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…
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…
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….
Homemade Livestock Fly Spray
Have you ever read the back of a livestock fly spray bottle? It’s terrifying. I don’t even want it in my barn, let alone on my cows that produce food for my family and I. However, having pesky, annoying flies on animals, especially when your sitting half way under them to milk, is not a…
Milking Machine. Pros and Cons
I often get asked whether I hand milk or use a machine to milk out my dairy cows. The answer is, both. There is definitely a much admired simplicity in hand milking. Not only are you gaining a one on one relationship with the cows but also being up close and personal with your dairy…
10 Reasons Why You Need a Cow
I used to dream about having cows on the homestead. Milking them and making cheese from their delicious raw milk. Brushing and grooming them. Loving on them. I craved the self sufficiency that a family cow brought to a farm. Today I have 5 dairy cows. A bull for breeding, a silly stunted steer for…
Grilled Beef Heart Skewers
I remember driving home with my family when I was a child, maybe only 10 years old, I was sitting quietly in the back of our mini van with my hand in a bucket full of milk, playing with the cold cow tongue that was floating in the bucket. It was dinner. I thought it…
Saving Tank
I just want some babies!! That’s all!. Just a few sweet little calves to run around and lick my face. That’s all I want. Ok need! I NEED me some baby calves to lick my face. After four failed attempts to artificial insemination my two dairy cows, at $150.00 each time, I threw in the towel and rented a bull. …
