Homestead Consulting
Need some personalized information for your specific farm situation? Stuck on a homesteading farm problem and unable to find information for your exact problem? Google is great, and sometimes it’s nice to get more personalized service.
You don’t have to be frustrated and feel like you’re inventing the wheel all over again!
NORTHERN MICHIGAN CAMPING
POULTRY PROCESSING
OUTPOST SHOP
EDUCATION CENTER
Are you looking for wholesome, pasture-grown, nutrient-dense chicken?
Purchase Your Chicken Share Today!
(Limited Quantity of Shares Available)
Our chickens are raised on fresh pasture and moved daily onto fresh grass! They are raised with love! Our chickens all are natural, fed non-GMO feed, and get plenty of sunshine, bugs and natural nutrition.
Support the Classroom Fund
Around the Homestead – News, and Information
A Good Business
Our business isn't exactly a glory business. Custom chicken processing. But it's a service and we are professionals. Even the ten year old. These kids are awesome, and our business has facilitated so much good for them: understanding the finances of a business (they...
Gathering is a revolutionary act
Gathering is a revolutionary act. There's a great power in gathering with like minded people. When you choose to step out of the flow of "normal" life, it helps a great deal to have folks to lock arms with, to connect to, for help and support. That is how you...
Guardians of the Birds
Livestock Guardian dogs (Great Pyrenees, to be exact) save the day! Do you know you almost didn't have access to Northern Michigan's best pasture raised chickens? Our second or third year here on Baker's Green Acres, we had predators that got nearly as many chickens...
The Gathering: Anyone Can Farm
The Anyone Can Farm Tribe Gathering was a success! Check out the fun!
Anyone Can Farm Tribe Day Happenings
We hope you'll join us for a fun day of learning and fellowship! Here's the basic plan: Event time schedule: Time Event Speaker 8:00: AM Coffee's on! 9:00: AM workshops Josh Cross: Bees Parker Holmes: grazing cattle 10:30: AM workshops Jill Baker: Eat Your...
Chicks on Grass
Around here, you know it's spring when the chicks arrive. It's kind of like watching for the first robin or the swallows. Spring is arrived when the phone rings and it's the Post Office and they say, "You're chicks are here!" Spring isn't the best time for brooding...
Homestead Dairy Cow
Mark's been talking about the Homestead Dairy Cow, sharing his experience and knowledge. Want to know good breeds to get? What equipment is good for a homestead dairy cow? How to graze your dairy gal? Check out these videos. We milk (or will soon) 4 different...
Spring and visions
It's Spring! April is an odd time, a transition time on the farm. We're still cleaning up winter, but summer's energy isn't quite there yet. No snow. No grass. So, what are we doing? Preparing. Entertaining visions of the possibilities of the summer. That includes:...
A Little Pig Tale: Lessons from the homestead
The homestead is a teacher. Some lessons are easy. Others, not so much.
Homestead Hog Harvest
Homestead Hog Harvest isn't just a class. It's an experience. "Never underestimate the power of a bloody handshake." --a former class member The class always starts with people wearing name tags standing in a circle around Mark, looking at each other a little...
Homestead Economics: more than money
The bottom line of your homestead farm's economics. Are you all about a good environment for the kids? Making some money? Having good food to eat? Helping your local community? All of the above are possible and important. The economics of a homestead is about the...
Teaching them the ropes: homeschool on the homestead
Farming on a small farm is a family affair, which makes a homestead a great homeschool tool. Everybody participates to the best of their ability. It's surprising, too, how much ability kids can have! One of the things that has kept us going all these years has been...
It’s CSA chicken season (Almost)!
The snow is melting. The sun is shining. The kids are shedding their snowpants and coats. Spring! That makes me think about Chickens. Also, my chicken corner in the freezer is almost empty, so that makes me think about spring and chickens, too. This week I've worked...
Reading Lists for the homestead
Books are a homestead farmer's best friend. Right up there with YouTube and Google. And older farmers. On our LIVE YOUTUBE Q&A programs, we've been asked what books we use as resources and reference. There's a whole list right here: Homestead Farm Books The...
