Ever wondered the difference between being "involved" and being truly "committed? Look at the difference between chickens and pigs! What do you want to learn about raising chicks? Want a couple of pigs to raise for your own meat (buy as weaners in the spring and butcher in the fall) Want to learn about getting started on the path to growing healthy wholesome … [Read more...]
Raising and Butchering Pigs for your Family
For several years we have raised weaner pigs here on our property. Raising and butchering pigs for your family is not hard to do. It's a great way for us to know what is in the meat we are eating. Raising and butchering pigs for your family saves you so much money, especially if you can have the pigs on pasture for most of their lives. Next year, we may be back to raising a couple of … [Read more...]
Life Lessons From a Pig
Wallow while you may! Live high on the hog! Never squeal on your friends. When the world gives you slop, pig out! Don't get too much exercise Go "wee wee wee" all the way home! Don't let anyone bust your chops. Take time to stop and smell the mud Don't boar … [Read more...]
This is Disgusting! Do You Buy Pork at the Grocery Store?
Just the other day, I was looking around on Facebook and came across this picture put up by Urban Homesteading is a Way of Life, Not a Copyright. I'll explain about their unusual Facebook name later in this post. But first, look at this picture. If you buy your pork at the grocery store, this is the way your pork chop's true owner spent its entire life! Callous, cruel … [Read more...]
Tilling the Barn Garden
The soil here is quite dry already, which is a bit surprising considering we are still in early Spring. In "normal" years the gardens can't be tilled until at least the first weekend in May and that might be pushing it a bit. The other day when we were down at the barn, cleaning out the coop and getting ready for the chickens to come home, Graham checked out the small garden we have down there. … [Read more...]
How To Get Started on the Path to Providing for Your Family
Have you been used to buying your groceries at the supermarkets? Never raised animals or had a garden? Are you trying to figure out how to get started on the path to providing for your family? Have you thought about starting a homestead? It can certainly feel overwhelming just to get started. So think about getting started, but doing it on a small … [Read more...]