I spent an incredible day today. This morning, Abigail and I went to a friends house and cut about 3 rick of firewood, brought home almost 2 for ourselves. This winter is staying cold enough that we are chugging through the wood. Afterward, we went to pick up some hay for the animals. I know it doesn't sound like much, but, both things are a huge load off my shoulders and I am very thankful for my helpful daughter and good friends.
Our youngest daughter is now suffering with the chicken pox. She has them twice as bad as her sister had them last week. Daddy's heart breaks for her.
One thing I wanted to mention is that my wife picked up "The New Square Foot Gardening" book. She read the first one and did apply some of the principles, but, as always, we lacked the follow through. I wanted to mention this book because it has us both excited about gardening again. I will let you read it, but, if you are making preparations for the pending collapse, this is an economical and bountiful way to garden. We are going to employ this method, this year. If you lack space for a garden but want to put away some food for emergencies, you need this book. I'll keep you posted onour progress.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Grass Fed Is Worth The Price Tag
Michael Pollan says that all animals are healthier when they have access to green plants. This goes along with what I've been saying for a while-grass is the key.
Pollan went on to say that "its worth looking for pastured animal foods in the market and paying the premium price they typically command".
You can read more here.
Pollan went on to say that "its worth looking for pastured animal foods in the market and paying the premium price they typically command".
You can read more here.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
How I Spent My Sunday
Yesterday, Abbie (9), came down with the chicken pox. I guess all the hard work she did with me made her immune system weak, or something. No big deal as she will now be rid of that for the rest of her life.
Today, though, started out normal. Mommy was to stay home with Abbie and Bess (7) and I were to go to church. We did our chores, ate breakfast, dressed and went to church. We pulled into the parking lot and Bess said, daddy, I want to go home."
Why?, I asked.
I'm gonna frow up!, was her reply. So I took her out of the van and into the church bathroom, just in case. She said she felt OK, so we went home. Now we await her chicken pox breakout.
We passed the day in laziness. The kids slept and we surfed the internet and watched VHS tapes of Andy Griffeth and Leave it to Beaver. I feel like a bum. Oh well, I can blame it on the rain, I guess.
Today, though, started out normal. Mommy was to stay home with Abbie and Bess (7) and I were to go to church. We did our chores, ate breakfast, dressed and went to church. We pulled into the parking lot and Bess said, daddy, I want to go home."
Why?, I asked.
I'm gonna frow up!, was her reply. So I took her out of the van and into the church bathroom, just in case. She said she felt OK, so we went home. Now we await her chicken pox breakout.
We passed the day in laziness. The kids slept and we surfed the internet and watched VHS tapes of Andy Griffeth and Leave it to Beaver. I feel like a bum. Oh well, I can blame it on the rain, I guess.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Getting The Rabbitry Going Has Been A Long Wait
I spent a great saturday at home. To start with I got up early and fixed the family breakfast consisting of farm fresh, Omega 3 eggs from our wonderful hens, with toast, of course.
After that I set in to work on the list of tasks I make for myself during my home time. Fortunately, I only accomplished one of the things on the list. Fortunately? you ask? Yes, my major goal for the day was to complete some more rabbit cages. This has been weighing heavily on me, lately. We have gotten several calls, recently, for fresh rabbit. Several people want them for their own meat and several want them for pet food. We got an email the other day that asked for fresh rabbit to feed to a cat that has allergies. Apparently the vet told her to try feeding rabbit as the cat is allergic to beef and chicken. Of course, farm fresh with no additives and hormones and antibiotics is what she is looking for.
Another gentleman wants as many rabbits as he can get to put into organic pet food. I guess there is a market for this sort of thing. But, this is what has caused me distress. We didn't have enough space to have an effective breeding program. We have put a few into our own freezer, but that is all, really. We have sold a few live rabbits for pets, but nothing as a profiable business venture. We had always intended to expand and work on a system for breeding, but never really got around to it.
I constructed the cages very simply. I used 1x2 inch wire, 2 foot tall, cut into 11 foot sections, laid flat. Incidentally, this is where a long hallway with 12 inch ceramic tile comes in real handy. Then I cut 2 pieces of the same for the roof. I bent, or, folded the 11 foot at the 3 foot mark (the side), to make a 90 degree angle, then I bent it again at 2.5 feet (the end) at 90 degrees, then again at at 3 feet at a 90 degree angle (the other side) and one last time with the remaining 2.5 foot section (the other end) to make a box. I simply J-clipped it together.
