Ditch The Store

G'day everyone and welcome to another episode of Not The Farmer's Wife. , recording on my own today. The handy helper has got some chores that he's doing around the farm so I've, , sent him on his way to do those. , but also too we have set up a different background here. As you can see my desk has moved and, , I am now facing a different direction in our lounge room.

We live in a tiny house so, for those that don't know it's literally, we're probably about the size of most people's lounge, living, dining, kitchen areas is our entire house. So we have to be very, conservative with how we set things up. And we've managed to move my desk over into a corner that previously housed a budgie that We no longer have.

And, and so I'm kind of sitting kind of in the corner of the lounge room now. Which is good too because, it's Christmas time and we just set up the Christmas tree. So the Christmas tree was set up where my desk was. So recording again, on video for those listening on podcasts. So hello to anybody on YouTube.

And we're talking today about brooder to tractor. So in that meat process, in that meat. chicken growing process, what we need to be thinking about as far as from brooder to tractor in a bit more detail. And the main point of what you need to be doing is, although that's probably a bad word, the main thing you need to think about is if you are starting to grow meat birds for yourself, growing them from day olds is best.

by far the most efficient and cheapest way to do it. And so to do that, you have to start with having them as day olds in a brooder house. So, I have got a couple of images here. I'm going to try and see if I can share my screen for a second, and show you, and it's just started raining outside, show you.

These are, this is our brooder heat plate that we're actually looking at, stocking these on Amazon, because I have a store on Amazon, and I'm looking at stocking these. I got a hold of these from a guy in China. Everything's made in China, so there's no point trying to get an Australian made one.

But this one is particularly good. I really like it. The heat plate underneath is not the same. I'm not too hot to touch. And I just wanted to show you our kind of brewery to set up and I don't have a long shot of it, but this is probably a good way of looking at it as far as, how we had it set up before we had a heat plants.

So you can see there, there's a big globe lamp that sits over the top of the chickens. We had, Chickens separated by age. So we had some that were different ages. So we had just a timber board between the two Separating them and these feeders the handy helper made these up. These feeders are awesome They're just PVC pipe and he just literally drilled like a door handle kind of drill Yeah, the drill bits you get with the door handle thing He just literally drilled a cutout hole Out of them and the food goes down, we feed, fill it up from the top and it filters down and we just push it along at the bottom and you can see there's three little holes there so the chicks can all know they're not rushed to kind of eat.

They can all eat at their own leisure. And get their head in without putting their feet in, which is a really important thing about a brooder house, you need to make it sure it's clean, and chicks will stand in their own, and they will, they'll stand in their food, they'll kick manure into their food, they'll shit in their food, they'll do all that kind of stuff.

So, that's the other side brooder, which I think they had the heat pad in there. Yeah, they have the heat pad in there and we just have these little water containers and we only use the small water containers because we're checking them every day. I do want to get a drip feed system out there because I think a drip feed system is going to be cleaner.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has proposed significant changes to the U.S. food industry, including banning harmful additives, promoting sustainable farming, and overhauling nutrition guidelines. These changes align closely with homesteading values such as transparency, sustainability, and consumer health. While these reforms could support healthier food systems, their success will depend on public acceptance and successful implementation.

What is SAD?

The Standard American Diet (SAD) is often ironic because it contributes to poor health. Characterized by high processed food consumption, excessive sugar, refined carbs, and a lack of fresh, whole foods, SAD has been linked to chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Here are some of the key issues with the SAD:

High Processed Food Consumption

-SAD is rich in ultra-processed foods, such as fast food, sugary snacks, and packaged meals, high in unhealthy fats and artificial additives.

-Health Impact: These foods lack essential nutrients and promote inflammation, gut issues, and chronic diseases like obesity and heart disease.

Higher Sugar and Refined Carb Intake

- Overview:SAD includes high levels of added sugars and refined carbs, often from sodas, snacks, and baked goods.

- Health Impact: Excess sugar and refined carbs lead to insulin resistance, weight gain, and increased risk of diabetes and heart disease. In contrast, countries like Italy have lower sugar intake and use whole grains, making better blood sugar control.

Lower Fresh Food Consumption

- Overview: SAD offers fewer servings of fresh produce and whole foods, focusing more on processed carbohydrates and high-fat processed foods.

- Health Impact: This leads to nutrient deficiencies, missing out on essential vitamins, minerals, and fibre that help prevent diseases like cancer, heart disease, and digestive issues.

