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A&L Taylor Farm, 38486 252nd Street, Plankinton, SD (2026)

05/04/2026

You can grow the exact same tomatoes… and still end up with completely different results.

It’s not the soil.
It’s not the variety.
And it’s definitely not luck.

It’s what your plant is growing on.

A weak support system means your plant spends energy just trying to stay upright. It bends, it breaks, it struggles to hold fruit… and growth slows down.

A strong support system does the opposite.

It keeps everything upright, improves airflow, gets more sunlight on the leaves, and lets the plant focus on what actually matters… growing and producing.

That’s why you’ll see one plant loaded with tomatoes, and another one right next to it barely keeping up.

And the interesting part?

You don’t need to spend a lot to get it right.
But you do need to choose something that actually supports the plant properly.

05/04/2026

AMERICAN BREEDS OF CHICKEN

Discover the beauty, strength, and diversity of iconic American chicken breeds!

From hardy egg layers to impressive dual-purpose birds, these breeds are known for their productivity, adaptability, and farmyard charm.

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned poultry keeper, these all-American favorites are perfect for building a strong and colorful flock!

05/04/2026

How to Tell Hens from Roosters: Early Chick Sexing Explained

The image illustrates several common methods used to estimate the s*x of chicks at a very young age, often as early as one week old.

While no visual method is 100% accurate for all breeds, these techniques can provide helpful clues—especially for backyard poultry keepers.

Why Early Sexing Matters

Knowing whether a chick is a hen or a rooster helps with:

Planning flock size

Avoiding noise issues (roosters crow)

Managing aggression

Complying with local regulations

Because young chicks look very similar, early s*xing relies on subtle physical differences.

Method 1: Wing Feather Shape

The top-left part of the image shows wing feather development, one of the most popular early indicators.

Females (pullets)

Two distinct feather lengths

A “two-step” or uneven wing edge

Feathers develop faster

Males (cockerels)

Feathers are the same length

A smoother, single-curve edge

Slower feather growth

This method works best in certain fast-feathering breeds and is most accurate within the first few days.

Method 2: Feather Pattern on the Body

The image also highlights differences in feather patterning:

Pullets often show clearer or darker feather patterns early

Cockerels may appear lighter or more uniform

This is especially useful in auto-s*xing or s*x-linked breeds.

Method 3: Tail Feather Development

The bottom section of the image compares tail growth at around one week old.

Fast tail development = pullet

Slow or minimal tail growth = cockerel

Female chicks typically develop tail feathers earlier than males.

Method 4: Behavior and Posture (Less Reliable Early On)

Although not shown directly, some keepers observe:

Males standing taller

More assertive or bold behavior

However, behavior is unreliable at very young ages and should only be considered alongside physical signs.

Important Accuracy Warning

These methods are not foolproof:

Accuracy varies by breed

Nutrition and environment affect feather growth

Some chicks defy all early indicators

True confirmation usually comes later through:

Comb and wattle growth

Crowing

Egg laying

Expect occasional surprises—even experienced keepers get it wrong.

Best Breeds for Early Sexing

Early feather s*xing works best with:

Sex-linked hybrids

Certain commercial laying breeds

It is less reliable for heritage or ornamental chickens.

The image provides a helpful visual guide to early chick s*xing using wing shape, feather growth, and tail development. While these techniques can improve your odds, they are best viewed as educated guesses rather than guarantees.

05/04/2026

The Signs Of A Good Layer Hen Vs A Poor Layer Hen

When it comes to raising chickens, knowing the difference between a good layer hen and a poor one can really impact your egg production. Whether you’re just starting out or have been a backyard chicken keeper for years, it pays to know what to look for in your flock. Let’s break down the signs so you can keep your hens happy and productive.

Poor Layer Hen

A poor layer hen can really throw a wrench into your egg production plans. These hens often show physical signs that indicate they’re not in prime condition. For starters, look for a small, pale, or cold comb and wattles. This could be a sign that they’re not getting the nutrients they need or that something else is going on with their health.

Moreover, dull or sleepy eyes are another red flag. Healthy chickens should have bright and alert eyes; if they appear dull, it may indicate they’re not feeling their best.

Another sign to watch for is a hard or poorly developed abdomen. A healthy hen should have a soft, full abdomen, which is essential for egg production. If you notice a hen has a tight or hard belly, it’s a good indicator she’s not going to be laying eggs anytime soon.

Lastly, keep an eye on the vent area. A dry, tight vent opening can signal that a hen is in poor health. Both the texture and moisture level here are important; a good layer hen will have a moist, elastic vent opening, while a poor layer hen may not.

Good Layer Hen

On the flip side, a good layer hen exhibits several positive traits that make her a star in your flock. First and foremost, she will have a large, red, warm comb and wattles. This is a sign of good circulation and overall health, which are crucial for laying eggs.

Bright, alert eyes are another hallmark of a good layer. You’ll notice her eyes are lively and full of energy, indicating she’s ready to get to work.

When it comes to the abdomen, a good layer hen will have a soft, full belly. This softness is essential for creating space for developing eggs. If you’re feeling an abdomen that’s hard or tight, it’s time to reassess her health and diet.

