Homesteaders

[fangedknight]

Hey guys! Figured I'd pop in here, I'm trying to get the whole homesteading thing going. Right now I just have my chickens a duck and a goose. I'm hoping that eventually (after moving to a bigger place/actual farm WITH A BARN OMG! Space issues...ugggghhh) that we'll be having pigs, mini cattle, and horses. My friends think I'm nuts but I can't help it lol.

I'm starting to take a look at utility tractors, I'm gonna start making a list of chores/jobs we'll need it for (both now and eventually). Obviously the gp bucket on the front for hauling things and moving stuff, not to mention we're gonna be needing to dig a looot. It's so complicated that I'm getting confused just thinking about it.

 

[CLSranch]

Don't take on too much at once. That's the main thing that can get you a headache. And lead to giving up. Just like working out as a new year's resolution.

 

[fangedknight]

Don't take on too much at once. That's the main thing that can get you a headache. And lead to giving up. Just like working out as a new year's resolution.

Yeah I'm starting to really understand that. We just started the official search for a new place and we're hoping that we'll be able to move in the next year or so ish. Nobody's rushing it though since it's really hard to actually find a farm that isn't going to break the bank and still meets all the requirements.

Now that I'm actually writing out a list of stuff that a tractor would come in handy for (even just starting with what we have now) it's starting to make some more sense. It's sounding like mostly general hauling (like feed bags and straw bales or compost stuff etc) so what I'd use the front loader bucket for. Digging both for fence posts and general digging (like for our duck pond). Some bush mowing/gang mowing (whichever it's called we have some patches of wooded thorny brush that needs whacked that I can't get with the regular riding mower). And with that would be some general clearing of downed trees and such. And if I need it then I can always do something to help mow the grass too. (So far I don't need that). I'm still working on my list though.

 

[arconfederate]

Yeah I'm starting to really understand that. We just started the official search for a new place and we're hoping that we'll be able to move in the next year or so ish. Nobody's rushing it though since it's really hard to actually find a farm that isn't going to break the bank and still meets all the requirements.

Now that I'm actually writing out a list of stuff that a tractor would come in handy for (even just starting with what we have now) it's starting to make some more sense. It's sounding like mostly general hauling (like feed bags and straw bales or compost stuff etc) so what I'd use the front loader bucket for. Digging both for fence posts and general digging (like for our duck pond). Some bush mowing/gang mowing (whichever it's called we have some patches of wooded thorny brush that needs whacked that I can't get with the regular riding mower). And with that would be some general clearing of downed trees and such. And if I need it then I can always do something to help mow the grass too. (So far I don't need that). I'm still working on my list though.

I recommend Tractor forum. There's some really knowledgeable people on there. A lot of it will depend on the size and makeup of the land that you find and of course, the size of your wallet. I have 9.5 acres, mostly pasture and I found an old Ford 2000 with a bush hog. I would recommend a newer tractor if you can. The old ones are fun but the newer designs are easier to maneuver around things.

 

[NorthTexasWink]

For clearing brush, I say goats are your best bet. We even have some enterprising locals who rent out their goat herds to clear properties and graze heavy grass! They just trailer them and their mobile solar electric fence setup to the location, then pick them up when the job is done. People pay THEM to graze their little money-makers on plenty of varied forage. A couple of the nearby municipalities even have contracted with them. Wish I'd thought of that.

 

[JuliaOlivia]

According to this thread I guess I am a homesteader. I have 4 sheep, 39 chickens, and I show dairy heifers in our county fair.

 

[JuliaOlivia]

and 12 acres

 

[JuliaOlivia]

A word of encouragement ? I used to deliver mail and I've found those invisible fences do a good job when done right. Not sure how it would work with your dog but if you got a guarantee from the company that it would work or money back it might be worth a shot.

A combination of things might work well. I wish you well,

Rancher

They work great and if you have the right set up you can do it yourself

 

[ChocolateMouse]

Hello, I just stumbled across this thread. Not sure how I missed it before... But I have been homesteading for about 5 years now. I keep rabbits (Rex and NZW), chickens, and a substantial vegetable garden.
This year I am growing lettuce, rocket, corn, tomatoes, peppers, peas, beans, broccoli, dill, thyme, parsley, basil, zucchini, winter squash, watermelon, onions, radishes, carrots and potatoes.
I have been practicing a lot more square foot gardening this year and interplanting. The radishes were growing thick around my corn up until recently, now only a few small ones are left. As those come out, two of my winter squash plants are going to grow through the corn plants and help use them as support, while providing ground cover to keep weeds down. The potatoes I am growing in 4'x4' boxes and layering dirt on them for vertical growth.
My goals for the year are to produce a large amount of rabbit sausage, have enough tomatoes to can into tomato sauce and have a large amount of potatoes for storage and eating.
I'm looking forward to hearing more about the rest of you folks.

 

[rancher hicks]

More rain today. I can't say I'm sick of rain, but it is hard.