Homestead Simple
Start small, there's no need to go in debt, especially if you're just wanting a simpler lifestyle. If you're wanting to make money from your homestead, think diversity. Have you ever heard the old saying " Don't put all your eggs in the same basket?" Think of different ways, several ways, to earn a little extra income. And if you want your homestead to completely support you, diversity is very important in the times we live in. This thought came to me while I was watching the movie "Country", when the farmer delivered his corn to be sold, the FHA was going to hold out 1/2 of his payment to insure they would get their money back from the loan the farmer took out for his farm. Then they took the whole check because they saw he was behind on his loan. They were going to be foreclosed on in 30 days if he didn't pay back the loan in full. I can't even remember how it ended, but probably not well. Not having debts is something we should strive for, but if it's necessary then do what you have to do. I knew if corn was the only way he had of making money, he was in trouble.
I know these little tips I give for making an income won't amount to tons of money, but it might keep your family from starving. When I was growing up my parents both worked, as a butcher and a cashier. Later they owned their own little country store, and dad built a meat processing plant on our property. Times were tough at certain times of the year, but then again at other times plenty of money was made for necessities. We had the farm, the little store, so we had food to eat. That's what I say about having a farm or homestead. If you have a source for at least food and ways to earn extra income, it might not be much but it will get you by until times get better. Then again, I think we sometimes need to really look and see if all we buy and do is really necessary. Sometimes we just need to stop buying, stop doing things that are considered a luxury. Save money for hard times, and don't go in debt. LEARN TO BE MORE FRUGAL. More on that subject HERE and HERE.
I know these little tips I give for making an income won't amount to tons of money, but it might keep your family from starving. When I was growing up my parents both worked, as a butcher and a cashier. Later they owned their own little country store, and dad built a meat processing plant on our property. Times were tough at certain times of the year, but then again at other times plenty of money was made for necessities. We had the farm, the little store, so we had food to eat. That's what I say about having a farm or homestead. If you have a source for at least food and ways to earn extra income, it might not be much but it will get you by until times get better. Then again, I think we sometimes need to really look and see if all we buy and do is really necessary. Sometimes we just need to stop buying, stop doing things that are considered a luxury. Save money for hard times, and don't go in debt. LEARN TO BE MORE FRUGAL. More on that subject HERE and HERE.
First decide what sort of things you want on your homestead. Maybe just starting small and just start a garden, and have a few chickens, and a couple of milk goats, or a bred milk cow to start with. You'll want to go with the animals you feel you can deal with, Have a place for them to stay, sleep, roost, lay eggs, etc. then find the animals. After you get used to them and used to growing food or foraging, and you begin to have a surplus of fruit, vegetables, etc., then you can find a place to sell some. . .Whether it's a Farmer's Market, roadside stand, word-of-mouth, family, relatives, etc.
GardenA garden, a little plot of land, or bins, buckets, or raised beds.
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Milk goat or cowIf you're wanting a milk goat, try to find one that's expecting or one that is still in milk.
TIPS: We've had different breeds of goats over the years and some of the milk was bad tasting.
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RabbitsImage by Engin Akyurt from Pixabay
We finally have baby rabbits!
They are growing like a weed!
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VeggiesWays to process fruits and vegetables, baskets or boxes for picking, a place for washing (inside or outside), dishpans, knives for peeling and cutting. You'll need freezer bags, jars/lids/rings, pressure canner/waterbath canner.
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FruitsIf you want to make jellies, jams for yourself and to sell: You'll also need jars, rings lids, sugar and pectin. Ribbons, labels, etc.
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Eggs-Chicks-Surplus chickensA chicken house, place to roost, place for them to roam a little, nests to lay eggs.
Feed for the chickens. |
Milk-CheeseA place to milk, bucket, a strainer and jars to store milk. Space in fridge for milk.
Feed for the goat(s) or cow. |
RabbitsRabbits, for manure for garden, and for meat if you want that.
Feed for the rabbits. |