Lori McManus Nourish and Thrive

🍀 Fair Week Update! 🍀

Yesterday was a little bit of a lighter day—and I think we all needed it! ❤️

After morning cleanup and making sure all the animals were taken care of, the kids got to spend some time in the 4-H building doing activities and enjoying everything fair week has to offer.

Then it was back to work! We spent some time practicing skills and showmanship and getting ready for the shows ahead. 🐓🦃

🐰 Bryce had his turn in the show ring last night with his bunny! This fair is a little bittersweet because it’s his last year as a Cloverbud. It sure goes fast watching these kids grow, learn, and become more confident each year.

And tonight is a BIG one for our Coop Commanders…

🐓🦃 POULTRY SHOW NIGHT! 🦃🐓

The kids have put in weeks of feeding, watering, cleaning, practicing, learning, and caring for these birds. Tonight they finally get the chance to take them into the show ring and show what they’ve learned.

No matter what ribbons come home, I’m already proud of the work they’ve put in. 🍀💚

Wish our Coop Commanders luck tonight! 🤞🐓

Well… yesterday definitely didn’t go quite as planned! 🌧️☔

The rain poured, and unfortunately the Broome County Fair opening night parade was canceled.

So what does a 4-H club do when plans change?

🦃 We gave the turkeys a spa day.
🌧️ We laughed, played, and got soaked in the rain.
💚 We made memories anyway.

Sometimes fair week isn’t about perfect weather—it’s about teamwork, flexibility, and finding joy no matter what the forecast brings.

Tomorrow it’s the meat chickens’ turn! 😄🐔

Fair week is always an adventure, and we’re here for every muddy, rainy, unforgettable moment.

Yesterday was one of those long, exhausting, but incredibly rewarding days.

Our 4-H families spent the day transporting animals to the Broome County Fairgrounds, checking them in, getting them weighed, settled into their pens, and making sure every bird and animal had what they needed for the week ahead. It’s a lot of work, but it’s work that teaches responsibility, teamwork, and dedication.

I’m so grateful for the many hands that pitched in. Fair week truly is a team effort, and it’s amazing to see everyone working together to help these kids succeed.

Today is another full day as judging begins and preparations continue, all leading up to tonight’s parade that officially opens the Broome County Fair for the week.

Please keep all of our 4-H youth, volunteers, families, and animals in your thoughts and prayers as they begin what we hope will be a wonderful week filled with learning, friendships, and memories that will last a lifetime.

See you at the fair! 💚🐔🦃🐇🦆🌻

💚 The Future of Agriculture is Looking Bright! 🍀

One of my favorite parts of 4-H isn’t just raising animals—it’s watching young people grow.

From our youngest Cloverbuds to our experienced members, each child is learning something valuable: responsibility, teamwork, kindness, and the rewards of showing up and doing the work.

As fair week begins, these smiles remind me what it’s is all about. It’s not just the ribbons or the auction. It’s the friendships that are built, the confidence that grows, and the memories that will last a lifetime.

I’m so thankful for every family, volunteer, and leader who invests their time in these kids. You are helping shape the next generation of farmers, leaders, and community members.

Prayers for a safe, successful, and fun-filled week for all of our 4-H families. Let’s make it a great fair! 💚🐔🦃🍀

☀️ Sunday Blessings | The Beginning of Fair Week 💚🍀

Today begins one of our favorite weeks of the year.

Months ago, tiny poults and chicks arrived at the homestead. Since then, they’ve been fed, watered, cared for, and watched over every day. Along the way, our 4-H kids have learned responsibility, patience, perseverance, and the rewards that come from faithful, consistent work.

Tomorrow the animals head to the fairgrounds, and a week full of learning, showing, friendships, and memories begins.

As we start fair week, I’m reminded of this verse:

“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” — Proverbs 16:3

My prayer is that each of our young exhibitors enjoys the experience, does their very best, learns something new, and remembers that their character and dedication matter far more than any ribbon.

Wishing all of our 4-H families a safe, fun, and blessed fair week. May God watch over every exhibitor, volunteer, leader, and animal throughout the week.

💚 Happy Sunday, and let the fair adventures begin! 🌻🐔🦃🍀🚜

🌻 Saturday Market Day! 🥚🐔

It’s a beautiful day to shop local! Stop by the Binghamton Regional Farmers Market and stock up on fresh, locally raised food while supporting a family farm.

This week we have:
🥚 Farm-fresh eggs
🐔 Pasture-raised chicken

The homestead has been busy as we make the final preparations for the Broome County Fair. Our 4-H members are putting the finishing touches on their projects and continuing to care for their market birds.

