Ditch The Store

Ditch The Store

By CJ SteedmanLeisureHome & Garden
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Ditch The Store episodes

  • Episode 102 - Top Chicken Breeds

    Top Chicken Breeds

    Get Our New Book Now on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4aPPJPQ

    With egg shortages and rising prices, more families are considering backyard chickens as a reliable source of fresh eggs. However, choosing the right breed is crucial for a successful and enjoyable chicken-keeping experience. This guide covers the best beginner-friendly breeds and how to select the perfect fit based on egg production, temperament, climate suitability, and space needs.

    Breed selection matters because different chickens have unique traits. Some, likeISA Browns andAustralorps, are prolific layers, while others, likeOrpingtons andPlymouth Rocks, make excellent family-friendly pets. Climate considerations are important—Leghorns thrive in heat, whereasSussex andWyandottes handle cold well. Those looking for colourful egg baskets might enjoyEaster Eggers.

    The best choices vary by need. ISA Browns and Leghorns excel in egg production; Orpingtons and Sussex are great for families, while Rhode Island Reds and Wyandottes suit free-ranging setups. For dual-purpose birds, Plymouth Rocks and Wyandottes offer both eggs and meat.

    New chicken keepers should start small—3-5 hens are enough for a family’s egg supply. Most beginner breeds are adaptable, making it easy to get started. Listeners are encouraged to subscribe for more homesteading tips, visit online resources, and join the community of backyard chicken keepers. Raising chickens isn't just about eggs—it’s a rewarding step toward self-sufficiency!


    58 min
  • Episode 101 - Never Buy Eggs Again

    Never Buy Eggs Again

    Tired of egg shortages and rising prices? What if you never had to rely on store-bought eggs again? In this episode, we dive into the realities of supermarket eggs—why they’re unreliable, less nutritious, and not as fresh as you think. Then, we explore the benefits of keeping your own backyard chickens, from cost savings and food security to healthier, tastier eggs straight from your coop.

    You'll learn:

    🥚 How raising chickens ensures a steady, high-quality egg supply
    💰 How to save money and reduce grocery store dependence
    🌱 Why homegrown eggs are more nutritious and sustainable
    🐓 How chickens help with pest control, fertilizing, and even garden maintenance
    🏡 How to start your own flock—space, care, and breed selection

    Whether you have a tiny backyard or a few acres, keeping chickens is easier than you think! Tune in to get practical tips, real-life insights, and inspiration to start your self-sufficient egg supply.

    🎧 Subscribe now for more homesteading and self-sufficiency tips! Join our online community and check out our resources to start your chicken-keeping journey today.

    🐔 Remember: Chickens aren’t just pets with benefits—they poop breakfast! 🍳 😊

    58 min
  • Episode 99 - Chicken Processing What You Need to Know

    Episode 99 - Processing Chickens: What You Need to Know offers a comprehensive look at how to dispatch and process your own meat chickens safely, humanely, and efficiently. The host begins by sharing their background in raising chickens and explains the key benefits of home processing—such as ensuring food quality and ethical handling, saving money, and fostering a deeper connection to your meals. They also introduce their upcoming book, Ditch the Store: From Brooder to Plate, which covers every step from brooding chicks to putting chicken on the table.

    The main portion of the episode focuses on a five-step guide to humane processing: setting up your workstation, using a kill cone for dispatch, scalding and plucking, evisceration, and finally chilling and rinsing. Throughout, the host emphasizes maintaining a calm environment for both the birds and the processor, using proper techniques and tools. Listeners get a behind-the-scenes look at the host’s personal processing station—complete with suggestions for low-budget and DIY alternatives—and learn about essential equipment like kill cones, scalders, and sanitation supplies. The episode closes with a Q&A segment encouraging audience participation, addressing common concerns such as space limitations, legal considerations, and ensuring a clean environment. Overall, it’s an informative guide that demystifies home poultry processing and shows how it can be done safely, ethically, and cost-effectively.

    39 min
  • Episode 98 - Farming Myths

    Farming Myths: Debunked

    In this episode, we challenge some common misconceptions about farming and its impact on the environment. Get ready to see the truth behind the headlines and find out where the real culprits lie!

    Myth 1: Agriculture is the leading cause of climate change

    Farming often takes the blame, but according to the EPA, agriculture contributes just 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions—far less than transportation (28%) and energy production (25%). Methane from livestock may be potent, but it’s short-lived compared to CO2. Innovations like feeding cows seaweed, which can reduce methane emissions by up to 80%, are changing the game. Learn more from UC Davis Research.

