Woodpiles & Warmth Flamed Allure
Land & Lifestyle Blade of Choice
Even today, fireplaces serve as a pleasant as well as dependable backup during power outages and severe weather.
The fireplace is also a symbol of self-reliance. To live on acreage is to live in rhythm with the land— harvesting crops, tending livestock and stewarding the woods. Burning wood that was harvested from the land and cut and stacked with one’ s own hands not only imparts a deep sense of satisfaction, but it is also a tangible expression of this independence.
The Enduring Appeal
The timeless allure of the wood-burning fireplace can be traced back to its ability to satisfy both emotional as well as practical needs. It provides heat, of course, but it also provides atmosphere.
The flickering flames cast a light that is softer than electricity, more natural than candles and is always moving and shifting. Watching a fire can be mesmerizing and relaxing, warming the face and the soul with its gentle glow. It is a unique experience, representing both constancy and change at the same time.
The romantic charm of the wood-burning fireplace lies in its ability to bridge the gap between beauty and necessity. It gives the home character— a sense of being rooted, of living in harmony with both the acreage and the seasons.
For those who live close to the land, the fireplace remains what it has always been: the heartbeat of the home, glowing in both warmth and depth of meaning.
It is just as relevant today as it was generations ago. While modern conveniences continue to make incredible advancements, it is hard to imagine any manmade invention ever replacing the simple, enduring pleasure of sitting in front of a fire.
Snowplow Showdown
Selecting the Best Blade for Your Acreage
Simple Tips for Dry, Ready Firewood
Properly stacking and storing firewood not only keeps your supply neat but also ensures that it burns efficiently when you need it the most. Here are a few key tips:
• Choose the right location: Store wood in a sunny, breezy spot to help it dry. Avoid low areas where moisture can collect.
• Keep it off the ground: Elevate your stack on pallets, rails or a simple rack to prevent rot and discourage pests.
• Allow airflow: Stack wood in rows with small gaps between logs to promote circulation. A single row is best for drying; double rows work well once wood is fully seasoned.
• Cover the top, not the sides: Protect your pile with a tarp, sheet metal or a dedicated firewood cover, leaving the sides open to breathe.
• Rotate your supply: Burn older, seasoned wood first. Freshly cut wood needs six to12 months to dry completely, depending on type and climate.
By Craig Sandmann, Managing Director, Hilltip North America
When the snow starts piling up, large property owners know how quickly winter weather can interrupt routines. From driveways to barns, there are plenty of areas that need to be cleared before the day’ s work can begin. Choosing the right plow for your vehicle— whether a utility terrain vehicle( UTV), compact tractor or pickup— can save time, reduce strain on equipment and make winter chores far more manageable.
The choice often comes down to two types of blades: the practical straight blade, and the more versatile V-plow. Both have their place, and which one works best depends on the property, the snow conditions and the machine it’ s mounted to.
The Appeal of the Straight Blade
Straight blade plows are the most traditional option, and for good reason. They’ re simple, reliable and generally less expensive than V-plows. For a small farmer with a UTV or compact tractor, a straight blade often feels like a natural fit.
Generally, straight blades are designed to be lightweight, yet durable, which makes them easier on smaller vehicles. Many people appreciate that these plows are quick to attach and straightforward to operate.
If winter conditions are moderate, with three to six inches at a time, and the plow is mostly used to push snow down a driveway or yard, a straight blade handles the job easily.
Another advantage is predictability. A straight blade pushes snow directly ahead or angles it left or right. There aren’ t multiple configurations to think about, which makes operation intuitive, even for those who only plow occasionally. For many property owners, that simplicity is a feature in itself.
The Versatility of the V-Plow
For those who see more challenging conditions, such as heavier snowfall, drifting winds or long driveways, a V-plow can make the work go faster. The hallmark of this design is flexibility. Shaped like a“ V,” the blade can operate in several modes: pointed forward to cut through deep snow, angled like a traditional straight blade or scooped to carry and pile snow.
This versatility proves especially useful on larger properties where conditions vary from one area to another. For example, someone clearing a long, windswept lane may start with the plow in“ V” mode to break open a path, then switch to scoop mode to tidy up near buildings or gates. The ability to adapt on the fly saves time and reduces the number of passes needed.
30 AcreageLife November 2025 AcreageLife. com
AcreageLife. com November 2025 AcreageLife 31