Higher Levels of Artificial Additives

- Overview: SAD foods often contain artificial additives, colourings, and preservatives to extend shelf life and enhance flavour.

- Health Impact: These chemicals, linked to allergic reactions, hyperactivity in children, and long-term health risks like cancer, are less common in countries with stricter food regulations.

The Role of Raw Dairy and Fatty Meat

- Overview: Recent studies show that high-quality raw dairy and fatty meats, especially in ketogenic or real food diets, support metabolic health and can even reverse type 2 diabetes.

- Health Impact: High-fat diets, like keto, improve insulin sensitivity, reduce inflammation, and promote weight loss. Traditional diets that include fatty meats and raw dairy show better health outcomes compared to processed food reliance.

Lack of Food Diversity

- Overview: SAD often lacks food variety, with many people eating similar processed snacks or fast food daily.

- Health Impact: A lack of food diversity means missing out on the health benefits of a variety of nutrients, which are abundant in diets like those in Japan, India, and the Mediterranean.

Emphasis on Convenience and Fast Food

- Overview: Convenience and fast food are major parts of SAD, often due to time constraints, finances, or accessibility.

- Health Impact: Fast food is nutrient-poor, calorie-dense, and high in unhealthy fats and sugars, contributing to rising obesity and health problems. In contrast, countries like Italy prioritize home-cooked meals with fresh ingredients, supporting better long-term health.

Conclusion: Shifting Away from SAD

The SAD is linked to various health issues, including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. In contrast, diets in other countries emphasize whole foods, smaller portions, and balanced nutrition. Shifting towards a real food diet with less processed food could significantly improve public health. Kennedy's proposed changes to the food industry align with these goals and could foster healthier food systems if successfully implemented, ultimately benefiting the U.S. and potentially countries like Australia.

Podcast Show Notes: Off-Grid Water Systems

Introduction to Off-Grid Water Systems

- Overview of off-grid water systems for homesteads or small farms

- Importance of sustainable water management for self-sufficiency

Annual Water Usage for a Family of 4

- With conservative water use, a family of four can consume between 150,000 to 220,000 litres (40,000 to 58,000 gallons) per year, or 400 to 600 litres per day.

Choosing the Right Water Source

- Rainwater Tanks: Benefits of collecting rainwater from roofs, considerations for tank size and location

- Dams: How to assess land suitability for dam construction

- Bores/Water Wells: Feasibility and costs of drilling a bore (note: groundwater in Australia is often deep—100 to 500 metres)

Designing a Water Collection System

- Sizing tanks based on rainfall and needs

- Proper installation of gutters, downspouts, and first flush diverters

- Site selection for dams and bores based on land slope, water quality, and environmental factors

Tank Maintenance

- Regular cleaning (removal of sediment, algae, etc.)

- Checking for leaks and damage

- Maintaining filters and filtration systems

Pumps and Water Pressure

- Types of pumps (submersible vs. surface, solar vs. electric)

- How to choose the right pump

- Troubleshooting pump issues

- Importance of maintaining pressure tanks for consistent water flow

Water Quality and Safety

- Water Testing: Test for pH, contaminants, and bacteria

- Ideal pH range for drinking water: 6.5 - 8.5

- Common contaminants: Heavy metals (lead, arsenic), chemicals (pesticides, herbicides), sediment, and salts

- Common waterborne pathogens: E. coli, Giardia, Cryptosporidium

- Purification Methods: Filtration, UV sterilisation, chemicals (chlorine), boiling

Using Water from Dams

- Managing low water levels and ensuring dam water quality

- Handling silt and debris accumulation

- Preventing water contamination in dams

Water Conservation Tips

- Reduce water waste with efficient systems

- Use greywater for irrigation

- Maximise rainwater harvesting for better yield

Legal and Environmental Considerations

- Understand local regulations for water use, bore drilling, and dam construction

- Impact of water use on the environment and maintaining sustainable water sources

Troubleshooting and Common Problems

- Emergency solutions if your water source is compromised

- Backup water plan for dry spells or emergencies

Costs and Budgeting for Off-Grid Water Systems

- Initial setup costs (tanks, pumps, bore drilling, dam construction)

- Ongoing maintenance and repair costs to expect

This episode offers a comprehensive guide to off-grid water systems, focusing on sourcing, maintaining, and purifying water while keeping sustainability and legal concerns in mind. We also discuss water conservation tips and emergency preparedness to ensure reliable water access for your homestead.

