A Chapter in the life of our Company has Closed and we believe our customers deserve an explanation of what has been going on in the recent life and times of Farm House Barkery®.
 
In the beginning, we chose our name, Farm House Barkery based on where we began our journey: we started our Company in the Farm House built by our Grandparents. We were raised in simpler times. We worked hard and learned a lot about how to bake and use resources we were given. Early on, we were advised by a group of investors to Trademark our name with the U.S.Patent office when we teamed up with them as we were considering going National. We took the necessary steps and obtained the Registered Trademark however, we made the decision to remain Small and Local. We enjoyed working with people face to face, meeting pups and parents and being a Pick TN Product. Our Mission Statement is and always will be to provide a quality product while giving back to the Community.
 
A few years ago, we were made aware a Company was using Farmhouse on their pet products without our permission. We contacted them and requested they end their use. They did not comply. As a result, we had to engage legal assistance. Months went by before this entity finally complied. In the end, they changed their packaging to comply with U.S. Patent Regulations by removing Farmhouse from their packaging but my senses maintained an uneasiness. I followed them on Social Media to make sure their products continued to remain free of our Company’s name. Eighteen months ago, Farmhouse appeared on their packaging…again.
 
I contacted the owner and asked about the use of our name when we had an agreement. He stated he did not have to comply. I did not own the rights. At this point I knew there was no point in continuing the conversation one on one. I contacted our attorney and we began the process of the full legal system.
 
As a result, we have come to a agreement with CBD Farmhouse of Dallas, TX this week. They will no longer use Farmhouse on ANY  of their pet products…EVER AGAIN. It appears some people just take a bit longer to learn Federal Law than others. It has been a lengthy road, but we believe between our attorney and the ones he had to hire to get himself out of this mess, he now understands a Federally issued Registered Trademark means only the Company it is issued to in that category is allowed to use that Mark. And yes, I will be watching for a breach from now until I give up the Mark. And we will continue to monitor for others who use our Mark without our permission.
 
Meanwhile, the defense of this mark has taken a financial toll on our Company. If we had gone to Court, we would have continued this course for many more months/years and probably have gotten attorney fees for being in the right. But by settling, we each had to pay our own fees. This defense has not been cheap. As a result, we have had to tighten our belts by reducing our contributing charities down to 3 (St Jude Children’s Hospital is a fund raiser so nothing is affected with them; 100% of monies raised goes directly to St Jude.). We are attempting to hold our current pricing by being careful with procuring the most cost-efficient cost of goods while still maintaining our Company’s standards.
 
Our Primary purpose will always be to bake for your Pups, both Retail and Wholesale. But to help increase our funding, we began baking Sweets and Treats for Pup Parents (humans) last Summer through our local Farmers Market. We cannot stress how appreciative we are of our Community support we have felt during these stressful times (even tho you were unaware of what we were going through). Our community has always made us feel loved and this year we have treasured every word of support during these trying times.
 
We know better days are ahead because we have survived this storm.  We believe it. But we must and will roll up our sleeves and work hard like the Farmers we were raised to be. We believe in our Company.
 
Meanwhile, look for the Release of our Easter Menu for both Farm House Barkery® and All Things Pie and More™ beginning March 1st. Preorders will begin for BOTH Pups and Humans.

And again, Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts. You all are the best support system a Business can have in the Best Community there is. Tail Wags and Ear Rubs.

We have lost our 2 oldest Pups to age. I know it happens, but it's still hard. Ace passed due to a heart attack: sudden and peaceful. He was happy as a lab is. He is missed. Our Buddy had a spinal tumor. He lost the use of his back legs, but we had a special harness so he could still go out and about on the farm, sniffing and doing what he wanted. It warmed our hearts.

And when he was ready to leave; he told us it was time. As much as I argued with him on this subject, he was firm. So we respected his choice. He left us as peacefully as I could have wished for this kind soul. I am grateful for loving and caring veterinarians who know that dogs are family. We are Blessed. 

We now have our newest addition, Max. A Bagel, which is a cross between a basset and a beagle. He walked up to us as dogs do on a farm and he became ours. He was starved, flea infested, and is heart worm positive. The vet said he would have died within the next 2 days if he had not found a home. We are grateful he has adopted us. He is such a wise soul. Grateful for every small thing. He reminds me constantly to also be grateful. He fits into our home like a glove. McKenzie loves him and they have bonded well. 