Finally, check the vent area. A moist, elastic vent opening is a clear sign that she’s in good shape and ready to lay those delicious eggs. If you see these signs, you know you’ve got a hen that’s likely to keep you in fresh eggs.

Verdict

Now that you know the differences, it’s easier to assess your flock. If you’re seeing signs of a poor layer hen, it might be time to reevaluate her diet or overall health. On the other hand, if your hens are displaying the traits of good layers, you’re on the right track for a productive backyard farm.

Remember, a happy hen makes for happy egg production. Keep an eye on those combs, wattles, and vent areas to ensure your flock thrives.

Taking the time to understand these signs can really pay off in your backyard chicken-keeping journey. You’ll be rewarded with healthier hens and a bountiful supply of eggs.

05/04/2026

16 BEST EGG-LAYING CHICKEN BREEDS FOR HIGH PRODUCTION 🥚🐔

If eggs are your main goal, then breed selection is EVERYTHING.
Some chickens lay small eggs… some lay few… but these ones?
They are egg machines 🔥👇

1. WHITE LEGHORN
The undisputed queen of egg laying 👑 Can produce 280–320 white eggs per year.

2. ISA BROWN
Very popular worldwide. High production, calm, and lays big brown eggs consistently.

3. LOHMANN BROWN
Strong, reliable, and can lay over 300 eggs yearly with good care.

4. HY-LINE BROWN
Commercial favorite—excellent feed conversion and very high egg output.

5. BLACK AUSTRALORP
Record breaker! Known for extremely high egg production with hardy nature.

6. RHODE ISLAND RED
Tough, adaptable, and lays well even in harsh conditions.

7. PLYMOUTH ROCK
Consistent layer with good egg size and dual-purpose benefits.

8. SUSSEX
Friendly birds that lay a steady number of eggs and grow well.

9. ANCONA
Active and productive—lays a lot of white eggs yearly.

10. HAMBURG
Small but very productive, especially for white eggs.

11. AMERAUCANA
Famous for blue eggs 🥚💙 Unique and attractive for premium markets.

12. ARAUCANA
Also lays blue eggs and adapts well to different environments.

13. BARRED ROCK
Reliable and consistent egg layer with strong body.

14. GOLDEN COMET
A hybrid superstar—early maturity and very high egg production.

15. NOVOGEN BROWN
Modern hybrid with excellent laying performance and efficiency.

16. SASSO (LAYING STRAIN)
Not the highest, but very strong and suitable for local conditions in Africa.

REAL TALK 👇
If you want serious egg production, go for:
👉 White Leghorn
👉 ISA Brown
👉 Lohmann Brown

These breeds are built for maximum output and profit 💰

But remember…
Good feeding + clean water + proper care = MORE EGGS 🥚🔥

04/29/2026

Welcome to A&L Family Farm 🐓🥚🌿

We’re so glad you’re here! We’re a small, family-run farm with four amazing kids, and myself all working together to raise happy, healthy animals and provide fresh, pasture-raised food to our community.

💛 Our Why
We keep our prices as low and fair as possible because we truly believe everyone deserves access to healthy, quality food. Store eggs are often around $3/dozen for caged (or sometimes “cage-free”) eggs — and we wanted to create a better, more wholesome option that’s still affordable for families like ours. Times are hard, and we get it… because we’re living it too.

🌿 Our Eggs
- Chicken Eggs: $3 a dozen
- Each dozen comes unwashed to keep the bloom on the egg and keep them fresh longer.

🐥 Our Farm
- Chickens are fed Purina layer feed, oyster shells and are free range.
- Current flock:
- 5 hen chickens (plus 31 babies coming up!) 6 baby roosters.
- We have black copper marans, sapphire gem, brahma, easter eggers, Rhode Island red and Plymouth rock💚

Eventually we will be selling eggs for incubator once the roos are big enough for their job.

🐐 We have 9 nannies, 1 wether and 1 buck.

🐴We have two older gelding. 1 pony.

-Ranger is a 15 yr old sorrel paint gelding. He has done 4-h rodeo. He's been on trail rides and loves attention. Fun fact about Ranger he has a 5 point star on his left shoulder like a badge. His favorite job is baby sitting the kiddos.
-Oreo is a 16 yr old black and white paint. He's done 4-h rodeo, high school rodeo, and college rodeo. He's been used for cattle work. He knows when it's time to work and when its time to baby sit the kiddos.
- Brownie is our 13 yr old mini pony. She hangs out with the goats mostly.
We welcome anyone to come for a ride or even to just spend time with them.

🐄 We have our 1 yr old heifer calf named Moo-Ella. She also spends her time with the goats and Brownie. We also have a 3 yr old holstein named Buddy who is being custom fed at a family friend's farm, which is where Moo-ella will go this summer.

🌱 Coming Soon
We’ll also be starting a garden, and when we have extra produce, we’ll offer that here too! We love to grow cucumbers of all shapes and sizes, tomatoes of all shapes and sizes, squash, garlic chives, onions, peppers, and potatoes.

Thank you so much for supporting our family farm and helping us make healthy food more accessible 💛

A&L Taylor Farm

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04/29/2026

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