Author and backyard poultry authority Lisa Steele has officially announced a multi-city national book tour to coincide with the release of her latest literary work, In Season. Scheduled for a public release on May 5, the publication marks Steele’s second foray into the cookbook genre and her seventh book overall. The tour, which is set to commence next month, represents a significant expansion of the Fresh Eggs Daily brand, moving beyond digital platforms to engage with a growing demographic of homesteaders, culinary enthusiasts, and sustainable living advocates. As a fifth-generation chicken-keeping expert, Steele has leveraged her decades of experience to create a comprehensive guide that bridges the gap between backyard agriculture and farm-to-table gastronomy.
The upcoming tour will feature a combination of traditional bookstore signings and exclusive ticketed events. While the initial itinerary has been finalized, representatives for Steele have indicated that additional stops are currently in the planning stages to meet anticipated demand. This announcement comes at a time when interest in domestic food production and seasonal cooking is at an all-time high, driven by a confluence of economic factors and a cultural shift toward self-sufficiency. Steele’s platform, Fresh Eggs Daily, has remained at the forefront of this movement, providing researched, time-tested advice to poultry enthusiasts for nearly twenty years.
The Evolution of the Fresh Eggs Daily Brand
The trajectory of Lisa Steele’s career reflects the broader evolution of the American homesteading movement. Founded as a resource for backyard chicken keepers, Fresh Eggs Daily transitioned from a niche blog into a multi-media empire encompassing books, television, and social media. Steele’s credentials as a fifth-generation expert provide a foundation of authenticity that has resonated with an audience increasingly wary of industrialized food systems. Her previous six publications have focused primarily on the technical aspects of raising healthy flocks, emphasizing "old-timer methods" and natural care.
With the release of her first cookbook, Steele successfully demonstrated the culinary applications of backyard farming. The forthcoming title, In Season, is expected to build upon this foundation by focusing on the cyclical nature of farm produce and egg production. The book’s May 5 release date is strategically timed to align with the peak of the spring agricultural season, a period characterized by increased egg production and the emergence of early-season crops. This seasonal focus is a hallmark of Steele’s philosophy, which advocates for a lifestyle attuned to the rhythms of nature rather than the convenience of modern supermarkets.
Chronology of the In Season Launch and Tour
The rollout of In Season follows a meticulously planned timeline designed to maximize engagement across multiple channels. The announcement of the tour serves as the primary catalyst for the pre-release campaign.
- Early Spring: Finalization of the first set of tour stops and the opening of the digital waitlist for event updates.
- Mid-Spring: Launch of the promotional campaign via the Fresh Eggs Daily newsletter and social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube).
- May 5: Official publication date of In Season, coinciding with the first leg of the national book tour.
- May – Summer: Execution of bookstore signings and ticketed culinary demonstrations across the United States.
- Post-Tour: Continued digital engagement and integration of In Season content into Steele’s television program, Welcome to my Farm, on CreateTV.
The logistical coordination of the tour involves partnerships with independent bookstores and national retailers, reflecting the broad appeal of Steele’s work. By incorporating ticketed events, the tour offers a more immersive experience for followers, potentially including live demonstrations or Q&A sessions regarding the intersections of poultry management and seasonal cooking.
Supporting Data: The Rise of Backyard Agriculture and Culinary Literature
The success of Steele’s brand is supported by significant market trends in the United States. According to data from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and various market research firms, the backyard poultry industry has seen a steady increase in participation over the last decade. A 2023 report indicated that nearly 8% of American households now keep chickens, a figure that surged during the COVID-19 pandemic and remained elevated due to fluctuations in commercial egg prices and concerns over food security.
Furthermore, the cookbook market has demonstrated remarkable resilience in the digital age. Industry analysis from NPD BookScan (now Circana) shows that while many print categories have struggled, "lifestyle" and "specialized culinary" titles have seen consistent growth. Consumers are increasingly seeking out cookbooks that offer more than just recipes; they are looking for narrative-driven content that reflects a specific lifestyle or set of values. Steele’s In Season fits precisely into this "narrative culinary" niche, combining her expertise in animal husbandry with a sophisticated approach to seasonal ingredients.
The economic impact of the "homesteading" trend is also reflected in the growth of brands like Fresh Eggs Daily. The market for small-scale farming supplies, organic feed, and artisanal kitchenware has expanded to cater to a demographic that values quality and sustainability over mass-market convenience. Steele’s role as an influencer and educator places her at the center of this economic ecosystem.
Industry Responses and Inferred Market Impact
While official statements from major retailers are pending the tour’s commencement, the initial response from the homesteading community has been overwhelmingly positive. Digital engagement metrics across Steele’s social media platforms indicate a high level of anticipation for the new title. Independent booksellers have noted that events featuring authors with established digital followings, such as Steele, often result in significant foot traffic and "halo sales" of related titles and merchandise.
Publishing experts suggest that In Season will likely perform well in both suburban and rural markets. The "farm-to-table" movement, once restricted to high-end restaurants, has become a household standard for many middle-class consumers. By providing a bridge between the coop and the kitchen, Steele addresses a unique need in the market. Her focus on natural, time-tested methods appeals to a demographic that is increasingly interested in "clean eating" and the reduction of synthetic additives in their diet.
Broader Implications for the Future of Sustainable Living
The release of In Season and the subsequent national tour highlight a significant shift in how Americans perceive their relationship with food. The transition of Lisa Steele from a "chicken expert" to a "culinary authority" underscores the holistic nature of the modern homesteading movement. It is no longer sufficient to simply grow or raise food; there is a growing desire to understand the entire lifecycle of what is consumed and how to prepare it in a way that honors its origin.
This movement has broader implications for food security and environmental sustainability. By encouraging backyard poultry and seasonal gardening, Steele’s work promotes a decentralized food system that is less dependent on long-range logistics and industrial processing. This shift contributes to a reduction in the carbon footprint associated with food transportation and encourages the preservation of heirloom varieties and traditional farming techniques.
Moreover, Steele’s presence on CreateTV and her extensive digital reach serve to democratize agricultural knowledge. Methods that were once passed down through generations of farming families are now accessible to urban and suburban residents through her books and videos. This "re-skilling" of the population is a critical component of the resilience movement, providing individuals with the tools to take greater control over their nutritional health and household economy.
As the May 5 release date approaches, the focus remains on the logistical execution of the tour and the reception of the new content. With more stops planned and a growing list of ticketed events, the In Season tour is poised to be one of the most significant events in the niche of agricultural and culinary publishing this year. For Steele, it represents a culmination of nearly two decades of research and a continuing commitment to helping others raise "happy, healthy poultry" while enjoying the fruits of their labor in the kitchen.