The value of a life: Homestead Hog Harvest
This is our project this weekend: teaching a valuable homesteading skill. Appreciating your food and knowing that it was raised, harvested, and prepared with care from field to plate is part of a healthy lifestyle. Your food is your nourishment and an investment you...
Building fences
Setting good fence posts is the foundation of a good fence. https://youtu.be/xOoTeXsIgSk We've chased our share of pigs. And cows. And goats. And sheep. It's not an experience we look forward to. It makes for a good "Farmfit" exercise. And lots of...
Summer scenes on the farm
Every year is a new adventure on the farm. Every summer brings it's own challenges and joys. What's up this summer? We're still raising our chickens out on pasture in mobile chicken tractor pens and giving them GMO free feed along with the grass and bugs. We're...
It’s all about who you know
"Do you like doing this job?" Someone asked me this once about chicken processing as I was loading her processed chickens into her car. That question often comes back as I'm heading into the shop on Friday morning. Friday is the day we process chickens for other...
Natural Pest Control
We love to grow our garden.We love to eat from our garden. (Mark calls it "drive by eating" when you just eat lunch off the plant.)We even love to share our garden with other people.We do NOT like to share our plants with garden pests who eat the plant or produce...
Anyone Can Farm with spring weeds!
Anyone Can Farm weeds! I’ll show you how today. Beyond a doubt you can procure something for yourself to eat. You are a natural farmer, you just don’t know it yet. And this farming probably won’t cost you anything. It’s the ultimate free lunch. Salad, at any...
Farmers and Freedom: a Memorial Day reminder
Freedom. Liberty. These are important words in our human being. They are as important to the human spirit as life. As I write this it is Memorial Day weekend. For us in the U.S. it’s a time to pause and honor those who have paid the ultimate price for other...
Making butter a superfood: how to make ghee
Ghee is an ancient practice of clarifying butter to give it a longer shelf life and to increase the digestibility of the fats. It basically amounts to heating the butter and "rendering" it to separate the water, fat, and proteins. It stores well on the counter in...
Farm Fence Talk
"Fences make great neighbors." Every heard that one? Ever chased your cow, pig, goat, or sheep out of your neighbor's yard? If you've kept animals (or lived next to them), you can appreciate that wisdom. We've built a lot of fences. We've chased a lot of animals. ...
Farm Wealth Story: for farmers only
Wealth can be measured by money in the bank. But a better measure may be abundance of life. By that accounting, homestead farmers are the richest folks on earth! We were at a lunch with a group of friends not too long ago, and the younger lady across from me with...
Pickled Eggs: a tasty way to preserve the harvest
It's eggs season!Who knew eggs had a season? Hens are one of nature's signalers of spring. When the days start to lengthen and warm just a little, they go into egg production mode. They can lay one, and sometimes even two, eggs per day. After the chill of winter...
Tools of the Trade:
You've raised your animals with care and love. Now, however, it's time for the freezer. You want to harvest your animals yourself: what basic "tools of the trade" do you need? Being able to harvest your own animals is an important skill for a...
A community based education opportunity: the Homesteader’s Guild class
Guild: "an association of people for mutual aid or the pursuit of a common goal." There are many ways to learn: a book, YouTube videos, weekend seminars, conferences, mentorships, college classes. If you really want to know something there are two key components:...
Chicken Processing Demystified
Anyone can farm, and we can help! Check out our chicken processing process that we can do for you.
Fun in the shop: meet the chicken processing team
FUN IN THE SHOP: MEET THE CHICKEN PROCESSING TEAM We have a day off in the shop today. The chicken processing shop is usually humming on Fridays, which is when we do custom chicken processing. The weekly routine is that people who have scheduled their birds...
Business changes, Passion doesn’t
The more things change, the more things stay the same. So the saying goes. Did 2017 bring change for you? Maybe 2018 is the year those changes are really felt. This year is our year of change. Our business model is changing. But our passion is still...