The 2 top sections were cut at 29 inces and laid on top and J-clipped to form the top, or, roof. The bottom is 1 inch x 1.5 inch square woven wire (special order) at 3 foot. I simply cut a piece at 2.5 feet to fit in the bottom. I then J-clipped it, one inch recessed to allow for it being raised up.
Then I cut a door, big enough to fit a large rabbit, my head and hands in. I used some scrap wire to make a door and fastened it on with J-clips. Voila! That's it.
I did make a wooden stand for them with some scrap lumber I have laying around. But, now we have all the rabbits in their own cages, except for two, they are to be sold.
After all that, we bred three of our does with two of our bucks. That always gets me to giggling. Let's just say it goes very fast-like rabbits! Now we have three does bred and should give birth in a month or so.
It feels good to have a plan with the rabbits now. Our family loves the meat, ourselves, and look forward to having some in the freezer again. Lord willing, we might sell a few, as well.
The best part of the whole thing was the fellowship it provided. My two girls helped me construct them. My oldest one (9) even squeezed the pliers on a bunch of J-clips. I was impressed with the strength of her small hands! The two of them both told me how they love saturdays because they can work with their daddy and just be with him. I almost cried. Folks, that is child training at it's best.
Afterward, we took out the metal detector and hit some spots on the property. All we found was some junk, but, my lovely wife found some Usnea, a lichen that is a big antibiotic. For the life of me, I could not understand why she was getting so excited over a dead oak branch lying on the ground. Then she explained it to me. She plans to tincture it and keep it for our medical needs. We'll need it when the political stuff hits the fan.
To round out the day, we discovered the chicken pox on our oldest daughter. She'll be staying home tomorrow. Our youngest daughter (7) is freaked out with fear that she will catch them and die. We try to reassure her, to no avail. Truthfully, we are glad to see the chicken pox. It is best to get them over with when they are young. My wife and I both had them as children.
So, it was a good day. One load has been taken from my shoulders and my children and I tied some strings of fellowship. God is merciful and loving, isn't He?
After that I set in to work on the list of tasks I make for myself during my home time. Fortunately, I only accomplished one of the things on the list. Fortunately? you ask? Yes, my major goal for the day was to complete some more rabbit cages. This has been weighing heavily on me, lately. We have gotten several calls, recently, for fresh rabbit. Several people want them for their own meat and several want them for pet food. We got an email the other day that asked for fresh rabbit to feed to a cat that has allergies. Apparently the vet told her to try feeding rabbit as the cat is allergic to beef and chicken. Of course, farm fresh with no additives and hormones and antibiotics is what she is looking for.
Another gentleman wants as many rabbits as he can get to put into organic pet food. I guess there is a market for this sort of thing. But, this is what has caused me distress. We didn't have enough space to have an effective breeding program. We have put a few into our own freezer, but that is all, really. We have sold a few live rabbits for pets, but nothing as a profiable business venture. We had always intended to expand and work on a system for breeding, but never really got around to it.
I constructed the cages very simply. I used 1x2 inch wire, 2 foot tall, cut into 11 foot sections, laid flat. Incidentally, this is where a long hallway with 12 inch ceramic tile comes in real handy. Then I cut 2 pieces of the same for the roof. I bent, or, folded the 11 foot at the 3 foot mark (the side), to make a 90 degree angle, then I bent it again at 2.5 feet (the end) at 90 degrees, then again at at 3 feet at a 90 degree angle (the other side) and one last time with the remaining 2.5 foot section (the other end) to make a box. I simply J-clipped it together.
The 2 top sections were cut at 29 inces and laid on top and J-clipped to form the top, or, roof. The bottom is 1 inch x 1.5 inch square woven wire (special order) at 3 foot. I simply cut a piece at 2.5 feet to fit in the bottom. I then J-clipped it, one inch recessed to allow for it being raised up.
Then I cut a door, big enough to fit a large rabbit, my head and hands in. I used some scrap wire to make a door and fastened it on with J-clips. Voila! That's it.
