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Farm Feed

Goat Feed Guide: What to Feed Kids, Does, and Bucks

A goat eating hay from a feeder on a small homestead
(Photo by Cali Brutz on Unsplash)

Once you’ve settled on a breed — whether that’s a meat goat, a dairy goat, or one of the smaller dual-purpose breeds — the next question is almost always the same: what should you actually be feeding it?

Goat feed isn’t one-size-fits-all. What a doe needs while nursing kids is very different from what a browsing buck needs the rest of the year, and one of the most common beginner mistakes — feeding sheep mineral to goats — can quietly make your goats sick over time.

This guide covers goat feed basics by life stage, how hay, pellets, and browse fit together, and why copper matters so much more for goats than most beginners realize.

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Farming

Companion Planting Chart: Best & Worst Vegetable Pairings

Rows of mixed vegetables planted together in a companion planting vegetable garden
(Photo by Ulrike R. Donohue on Unsplash)

Some vegetables genuinely make each other better neighbors, and some quietly sabotage each other’s growth. Companion planting is the practice of pairing crops that help one another — through pest deterrence, nutrient sharing, or simple use of space — while keeping the bad pairings apart.

It’s one of the oldest tricks in farming and home gardening alike, and you don’t need a science degree to use it well. You mostly just need a reliable companion planting chart to reference when you’re laying out beds each spring.

This guide covers the classic companion planting pairings, the combinations you should actively avoid, and a full reference chart you can come back to season after season.

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Categories
Home & Garden

Garden Soil: Buying & Building Guide

Gardener holding a handful of rich dark garden soil
(Photo by Sandie Clarke on Unsplash)

Good garden soil is the difference between a bed that struggles all season and one that barely needs babysitting. It’s also one of the most confusing things to shop for — walk down the soil aisle at any garden center and you’ll see “topsoil,” “garden soil,” and “potting mix” sitting side by side, often for similar prices, with no obvious explanation of which one you actually need.

This guide clears up that confusion, covers how to build your own soil mix if you’d rather not buy it bagged, and walks through when buying makes more sense than building.

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Categories
Home & Garden

Ultimate Guide and List: Top Must have Gardening Tools

Top Essentials tools for your Garden

If you are new to gardening, it is important to know what tools you will need in order to have a successful garden. Maintaining your entire garden is hard work!

If you’ve got an interest in gardening it’s very likely you’ll have vegetable gardens, fruit trees, flower beds but also tough weeds giving you a hard time! And it seems like this is a bit of a zero sum game, the more you fight your pesky weeds, the more garden waste you’ll get! Here is where quality tools enter the picture.

This guide will list the top must-have gardening tools for the beginner. With these essential gardening tools, you will be able to maintain healthy and beautiful plants and trees in your garden. Let’s go!

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Categories
Homesteading

Best pig breed for a Homestead

Best Pig Breed for a Homestead. Tips for raising pigs on your small farm.
Best Pig Breed for a Homestead. Tips for raising pigs on your small farm. Photo by Suzanne Tucker.

Whether you’re a hobby farmer or just starting your homesteading journey, raising pigs can be a fulfilling and worthwhile pursuit.

With appropriate fencing and shelter, most pig breeds can mature rapidly, making them an ideal protein source for small farms.

To ensure success, it’s crucial to determine the best pig breed that aligns with your homestead’s unique needs and conditions.

By selecting the right breed, you can optimize meat production and enjoy a variety of delicious cuts, including bacon, ham, and pork chops, all while contributing to a sustainable and self-sufficient lifestyle.

When raising pigs, ensure their well-being by providing proper nutrition, a secure enclosure, and a comfortable shelter with outdoor space. By addressing these essentials, you’ll be well-equipped to raise healthy pigs that contribute to your homestead’s productivity.

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Categories
Farm Animals

Poultry Farming for Beginners

Free ranging chickens roaming a small poultry farm in the US.
Free ranging chickens roaming a small poultry farm. Photo by Jan Kraus.

