Self-taught farmers confidently raising chickens, ducks, geese, and pigs. Our focus is on practices that are environmentally harmonious and respectful to our livestock. We appreciate the beauty around us, clean eating, fermenting, and responsibly utilizing the bounty of the land. If you like thinking for yourself, continuous learning, and connecting with the homesteader lifestyle, check us out.
Ah, the dirty little (not so) secret that farmers and homesteaders often sidestep when discussing the nuts and bolts of raising animals: poop. Poop is important, and I think that anyone who raises animals, whether as livestock or as pets, should be looking at it.
Continue reading “Farm Fowl: Let’s Talk About Poop *Graphic*”
When the weather app says it’s 15 degrees out but feels like 1, you know it’s cold out there…ok, not Minnesota cold, but cold for this area. And it’s a white Christmas – a dusting of snow overnight was followed by snow showers today. Given the precipitous drop in temperatures, it’s a good thing we wrapped all the tractors yesterday.
Continue reading “Farm Life: A Very Chilly Christmas”
It’s been rainy lately, which means the ground is muddy…which is how pigs prefer it. And they don’t want stinky, feces-filled mud – they like “clean” dirt (oxymoron?) that’s been carefully mixed with water into a perfectly-pastelike consistency. The mud also helps keep them cool, and protects their skin from the ample biting insects out here. All hail mud!
You probably figured that pastured pigs need to be moved periodically onto new grass, right? Theoretically, it seems fairly simple, but the reality can be a bit different. Ever tried to catch a running pig?
Continue reading “Porcine Adventures: Moving The Pigs To New Pasture”
Earlier, I posted about our new pigs – they’ve been in a roomy pen while we figured out what kind of fencing setup would work to get them out in the pasture. We knew from earlier encounters (like when we first tried to move Mama from the car to the barn and she ran out of her crate a few feet onto grass, which she immediately began grazing) that secure fencing is imperative. With some research, planning, and equipment purchases, they’re now all set to do rotational grazing on pasture.
Continue reading “Farm Projects: Setting Up Rotational Grazing”
Our dogs have come to expect their “dessert” in the evening. It’s our fault – we’ve conditioned them. We’ve been buying organic dog treats to give out at dessert time, but why not make them, instead…and pack them full of goodness?
Continue reading “Homemade Treats: Pumpkin-Banana-Peanut Butter Dog Cookies”