I did make a wooden stand for them with some scrap lumber I have laying around. But, now we have all the rabbits in their own cages, except for two, they are to be sold.
After all that, we bred three of our does with two of our bucks. That always gets me to giggling. Let's just say it goes very fast-like rabbits! Now we have three does bred and should give birth in a month or so.
It feels good to have a plan with the rabbits now. Our family loves the meat, ourselves, and look forward to having some in the freezer again. Lord willing, we might sell a few, as well.
The best part of the whole thing was the fellowship it provided. My two girls helped me construct them. My oldest one (9) even squeezed the pliers on a bunch of J-clips. I was impressed with the strength of her small hands! The two of them both told me how they love saturdays because they can work with their daddy and just be with him. I almost cried. Folks, that is child training at it's best.
Afterward, we took out the metal detector and hit some spots on the property. All we found was some junk, but, my lovely wife found some Usnea, a lichen that is a big antibiotic. For the life of me, I could not understand why she was getting so excited over a dead oak branch lying on the ground. Then she explained it to me. She plans to tincture it and keep it for our medical needs. We'll need it when the political stuff hits the fan.
To round out the day, we discovered the chicken pox on our oldest daughter. She'll be staying home tomorrow. Our youngest daughter (7) is freaked out with fear that she will catch them and die. We try to reassure her, to no avail. Truthfully, we are glad to see the chicken pox. It is best to get them over with when they are young. My wife and I both had them as children.
So, it was a good day. One load has been taken from my shoulders and my children and I tied some strings of fellowship. God is merciful and loving, isn't He?
Thursday, February 18, 2010
"Nativised" Verses Heritage Breeds
Joel Salatin makes the case for, what he has termed, "nativised" animals, verses heritage breeds. I recently read an article he wrote on this, and, must admit, that I am intrigued. Mr. Salatin always stirs the emotions and intellect and I am glad to trust his wisdom.
The gist of his argument is that heritage breeds (rare breeds) are fine. It is a good thing to do your part to preserve the breed and propigate it. The problem begins at, well, the beginning. When purchasing the heritage breeds, the price tags often associated with them is very large. This make the profit margin smaller. In order to recoup what you have invested, you have to charge the same or more, to sell the animal. In simplified terms, the meat is more expensive, but doesn't taste any different. At least not enough difference to warrant the price tag. The truth is that a heritage breedre can price themselves right out of business. You have to be wealthy to maintain your herd. Again, this is fine, if that is what you want to do.
But, if your goal is to provide good food without the injections, additives, hormones, antibiotics, poked, prodded, sardine style raised, mud bath, fecal dust, then the high priced rare breeds are silly. He makes the case for what he calls nativised breeds. These are your standard, plentiful breeds of animals.
But they are the same animals that the industrial, mechanical facilities use! I hear you, but hear me out before you bring out the torches and the pitchforks. Again, in simplified terms, it is not the breed that makes the meat healthy, eatable and injection free. It is the way it was raised. In other words, taking the animal, regardless of breed, and placing it in its natural invironment. You know, nativising it. Bringing the animal back to its native land. It is letting a bovine be a bovine. Brining out the pigness of the pig, the chickeness of the chicken, etc.
Once again, I must thank Mr. Salatin for causing a paradigm shift in my brain. Now I face a difficult decision, one I have not reached, completely. I will say that I may, now, be leaning toward the nativised. My problem is that I really, really like the Dexter breed. The smaller cuts of meat make for great storage in the freezer for a small family. They eat less than larger breeds, that is a big plus. They are gentle by nature and thrive on grass. On the other, other hand, I can't afford to buy into a herd much less two to get started. This brings me back to nativised, I can afford that. Hmmm......
The gist of his argument is that heritage breeds (rare breeds) are fine. It is a good thing to do your part to preserve the breed and propigate it. The problem begins at, well, the beginning. When purchasing the heritage breeds, the price tags often associated with them is very large. This make the profit margin smaller. In order to recoup what you have invested, you have to charge the same or more, to sell the animal. In simplified terms, the meat is more expensive, but doesn't taste any different. At least not enough difference to warrant the price tag. The truth is that a heritage breedre can price themselves right out of business. You have to be wealthy to maintain your herd. Again, this is fine, if that is what you want to do.
