Dear AcreageLife readers,

It’ s that time of year again for farmers’ markets, playing in the sprinklers, backyard barbeques and catching fireflies in the lawn. Summer has a way of slowing things down, at least for a moment, but acreage living means the work and lifestyle don’ t take a back seat. The chores still need doing, the animals still rely on you and the land is always asking for a little attention.

That’ s why having the right setup matters. You need equipment that can keep up with your workload, infrastructure that supports your day-to-day operations and a thoughtful approach to caring for your animals through the heat and long days.

Welcome to summer, and welcome to the next edition of AcreageLife Farm & Flock, a section dedicated to life with the animals that make this lifestyle so rewarding.

This month, you’ ll find everything from practical checklists to get started with chicken keeping and zero-turn mower care, to a deeper look at alternatives to the Cornish Cross. Our goal is simple: help you enjoy the season while setting you up for success, whatever your acreage goals may be.

— The AcreageLife Editorial Team