Juan D. Rivera started learning everything he could about plants, farming, livestock, and ecosystems at a young age. Since then, he’s earned a Master’s degree in wildlife biology (Universidad Iberoamericana, Ciudad de México) and a PhD in forestry (North Carolina State University), both with an emphasis on conservation farming and renewable technology. He has worked in planning crops for companies and workshops, as an educational consultant and writer.
The first time I cracked open a duck egg, I knew I was dealing with something different. The shell felt like ceramic—sturdy, thick, a little beast compared to a chicken egg. After my breakfast, I…
If you’re like me and keep ducks for their charming personalities and delicious eggs, you know that a dirty duck egg can be a real pain in the neck. Ducks are adorable mud lovers —…
When I first dipped my toes into the world of duck keeping, I had a dream: a cheerful backyard full of waddling, quacking harmony. I envisioned Pekins, Runners, and Khaki Campbells all lounging together under…
If you’ve ever walked into your duck pen on a frosty morning expecting to gather a clutch of warm, speckled eggs—only to come up empty-handed—you’re not alone. I remember the first winter with my flock…
Cracking the Case of the Mystery Layer When I first started raising ducks, I thought egg collecting would be easy-peasy. I pictured myself strolling into the coop, finding a neat little pile of eggs, and…
The other day, I found myself lingering a little longer than usual in the egg aisle at my neighborhood grocery store. Rows upon rows of chicken eggs stretched before me—brown, white, organic, pasture-raised—you name it….
As an avid gardener, I’ve had my fair share of learning curves. Chives, those hardy little herbs that grace my kitchen windowsill and backyard garden, hold a special place in my heart. They add a…
When it comes to plums, most of us immediately think of that sweet, juicy fruit we can sink our teeth into on a hot summer day. But have you ever found yourself staring at a…
Learning how to remove a tree stump with epsom salt couldn’t be easier, which also means you’ll no longer need any out-of-pocket expenses for overpriced removal companies that do the same job! Mix one gallon…