As a raw dairy owner and milk cow connoisseur, I must own a dozen cheesemaking books, at least. All of them are excellent and I use them frequently, however, this one is extraordinaire and I’ll tell you why. Cheese making is a difficult art. Truth! It’s a science that takes trial and error and lots…
Starting a Homestead: Advice for the first year
It all started with a chicken. A rooster actually. Living in a run down, 120 year old original homestead that was home to more mice inside then outside, I quickly began researching chemical free alternatives to eliminate these nasty unwelcomed house guests. In the midst of my research I came across a story about “old timers” using chickens…
Dairy Animal Mistakes; My Epic Failures
Early last year, in the prime of calving season, a dear friend of mine lost her beloved dairy cow. She had just calved a beautiful Jersey bull (one of Tanks babies) and within 12 hours of calving, the cow was down with 4th stage milk fever. It took another 12 hours for the vet to…
DIY Easter Egg Shell Candles
DIY Easter Egg Candles Spring has officially sprung and my chickens are laying full force. Egg shells do not go wasted around here. Like most things, I try and find another use for them. Egg shells are loaded with calcium and are excellent to feed to back to the chickens for nice hard shells in…
To induce or not to induce the overdue the family cow
As of today our family milk cow, Jersey Girl, is a little over a week past due to calf her precious baby. I have been anxiously awaiting this event for the past 9 months, checking on her daily, then hourly, and even putting a video monitor in the barn so I can peak in on her at night. I thought for sure there…
Best Ever Homemade Sandwich Bread
Few thing smell better then fresh homemade bread in the kitchen. A smell quick to bring back emotions and memories, almost as if Grandma herself was standing at the counter wearing an old ragged apron. I love the simplicity of this recipe. With the bread machine doing the majority of the work, it really…
To Wash or Not to Wash Fresh Eggs
To wash or to not wash farm fresh eggs. That is the question. Growing up we always had fresh eggs. My mom was a nurse and she had several patients that would bring her fresh eggs at each appointment. I remembering the eggs always had a smokey/wood chippy smell to them. And yes, this is…
The Day In The Life Of A Homesteader
While many people peg the homestead life as a ideal lifestyle, however, very few truly know what goes into just one day. Sunup to sundown. Every day. No breaks. No sleeping in. No “I’m too tired”. Chores have to be done. Living breathing animals entrust that you are going to get your butt up at…
DIY Grassfed Liver Pills
Did you know that liver packs more nutrients ounce for ounce then any other food source? Its a vital source of amino acids and important nutrients such as niacin, Vitamin A, D, E, K, B12 and folic acid. Besides its immune and brain boosting attributes it also has a magnificent anti-fatigue factor. There’s a reason liver was named the original super-food….
Homesteading. Is the juice worth the squeeze?
Did I lock up the chickens? I really hope that cow doesn’t calve before morning.. What if the wolves get to the calf before I do? I should have locked momma in the barn for the night. Did I turn off the hose? If I flood the pasture one more time, its going to be…
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