Little’s Fate: even a used up boar is useful
What do you do with a mature boar pig? ("Boar" meaning an intact, fully functional male as opposed to the breed of pig.) We have met people who claim they taste good, but our experience has been that they have a smell and taste that...
You can farm! Order your custom raised chickens today!
Reserve Your Chickens Today!Michigan Farm Baker's Green Acres, Raises Pasture Raised Chickens for the Community, as their virtual farmer.Anyone can farm! You may not have enough space or the ability to raise your own chickens or Thanksgiving turkey, but you can be a...
Farming for Fun and Profit: a farmer’s winter thoughts
It's been a while since we've posted, but the farm continues to be busy. The winter is quieter, more of a maintenance time, a reflective time. So, is farming worth it? Is it for fun, or for profit? Hopefully the answer is "both." Mark talks in this...
Homestead Hog Harvest
Farming is a very seasonal operation. While that seems like an obvious statement, I wonder if that's so. Are fresh tomatoes or strawberries ever not available at the grocery store? Does the milk change flavors or creaminess as winter melts to summer? Is the meat...
Fall pigs: why now is the time to get your hog!
Way back when, long ago, in the mists of time, the folks who homesteaded the land had hogs. Fat hogs. Hardy hogs. Hogs that didn't need a lot of pampering and could live off the land. Even in the fall, going into winter, there were no...
Learn to take your hog from field to freezer -Harvest time!
Learn to take your hog from field to freezer -Harvest time! We are busy making plans for the two hog harvest classes, possibly three, we have on the schedule so far this year. October 20-22: Come help us harvest Shady Grove Farm's hogs in Michigan's beautiful Upper...
Integrity Matters: know or learn to be your farmer
"Trust is the combination of intelligence and integrity." "Husbandry, which is not replaceable by science, nevertheless uses science, and corrects it too. It is the more comprehensive discipline. To reduce husbandry to science, in practice, is to transform...
Lard FAQ: What you asked about fat
Lard FAQ: Everything you wanted to know about pork fat/lard. "What is lard?" "Where does lard come from?" "Are lard and tallow the same thing?" You ask great questions! Here's the quick answers: What is Lard? Lard comes from pork fat. The fat can come from the back,...
Soup for Supper: Using fresh veggies and thoughts on eating
"Fresh" is the definition of summer when it comes to food! Seasonal eating is a very healthy way to live as it keeps you eating fresh food, helps you tune in to what nature is doing around you, and encourages you to contribute to the local economy. We've...
Building a BBQ: turning a lemon into a hog roaster
Building a BBQ - Turning a Lemon Into a Hog RoasterBuilding a BBQ -Great ideas don't always work as planned on the homestead. Mark's biochar building learning curve produced a failed burner, but left him with raw materials for a new BBQ! We've BBQ'd our share of...
Hay and Philosophy: Thoughts on Homesteading and Farming
Hay and Philosophy: Thoughts on Homesteading and Farming Mark's been busy making hay the last week and a half. We finally got some consistent warm and dry weather to be able to bale hay. Most farmers around us chop it while it's green and press it into huge piles....
Spicy Chicken Rub: spice up that grilled chicken!
Spicy Chicken Rub: spice up that grilled chicken! This past week we harvested most of this batch of chickens from the field. The nutrients from the green grass make all the difference in the chicken. We've had a lot of rain this summer and the grass is very rich. ...
Oven-baked Chicken Chimichangas
Oven-Baked Chicken Chimichangas This recipe for Chicken Chimichangas was a big hit with the Baker family! It calls for chicken breast, but is a great way to use leftover chicken, as well. For superb flavor and to up the health quotient, consider making your own...
Pasture (Grass) plus Chickens: goodness to share
Last night was a idyllic summer evening: warm, just a little humid from the day and the threatening clouds, rosy colored sky. The chickens on the pasture (real, actual grass) were resting, waiting for their dinner. These chickens are content. They have room...