Poultry Farming is the process in which a variety of different domestic birds are raised for their eggs, feathers, and meat.

First things first, you’ll need to decide what type of poultry farm you want to start. We’ve got a comprehensive breakdown of the different types of birds you can choose from to get you started.

Choosing the right location is also crucial to the success of your poultry farm. We’ll provide tips on how to find a suitable and accessible location for your feathered friends.

Of course, you’ll need to equip your farm with the essentials to keep your birds healthy and happy. We’ve compiled a list of must-have equipment for your small-scale poultry farm.

And before you jump headfirst into this new venture, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of poultry farming, so you can make an informed decision.

So, whether you’re a complete novice or have some experience under your belt, this guide will provide you with everything you need to start your poultry farming journey.

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Categories
Farm Supplies

Fertilizer Spreaders for Farms and Homesteads

Farmer spreading fertilizer over the meadow.
Farmer spreading fertilizer over the meadow. Photo by Etienne Girardet.

Farm supplies such as fertilizer spreaders play a crucial role in the even distribution of fertilizers, seeds, and herbicides on fields, lawns, and beds.

With two main varieties, drop spreaders and broadcast/rotary spreaders, these versatile tools are not only beneficial for farm-related tasks but also help minimize direct contact with fertilizers and chemicals.

Whether you’re aiming for uniform fertilization or efficient seeding, a fertilizer spreader is an indispensable tool in your arsenal of farm supplies.

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Categories
Homesteading

The Best States for Homestead

Man with lamb in homestead ground. Idaho is one of the best states to start a homestead.
Man with lamb in homestead ground. Idaho is one of the best states to start a homestead. Photo by Zoe Schaeffer.

Are you looking for the best states for homesteading? Not sure if there are favorable homesteading laws in the states you’re looking into?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll reveal the top states for homesteading and provide essential information to help you make the best decision for you and your family.

We understand that everyone’s preferences and needs are different, so we’ll discuss various factors you should consider, including:

  • Homesteading laws
  • Property taxes
  • Geography and climate

So, let’s dive in and explore the best places to start your off-grid, sustainable lifestyle!

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Categories
Farm Feed

What Do Farm Animals Eat? A Guide to Feeding Every Species

A cow on a field eating grass. Photo taken in Texas.
A cow eating grass on a field. Photo by Thomas Park.

If you’re a small farm owner or a homesteader, maintaining the well-being of your farm animals is crucial.

Ensuring they receive proper nutrition not only contributes to their overall health but also plays a vital role in providing us with essential carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and proteins. This guide covers what to feed by animal — pigs, chickens, cows, and geese. For a breakdown of feed by type instead (concentrates, roughages, grains), see our guide to animal feed types.

This post will dive into various farm animals’ dietary requirements, focusing on small-scale farm and homestead animals.

Join us as we explore the importance of a balanced diet for our hardworking farm friends, and gain valuable insights to help you optimize their care and productivity. Let’s get started! 

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Categories
Farm Supplies

Gates for Dog Owners

Dogs (and farms) sometimes need protection for their own good.
Dogs (and farms) sometimes need protection for their own good. Image source: Rover.

Sometimes, it’s essential to create boundaries around our homes to ensure our beloved pets remain safe and secure.

The best dog gates enable you to designate off-limits areas for your pet, whether it’s to protect them from newborns, guests, your bed, predators, or even for training purposes.

However, there are instances when a farm gate might be overkill for a situation that could be resolved with a baby gate. Baby gates offer a more economical solution, acting as an excellent farm supply, as they tend to be less expensive and easier to install.

These options are perfect for indoor spaces and smaller areas where a full-sized farm gate isn’t necessary. Additionally, baby gates are often more lightweight and portable, making them a versatile choice for dog owners who need a temporary or adjustable barrier to keep their pets safe and secure.

These gates are also easier to install; simply lock them in place. They grant your dog more freedom while alleviating the responsibility of dog-proofing your entire space.

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