The rhythm has certainly changed, but that is the way life goes. I miss my guys fiercely, but I know they will send another when the time is right. It's not right now...my heart must heal. Meanwhile I bake for your family. It's my therapy. It reminds me of the times I would come home with the flavors each of them loved the most: Buddy loved Apple...Ace loved them all. Hey! Labs love to eat! They are the happiest dog on the planet! 

Love your pups each and every day...they are given to us as a gift. What a wonderful gift they are!

Our Farm celebrates it's 125th Birthday this year, and in recognition, the State of Tennessee has placed it on the State of Tennessee Historic list of Century Farms Registry. We are excited to be a part of the history of farm families that have continuously passed down the traditions of working the land from one generation to another. To us, it means we know what determination and having a goal means....and never giving up even against all odds.

Our generation is the 5th to Farm the current plot of land...our children and grandchildren will be the 6th and 7th. One of our grandsons is fascinated with everything John Deere. Yep, raise them right! GO GREEN!

My most favorite memory was sitting on my grandfather's pick up truck (we got to sit on the hood and watch the farm happenings), in the evening as the cows meandered around, preparing for the evening. Granddad raised purebred Herefords. The picture below is of one of his favorite Bulls, Victor. We have since transitioned to row crops, but I miss the sounds of the cows and my parents and grandparents. But times are ever changing and it's our responsibility to make memories for our grandbabies.

We are grateful to the State of Tennessee for this program that recognizes the Family Farm. In a day and age where things are disposable, it is an achievement to find something and stick with it. And 125 years is certainly an achievement!

Welcome to the history of how we came to call ourselves: FARM HOUSE BARKERY®!

It's hard to believe it's been a year since our last Blog entry, but times have been crazy busy with the Market season in full swing. We literally bake, bag, load, go, sell, and start the process over on Mondays. The folks and pups we meet are fantastic and we love what we do. To hear the stories of your pups sitting by their dog treat jars waiting for our treats to be handed out, is such a heart warming and happy "tail". But we know what that looks like, because it is played out at our house as well.

Peanut Butter continues to be our strongest leader, but our Sweet Potato is proving to be a strong contender. We truly believe it's because it's sourced locally from a farm in our area that produces a much sweeter potato. The slow roasting helps to keep the sugar inside the potato instead of over flowing onto the pan. And we are hearing such great feed back about our Blueberry treats! But our little Basset and I go round and round about our Blueberry bushes. She believes the bushes belong to her. Some days, I win, some days the win goes to her. Unfortunately, our Apples went to the squirrels this year. We were watching them to pick for the peak of ripeness...and 2 weeks before Labor Day, we woke to stripped trees. Only 6 apples remained. I won't be putting out any corn for the squirrels this winter because I know how many apples they have stored away...they are going to be fat and sassy!

The Farm House is currently  in a Hustle and Bustle with preparations for the Nov 1st Christmas Treat release. These treats were such a hit last year, we kept having to bake and ice, bake and ice...so this year, we are trying to get ahead before the season hits so we do not experience any shortage. As last year, they will be in both the Iced and Frosty Free for the Pups who are watching their waist lines. We maintain our All natural ingredients by using Beet Juice for Coloring, right down to the sprinkles. Dogs do not need anything artificial and if you are feeding your pup anything not of nature, please stop!

We will end this Blog entry with a Big Thank You for making this year a great one so far. We appreciate your kind words, the purchases you've made which have allowed us to make our donations to our charities, and to keep doing what we love to do for another day. Have a great Fall and enjoy the beautiful weather...winter is coming.​​​​

Happy Birthday to our first two Pie Pumpkins, off our Hydroponic Tower: Jack and Jacqueline. It's a success with many more to follow. And a wonderful by-product has been to watch the busy Honey bees as they have gathered the pollen from the Pumpkin Blooms. Since I shared a booth at the Farmers Market with the Honey Lady this past Saturday, she explained the Honey Bees have been starving due to the rainy, cool summer we have experienced and the lack of blooming flowers.

Now to show you our "baby" pictures:

The Tower is growing and thriving...though not with some lessons in the School of Hard Knocks.

Some of the lessons I've learned:

Check! Check! Check! The water level when you are growing water loving plants such as Watermelon and Pumpkin. (Note to self: it's probably not a great idea to plant this many heavy water seekers...at once). The reservoir has run dry on one occasion and I thought it was over. But quick hustle and gentle words of encouragement brought the Tower back. Lesson learned.