Just one week to go until the Broome County 4-H Livestock Auction! We’re incredibly proud of Troy, Natalie, Olivia, Arianna, and Tristian, who have spent months raising their market turkeys and meat chickens. We hope you’ll consider coming to the auction on Saturday, August 1 at 4:00 PM to support these hardworking young exhibitors.

📍 Binghamton Regional Farmers Market
🕘 Saturday | 9:00 AM–1:00 PM

Thank you for choosing local, supporting agriculture, and encouraging the next generation of farmers. We can’t wait to see you at the market! 💚🐔🥚🚜

🌾 Farm Friday 🚜🐔🦃

Fair week is finally here, and after months of preparation, we’re ready!

This week’s milestones:
✔️ The camper has been moved to the fairgrounds.
✔️ The animals head to the fair on Monday.
✔️ Feed, equipment, grooming supplies, and everything else have been gathered and packed.
✔️ After months of caring for our birds, we’re ready for an exciting week.

Our Coop Commanders 4-H members have worked hard every single day—feeding, watering, cleaning, and learning what it means to care for livestock. Now it’s time for them to showcase all of that hard work at the Broome County Fair.

No matter what ribbons are earned, we’re already proud of the dedication, responsibility, and perseverance these young exhibitors have shown throughout the project.

Thank you to everyone who has encouraged our kids and supported our homestead along the way. We can’t wait to share this fair week journey with you!

💚🐔🦃🍀

Your gut lining does more than you might think. 🌿

Your digestive system isn’t just where food is processed—it’s where your body absorbs nutrients, supports immune function, and builds the foundation for overall wellness.

That’s why I’ve been excited to learn more about Plexus Armor.

✨ Armor is designed to help:
✔️ Support the intestinal lining
✔️ Promote healthy nutrient absorption
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✔️ Support your body’s natural GLP-2 pathways
✔️ Reduce occasional bloating and digestive discomfort

When we nourish our gut, we’re investing in so much more than digestion. Better gut health can support how we feel, how we fuel our bodies, and how we thrive each day.

As always, I believe wellness isn’t about finding a quick fix. It’s about making intentional choices that support your body from the inside out.

Have you been focusing on supporting your gut health lately? I’d love to hear what’s been making a difference for you. 💚

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

🌿 Wednesday Market Day! 🥚🐔

Happy Wednesday! We’ll be at the Vestal Farmers Market today from 9:00 AM–1:00 PM, and we’d love to see you!

This week’s fresh offerings include:
🥚 Farm-fresh eggs
🐔 Pasture-raised chicken

When you shop with a local farm, you’re not just buying food—you’re supporting a family committed to raising animals with care and providing wholesome food for our community.

As we continue preparing for the Broome County Fair, our 4-H kids have been busy caring for their market birds and getting everything ready for the livestock auction. It’s a busy season on the homestead, and we’re grateful for your support every step of the way.

Stop by to stock up, say hello, and learn more about how we raise our poultry. We always enjoy visiting with our customers and sharing a little of our homestead life.

📍 Vestal Farmers Market
🕘 9:00 AM–1:00 PM

Meet Our Local 4-H Livestock Auction Participants! 🐔🦃💚

Over the last few weeks, we’ve been introducing the amazing young people from our 4-H club, the Coop Commanders, who have dedicated months to raising their market animals. Today we’re proud to recognize them together!

🌟 Troy – 4th year in the Market Program
🌟 Natalie – 2nd year in the Market Program
🌟 Olivia – 1st year in the Market Program
🌟 Arianna – 1st year in the Market Program
🌟 Tristian – 1st year in the Market Program

These young exhibitors have spent countless hours feeding, watering, cleaning, and caring for their birds while learning what it takes to responsibly raise quality livestock. Along the way, they’ve developed responsibility, confidence, perseverance, and a strong work ethic.

🦃 Each of them will be auctioning:
• Two market turkeys
• One pen of market meat chickens

📅 Broome County 4-H Livestock Auction
🕓 Saturday, August 1 at 4:00 PM

If you’ve ever considered supporting local youth and local agriculture, this is a wonderful opportunity. Every bid is an investment in these young people, recognizing the dedication, hard work, and life skills they’ve developed through their 4-H projects.

Whether you attend the auction, place a bid, or simply cheer them on, your support means so much to these hardworking youth and their families.

Please join us in congratulating Troy, Natalie, Olivia, Arianna, and Tristian as they prepare for one of the biggest milestones of their 4-H year. We couldn’t be prouder of all they’ve accomplished!

💚 We hope to see you at the Broome County Fair Livestock Auction on Saturday, August 1, at 4:00 PM! 🦃🐔🍀🚜