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Everything to Essentials:

How We Are Reshaping Kearney Family Farm
An update on categories, liquidation, and what is coming next

On a kitchen table sit the bones of a future regenerative agriculture training center. A notebook with curled pages. A map with pencil trails where greenhouse rows might run. A short stack of labels sketched in soft pencil, waiting for the day they meet real jars. There are boxes too, the kind that mean change. Some are marked for clearance, some for market, some for keeping.

The shelves tell the same story. Office & Shop stays steady, useful, and honest. Beauty and Clothing are packed to move on so they can fund what comes next. A fresh tab in the store reads Chef & Baking Supplies. Tucked beside it is a note that says salt collections, Fall 2025. It is simple and patient, like a seed packet waiting for warm soil.

We have chosen the quiet kind of beginning. Fewer things. Clearer purpose. Careful steps in one direction. Each decision saves strength for later and keeps the path clean.

We are early. Pre-phase. No land yet and no production, by design. The store is our workshop and our fuel. We test ideas, listen to customers, and clear space for what will come later. Each step is quiet on purpose. We are setting foundations, building compliance checklists, designing labels, and reserving our energy and resources for the moment we turn the key on the next phase.

We started with many categories and many products. We connected with drop shippers and multiple suppliers. It was a fast way to open the doors.

But it did not tell our story.

We cut back. We removed what did not point to the mission we are building. The store now focuses on what we own, what serves customers today, and what prepares us for tomorrow.

What we are clearing
Beauty and Clothing were early inventory purchases. They helped us start, but they do not reflect where we are headed. Beauty is not a natural line. Clothing works for flea and farmers markets, but it is not our own design work. Both are being liquidated to free capital for the phase ahead. We will be adding thousands of items to these categories over the next few weeks. Everything is new with tags (resale ready).

What stays active
Office & Shop remains. Practical tools and supplies for real work. This category stays and improves as we grow.

Updated inventory and shipping
Currently: All products listed on the website are in stock and ship the same day from New York.

We now ship via USPS to all 50 states and the District of Columbia. We also ship to APO/FPO/DPO military addresses and U.S. territories and islands including Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands. Rates are calculated at checkout.

What is coming next
We have introduced a new category called Chef & Baking Supplies. It is the first step toward the store we envision. This is where our signature salt collections will live, Coming Fall 2025. Blends are in development now and will be inspired by flavors and herbs we plan to work with once operations are fully underway. Over time, this category will expand to include future in-house soaps and a curated range of seasonings and kitchen goods that fit our values. We will share timelines only when everything is ready and compliant.

Looking ahead
Beyond this, we will introduce a small set of mission first products once we are on site and operational. We are moving carefully, one step at a time, so that every future item reflects the place it comes from and the standards we set today. The goal is a self-sufficient, hands-on learning center that teaches and provisions from the same honest foundation.

Clearance = Mission Funding
Beauty and Clothing are moving out now. Your purchase helps fund the next phase.

Shop the Clearance




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When the Heat Hits Hard:

Water & Heat Safety for Livestock and Farm Animals

Stewardship goes beyond the soil. In these peak summer weeks, you need to double down on a different kind of responsibility: keeping every animal safe, hydrated, and stress-free.

Whether it’s laying hens, sheep, dogs, or the broilers in chicken tractors, summer heat can turn routine care into a matter of survival.

🔥 Understanding Heat Stress in Animals

Animals, like people, suffer when temperatures climb beyond normal ranges. But they show it differently. Early signs can be easy to miss unless you’re watching closely.

Common signs of heat stress include:

  • Rapid, shallow breathing
  • Lethargy or separation from the herd or flock
  • Drooling or panting (especially in poultry and dogs)
  • Reduced appetite or milk production
  • Pale combs, ears, or tongues (circulatory distress)

Heat stress can rapidly escalate to heatstroke, especially in confined animals, dark-colored coats, older animals, or breeds not adapted to high heat.