    Myth 2: Organic farming doesn’t use pesticides or synthetic fertilizers

    Organic farms do use natural pesticides, like copper sulfate, which can harm soil health if overused. The USDA Organic Certification allows these natural alternatives, but they’re not always safer. A study in the Journal of Environmental Management highlights the long-term risks of copper sulfate.

    Myth 3: Industrial agriculture is necessary to feed the world

    Think we need massive industrial farms to avoid global hunger? Think again. The FAO shows that small-scale, regenerative farming can meet global food demands while supporting biodiversity. In Africa, practices like intercropping and crop rotation have doubled yields without synthetic inputs. Check out the Oxfam Report.

    Myth 4: Factory farms are the primary contributors to environmental pollution

    While factory farms do contribute, urban wastewater and industrial runoff are often bigger culprits, according to Stanford University. Companies like Smithfield Foods are making strides, using methane capture technology to convert emissions into renewable energy.

    Ready to dig deeper into these myths and explore a balanced perspective on farming? Tune in and get the facts!

    50 min
  • Episode 97 - Planning 2025

    Planning 2025 Episode 97: Defining Your Vision and Goals

    In this episode of Planning 2025, we dive deep into the heart of homesteading: defining your vision and setting meaningful goals. Whether you're just starting out or refining your approach, we'll help you explore your motivations for homesteading — from self-sufficiency and healthier food to reducing your environmental footprint. We’ll also share inspiring personal stories from fellow homesteaders to ignite your passion and encourage you to take that first step.

    Learn how to break your goals into short-term and long-term achievements, prioritize projects effectively, and create a roadmap for success. We’ll provide practical tips on evaluating your resources — from land and budget to time and skills — ensuring you’re well-prepared for your homesteading journey. Plus, we'll walk you through the basics of mapping out your property, planning your crops and livestock, and building a sustainable, seasonal plan.

    Join us as we discuss the importance of budgeting, financial planning, and balancing homesteading with work and life. Whether you're dealing with unpredictable weather or unexpected changes, we’ll cover how to stay adaptable and keep moving forward. Plus, learn the value of documenting your progress and reflecting on your journey to continuously improve and grow.

    Whether you're envisioning a small garden or a full-fledged homestead, this episode is packed with valuable insights and actionable advice to help you plan for success in 2025 and beyond.

    Links 

    https://amzn.to/4gGXA4m Awesome Sony Headphones (affiliated link)

    Inigo Jones - Long Term Weather Forecaster - he is also on Telegram (not affiliate link)

    https://bit.ly/423yLv4 - Canva Link for planner



    46 min
  • Episode 96 - 2024 In Review

    G'day everyone and welcome to another episode of Not The Farmer's Wife!

    CJ here solo today—recording on December 29th after a busy Christmas week on the farm. I hope you all had a wonderful holiday with family and friends. Here, amidst milking goats and managing livestock, there’s never a dull moment, even with some worming interruptions this week.

    In today's episode, I dive into the year’s major agricultural discussions and controversies. Here's a quick look:

    1. Bovaer 10

      2. A methane-reducing feed additive causing consumer backlash, particularly over concerns about long-term safety and transparency in its use within beef and dairy production. Supermarkets and brands faced boycotts over its inclusion in products, with debates around corporate responsibility and food integrity.

    2. European Farmers’ Protests

      3. Widespread demonstrations in France, Germany, and Poland over EU environmental regulations, reduced diesel subsidies, and trade deals favoring cheaper imports. Farmers took to blockades, manure dumps, and liquid spraying to voice frustrations about policy changes made without their input.

    3. The UK’s 'Tractor Tax'

      4. Proposed inheritance tax changes targeting agricultural assets worth over ÂŁ1 million, sparking fears that family farms could face financial ruin. Farmers argue that this policy could force property sales, despite government efforts to stagger payments.

    4. Amish Farm Raids in the U.S.

      5. Government crackdowns on Amish farmers selling uninspected raw milk and meat products under private herd-share arrangements have reignited debates about food freedom and federal oversight.

    5. Mexico’s GMO Corn Ban

      6. Mexico’s push to phase out genetically modified corn by 2025 caused trade disputes with the U.S., signaling a stand for biodiversity preservation despite potential economic ramifications.

    6. Kenya’s Fake Fertilizer Scandal

      7. Thousands of Kenyan farmers were sold fake, government-subsidized fertilizer, leading to significant crop failures and a corruption investigation that exposed severe flaws in the system.

      These stories highlight the evolving landscape of agriculture and the global tensions between tradition, innovation, and regulation. Whether it’s methane solutions or inheritance taxes, these issues impact not just farmers but all of us who rely on their work to eat, drink, and thrive.

