Small Is Bigger

I really think this is a good idea.  It appears that America's love affair with everythinhg huge is being downsized, at least when it comes to housing.  I have often thought that no one really needs more space than they can use.  Read the linked article for more info...

That Firewood Feeling

I simply cannot express the feeling of contentment I have over this year's fire wood supply.  I was fortunate to have access to one HUGE tree (which is still not completely cut up) last fall.  I, and a friend, cut it up and stacked it here on the homestead.  I didn't touch it over the winter and it sat and cured for the spring and summer.  Over the summer, I split it (by hand) and stacked it the woodshed.  Because of this extra work, we have 90% of the firewood we need for the winter this season.  Almost everything I cut from here on out, is for next winter.  This is the way it should be and the first time in the 12 years on our homestead.  We have always heated with wood here, but I have always struggled to stay ahead of the curve, often burning green wood.  But, praise God, this year will be different and, if I'm smart about this, for ever.  How's your supply?

Sharpton Wants Rush To Be Quiet

For the record, I am not a huge fan of Rush Limbaugh, Hannity, etc...  I am, however a freedom lovin', South lovin', Christian, conservative and I believe in the right of freedom of speech, no matter who you are.  Only communists and socialists silence their opposition.  Sorry for the political rant, but you need to read this article about Al Sharpton.  He thinks Rush should be silenced, along with all the others through the FCC (another government agency we don't need).  The troubling aspect of this is that Al is not the only one who thinks this way, a growing number of liberals want to close the mouths of their opposition.  Time for a revolution?

Give Thanks Unto The Lord.

"Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of His, and give thanks at the rememberance of His Holiness."  Psalm 30:4

Local Ag Is Getting More Popular

There is growing support for local, small time farmers/homesteaders and according to Alan Nation's blog, and Forbes magazine, it will keep getting better.  Below is an excerpt from Alan's article.  You can read the full text by using the link above.  I can attest that more and more people are getting concerned about the food they eat, and rightly so.  Just remember, eating this good, wholesome, local food seems to have become a priveledge and we now have to fight to keep that right.  The right to eat what we want.

"A group of futurist experts and authors convened by the politically conservative business magazine Forbes have predicted that by 2018, only eight years from now, 20 percent of the food eaten in major urban areas of the USA will be grown adjacent to or in the city itself."

Windows And Venetian Blinds Generating Solar Power?

This is a fascinating little article that talks about new technology in windows and even blinds.  Passive solar heat has always been a given, we designed our house for such a thing, gaining heat from the sun through the windows.  Now, however, there are scientists looking into venetian blinds and a film that is placed on windows to generate passive solar power.  That's right, electricity.  Read the linked article and keep you eye on this one, it could be interesting.

New Food Bill Moves Forward

Hear me Washington, we do not need this food safety bill and more government regulation!  This is a travesty that will not only hurt small farms in America, but basically disallow homesteaders from producing their own food, wheather they sell it or not.  From a consumer stand point, if you love to eat real food, grown naturally, without chemicals, non-injected, hormone free, anti biotic free, then you need to make your voices heard>  Get on the phone and protect your right to eat the food YOU choose to eat.  The government has no business telling you what you can, and cannot eat.  Not only that, the producers that have had problems, making people sick, ARE ALREADY INSPECTED.  How is more government going to solve this?

Never Too Late To Think About Gardening For Survival

Here is a great article for the survival minded types and those that look toward a more sustainable life.  This is remedial information for some, but let's face it, there are lots of people out there that don't know the first thing about growing a garden, much less growing enough food to sustain themselves for an extended period.  The linked article is for those that don't know where to begin when it comes to growing a garden.

New Study Proves The Health Benefits Of Grass Fed Animals

Once again, science has determined that eating grass fed beef and dairy products is actually healthy for you.  This is what God has been saying all along, you see cows were meant to eat grass that is the way they are designed.  It is an unnatural state for them to be in a confined area being fed GMO grain.  Now we have even more scientific proof that God's design is perfect.  You might want to keep this article to use for reference when answering question for your customers.