Bone broth healthy breakfast: broth and egg in a cup
Everyone keeps talking about "bone broth!" So, we've been asked "What is bone broth?" Bone broth is the product of animal bones simmered in water for a length of time. The simmering over time pulls the nutrients out of the bones and cartilage. Once strained, the...
“Is chicken butchering fun?” Find out from this Northern Michigan poultry processor
"Do you like butchering chickens?" We get asked this question fairly often through the summer. The answer, in a nutshell, is "NO." So, why do we do it? I made a quick video recently asking the kids that question: https://youtu.be/uss_i0eRYwU The simple answer is...
Chicken Pierre
Chicken Pierre Turn simple chicken legs into a meal that is taste-approved by family and a bit more elegant than a casserole. 8 pieces Chicken drumsticks, thighs, or legsBreading Mix1/4 c. millet flour ((can substitute regular flour))1/2 tsp. salt1 dash ground...
Mexican Chicken with Jalapeno Popper Sauce
We asked for recipe ideas on Facebook recently and got a great response. So many yummy ways to prepare chicken breast! Here's one that really caught our attention--mostly because the recipe got posted. We thought we'd share it with you. Need ideas for a quick...
Save on shipping. Join the club! Find an LZ near you.
OK. First things first. What on earth is an "LZ" you ask? An “LZ” is an acronym for a “Landing Zone.” In adapting this military concept to our purposes, it is an area where we can land/stop, interact with local people, and deliver needed supplies (in this case...
The Wonder Of It All: Pastured Poultry and the Joy of Farming
The Wonder Of It All: Pastured Poultry and the Joy of Farming Why do we raise our chickens outside on grass (aka: "Pastured Poultry)? Because it's good for the chicken, good for the farm, and good for us. Mark shares about raising pasture poultry in this video, as...
Spicy Chicken Rub: warming up a whole roasted chicken
This recipe for Spicy Chicken Rub is an easy and tasty way to dress up a roasted chicken! By the way, chickens come in all sizes, but are generally grouped into three categories: Cornish hen: 2.5 to 3.5 pounds Fryer: 3.5 to 4.0 pounds Roaster: 4.0 pounds and up Small...
Taste the Love, OR Why BGA chicken tastes better than Tyson
Did you know your body breaks down in the presence of anger, frustration, excessive stress, and hate? Did you know you were made to function healthfully in love, joy, and peace? I've been reading about health lately as I've pursued some health issues for myself and...
Baked Chicken with Bacon: Farmstead Kitchen Recipe
Baked Chicken with Bacon: Farmstead Kitchen Recipe Need a quick but exquisite dinner? Here's your recipe! Baked Chicken with Bacon. In the video, you'll get a tutorial on how to use a whole chicken to make this recipe, and why you might consider starting with a...
How we do free range, pasture raised, GMO free poultry: vlog post
How we do free range, pasture raised, GMO free poultry: Anyone Can Farm vlog post Mark did these videos on how we run our pasture poultry program on Facebook. If you are interested in learning how to start with your own pastured poultry program on your homestead. We...
A family affair: Pastured Poultry
A Family Affair: Pastured Poultry A family farm is a family affair. We all work at it together. A team. Not that everything goes smoothly, but we're in it as a team. Last weekend the project was putting the chicks out in chicken tractors, where they "free range"...
What’s with shipping? And, how do you do that??
Does seeing the UPS or FedEx truck pull in your driveway feel a bit like Christmas? Does getting a box of nourishing and great tasting food excite you? We are working hard to make that happen for you. We have a $50 minimum order with shipping. Why is that, you may...
Pastured Poultry
Guild: "an association of people for mutual aid or the pursuit of a common goal." There are many ways to learn: a book, YouTube videos, weekend seminars, conferences, mentorships, college classes. If you really want to know something there are two key components:...
Guilt and Grain free: Paleo Chicken Crust Pizza!
Feeling left out at pizza time? Tired of difficult to work with "gluten free" crusts? Here's your alternative: Chicken Crust Pizza. It's quick, easy, and (very importantly) tasty. Grain free, guilt free, easy as, well, pizza pie! Chicken Crust Pizza Here's a tasty...