Hospital Food 

Is it making you sick.

While many hospitals are beginning to recognise the importance of providing nutritious food to support patient recovery, the transition away from processed options like bread and cereals can be complex. Increased advocacy for better food quality, education around nutrition, and the adoption of innovative food service practices can help facilitate this change over time.

Great Podcast - https://www.rlmedicine.com/real-health-and-weight-loss-podcast-2022

Dr Gary Fettke Story - https://isupportgary.com/

Farmers vs Supermarkets 

Why You Should Shop Direct

The relationship between farmers and supermarkets is often unbalanced, with large retail chains exerting immense pressure on farmers to lower their prices. While this benefits the supermarkets and consumers who seek the lowest possible prices, it often comes at the expense of the farmers’ livelihoods. In this post, we explore how farmers are being squeezed by supermarkets and why supporting local farmers or shopping at farmers' markets is a better choice for you and your community.

Farmwashing

Farmwashing is a marketing tactic used by large food companies, supermarkets, or brands to create the perception that their products are sourced directly from small, local, or family-owned farms, even when this is not the case. Essentially, it’s a form of greenwashing where companies exploit consumers' trust and preferences for locally sourced, sustainable, or ethically produced food. 

The Imbalance of Power

Low Prices and Price Pressure

Supermarkets use their buying power to demand rock-bottom prices from farmers. With their large networks and vast resources, they negotiate prices that are often too low for farmers to cover their costs. This leaves many farmers with slim profit margins, or in some cases, none at all. This practice doesn’t reflect the time, labour, and investment that go into growing the produce, leaving farmers struggling financially.

Delayed Payments

Another tactic supermarkets use is delaying payments. It’s not uncommon for supermarkets to take weeks, or even months, to pay farmers for their produce. This might not be a problem for large corporations, but for small farmers who need immediate cash flow to cover expenses and reinvest in their operations, these delays can be disastrous.

Rejecting Produce Over Cosmetic Standards

Supermarkets enforce strict cosmetic standards on fruit and vegetables, rejecting perfectly good produce if it doesn’t meet their appearance criteria. This includes minor flaws like size, shape, or colour. As a result, farmers are left with large quantities of unsellable goods, leading to waste and financial loss. Consumers rarely get to see the variety and natural imperfections of produce, which is something farmers' markets embrace.

The Unfair Practices of Supermarkets

Pitting Farmers Against One Another

Supermarkets often pit farmers against one another to secure the cheapest possible contract. By encouraging competition among farmers, they can drive down the prices they pay for produce. Farmers are aware that if they don’t meet the supermarket’s demands, their contract could go to a competitor who is willing to accept a lower price. This constant pressure to undercut one another weakens farmers’ bargaining power and forces many to accept prices that barely cover their production costs.

Short-Term Contracts and Switching Suppliers

Supermarkets also use short-term contracts to keep farmers on edge. With no guarantee of renewal, farmers face uncertainty, which forces them to lower their prices to maintain their contracts. Additionally, supermarkets threaten to switch suppliers, often looking to cheaper international markets with lower production costs. This tactic forces local farmers to cut prices even further, making it harder for them to sustain their businesses.

Burdening Farmers with Marketing Costs

While supermarkets push promotional costs onto farmers, the farmers bear the brunt of this burden. Supermarkets might run a sale or promotion on certain produce, but the cost of these discounts often comes out of the farmer’s pocket, not the supermarket’s. In other words, the farmer has to absorb the cost of making the supermarket look good to consumers.

Why You Should Support Farmers Directly

Shop at Farmers' Markets

Farmers' markets allow farmers to sell directly to consumers without the interference of middlemen like supermarkets. This means that the money you spend goes directly to the farmer, allowing them to earn a fair price for their produce. You’re also more likely to find a wider variety of produce, including fruits and vegetables that don’t meet supermarkets’ cosmetic standards but are still perfectly fresh and delicious.

Support Local Agriculture

When you shop locally, you’re not only supporting farmers but also helping to strengthen your local economy. Money spent at farmers' markets or directly with farmers tends to stay in the community, contributing to local businesses and services. Supporting local agriculture reduces food miles, minimises the carbon footprint, and ensures that your food is fresher and more sustainable.

