As food prices climb, many people are turning to gardening and raising chickens to save money. Over the past four years, food costs have risen by 19%. This year, experts predict an additional increase of nearly 3%. Because of this, 86% of Americans plan to grow vegetables in their backyards, according to a recent survey.
One such person is Stacey Wiseman, who lives on a farm near the city. Since the pandemic, she and her family have been growing their own food, including vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, and berries. Growing their food has helped them save hundreds of dollars each year.
“There’s nothing like a garden-fresh strawberry,” Wiseman shares. “It tastes so much sweeter and is packed with nutrients.” She also preserves her harvest through canning and freezing, making sure nothing goes to waste.
Tyler Potts, a Regional Buyer for Tractor Supply, notes that raising chickens and starting gardens became popular during the pandemic. He says people, even those in apartments, can easily grow small plants like tomatoes and herbs on their windowsills.
In Indiana, Potts found that one in five customers at Tractor Supply raises chickens. This trend is growing. For Wiseman, raising chickens takes about 8 to 12 weeks. Each bird provides around 3 to 6 pounds of meat. She spends about $18.50 on raising each chicken but is exploring dual-purpose breeds that could cost her even less.
“If we can hatch our own chicks, we can lower costs significantly,” she explains, emphasizing sustainability. Wiseman’s hens lay about 13 eggs a day, which she sells for $3 a dozen. In stores, eggs can range from $1.79 to $6.99.
This shift towards backyard farming is part of a larger trend. Many Americans are looking for ways to be self-sufficient, especially with ongoing concerns about food supply and safety, highlighted by the recent bird flu outbreaks that forced the culling of hens nationwide.
Wiseman’s family thrives on the food they produce. During summer, they only need to buy essentials like milk and bread. “It’s incredibly rewarding to sit down to a meal knowing we grew everything ourselves,” she adds.
If you’re considering starting your own garden or raising chickens, remember to check local zoning laws and regulations. Understanding these rules can make your backyard farming journey smoother.
