CONTENTS
GROW & GARDEN
22
Start composting with just a basic understanding of decomposition and a willingness to let nature do its thing.
FARM & FLOCK— presented by Chicken Whisperer Magazine ®
8
Shelby
11
Structured
FEATURE
16
Homestead
Diebold has learned that consistent egg production starts long before hens lay their first egg.
bonding environments and early training for livestock guardian dogs are vital when shaping adult dog behavior.
“ mompreneurs” are raising families while running businesses rooted in the land and acreage they live on.
HOMESTEAD HOW-TO
26
Bees
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT
31
Equipment
are one of the most well-known pollinators on the planet, and they can bring unmatched benefits to your garden.
to help you stay productive while balancing work, hobbies and homebased businesses.
MY ACREAGELIFE
37
Custom three bed, two bath concrete block stucco ranch home set on 10.3 acres, offering privacy, space and comfortable living.
Photo credit Ilissa Altis, courtesy of Cylon Rolling Acres
Vol. 25 No. 5 May 2026
Publisher Catalyst Communications Network
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Circulation: AcreageLife publication is sent to acreage owners who are actively interested in this rural living lifestyle along with bulk issues distributed to acreage equipment dealers, elevators and lawn and garden supply. Advertising: Rates, deadlines and mechanical requirements are available by calling the sales department directly at 800-247-2000. Subscription: One year( 12 issues) $ 19.95 to: AcreageLife Fulfillment 1207 Central Ave, FL 2 Fort Dodge, Iowa 50501 Change of Address: Please send new address with AcreageLife mailing label to: AcreageLife Fulfillment • 1207 Central Ave, FL 2 • Fort Dodge, Iowa 50501
© Catalyst Communications Network 2026. All rights reserved.
This publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recorded or otherwise without the prior written permission of Catalyst Communications Group, Inc. The information and advertising set forth herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. Catalyst Communications Group, Inc.(“ Publisher”) however, does not warrant complete accuracy of such information and assumes no responsibility for any consequences arising from the use thereof or reliance thereon. Publisher reserves the right to reject or cancel any advertisement or space reservation at any time without notice and for any reason. Publisher shall not be liable for any costs or damages if for any reason it fails to publish an advertisement. Advertisers are solely responsible for the content of their respective advertisements appearing in this publication and Publisher is not responsible or liable in any manner for inaccuracies, false statements or any material in such advertisement infringing upon the intellectual property rights of others. Advertisements appearing in this publication are not necessarily the views or opinions expressed by Publisher.
4 AcreageLife May 2026 AcreageLife. com