Depending on the amount of pasture you have, I'd suggest you also utilize the pasture with grass fed beef. Longhorns and longhorn crosses are very well suited to raising on grass and low maintenance. For winter hay, someone may be willing to cut your pasture for shares.
I've done this and it works out really well. With less land, sheep work well, although require a little more care. I've also had them and they are easy with a little education.
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oh no offense taken!
an thank you for the advice, but to be realistic , I have a very large family and we eat Meat Everyday! and not only will I be putting away for my family but I will also selling for the extra money, I have been to a few chicken swaps and believe me there is much money to be made. I Have acres that are being used for garden use, I have a room filled with preserves and canned veggies, 2 large freezers full of just veggies and fruit , that will prob last us till next season or longer. we have a small flock of sheep and are thinking about getting a few cows for dairy, next year we will be getting turkeys to do the same thing.
The idea is to get away from the store brought food and get into organic, I am not worried about the work because the outcome is well worth it. at least we know what we are eating and its soo much better to know that the pantry and freezers are always gonna something inside. especially with growing kids and hungry grown-ups
I kinda think that if done right the cost will take care of itself, when we plant, we plant for ourselves, to sell and extra for the animals. the chicks eat the food, then they give us compost to replant next year.. eggs and more chicks hopefully!... I'm not saying that it will be easy and prob some extra cost that I haven't thought of yet, but I am willing to try.
with the cost of gas goin up by the minute it way more cost effective to grow for self.
our meat intake is normal, our family basically only eat meats and lunch or dinner, either way, it's a bird / meat a day
not to mention that we throw parties / get togethers / holidays, all of which you need extras for, I would love to not have to go to the store for anything. To serve family and friends strait from the yard / ground.. would be well worth it