💧 Water Access Is Not Enough. It Must Be Fresh, Cool, and Refilled Often

Here’s some ways to ensure better hydration during extreme heat:

  • Check water 3x per day during high heat alerts
  • Shade the water sources to keep them cooler and more inviting
  • Use shallow pans for poultry and larger troughs for ruminants, scrubbing and refilling frequently
  • Add electrolytes (approved blends) for poultry and goats to prevent salt imbalance
  • Never rely on automatic waterers alone, as they clog or fail more often in heat

🌳 Shade and Airflow: The Forgotten Lifelines

Water is critical, but shade and airflow are the next best defense. Every animal shood have multiple shaded zones available throughout the day. Rotate tractors and pens to ensure this access follows the sun.

Effective options include:

  • Natural shade from trees and hedgerows
  • Portable shade from tarps or shade sails
  • Open-sided shelters that prioritize airflow
  • Fans for stationary housing, like brooders or barns

🐓 Extra Steps for Poultry

Chickens and turkeys are especially vulnerable because they can’t sweat and their thick feathers trap heat.

Here’s some things you can do:

  • Place frozen water bottles in the coop for birds to sit near
  • Feed during the evening, not the hottest part of the day
  • Ventilate coops heavily or leave them open if predators are managed
  • Offer dust baths so birds can self-cool naturally

🐕 What About the Working Dogs?

Livestock guardians and farm dogs often suffer silently. Make it policy to:

  • Provide multiple water stations
  • Offer off-ground shaded resting spots
  • Avoid tasks or walks during midday
  • Rinse or soak their bellies and paws on extreme days
  • Never leave dogs in enclosed vehicles or sheds

🌿 This Is Regenerative Care

Regenerative farming is not just a soil strategy. It is a philosophy of life and resilience. Heat care is a reminder that nature will always test our systems. The more prepared we are, the better we honor our animals, our customers, and our land.

From pasture to processor, from barn to basket, the well-being of our animals defines the integrity of our food.

I’d love to hear your shade hacks, water system upgrades, or tips for fellow stewards.

A safe summer to all.

Sincerely,
John Kearney

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Summer Heat Survival: Smart Watering Tips for Your Garden

🌞When summer arrives in full force, even the toughest plants can feel the pressure. At Kearney Family Farm, we believe the way you water matters just as much as when you water. Smart watering is not just about keeping your garden alive. It is about helping it thrive in harmony with the soil and the season.

Why Garden Watering Needs a Smarter Approach
Scorching sun and dry conditions can:

Slow plant growth or cause stress

Dehydrate shallow-rooted crops

Attract pests to wilted or weak plants

But heavy watering is not the answer either. Too much can cause root rot, nutrient loss, and encourage fungal problems.

This is where simple changes can make a big impact.

5 Smart Watering Practices for Summer Gardens
Water early or late
Aim for mornings before 10 a.m. or evenings after 6 p.m. This minimizes evaporation and gives plants time to absorb water before the heat kicks in.

Soak, do not sprinkle
Water less often, but more deeply. Roots will grow stronger, and your plants will handle dry spells better.

Mulch makes the difference
A layer of straw, wood chips, or grass clippings can reduce water loss by up to 70 percent and keep soil temperatures cooler.

Test the soil before watering
Stick your finger into the soil. If it is moist an inch down, you can wait. Watering too soon wastes resources and weakens root systems.

Switch to drip or soaker hoses
These low-tech tools deliver water straight to the base of the plants, reducing waste and saving time.

Our Regenerative Approach
At Kearney Family Farm, water is life. That is why our regenerative growing systems rely on deep mulch, organic matter, smart timing, and water-conscious methods. Every drop counts. Whether it is for greenhouse microgreens or summer squash, the goal is always balance with nature.

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A 4th of July Message from Kearney Family Farm

Today, we pause.

Before the next project, the next plan, the next seed planted we take this moment to honor what makes all of it possible: freedom, community, and the land beneath our feet.

The Fourth of July is more than fireworks and barbecues.
It’s about remembering the roots of this country not just the history written in books, but the legacy lived out in families, in fields, and in the simple act of gathering around something real.

Here at Kearney Family Farm, we’re still at the beginning.
But every dream we hold every acre we hope to cultivate is shaped by the belief that this country is still a place where hard work matters, where neighbors look out for each other, and where food can be grown with integrity.

We hope you’ll take a moment to reflect and celebrate in your own way.

Happy Independence Day, from our family to yours.
May your day be filled with peace, purpose, and pride.

