Farm

Family Travel

"Wee"kend Getaway: Manchester, VT

With the state of the economy up in the air, families throughout the country are putting their vacation plans on hold until things begin to stabilize.
Weekend Getaway Destination: Manchester, VT

With the state of the economy up in the air, families throughout the country are putting their vacation plans on hold until things begin to stabilize. Rather than plan a week-long trip to an exotic locale, many are planning extended weekend getaways to locations within driving distance of home. With this in mind, we are beginning a series called "Wee"kend Getaways, highlighting vacation spots that offer a little something for everyone in your family. First stop is Manchester, VT, located in the southwest corner of the state. First incorporated in 1761, the town offers outdoor activities during each season of the year.

chicken

Label Able: Certified Humane

If you are conscious about what goes into your body and you have respect for all creatures great and small, you need to be on the lookout for this Certified Humane food label.

If you are conscious about what goes into your body and you have respect for all creatures great and small, you need to be on the lookout for this Certified Humane food label. This label that makes it easier for conscious consumers to choose egg, dairy, meat, or poultry products that were produced with the welfare of the animal in mind.

A team of veterinarians and animal scientists created the Animal Care Standards to ensure that farmers, producers, and processors keep their animals in conditions that meet high standards of animal care.

If you see a product with this "Certified Humane" label, you know that the animals:

  • Were allowed to engage in natural behaviors.
  • Had sufficient space, shelter, and gentle handling to limit stress.
  • Had ample fresh water and a healthy diet without added hormones or antibiotics.

Humane Farm Animal Care is the independent non-profit organization that conducts regular inspections to make sure businesses are upholding these high standards.

Fit's Tips: Check out this list to find out which businesses and restaurants you want to support. Pete and Gerry's Organic Eggs and Echo Farm are proudly on the list.

Farm

Confessions of a Reformed Vegetarian

Maybe this post is going to be of no interest to anyone else, but I have to share it anyway.

Maybe this post is going to be of no interest to anyone else, but I have to share it anyway.

Throughout my college years, I was a die-hard Blur fan (Damon Albarn of Gorillaz fame's other band) and I am no stranger to bassist Alex James' wacky wits. He's now living the country life in England and has recently published a story on why, after 17 years, he's "given vegetarianism the chop."

Chopping up my first lamb stayed vividly on my mind for a few days. The anatomy of a sheep is pretty similar to our own, really. I couldn't scratch my ribs without the image of that immaculate carcass springing to mind. I thought about it involuntarily as I lay in bed at night. But, boy, those chump chops were good.

I was a vegetarian for about 17 years. Now here I am, butchering and eating one of my own lambs.

How could a vegetarian of 17 years talk so effortlessly about slaughtering lambs? To find out, read more

Humor

Chicken Flies The Coop

Pay no attention to the old geezer in the foreground.

Pay no attention to the old geezer in the foreground. Keep your eyes peeled on the punk chick trying to peck his way into the motha-flipping mule's business. Big mistake- but it makes for some good barnyard fun.