletter, to be released sometime in the next week or so, is going to be on the most critical survival skills for either socioeconomic collapse or increasing supply chain pressure -- inspired by a question @fey asked us on the other server. Trust us, it won't be the things you're expecting, and I think it'll be worth the read.

Anyway, if you're still interested in following along with us feel free to subscribe to the newsletter or join us at the other instance. Any support helps at this vital juncture, and we look forward to continuing to share what is hopefully useful knowledge.

Hoping your early Spring is abundant and the appropriate temperature for your climate ~

#RanchoDeLaLibertad #Sovereignty #Community #Farm #Ranch #Homestead #Commune #ClimateAction #Degrowth

USDA Trade Mission In The Philippines Set From April 13 To 16

In a serious effort to ramp up agricultural exports to the Philippines, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will lead a trade mission in the country from April 13 to 26, 2026 and the delegation will be composed of several American agribusinesses farmers and trade groups, according to a news article by Farms.com.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news article from Farms.com. Some parts in boldface…

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will lead a trade mission to Manila, Philippines, from April 13 to 16, 2026. The goal is to expand export opportunities for American farmers, ranchers, and agribusinesses.

This mission follows a major trade agreement reached in July last year, which created new pathways for U.S. agricultural products in the Philippines market. The delegation will be led by Deputy Under Secretary Michelle Bekkering and will include 58 agribusinesses, trade groups, and representatives from state agriculture departments.

Participating states include Idaho, Kansas, Nebraska, and Wisconsin. Companies such as American Egg Board, American Peanut Council, California Milk Advisory Board, Potatoes USA, U.S. Dairy Export Council, U.S. Soybean Export Council, and U.S. Meat Export Federation are part of the mission. Other businesses like Foodlinx, BNutty Peanut Butter, Global Export Marketing Co., Wonderful Citrus, and USA Poultry and Egg Export Council will also attend.

The Philippines is an important market for U.S. agriculture. It ranks as the tenth-largest buyer of U.S. farm and food products, with average annual imports of $3.4 billion over the past five years. Its growing population of 118 million and rising middle class make it a strong market for future growth.

During the visit, USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service will organize meetings, market briefings, and site visits. These activities will connect U.S. exporters directly with Filipino buyers and strengthen business relationships.

“USDA is committed to getting American farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses better access to strong markets and fair opportunities abroad,” said Deputy Undersecretary Bekkering. “Since the Philippines is one of the fastest-growing markets in Asia, this mission will connect U.S. exporters directly with reliable buyers, strengthen our trade relationship, and help keep American agriculture globally competitive.”  

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think American agriculture is set to grow with exporting goods worldwide under the leadership of US President Donald Trump over the next three years? Do you think Filipinos will continue to consume even more American agricultural goods?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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La Casa de la Palmera, Joan Miró

Really like the feel of this. imho it has some of the same feel as his abstract paintings, spare and simple and quirky. something about that half-moon in the sky, the moon in the daytime is faint and dry.

#art #southwest #adobe #ranch #work #food #water #moon #joanMiro #dry

I send thanks to the buyer from the United Kingdom who purchased a greeting card of

Rumination -- https://fineartamerica.com/featured/rumination-steve-henderson.html?product=greeting-card

May the artwork take you to a place of pastoral peace and bucolic calm.

#art #artwork #mastoart #fediart #buyintoart #ayearforart #cows #cattle #farm #ranch #country #countryside #rural #animals #peace #sale #fedigiftshop

Three weeks went by, and I hadn't gotten a paycheck. I really didn't want to have to ask about it. I didn't want to be nosy. I didn't want to be needy.I wanted to pay my dues, and accept my place, and "man up."
#ranch #hay #money #marriage #survivor

https://survivorliteracy.com/2026/03/19/78-ditch-please-4/

Inside Ken Fulk’s California Wine Country Home

When Ken Fulk and Kurt Wootton purchased what would become Durham Ranch—named after one of their dogs—the California wine country property was in disrepair, with a derelict 1940s ranch house and a handful of rickety outbuildings.   They…
#dining #cooking #diet #food #CaliforniaWine #california #californiawine #InteriorDesign #NapaValley #ranch #Wine #winecountry
https://www.diningandcooking.com/2559427/inside-ken-fulks-california-wine-country-home/