🌾
— Kearney Family Farm

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What Is Regenerative Agriculture — and Why Should You Care?

This isn’t about trendy labels or new-age farming. It’s about the future of your food, your soil, and your community.


We’ve all heard buzzwords like organic, sustainable, local. But regenerative agriculture isn’t just another marketing term — it’s a fundamentally different approach to food, land, and life.

And if you eat, breathe, or care about the world your children will inherit… it matters.

🧬 Regeneration Isn’t New — But It’s Urgent

Regenerative agriculture is an ancient practice being urgently revived for modern times. At its core, it’s about working with nature rather than against it. That means farming practices designed to rebuild soil health, increase biodiversity, sequester carbon, and restore ecosystems — not just slow their destruction.

The industrial food system — built for cheap scale — depletes the land, pollutes the water, and leaves communities dependent on fragile global supply chains. Regenerative agriculture flips that script.

Instead of mining the soil until it’s dead, we feed it.
Instead of mono-crops, we grow diverse systems that work together.
Instead of short-term yield, we focus on long-term resilience.

And yes, it works.


🧠 Why Should You Care?

Because what’s happening on the farm doesn’t stay on the farm. It touches everything.

🍽 Your Food

Food grown in healthy soil is more nutrient-dense. Studies show vegetables, grains, and meat from regenerative systems have higher levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants — with fewer chemicals and residues.

💨 Your Air

Regenerative land absorbs carbon. Degraded land releases it. Our soil could be one of our biggest climate solutions, if we treat it right.

🌊 Your Water

Regenerative farms reduce erosion and increase water retention. That means cleaner rivers, less flooding, and drought resilience.

💰 Your Economy

Local regenerative farms build stronger regional economies — with jobs, skills, and food that actually stays in the community.


🚫 What It’s Not

Let’s be clear:
Regenerative agriculture is not a certification. It’s not a checkbox. It’s not a trend.

It’s not confined to organic-only farms. It’s not a one-size-fits-all method.
And it’s not a romantic return to the past — it’s a forward-facing strategy for survival.

This is about designing food systems that repair, not just sustain. That regenerate the very foundation of life — our soil, our water, and our ability to grow real food.


✊ Where This Goes From Here

You don’t need to become a farmer to be part of the regenerative movement.
But you do need to know how your food is grown — and who’s growing it.

Because the future of farming isn’t just a farmer’s issue.
It’s yours.

If you’re thinking about legacy, land, or food that actually means something — 👇 Sign up for updates below.
Drop a comment, send a message, or just follow along.
We’re building something worth your attention.

#RegenerativeAgriculture #FoodSystem #SoilHealth #RealFood #Sustainability #ClimateResilience #FoodTransparency #KnowYourFarmer #KearneyFamilyFarm

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Where Is Your Food Actually From?

We’re entering a new era of food — one where origin matters more than ever.

In the past decade, the rise of fast shipping, ghost kitchens, and white-labeled products created a disconnect between what we eat and who’s behind it. But that trend is starting to shift.

People want to know:

Who’s growing their ingredients?

What kind of soil are they coming from?

And — maybe most importantly — what values are baked into the process?

This growing demand is giving rise to a new generation of land-based brands — farms, homesteads, and small producers building everything from the ground up.

These aren’t factory-scale giants or private-label shells.
They’re families. Small teams. People reclaiming land with purpose.

And over time, we believe they’ll play a major role in reshaping the food landscape — one plot at a time.

We’re one of them.
And while our journey is just getting started, we’re excited to share what we’re learning along the way.

📍Let’s stay connected.
📬 Drop a message if you’re in this space — farming, foodservice, retail, or just someone who cares where their food comes from.

🔁 Know someone who’d appreciate this? Feel free to pass it along.

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Seasonal Spotlight: Summer Herbs and Their Culinary Uses

Summer brings an abundance of fresh herbs—each one packed with aroma, flavor, and natural health benefits. Whether you’re cooking for family, experimenting with new recipes, or adding freshness to pantry staples, these herbs can elevate every dish.