But, if your goal is to provide good food without the injections, additives, hormones, antibiotics, poked, prodded, sardine style raised, mud bath, fecal dust, then the high priced rare breeds are silly. He makes the case for what he calls nativised breeds. These are your standard, plentiful breeds of animals.
But they are the same animals that the industrial, mechanical facilities use! I hear you, but hear me out before you bring out the torches and the pitchforks. Again, in simplified terms, it is not the breed that makes the meat healthy, eatable and injection free. It is the way it was raised. In other words, taking the animal, regardless of breed, and placing it in its natural invironment. You know, nativising it. Bringing the animal back to its native land. It is letting a bovine be a bovine. Brining out the pigness of the pig, the chickeness of the chicken, etc.
Once again, I must thank Mr. Salatin for causing a paradigm shift in my brain. Now I face a difficult decision, one I have not reached, completely. I will say that I may, now, be leaning toward the nativised. My problem is that I really, really like the Dexter breed. The smaller cuts of meat make for great storage in the freezer for a small family. They eat less than larger breeds, that is a big plus. They are gentle by nature and thrive on grass. On the other, other hand, I can't afford to buy into a herd much less two to get started. This brings me back to nativised, I can afford that. Hmmm......
Monday, February 15, 2010
Berry Care-Brambles
Brambles, such as Raspberries, Blackberries, Black Caps etc, need a March application of Aragonite which is very high in Calcium and low in Magneseum. Too much Magneseum inhibits the plants from taking up Calcium. This is followed by an April application of Berry Mix 4-2-4. Than in August-October use Berry Mix 4-2-4 to allow the nutrients to be absobed in the plants roots. This will also set the plants for heavy spring production.
Feel free to contact us for more information on Fertrell and all the products they offer.
Feel free to contact us for more information on Fertrell and all the products they offer.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Of Beef, Rabbits And Metal
Around here it seems as if we haven't seen the sun about 12 months. It seems like it has been rainy/snowy and always cloudy. The few times the sun did peek out, it lasted just a short while. By golly, I miss it. The sun just seems to brighten my day, both figuratively and physically. There are times when it seems hard to stay positive when the sun is behind the clouds. But, I have the Son within, and that will cure all ills.
I spent the day with my daughters. My wife was finishing up the four days per year she works out of the house. She arranges flowers for me at the store for valentine's day. So th egirls and I spent the day together. It is always a joy. We decided to honor mommy and clean up the house a bit. We were so proud of ourselves. Mommy has been working hard making pretty bouquets, she needed the help here.
After that, the girls and I went out for a little metal detecting. We scoped around the old farmhouse on the property and found a couple more plow blades. These are from a pull behind implement, I think. Not as old as the first one we found, but the kids get a kick out of finding stuff. We all look forward to a "real" hunting trip. Somwhere where there will be coins, I hope.
Then I moved the cattle to a new paddock, which is about 4 months overdue. I think it was a mistake to move the bull, though. He seems happy enough in the new paddock, but I can see the wisdom of placing a bull in a place and just leaving him there. They are destructive and feisty. He immediately tore into the trees and thrashed around. I believe I will put him back where he was and leave him there, taking the cow to him. I plan to plant a couple of tree trunks in the ground for him to butt and rub against. That way, maybe, he'll leave the water tank upright and in the paddock. He might be next year's beef.
I've been thinking a lot about getting the rabbitry going strong. We have had several calls for rabbit meat and have none to provide. This needs to be a priority. On a bright note, we saved the buck from death. He was looking weak and sickly, so we put some apple cider vinegar in his water. It helped as he came around in a couple of days, eating and drinking like normal. So take note of this if you have rabbits.
The cages are very simple to build and I am sure, when I have them done, I will wonder why I took so long to make them. That, my friends, is the story of my life-procrastination. Speaking of which, I have to read my bible now. Tune in next time for more on raising berry's.
I spent the day with my daughters. My wife was finishing up the four days per year she works out of the house. She arranges flowers for me at the store for valentine's day. So th egirls and I spent the day together. It is always a joy. We decided to honor mommy and clean up the house a bit. We were so proud of ourselves. Mommy has been working hard making pretty bouquets, she needed the help here.
