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Almost a month ago, we published a story on the benefits of cow share for those looking for access to raw milk. In the article, we mentioned that options also exist for those looking for steady access to organic beef, but glossed over the details. As it turns out, however, folks are curious about beef…
Amidst the nationwide egg “crisis,” I’ve begun to notice two distinct trends among folks. The first, and the more heartening, are those who are (albeit belatedly) using the situation as an excuse to jump into poultry ownership, so they are better prepared for whatever comes next. The other, more worryingly, are those who seem to…
If you’re in the homesteader community, chances are you already have heard of the benefits of raw, unpasteurized milk. There are, obviously, quite a few controversies surrounding the health risks concerning raw milk, hence the stringent regulations surrounding its consumption in most US States. Most who regularly consume it agree, however, that the benefits far…
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…
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…
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…
Water access is one of the most overstated, yet still somehow underrated components to a successful homestead. Everyone knows its important, but its almost impossible to fully fathom just how much it is. From watering plants, to animals, to keeping your own self healthy, water is truly the basis for life. In the winter, however,…
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…
If there’s one thing non-hunters have never understood about life afield, its that sitting stationary, waiting on deer is actually the hardest part about hunting, not the easiest. Humping a pack, making a shot and dressing a deer are all downright enjoyable in comparison. This hard part tends to get a whole lot harder if…
As you may have noticed from a few previous articles on this website, your humble author is obsessed with figs. Perhaps this is because despite living in climate supposedly not suited for them, I have managed to keep a fig tree alive and flourishing for some time now, and thus am always pleasantly surprised by…
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…
As the days grow shorter and the temperatures get either downright pleasant, or just a little less unbearable depending on what part of the country you’re in, you’re likely wondering what steps you can take in your garden. Its an odd time of year, as the harvest of ripe produce lines coincides with the approach…