Another chapter: when Tomato Worms invade and you ask a Certified Organic Farmer what action to take to correct the problem, take his advice! Not the advice of the internet!! I used a combination of Dawn Dishwashing Soap and cooking oil then sprayed the leaves. Let's review what happens when you add oil in the hot sun...yep. Fried green tomato leaves. I thought the plants were goners; they turned brown and shriveled. And the worms thrived! I was sick! But time and patience resulted in new leaves sprouting. Blooms are coming back and baby tomatoes are on the vine. I now have the correct organic worm repellent should I have a need. Lesson Learned.

  And final Lesson: just enjoy the process. Each stage is exciting and enjoyable. I am thrilled about everything that is new and the fact the theTower is productive is exciting! And now, some pictures of my pride and joy:

I know some of you are following the Tower, and here is the latest news on the progress:

The lettuce has taken off like gang busters! In fact, we are currently enjoying Salads with most meals. It tastes so wonderful, especially knowing we grew it ourselves. I am about to start more from seed to keep a fresh supply going. According to the information, we will be able to pick the lettuce three times before discarding.

I had 3 tomato plants sprout successfully and have moved them to the tower. They are now approximately 6 inches tall. However, I have not been successful at getting the Basil nor the Pumpkin to emerge from the seed pods. Skill is skill and obviously I am still lacking.

So, off to the garden center I went. I purchased the following plants: additional tomato plants, a watermelon plant (hey, dream big!), basil, and lemon balm. All of the items were transplanted into the Tower and have taken root beautifully!

As for the Pumpkin plants, I left 8 spots opened, and planted the seeds in the starter soil of the plants from the garden center. Hopefully the earth and sun will help to germinate the little golden globes of goodness. Fingers are crossed and my hope remains endless!

Now, for the pictures I know you are waiting for:

UPDATE: 6/3/2014, Tuesday evening Chore Time:

LOOK WHAT POPPED UP! It's a PUMPKIN! You all don't know how thrilled and excited I am! Isn't she a BEAUTY!!??? I do believe she is ready for the tower, so she can have one last night in the soil, and tomorrow morning, she will be transplanted to her new home.

Now, the mystery of life: will she be an ONLY? or will more follow? Stay tuned....

We have the most lovable neighbors! They love to sit on our back stoop and wait for our crew to come out to play, and when they do, all heck breaks loose. It's a mad, joyful, fun time of chaos, barks, howls and dog tag; just an all around yappy fun time. You cannot be around this crew and not laugh at their antics. Let me introduce you to them:

Pop, on the left, is the old soul. He seems to be the one that is the level headed one of the two brothers. Skip, on the right, is the goofy kid brother that is always looking for a way to irritate Pop, and he is the lazier one of the two. On our afternoon walks, he usually peeks his head out of the shop to check us out, then turns around and hops back on the couch and takes a snooze with the farm equipment. Silly Pup.

They meet at the post first thing in the morning; business always comes first, then it's off to the races. It's tag, sniff, run, or chase: whatever the mood strikes.

Yes, Ace, we see you. He always makes sure that I am close by.

As the corn grows, they will continue their play in and out of the stalks. The height of the corn does not stop them from their games of chase...it just becomes much more fun!

And then we have Miss McKenzie who isn't impressed with the guys. She would rather sniff out the smells of the night. She tries to guess what animals passed by last evening...she will spend all morning in this position if we let her.

She and I are currently in a despute: she ate all my strawberries in my little strawberry patch last evening. When I caught her, she looked at me and licked her lips...what's a Basset Mom to do?

There is never a dull moment on the Farm! We count our blessings each and every day.

Just a quick update on the Tower Garden. Amazingly, the Lettuce was ready for transfer to its new home within 7 days! But, from reading the Blogs, that was the norm since 3 cuttings are what is expected, then they encourage us to replant to keep the crop going for fresh salad.

The Pump that feeds the nutrients, hums on a cycle of 15 minutes on then 15 minutes off. While on, it sounds like running water that reminds me of a water fall. It is such a wonderful sound that I had not expected!!

I have 2 tomato sprouts, so they have been moved to full sun. The remainder of the crops (Basil, 8 Tomato Plants, and the 10 Pumpkin seeds) continue to work their magic below what the eye can see (I hope).

Now, enough of the blah, blah, blah...I know you want pictures. Here they are: