After all, it’ s your property and your thistle. Some folks eat thistles, so if you have a recipe, go for it! But if you don’ t want it choking out grasses in your pastures and lawns, control it with LV
 MAX Fast-Acting Weed Killer.
 GordonsUSA. com
 CONTENTS
 6
 COUNTRY JOURNAL
 One truffle orchard is changing Midwest farming, blending patience, science and sustainable practices to grow high-value gastronomic treasures.
 9
 POULTRY 101
 Prepare your backyard flock for fall with essential health checks, parasite prevention, coop weatherproofing and winter-ready care tips.
 12 COUNTRY
 CRITTERS Make Halloween fun for your barnyard buddies with safe seasonal treats, creative enrichment games and simple décor ideas they’ ll love.
 15 RECIPE
 Give classic pumpkin muffins an elegant upgrade with rich mascarpone frosting and warm spices for the ultimate seasonal indulgence.
 16 ACREAGE
 ACCENTS
 Transform your acreage into an autumn retreat with easy decor tips featuring wagon wheels, cozy patios, mums and rustic accents.
 19 FEATURE
 Discover how small-acreage owners turn fall harvests into income, from pumpkin patches to alpacas, plus practical tips for success.
 Vol. 24 No. 10 October 2025
 Publisher Catalyst Communications Network
 info @ catcomnet. com
 To contact our sales department, email:
 sales @ acreagelife. com To contact our editorial team, email:
 editorial @ acreagelife. com
 Members of:
 22
 THE SIMPLE LIFE
 Experience the joy of( unplugged) cooking with timeless nonelectric tools that make food prep simple, sustainable and surprisingly satisfying.
 25
 TOOL TIME
 From lawn care to leaf cleanup, fall brings essential acreage chores that add beauty, function and charm to your rural property.
 28
 SEASONAL ACRES
 Discover creative ways to grow, cook, decorate and repurpose pumpkins for food, fun, livestock feed and garden compost this autumn.
 31
 HORSE SENSE
 Unravel the vibrant world of horse coat colors, tracing genetics, patterns and seasonal shifts that make every equine unique.
 34GARDEN AND
 LANDSCAPE
 Learn why fall is the best time to plant daffodil bulbs for stunning spring blooms with these tips, care advice and favorite varieties.
 SCAN FOR SUBSCRIPTION
 Catalyst Communications Network
 1207 Central Ave, FL 2 Fort Dodge, IA 50501 800-247-2000 www. acreagelife. com
 Mail AcreageLife comments to: AcreageLife 1207 Central Ave, FL 2 • Fort Dodge, Iowa 50501 800-247-2000 • www. acreagelife. com
 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
 37 OUTSTANDING
 IN THE FIELD
 Explore practical tools, equipment and feed innovations designed to help acreage owners manage land, livestock and crops efficiently this season.
 38
 LIFE AND LANDSCAPE Combat autumn weeds before they spread, seed and sneak back in spring, threatening lawns and garden spaces if ignored.
 40 PRODUCT
 SHOWCASE
 Tackle fallen leaves, sticks and yard debris efficiently this fall using a range of vacs for every property size.
 42 PRODUCT
 SHOWCASE
 Gather around outdoor fire pits this fall, enjoying warmth, ambiance and crisp evenings while extending time spent in nature.
 45
 CORN TIME
 This month’ s‘ toon shares spooky campfire tales and the real worries that keep farmers tossing and turning at night.
 47
 MY ACREAGE LIFE
 Experience country living on 10 acres with versatile outdoor spaces, creek frontage, recreational options and a fully equipped barndominium garage on this North Carolina property.
 © Catalyst Communications Network 2025. 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 October 2025 AcreageLife. com
 IS IT A WEED? you decide.
 After all, it’ s your property and your thistle. Some folks eat thistles, so if you have a recipe, go for it! But if you don’ t want it choking out grasses in your pastures and lawns, control it with LV
 MAX Fast-Acting Weed Killer.
 GordonsUSA. com
 Always read and follow label directions. Gordon’ s ® and Logo are registered trademarks of PBI-Gordon Corporation. 1 / 22 06220