Calf sharing is a great way to enjoy the benefits of owning a family milk cow, but not be overwhelmed with milk. As a first-time cow owner, we jumped in feet first with not just one Dexter milk cow but three! Anticipating the birth of our third calf on the homestead, I wanted to look…
Introducing chickens to a new flock can feel like an awkward family reunion. The integration process will include awkward stare-downs and squabbles among the pecking order. It may even feel like the chicken sequel of Mean Girls! However, it is possible to introduce new additions to your current flock with patience and time. As you…
As a new chicken keeper, one crucial element of flock management is creating the right balance of roosters and hens. Too many roosters create havoc, while too few may leave your hens vulnerable. While you can keep chickens without a rooster, let’s talk about why we prefer having a rooster in the flock and how…
Raising backyard chickens is feasible for many families, even those in suburban neighborhoods. A small flock of 5 to 6 hens will produce enough eggs for most families. Chickens are easy keepers and a great way to extend age-appropriate responsibility to children. Additionally, a backyard flock is a great way to introduce kids to where…
Whether you process meat at home or buy meat in bulk at the grocery store and repackage it, proper packaging of meat is essential for long-term storage in the freezer. Knowing how to wrap meat for freezing preserves the quality of the meat, reduces food waste, and saves you money. While there are several good…
At our farm, we process all our meat from field to fork. Processing your meat at home is more time-consuming than using a local butcher, but for us, the advantages far exceed the time spent. Philip has spent years studying and practicing butchering techniques. While there is certainly some skill required in identifying muscle groups…
For most new beekeepers, the prospect of honey production in your backyard is one of the most exciting aspects. As beginner beekeepers, the terms and parts of a beehive can become quite confusing. However, as you build your apiary, understanding hive configuration is important in managing your bees. One component that is talked about frequently…
When it comes to home canning, properly preparing your jars is essential to ensure safe and successful food preservation. Whether you’re canning fruits or homemade jams, taking the time to properly clean, sterilize, and prepare your jars can make all the difference in preventing spoilage or contamination. Preparing your canning jars is simple and gives…
Being prepared for an emergency is something that every family should strive for. No matter where you live emergency situations happen! Natural disasters, severe weather, power outages, medical emergencies, and unexpected job loss are just a few of the unpredictable life events we all experience. In some situations, you may be able to prepare for…
When you begin to dig into the world of beekeeping, the terminology can be so confusing! Beekeepers seem to be talking a different language! When it comes to hive boxes, beekeepers use terms like supers, deeps, mediums, and brood boxes. Let’s break down the parts of the hive starting with one of the most important…