When things don’t go right: piggytillers
Sometimes things don't go as planned. This was the case with the refreshing of this stand of raspberries. See, the weaner pigs (just weaned from their mom) were supposed to be acting as piggytillers in the garden. They were doing a fine job. Then they saw that the...
Anyone Can Farm: Pastured Poultry
Items to get you started on your pasture poultry adventure! (affiliate links) Pasture raising poultry is a relatively easy, low impact way to start raising your own meat. In these two videos Mark talks about our pasture raised poultry process. Still have questions?...
Chicken nuggets recipe: gluten free and paleo
Chicken Nuggets: Paleo and Gluten Free The girls and I did our first Facebook Live video today! What's for dinner?? Homemade chicken nuggets! We did a gluten free version that is a known favorite and experimented with a paleo version. The Paleo chicken nuggets...
What’s for dinner: a whole chicken turns into oven fried chicken
Dinner-Chicken-Turns-Oven fried chicken So, you know cooking with REAL food is good for your health and tastes better, but, golly, it's so much more expensive! Well, I have a long answer to that involving health care dollars, environmental costs, human welfare costs...
Stir fry and Bone Broth
Have you ever set about making dinner and realized the meat you have won't quite match the plan? You can cut almost any piece of meat according to your needs. Today I had chicken. I was short boneless skinless breast for the stir fry for supper. What I had was...
Pigs and Cute
It's that time of year: piglet season. The sows have been hard at it and the little ones are so cute! We aren't selling weaner pigs (feeder pigs/weaned pigs/etc.) this year as we are trying to build the herd again, but we'll share the cute, anyway. And there is...
Stuffed Chicken Breast
What to do with chicken breast for dinner? Of Course, Stuffed Chicken Breast.Facebook is a great resource for finding recipes. We came across a great looking picture of stuffed chicken breasts. "We can make that!" So we did. Most recipes use spinach in there...
Lard and donuts
A few weeks ago we had a yucky winter Sunday afternoon and needed something to do. Since Mark was in a lard rendering mood, we took advantage of the abundance to make DONUTS. I almost never buy donuts as the white sugar, white flour, and unknown frying fat resign...
Apprenticeships to piglets
A snippet of what's new on the farm from Mark: https://youtu.be/iFLi3O-JciM You can check out more videos on our Baker's Green Acres youtube channel. Please "like" the videos!
Bulk buying – Fill Your Freezer with Pasture Pork
Would you like to not worry about the meat for dinner? Just go get it out of the freezer instead of wonder if you remembered to pick it up at the store? Would you like to have a freezer full of the best pork in the U.S.? Now is the time! We have a few hogs available...
A Walkabout- Yesterday was a sunny day. In wintry northern Michigan, this is a thing to be noted and enjoyed.
Yesterday was a sunny day. In wintry northern Michigan, this is a thing to be noted and enjoyed. Here's what I found on my walkabout. The calves' names are Calvin and Hobbes after the summer's favorite cartoon characters. This one sticking his tongue out at me with...
Quiet on the homefront
This week has been quiet on the farm. Some of the children went with their grandparents for a week of ice fishing and cousin-fun, and the ones at home have been working. We haven't been idle, though. Winter is the time for assessing the year past and planning for...
Winter gardening – Building a Greenhouse on the Farm
There's always something new happening on the farm! The greenhouse is where it's at these wintery days. Mark introduces you to the fun project he's got going right now: https://youtu.be/IjBv1421oNE Here's the book by Eliot Coleman Mark talked about. Eliot Coleman...
Pasture Raised Pig Breed Comparison
Pasture Raised Pig Breed Comparison Recently we did a Hog Harvest class at someone else's farm. They had 4 pigs for the class to butcher: a Mangalitsa, a Red Wattle, and two white "farm pigs." It was an interesting comparison as all 4 had been raised on some type...
