If you have ever tried putting a standard calf halter on a Dexter calf, you already know that even after weeks of growing, a standard-size calf halter still doesn’t fit the compact face shape of a Dexter calf. While there are a few custom options available from small businesses, they are expensive. The good news?…
When it comes to food, our goal is to raise and grow the best, nutrient dense food possible. After spending months raising quality pork on the homestead, using a pre-mixed package seasoning seemed counterproductive. While I have tried many recipes, this sausage pork recipe shared by my Amish neighbor is our favorite! It uses just…
If you’ve noticed small orange or red bugs gathering on your windows, walls, or ceilings, you’re not alone. Every year, homeowners start asking the same question: are these ladybugs… or something else? The truth is, many people get confused when it comes to lady beetles vs ladybug, often mistaking the invasive Asian lady beetle for…
When Philip and I moved to the homestead full-time, our goal was to live as self-sufficiently as possible. While we raise a significant amount of our food, there are staples that we depend on that come from sources outside of the homestead. Making maple syrup is a way to produce another staple product right here…
If you’ve ever watched your chickens squabble over food, or chase one another across the yard, you’ve seen the pecking order in action. The pecking order in chickens is a natural hierarchy system that determines rank within a flock of poultry that brings peace and order. As a chicken keeper, understanding how the pecking order…
As the days grow shorter in the fall season, nature prepares for the coming cold weather. For chickens and all birds, molting is the natural process of renewing feathers. During the molting period, chickens shed old feathers to grow new plumage. A laying hen’s energy is redirected from egg production to feather regrowth. The length…
Raising new chickens is exciting, but if you’ve ever wandered around a farm supply store, it can feel overwhelming trying to decide what to feed them. The good news is chicks don’t need much for a strong start! With the right feed and a simple setup, your chicks will thrive. I’ll help you decide what…
As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to fall, apple season is well underway. One of my favorite fall canning projects is a big batch of delicious homemade cinnamon applesauce. The aroma of sweet, cinnamon apples simmering on the stove is a warm welcome as harvest season finally wraps up. Once you’ve tried…
One of my favorite summer preservation projects is fresh salsa. There is nothing like the taste of fresh tomatoes, peppers, and onions that we grew ourselves in a perfect spicy medley! For years, I had made salsa with only Amish paste tomatoes, but I was starting to get overwhelmed by the abundance of cherry tomatoes…
Whole grains are one of the best foods to keep on hand, whether you’re stocking up to mill your own flour or building a pantry for long-term preparedness. Whole wheat berries maintain their nutritional value and last much longer than whole grain flour. Buying in bulk saves money and ensures you always have fresh, nutritious…