Let’s explore some of the most popular seasonal herbs and how to make the most of them in your kitchen:

🌱 Basil

  • Flavor Profile: Sweet, slightly peppery, and highly aromatic
  • Uses: Great in pesto, Caprese salads, pizza, and pasta
  • Tip: Add fresh basil at the end of cooking to preserve flavor
  • Bonus: Mix chopped basil into butter for grilled corn or bread

🌱 Mint

  • Flavor Profile: Refreshing, cool, and crisp
  • Uses: Works in fruit salads, spicy curries, cocktails, or teas
  • Tip: Tear gently—mint bruises easily
  • Bonus: Infuse mint and cucumber in water for a summer refresher

🌱 Rosemary

  • Flavor Profile: Woodsy, pine-like, and bold
  • Uses: Ideal for roasting meats, vegetables, and infusing oils
  • Tip: Use whole sprigs and remove before serving
  • Bonus: Toss on the grill for flavor-enhancing smoke

🌱 Dill

  • Flavor Profile: Tangy, grassy, and clean
  • Uses: Pickling, potato salad, tzatziki, or on fish and cucumbers
  • Tip: Add fresh dill right before serving
  • Bonus: Stir into yogurt with lemon and garlic for a quick sauce

🌱 Parsley

  • Flavor Profile: Mild and peppery
  • Uses: Great in tabbouleh, gremolata, sauces, and as a garnish
  • Tip: Flat-leaf is stronger than curly—choose based on use
  • Bonus: Mix with garlic, lemon zest, and oil for gremolata

🌱 Oregano

  • Flavor Profile: Earthy, robust, and slightly bitter
  • Uses: Perfect in marinades, sauces, pizzas, and slow-cooked dishes
  • Tip: Fresh is milder than dried—adjust accordingly
  • Bonus: Crush into vinegar for a simple herb vinaigrette

🌱 Thyme

  • Flavor Profile: Delicate, minty, and floral
  • Uses: Common in soups, poultry, and stock-making
  • Tip: Strip leaves from stem by pulling backward
  • Bonus: Add to honey and let steep for a sweet herbal drizzle

🌱 Sage

  • Flavor Profile: Warm, savory, and slightly peppery
  • Uses: Delicious in stuffing, brown butter sauces, and creamy pasta
  • Tip: Fry whole leaves for a crispy garnish
  • Bonus: Make sage-infused brown butter for gnocchi or risotto

🌞 Preserving the Flavors of Summer

Don’t let those fresh herbs go to waste! Try these preserving methods:

  • ✅ Hang them upside down to air-dry in a cool, dark space
  • Freeze chopped herbs in ice cube trays with olive oil
  • ✅ Make compound butters and refrigerate or freeze for future use

Fresh herbs bring more than just flavor—they turn everyday meals into something memorable. Try incorporating a new herb into your recipes this week and let the season inspire you.

Which herb do you reach for most in summer? We’d love to hear your favorites!

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A Moment of Reflection

Today, we pause.

In the quiet moments between gatherings, in the stillness of a flag at half-mast, we remember those who gave everything. Memorial Day is not just a date on the calendar — it is a reminder of sacrifice, service, and the weight of freedom.

We honor the fallen by remembering them, by living with gratitude, and by carrying their stories forward. Whether through silence, ceremony, or reflection, we recognize that every quiet moment today is a gift built on the courage of others.

May their memory live on.

The Kearney Family

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Homegrown & Thriving: 6 Smart Ways to Use Your Early Summer Harvest

The garden is finally rewarding your patience — tender lettuces, crispy radishes, sweet peas, and maybe even the first strawberries are ready to shine. Whether you’re gardening for your family, preparing for a farmers market, or building up your homestead rhythm, early summer brings quick wins. Here are six smart, simple ways to enjoy, preserve, and build momentum from your first harvests — all from your backyard.

✅ 1. Eat It Fresh — And Eat It Often

Now’s the time for fresh garden bowls, garden-to-grill sides, and snacking straight from the vine. Celebrate the freshness — raw peas, herbed lettuces, and chive-topped eggs make every meal a little special.

✅ 2. Make Mini Preserves While You Wait for Big Harvests

Try refrigerator pickles with early cucumbers or radishes. Blend herbs into pestos or freeze chopped greens in ice cube trays for soups and sautés later.