The Right To KEEP And BEAR Arms

When it comes to the second amendment, I think people tend to "drill for oil" when it comes to interpretation.  Instead of just reading it like it is, some have to "think" about it and offer a "deeper" meaning behind the amendment.  "This is what was REALLY meant...", they'll say.  Look, the second amendment makes provision for a stay at home mom to defend herself and her children.  It makes sure the good guys have a chance, because we all know the bad guys will have guns, no matter what the law says.  Read the attached article and be encouraged.

Morning Land Dairy

Read this if you have been following the fiasco with Morning Land Dairy.  Turns out there are more than a few lies out there.

Appearance Affects Farmer's Market Sales

Do you sell stuff, or produce from your homestead at a farmers market?  If you do, then here are some tips you might want to look at.  I work in a retail environment and I can attest to the wisdom presented in this article, presentation is everything.  As a produce manager, I notice that apples will sell better when the display is near overflowing.  Conversely, if the display is low, say one layer, people won't hardly touch them.  To take it one step further, the way I dress and carry myself is very important, as well.  People want to feel good when they spend their money.  Times are tough, this is more important now than ever.

Man Builds Underground Shooting Range-Under His House

This is just, plain cool.  I almost wish I had thought of it.  By the way, who cares what this guy does in his underground shooting range.  Restricted to hand guns?  Please.  Safety?  Why is this the governments problem, it is his home. 

Guns And Slave Owners OF Yesteryear

Some say that our liberties were given to us by "entitled slave owners", thus implying that the founding fathers were selfish, evil, narcisistic and way out of touch.  It also impies that our consitution was written during that time, for that time, and is irrelevant today.  Just when I thought I was getting used to this type of thing...

Read this article...

Elderberries The Next Super Berry Craze?

As super foods go, there are some that are what they say they are, and some that are not.  Elderberries could be the next super food craze and they are what they say they are.  My wife uses them to ensure our health all the time.  Farmers in Missouri (where we are) are getting excited about the potential of elderberries.  Lots of folks grow them and are native all over the place.  Maybe it is time to think about getting your slice of this pie.  Read the linked article for more information.

Birds, The Natural Pesticide

This is a great article about an important natural pesticide that was common not too long ago.  Birds are a great tick and fly killer, and one of the most wonderful sights in the world is to see birds in the pasture right next to the cattle.  God created things in a perfect way with a specific purpose, yet mankind always seems to think he has a better way than God's.  The attached article shows an example of farmers in Africa that have seen the light, as it were, and have moved back to nature as it should be.  Although the story is in Africa, I think there is a lesson for all of us homestead types that want to escape the use of chemicals and raise our own food in a healthy, natural, wonderful, happy way.  How do you think this article can benefit you and your homestead?

Another Example Of Smart Gun Ownership

I am a homeowner, gun totin', weapon holdin' believer and I am always encouraged to see people like these win against the bad guys.  Folks, guns don't take lives, they save them-period.  Stupid, knuckleheaded thugs kill people.  Smart, wise, safety conscious people keep guns and plenty of ammo.  They also put up food and other things for emergencies and disasters.

Using Cattle To Create Pastoral Scenery?

Who would have thought that creation of a pastoral landscape could be considered a viable bi-product of farming?  Honestly, that is the furthest thing from my mind.  However, this Virginia farmer had what he called an "epiphany".  The moment when all else, all other prior beliefs and knowledge seem to fade away.  If we consider sustainable agriculture and what that means, maybe we all need to have an epiphany.

Pigs Prefer White Clover

Who says pigs don't eat grass?  A new study shows that pigs not only eat grass, but have preferences.  Raising pigs on pasture is the best way to allow a pig to be a pig, not only is this a healthy way of feeding them but very cost effective as well.  Read more here...

Is The NRA Unreasonable?

The only thing I can agree with Mayor Bloomberg on is that the NRA is unreasonable.   Gun Owners Of America does a much better job of lobbying for and safe guarding our liberties.  That being said, the excuses he and his police chief are using to deny citizens their right to keep and bear arms is dipicable.  Read for yourself...