The End – Poultry Processing Season has ended for 2016
The End - Poultry Processing Season has ended for 2016 It happens every year. It makes us happy. The last day of poultry processing. This year we went out with gusto. For starters, we had a full day of about 175 birds. For seconds, that count included old...
Your food, your Rights
Did you know that your food is your property? And that, as such, it is protected by the Constitution? If you do know this, you're smarter than the Michigan Department of Ag. and Bill Schuette. Even as a judge released his ruling that BJ's Cowboarding is in the clear...
Piglet challenges
It sounds like fun to have baby pigs running around, and it is! We've found Mangalitsas to be the easiest pigs to farrow (have their babies) and raise, but it isn't all roses. Mark shows you one of our newest sows and her litter: https://youtu.be/5r-cS7blHmg
Mangalitsa fun!
Whether you spell it Mangalitsa, Mangalica, Mangalitza, or (as this article does) Mangalista, this pig is cool. This weekend we're going to have a lot of porky fun teaching folks how to process a Mangalitsa hog at home. More info on this at Anyone Can Farm. This...
Turkey Time!
The farm is a family affair, and so we encourage the kids to try their hands at something entrepreneurial. For the last several years Keith has nurtured his free range turkeys as his project. He is getting pretty good at brooding the not-so-bright birds and keeping...
The Sheriff
You may have seen that Mark is running for Sheriff in Missaukee County. Here is the link to get more information about his campaign: Mark Baker For Sheriff. This is where you can find out how you can help with the campaign. For information about his views and what...
Farrowing on the Farm -Mangalitsa Pig
Even pigs having babies can be a family affair. Here's how our mangalitsa sows farrow in the summer on pasture. https://youtu.be/Q6bjBXxQIiM We do sell weaned pigs from time to time, and pork is always available through our online store.
It’s for dinner!
We are restocking our mangalista bratwurst supply, and here's a video of Mark telling you about them: https://youtu.be/g7yG6l-jD_E Our bratwurst start with our own tasty, full of flavor Mangalitsa pigs. Our processor adds salt and spices to the meat, puts them in a...
Pastured Poultry- Bakers Green Acres Way!
Wooly pigs are cool, but did you know we do other things, too? Like, PASTURED POULTRY. What's "pastured poultry?" Our chickens are raised beyond organic standards. They are beyond "cage free." They are out on grass, moved in small groups on a regular basis so they...
Chicken SALE
Pasture Raised-Beyond Organic-Non-GMO Chicken SALE For Labor Day weekend ONLY: 15% off selected GMO free, pasture raised chicken cuts: Whole chickens Boneless, skinless breast Bone-in breast Legs Thighs Drums Did you know we can...
Yeah for fall!
Yeah for Fall! The last chicken butchering of the season As much as we love raising the best pasture chicken in northern Michigan, the last butchering of the season is a happy day. This year we lost the older helpers to school, so we had to call in the young...
Pastured Poultry
How do we do it? Here ya go. And, always, your food is most secure when you can shake your farmer's hand. https://youtu.be/TBsaHhDgbzA
Chicken, chicken, chicken
This week has been chicken processing week. The first part of the week was spent harvesting our own birds. Monday night is pickup time, after the birds are settled in for the night. This eliminates a lot of stress on the birds and the humans as we don't have to...
Just for Fun!- Always something fun going on at the farm.
Just for Fun!- Always something fun going on at the farm. Even the animals proudly sport the new addition to our label. Larry, one of our Mangalitsa boars, was happy to sport his "hero" label. I suspect he thought he was the hero, because Larry's like that. If you...
Veteran Lives Matter
Life. That's what we're about on this farm. Part of our rebuilding process has been to seek ways to build into the lives of those around us. Thus, we offer classes to help others raise their own food, provide healthful food for folks, and have sought ways to help a...
Spring chickens
Despite it's fickleness, March brings the promise of better things to come. The chickens are inclined to believe March and start laying eggs with enthusiasm. *** Jim is the guy who takes care of the laying hens. The two turkeys in there are making it quite a...