After that, the girls and I went out for a little metal detecting. We scoped around the old farmhouse on the property and found a couple more plow blades. These are from a pull behind implement, I think. Not as old as the first one we found, but the kids get a kick out of finding stuff. We all look forward to a "real" hunting trip. Somwhere where there will be coins, I hope.
Then I moved the cattle to a new paddock, which is about 4 months overdue. I think it was a mistake to move the bull, though. He seems happy enough in the new paddock, but I can see the wisdom of placing a bull in a place and just leaving him there. They are destructive and feisty. He immediately tore into the trees and thrashed around. I believe I will put him back where he was and leave him there, taking the cow to him. I plan to plant a couple of tree trunks in the ground for him to butt and rub against. That way, maybe, he'll leave the water tank upright and in the paddock. He might be next year's beef.
I've been thinking a lot about getting the rabbitry going strong. We have had several calls for rabbit meat and have none to provide. This needs to be a priority. On a bright note, we saved the buck from death. He was looking weak and sickly, so we put some apple cider vinegar in his water. It helped as he came around in a couple of days, eating and drinking like normal. So take note of this if you have rabbits.
The cages are very simple to build and I am sure, when I have them done, I will wonder why I took so long to make them. That, my friends, is the story of my life-procrastination. Speaking of which, I have to read my bible now. Tune in next time for more on raising berry's.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Grow bigger, Better, Berries Using Fertrell
I am going to start with Blueberries. In the next posts, I will cover the other, more popular berries.
As you may know, Blueberries like a more acidic soil, somewhere in the 4.5 to 5.1 Ph range. That being said, the plants will still have a problem utilizing Phosphorus in that low of a Ph soil. Fertrell recomends a late summer to fall feeding of Holly Care 4-2-4 to give the plants a high P fertilizing along with the sulfer, nutrients and acidity the Blueberry plants love. Doing this during the stated time of year allows the roots of the plants plenty of time to absorb the nutrients.
In the early spring, before the leaves are fully out, apply Fertrell's Berry Mix to give the plants a boost prior to production. If you use a hardwood mulch, keep in mind that the hardwood mulch will keep your plants from taking up Nitrogen, so you may need to add a bit of N to compensate.
In March, add Fertrell's Berry Mix 4-2-4 at a rate of 2lbs per 100 square feet.
In July, August and September, add Fertrell's Holly Care 4-2-4 at a rate of 5lbs per 100 square feet.
I hope this helps your berry efforts. If you have any questions, please feel free to email us. We are glad to help.
As you may know, Blueberries like a more acidic soil, somewhere in the 4.5 to 5.1 Ph range. That being said, the plants will still have a problem utilizing Phosphorus in that low of a Ph soil. Fertrell recomends a late summer to fall feeding of Holly Care 4-2-4 to give the plants a high P fertilizing along with the sulfer, nutrients and acidity the Blueberry plants love. Doing this during the stated time of year allows the roots of the plants plenty of time to absorb the nutrients.
In the early spring, before the leaves are fully out, apply Fertrell's Berry Mix to give the plants a boost prior to production. If you use a hardwood mulch, keep in mind that the hardwood mulch will keep your plants from taking up Nitrogen, so you may need to add a bit of N to compensate.
In March, add Fertrell's Berry Mix 4-2-4 at a rate of 2lbs per 100 square feet.
In July, August and September, add Fertrell's Holly Care 4-2-4 at a rate of 5lbs per 100 square feet.
I hope this helps your berry efforts. If you have any questions, please feel free to email us. We are glad to help.
Monday, February 8, 2010
A Little, Tiny, Teeny, Weeny, Mini Horse
I had to share these with y'all. This little critter was born on a ranch in Australia. I'll let the pics do the talking.
The young man in the picture is 12. The baby stands at 15". Yup, that inches!
Sunday, February 7, 2010
NAIS Belly Up?
I suggest we remain vigilant. If the government holds true, we will see this again, under a new name and different reg's. In fact, the article, pretty much says so. Read more here
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/05/business/05livestock.html?scp=1&sq=usda&st=cse
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/05/business/05livestock.html?scp=1&sq=usda&st=cse
The Boring Life In The Country
This weekend was a good one, even though I only accomplished one thing. Yesterday, I took a trip to town for some chainsaw gas and some chicken feed. I then spent the rest of the day cutting fire wood and hauling it home in "Polly" the Power Wagon. I felt good about it as I got about a rick cut and hauled in. That will last us a few weeks. My back, on the other hand, wants me to surrender.