      Let’s stay informed and keep the conversations going—because without farmers, we’re all a little lost. See you next week! ✌️

      43 min
    7. Episode 95 Gifts for Homesteaders

      Homesteader Gift Guide for Christmas

      • High-quality gardening gloves https://amzn.to/3P7w6ZG

      • Sturdy aprons (especially cheeky ones like yours!) https://amzn.to/3ZL1vpP

      • Heavy-duty work boots or muck boots https://amzn.to/3P6ZEqa

      • Wool socks or thermal clothing www.sukworkwear.com.au/

      • Water bottle https://amzn.to/3DCHjPi

        • A good-quality pocketknife or multi-tool https://amzn.to/41Iy22p

        • Hand tools like a Hori Hori knife, pruning shears, or a weeder https://amzn.to/49PZM74

        • A cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven https://amzn.to/4027wj7

        • Seed-saving kits https://amzn.to/3Dv58Zy

          • Soap-making or candle-making kits https://amzn.to/41RRt97

          • A DIY cheese-making kit https://amzn.to/3ZGJf0I

          • Fermentation crocks for sauerkraut or kimchi https://amzn.to/41NG5Lo

          • Beekeeping starter kits for the adventurous https://amzn.to/4fMosyZ

            • Homesteading guides (like your upcoming books!) 

            • Cookbooks for preserving or using homegrown produce https://amzn.to/4fwbpkI

            • Books on raising chickens, goats, or gardening 

            • Journals for garden or homestead planning

              • Reusable beeswax wraps https://amzn.to/3DCHlGU

              • A dehydrator or canning supplies https://amzn.to/4gINf7I  or  https://amzn.to/4051Ftj

              • Hand-crank coffee grinders or grain mills https://amzn.to/4gNCKQx or https://amzn.to/3Dsu57L

              • Herb drying racks or spice jars https://amzn.to/4gHdEDz

                • Soft, hooded snuggle blankets (like yours!) www.notthefarmerswife.com

                • Handmade wool scarves or socks www.lindnersocks.com.au/

                • A solar-powered phone charger or lantern https://amzn.to/49XkvWH

                • Essential oil diffusers or organic skincare sets https://amzn.to/3DEvI2b

                  • Seed packets (heirloom or unique varieties) www.edenseeds.com.au/ 

                  • Mason jar accessories like fermenting lids or drink tops - watch this space.

                  • Egg cartons or labels for gifting eggs https://amzn.to/49OBQBc

                    • Handmade soaps or balms https://datadoo.myshopify.com/pages/goat-milk-soap
                      • 58 min
                    • Episode 94 - Dispatch and Process Chickens

                      Today’s episode dives into a topic that isn’t for the faint-hearted: dispatching and processing chickens. If this isn’t your cup of tea, no worries—feel free to skip this one. But for those curious about taking full control of their food supply, stick around for practical tips and advice on humane dispatching, plucking, and preparing your chickens for storage.


                      Links

                      Apron for dispatching - https://amzn.to/3DjIjYD

                      Rubber Plucker Fingers - https://amzn.to/3VDmRUN

                      Kill Cone - https://amzn.to/3VGN44V

                      Shrink Wrap Bags - https://amzn.to/3OUBy1M


                      48 min
                    • Episode 93 - Chickens: Self-Sufficiency Starters

                      Raising Chickens as a Gateway
                      Chickens are an accessible starting point for homesteading, offering a path to self-sufficiency and sustainability. Personal stories highlight how raising chickens leads to broader self-sufficient practices.


                    • From Egg to Plate
                      Pasture-raised chickens provide superior flavour, health benefits, and ethical advantages over store-bought meat. Beginners can achieve high-quality results with simple, manageable steps.

                    • Chickens as Compost Makers
                      Chickens contribute to garden health by producing nutrient-rich manure and reducing food waste. Tips on managing chicken waste effectively are shared.

                    • Cutting Grocery Bills
                      Raising meat chickens is cost-effective compared to buying organic chicken. Combining this practice with gardening maximises savings, especially through bulk feed and DIY setups.

                    • Beginner’s Journey from Chick to Plate
                      Step-by-step guidance for raising meat chickens, from brooding to harvesting, helps beginners overcome the learning curve with confidence.

                    • Ditching the Store
                      Raising chickens fosters independence, offering fresh, ethical food while reducing reliance on industrial farming. It’s part of a bigger self-sufficient lifestyle.

                    • Frugal Homesteading with Chickens
                      Chickens align with frugal living by using scrap materials for housing and kitchen waste for feed. They provide long-term savings through sustainable meat production.

                    • A Month of Chicken Meals
                      Home-raised chickens inspire diverse meal ideas, from roasts to casseroles, reinforcing the value and joy of self-sufficient living. Personal recipes add a relatable touch.

                      • 40 min

                    About Ditch The Store

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