Spring Pigs
Spring Mangalitsa pig prices: Weaned feeders (castrated males): $150 Weaned breeding stock, males and females: $500 Bred sows (exposed starting Feb. 24): $1000 Butcher hogs: $4.00/lb. hanging weight, includes basic processing. $0.75 extra per pound for bacon/ham....
Essentials
There is something about food and life. I just finished an amazing book, The School of Essential Ingredients, that reminded me of that. In telling the story of a chef, Lillian, and her cooking class students, Erica Bauermeister weaves a story of real food and real...
Real Milk from Real Cows –
Real Milk from Real Cows - Bakers Green Acres offers more than just fabulous Mangalitsa pork, flavorful pasture raised organic chicken and super eggs. You can also receive real beyond organic milk. The real milk (not the chemically and mechanically altered stuff)...
Hogs – Filling your freezer with the Best Pasture Pork in Michigan
For those who are wondering about buying a half or whole Mangalitsa hog and what the particulars are, here is some information: This is a typical Mangalitsa breakdown of cuts: jowl bacon (4-6 lb.s) Boston butt roast (bone in or boneless) picnic roast or lots of...
Pigs for sale!
There are rumors out there, to which there is a bit of truth. We are thinning the Mangalitsa herd and selling pigs. As in the previous post, these would make a great Christmas present for the farmer or bacon eater in your life--even if that person is you! We have...
Christmas Pig
This year we decided to have our first annual hog sale! It's a tradition with the big butcher places around us and this year we decided to offer you a healthy option. Butcher hogs are usually $4.50/lb. of hanging weight, which includes basic processing. Reserve...
Hog Harvest
It's that season: Hog harvest time. We've been harvesting half pigs that folks have purchased and we've put several in the freezer if you just want some pork chops or bacon. We are also gearing up to teach folks how to process their own hog. It doesn't require a...
Homestead Hog Harvest
Homestead Hog Harvest isn't just a class. It's an experience. "Never underestimate the power of a bloody handshake." --a former class member The class always starts with people wearing name tags standing in a circle around Mark, looking at each other a little...
Homestead Economics: more than money
The bottom line of your homestead farm's economics. Are you all about a good environment for the kids? Making some money? Having good food to eat? Helping your local community? All of the above are possible and important. The economics of a homestead is about the...
Teaching them the ropes: homeschool on the homestead
Farming on a small farm is a family affair, which makes a homestead a great homeschool tool. Everybody participates to the best of their ability. It's surprising, too, how much ability kids can have! One of the things that has kept us going all these years has been...
It’s CSA chicken season (Almost)!
The snow is melting. The sun is shining. The kids are shedding their snowpants and coats. Spring! That makes me think about Chickens. Also, my chicken corner in the freezer is almost empty, so that makes me think about spring and chickens, too. This week I've worked...
Reading Lists for the homestead
Books are a homestead farmer's best friend. Right up there with YouTube and Google. And older farmers. On our LIVE YOUTUBE Q&A programs, we've been asked what books we use as resources and reference. There's a whole list right here: Homestead Farm Books The...
The value of a life: Homestead Hog Harvest
This is our project this weekend: teaching a valuable homesteading skill. Appreciating your food and knowing that it was raised, harvested, and prepared with care from field to plate is part of a healthy lifestyle. Your food is your nourishment and an investment you...
Building fences
Setting good fence posts is the foundation of a good fence. https://youtu.be/xOoTeXsIgSk We've chased our share of pigs. And cows. And goats. And sheep. It's not an experience we look forward to. It makes for a good "Farmfit" exercise. And lots of...
Summer scenes on the farm
Every year is a new adventure on the farm. Every summer brings it's own challenges and joys. What's up this summer? We're still raising our chickens out on pasture in mobile chicken tractor pens and giving them GMO free feed along with the grass and bugs. We're...
It’s all about who you know
"Do you like doing this job?" Someone asked me this once about chicken processing as I was loading her processed chickens into her car. That question often comes back as I'm heading into the shop on Friday morning. Friday is the day we process chickens for other...