We took a few good Fertrell orders and filled them, which got us off to a good start for the spring planting season. Keep us in mind for your garden and pasture and animal nutrition needs. If you're not in our area, you can still ask us questions, we will do what we can to answer them for you.
Out side of our knucklehead dog getting stuck in the chicken coop for the night, nothing other than the usual going on. I keep waiting for the "slow" season to hit, any time now.
We have been enjoying the beautiful birds at the feeder in the back yard, so I thought I'd share some pictures with you.
We took a few good Fertrell orders and filled them, which got us off to a good start for the spring planting season. Keep us in mind for your garden and pasture and animal nutrition needs. If you're not in our area, you can still ask us questions, we will do what we can to answer them for you.
Out side of our knucklehead dog getting stuck in the chicken coop for the night, nothing other than the usual going on. I keep waiting for the "slow" season to hit, any time now.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Listen Up Washington
"The real superiority of our economic system is its emphasis on the spiritual values that come from free human beings, able to make their own choices in life. You can't measure that in manhours worked. and one of the greatest strengths of our system is the role business plays in supporting civic, charitable and educational causes of all kinds." -Harry P. Letton, Jr.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Garlic As A Healing Herb
I thought I knew a lot about garlic, but, after doing a bit of research, I found that I knew very little. We grow our own here, and enjoy the herb in many of our foods. The smell of the kitchen when garlic is cooking is fantastic. And the taste is heavenly. I love the spice of it, and truly enjoy eating it.
We also enjoy the health benefits of it. I learned a long time ago that garlic is a proficient healer, and take it, fresh, when I feel like I am coming down with something. The herb has proven, more than once, that it does heal.
Like I said, I did some research on garlic for an article I was writting on hub pages, and I came across some interesting facts about this fascinating herb that I thought I'd share with you.
First of all, what are the actions of garlic? Garlic is an antibacterial, antiviral, antiseptic and antiparasitic-to name a few.
What is garlic active against? Again, to name a few, Tuberculosis, staph, E-coli, herpes and the flu.
In my opinion, garlic is our first line of defense. Are you worried about swine flu? Take some garlic, everyday.
A couple of posts ago, I wrote a few tips on being prepared. I was speaking of natural disasters, but, we all know that there are any number of things that can bring about disaster, ranging from the natural to the political. In any case, it is prudent to also consider what you would do if medical service was unavailable. So, in you prerarations, make sure you have a supply of garlic. Look for a good sale and take full advantage of it. Better yet, add that as a staple to oyur garden. It is incredibly simple to grow.
To learn more on this amazing herb, use the article link above and begind some research on your own. Thanks for stopping by.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Tender Grassfed Meat-A Book Review
Tender Grassfed Meat is a gift that I received from my wonderful brother-in-law for Christmas. Written by Stanlet A. Fishman, it is not only a cook book that helps convert age old methods and recipes to your modern kitchen, it is a font of knowledge. It gives an excellent testimony to the health benefits of eating grass fed meat and a bit of history, as well.
The back cover reads. "Grassfed meat is leaner, denser, less watery and far more flavorful than other meat. It must be cooked differently. All the recipes in this book have been specially created and designed for grassfed meat, using only the best natural ingredients. The step by step recipes are detailed and easy to use." I must concur, this is a great book to have around.
The author ruined the first grassfed meat he ever cooked. From then on, he used his research skills to learn how to cook grassfed meat properly. You owe it to yourself, if you prefer grassfed, to add this book to your cook book library.
The back cover reads. "Grassfed meat is leaner, denser, less watery and far more flavorful than other meat. It must be cooked differently. All the recipes in this book have been specially created and designed for grassfed meat, using only the best natural ingredients. The step by step recipes are detailed and easy to use." I must concur, this is a great book to have around.
The author ruined the first grassfed meat he ever cooked. From then on, he used his research skills to learn how to cook grassfed meat properly. You owe it to yourself, if you prefer grassfed, to add this book to your cook book library.
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