Broody Chicken Hens
As a longtime poultry farmer, I’ve seen quite a few surprises, but this one caught me off guard. I have this determined hen who was so set on hatching eggs, she just couldn’t let go
Skills
The hands-on know-how a homestead runs on. Canning and cooking, repair and maintenance, brewing, and the planning that gets a place through each season.
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Shell-Abrate Diversity: Cracking the Colorful World of Egg Variety!
Going to the store and buying eggs is so passé, backyard micro farms is where it’s at. Those living out in the country have always known the benefits of raising your own brood for the freshest of eggs. Due to current economic circumstances the practice of micro farming is gaining momentum, even among people that…
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How To Render Lard
Harvest and butchering season is upon us. Given that, its a good time to brush up on some skills that may come in handy after the harvest, and maybe even learn some new ones. Lard has a number of uses as a cooking fat—from baking to frying, and everything in between. Ever wonder how to…
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How to Clean a Gizzard
Plenty of people eat ducks and chickens, but many are unaware they are throwing out some of the best bits with the entrails. Hearts, livers and even gizzards can make excellent eating, though that last one will take some serious prep work. Read on for how to clean a gizzard for use in gravy, or…
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Types of Tobacco
Tobacco and tradition are synonymous in the United States, particularly its southeastern reaches. One of the many crops native exclusively to our shores, tobacco was once widely grown and widely exported, American tobacco being a gold standard among connoisseurs abroad. That said, its wide production stateside has become a shadow of itself; almost a mere…
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Fabricating Feathersticks
Looking for a fun family activity to while away the hours during the holiday lull? Have the kids run you out of tinder for your fireplace? Maybe its time to show them how to create one of the world’s oldest fire starters: the humble featherstick. History The origins of the featherstick, as is usual with…
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At-Home Alternatives to Commercial Cleaners
As we enter the cold season, plenty of people’s minds are on germs and flus. Namely, of course, people are focused on how to avoid them. But lots of folks are also leery of the sort of harsh, and often toxic household products used to keep surfaces clean. Luckily, there are some easy way to…
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Roasting Sunflower Seeds
It’s a bad time to be a seed-spitter. Sunflower seeds have long been my constant companion. Whether making a run to the store, or working in the woods or field, sunflower seeds have always provided a nice, salty (or spicy, depending on seasoning!) distraction to keep me occupied. Alas, I’ve noticed a sharp uptick in…
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Perpetual Soup
I know, I know. Its summer, and summer is almost never considered soup season. But what if I told you there’s a hearty soup that can serve as a staple on your next camping trip, without needing any sort of refrigeration to preserve. In fact, it stays good so long it could last you all…
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Hi Mountain Seasonings Rub 3-Packs
Not sure what you’re going to make for dinner, but looking to enhance the flavor profile of your brisket, steak, ribs, lamb, chicken or game meat? Then Hi Mountain Seasonings new Rub-3 Packs may just be what you are looking for. Rub Pack #1 features the Steak Rub, Rib Rub and Poultry Rub and Rub…
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Farmyard First Aid: Using Your Kit
My apologies folks, this article comes a little later than anticipated. Warming weather around the homestead has meant my days are increasingly spent outside, rather than behind my keyboard. But with some rainy days upon me, I figure its time to discuss how to use the first aid kits we prepared in Farmyard First Aid:…
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Farmyard First Aid: Creating a Kit
While first aid may not seem exactly in the purview of the humble homesteader, reality (and mother nature) oftentimes force us to tackle situations and scenarios far outside our comfort zones. As a result, its oftentimes a good idea to learn some basic first aid principles, in case you run into trouble around the farm….