✅ 3. Share the Abundance (and Build Community)

Bag up a few extras for a neighbor or start a backyard produce swap. A couple heads of lettuce or a basket of peas can spark great conversations and connections.

✅ 4. Keep a Harvest Journal — Yes, Really

Take notes on what’s ready, what grew fastest, and what you wish you had more of. It’s the best way to plan your next succession planting — and remember your garden wins for next year.

✅ 5. Create a “First Fruits” Farmstand Box

Even if it’s just for friends or a side table at work, bundle up herbs, lettuce, and one highlight item into a paper bag or berry box with a handwritten label. A great way to start testing local interest in small sales.

✅ 6. Prep Now for Mid-Summer Wins

As you pull early crops, replant that space! Beans, squash, and even another round of greens can carry your momentum into July and August. Mulch well and water consistently for strong second harvests.

🌻 Closing Thoughts

These early garden wins do more than feed you — they energize your whole season. Take pride in the harvest, savor what’s ripe, and plant again with confidence. Whether your goal is self-reliance, beauty, or simply better meals, every backyard garden is a step toward something bigger.

Tags: #Kearney #KearneyFamily #homegarden #earlyharvest #gardeningtips #homesteading #regenerativegardening #seasonaleating #backyardbounty #growyourownfood

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🌦️ How to Keep Your Garden Thriving in Unpredictable Spring Weather

Practical Solutions for Frost, Flood, Wind, and Pest Surprises

Spring is a time of new growth — but it can also bring chaos. One day it’s sunny and warm; the next, your seedlings are shivering under sudden frost or being pummeled by wind and rain.

Whether you’re growing for your kitchen, a farm stand, or a chef’s table, a strong spring garden needs more than seeds and soil — it needs a flexible, resilient plan.

Here’s how to weather spring’s curveballs and come out with a thriving garden:

❄️ 1. Frost Protection — Don’t Trust the Forecast Alone

Even after your “last frost date,” surprise cold snaps happen. One unexpected dip can stunt or kill early plantings.

  • ✅ Use row covers, cold frames, or even upside-down buckets overnight
  • ✅ Water plants in the morning before a frost — moist soil holds heat better than dry
  • ✅ Keep frost blankets on hand for quick covers

Pro Tip: Watch the low not just the high — 33°F and clear skies can still mean frost.

💦 2. Drainage is Everything — Especially After Rain

Heavy spring rains can waterlog your soil and damage young roots. Standing water = stunted growth or rot.

  • ✅ Raised beds and mounded rows help excess water drain
  • ✅ Avoid planting in low spots prone to puddling
  • ✅ Add organic matter (like compost) to improve water retention and drainage

A soggy garden slows down nutrient uptake — dry it out, then build it back stronger.

💨 3. Wind Protection — Support Young Plants Early

Spring winds can do more damage than frost. They snap stems, dry out leaves, and knock over trellises.

  • ✅ Stake or cage plants as soon as they go in the ground
  • ✅ Use windbreaks (like straw bales or fencing) around young transplants
  • ✅ Water well — wind dries out soil faster than you think

Bonus: Wind damage makes plants more vulnerable to disease — prevent it before it starts.

🐛 4. Spring Pests: Small but Mighty

As soon as the weather warms up, pests show up — aphids, cutworms, flea beetles, and more.

  • ✅ Inspect leaves daily (especially undersides)
  • ✅ Use neem oil, diatomaceous earth, or floating row covers
  • ✅ Plant trap crops like mustard or nasturtium to draw pests away from prized veggies

The earlier you catch pests, the easier they are to control.

🌿 5. Grow Resilient, Not Just Fast

At Kearney Family Farm, we believe a successful spring garden isn’t about picture-perfect rows — it’s about smart planning, strong starts, and knowing how to pivot when nature throws you a curveball.

  • ✅ Choose hardy varieties suited to your zone
  • ✅ Succession plant to avoid putting all your risk in one planting
  • ✅ Keep extra transplants on hand as insurance

🌱 Final Thoughts: Don’t Fight the Weather — Work With It

A little preparation goes a long way. With the right tools, timing, and know-how, your spring garden can survive the unexpected and thrive into summer. Nature will always be unpredictable — but your plan doesn’t have to be.

Plant smart. Protect early. Stay flexible.