HewnHaven is a farm and workshop business that focuses on quality meat, old-world crafts, and ecological land management

Spring Begins
2026-03-20 | Missouri
The 13 “seasons” of Missouri reflect the region’s unpredictable, rapidly changing weather, joking that it’s rarely just summer, winter, spring, or fall. This popular Midwestern cultural meme highlights frequent, abrupt shifts between extreme cold and warm temperatures, often occurring within the same week.

Cedar Tree Harvesting
2026-03-15 - 2026-05-02 | The Farm, Missouri, United States
There’s no smell quite like freshly cut cedar in springtime, especially when the sap is running and it’s acting like glue-remover on the bark! I’m standing here in the middle of my clearing, bark-spud in hand, looking at a pile of cedar that’s about to become the sturdy structures for future projects.
I start at the top, pushing the edge of the blade under the rough, outer layer. It’s immensely satisfying—like opening a giant woody Christmas present—revealing that bright, pale amber wood underneath. Sometimes I get lucky and a whole, long ribbon of bark sloughs off like a shedding snake, making me feel like the king of the woods.
The knots are the real troublemakers, though. They make the spud buck and jump, forcing me to stop and carve around them, which just makes the final pole look more rustic.

Mud Season/The Pollening Begins
2026-02-25 - 2026-02-26 | Missouri

Third Winder/Polar Vortex Begins
2026-02-17 | Missouri

Fence Building and Repair
2026-02-15 - 2026-03-20 | The Farm, Missouri, United States
Building and repairing fence is less of a job and more of a “forced romance” between me and a thousand pounds of unruly metal wire.
The day usually starts with a “fence check,” which is just polite terminology for finding problems and not redeemable for cash. I head out armed with a wire stretcher—my magical, back-saving best friend—and several pounds of fence supplies.
By the end of the day, I’m covered in rust, my fingers are sore, and I’ve probably misplaced my fencing pliers three times, but there’s something oddly satisfying about looking at a line of wire stretched perfectly tight. I just know, come tomorrow morning, I’ll be back out there, mending the same spot.

Valentine's Weekend
2026-02-14 - 2026-02-16 | The Farm, Missouri, United States
Our Valentine’s weekend is a marathon of love, kicking off Friday with a cozy movie night featuring heart-shaped snacks. Saturday is for an adventurous outing or a fun DIY craft, while Sunday winds down with lazy, indulgent meals. It’s a full three days of treats, laughter, and appreciation for each other ending everyday with Hallmark movies.

Spring of Deception Begins
2026-02-02 | Missouri

Clear Invasives from Pastures
2026-02-01 - 2026-04-15 | The Farm, Missouri, United States
A pair of leather gloves, a slightly dull sickle, and the delusional optimism of a sunny morning. My mission: take down a small army of Asian Honeysuckle, Canadian thistle and Honey Locust that had declared themselves rulers of this kingdom.
Now, if only I could find where I dropped my water bottle…

Winter Farrowing
2026-01-28 - 2026-02-09 | The Farm, Missouri, United States
Outside, in the woods, Momma Sows are creating their own cozy, chaotic world. After a solid day of intense “nesting”—rearranging straw like a pig interior decorator—they’ll finally settle down with a happy, heavy flop, letting out a series of deep, guttural grunts. Then, the magic happens! Every 15–30 minutes, with a grand, dramatic push, out pops a tiny, slimy, “squeaker”. Before Momma can even check her watch, a little piglet is already scrambling, stumbling over its siblings to find the milk bar, guided by pure instinct. Soon, the nest is a wriggling pile of 10 to 12 newborn piglets, squeaking and nudging, while the giant momma rests, seemingly proud of her new, chaotic brood.

Second Winter Begins
2026-01-27 | Missouri

Prune Trees
2026-01-26 - 2026-02-28 | The Farm, Missouri, United States
Winter is the ultimate “spa day” for our trees! Since they are sleeping (dormant), it’s the perfect time to give them a haircut without the drama of sap loss or bugs. Pruning in the cold boosts spring growth, prevents disease, and stops weak, icy branches from crashing down, all while you enjoy the fresh, crisp air.
Why Winter Tree Pruning is Essential:

Disease Prevention: With pests and fungi dormant, fresh cuts are safe from infection.
Structural Cleanup: Removing weak branches prevents them from snapping during heavy snow or ice.
Better Visibility: Without leaves, it is easier to see the tree’s structure and identify dead wood.
Faster Healing: Dormant pruning allows trees to focus energy on strong growth once spring arrives.

Fool's Spring Begins
2026-01-05 | Missouri

Firewood Gathering
2025-09-21 - 2026-04-04 | The Farm, Missouri, United States
With coffee in his belly and his trusty chainsaw roaring to life, we’ll spend the day dancing with oaks and tangling with timber. It’s a rhythmic, high-stakes game of “will this log split with one swing or three?” Clearing the woods with precision, turning fallen giants into manageable piles. The air is thick with the scent of oak and hickory, punctuated by the satisfying thwack of the splitting maul, transforming solid rounds into perfectly stacked winter warmth. By late afternoon, his back is tired, but his woodpile is high, leaving him with that magical, “I’ll be warm twice” feeling—once from chopping, and again from the fire.

The Ritual: “Place, stand, breathe, swing, cut.” It’s an active meditation, minus the quiet.
The Reward: Looking at the growing, neat stacks of firewood and knowing winter has nothing on him.