Get Fresher, Healthier Produce

Produce sold at farmers' markets is often picked at the peak of freshness, sometimes even the same day it’s sold. This means you get fresher, tastier, and more nutritious food than what you’d typically find in a supermarket, where produce can sit in storage for days or weeks before reaching the shelves.

Conclusion

The relationship between farmers and supermarkets is heavily skewed in favour of the big retail chains, leaving many farmers struggling to make ends meet. From unfair pricing tactics to rejecting perfectly good produce, supermarkets exploit farmers in a race to maximise profits. By shopping directly from farmers or at local farmers' markets, you can help ensure that farmers get a fair price for their hard work while also enjoying fresher, healthier food for your family.

So next time you’re thinking about where to buy your groceries, consider making the switch to your local farmers' market—you’ll be making a difference for both farmers and the planet.

G'day everyone and welcome to another episode of Not The Farmer's Wife, Episode 86 this week. And we're talking all about self-sufficiency and we're also trialing something new. I've got the handy helper here with me. Say Hello. Hello. I'm here today because it's pouring rain outside and I don't want to do any work.

It's been actually really raining quite hard here at the moment, which is a good thing because we have, as you would know if you're a regular listener, we have a hundred and ten thousand litre water tank that feeds our house that We're not on mains water. So without the rain, we're screwed.

So we like having rain a bit, but also too, we've had a fairly dry winter. I think that would be fair to say. Yeah, it has been pretty dry. We've had a fairly dry winter. And so having the rain coming now is fantastic for the grass because we're going to have a big deal Blossom of grass growing. Of course that means we have to monitor little baby goats for not getting sore tummies.

I wanted it to rain today, so I mowed the grass yesterday. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. So that's always the way. Usually,, when you wash your car, it rains. Yeah. No, hang on. The council graded the road. So of course it's going to rain. Anyway, we're also trialing something new this week. We're recording under a different format and we're video recording as well.

The handy help is a bit nervous because He's worried about how he looks on video. This doesn't look good on video. But if it turns out okay, and I don't know that it will, but if it turns out okay, we're going to start posting our videos to YouTube as well because we will start posting a few more videos to YouTube about how we do things around the farm.

A lot of people have asked us to actually show, not just talk about what we do. So that's a good thing. Now. I also want to do a bit of a shout out quickly before we start talking to my first ever review on the podcast, a little bit exciting. We're over, we're like, 2250 downloads, I think now, and we've never had a review and I do ask for it in the outro, but if you are so inclined, I would love to have you go along and do a review on what you think about our podcast.

It's a great way for other listeners to 📍 get shown the podcast as an option. If there's more reviews on there, it gets shown to more people. That's just the way the algorithms work. Anyway, shout out to Courtney. Thank you very much for leaving a review. I'm super stoked. You might be not in a situation to homestead at the moment, but like I said to you, the main thing is that you're starting.

Yeah. Start small. Don't, and that's what we're talking about today is the guide to self sufficiency for families and how to get moving with that. Because, and we discussed it before we started recording. There's no point going from. An urban townhouse to 500 acres and thinking that you can just switch your lifestyle over.

Boy, are you in for a shock. Yeah. And yeah, the handy helper can probably speak to it more, more than me even, because I grew up in a farm kind of lifestyle as a teenager. So I had some understanding of what I was walking into, but you came from never having been on a Did you? You'd never really been a veggie gardener. Your mum and dad used to grow a little bit of veggies in the background, backyard, didn't they? But they weren't big on it. Not big on it. No. And they certainly I can't see your mum making sourdough. No. No. I don't think she eats that much bread anyway. No. But as far as milking goats and keeping chalks and things like that, you really, you walked into it completely blind, didn't you?

Oh, I did. Yeah, 100%. I had a rough idea, but just, yeah, I wanted it. That was the thing I wanted it. Yeah. But you'd not done it. And this is the hard bit for people starting out with homesteading. Sometimes they, there's so many options. There's so many things you can do that you don't know where to start.

And I probably don't help in that. Since, cause I am one of those people that does have 15 bulls in the air at the same time. And I've just made a I've just refreshed, I've just refreshed my sourdough. So my mother for my sourdough, so that I can make another loaf of bread. This morning we milked, I need to make some cheese because we've inundated, it's milking season and we've got so much milk.

We can't drink it all. So it's time to make cheese. And at the same time, I'm trying to get, seedlings in for the veggie garden. Yeah, there's lots and I'm trying to find new girls for our Brahma roosters. Roosters. So yeah, I, I probably don't help in the sense that I do have 15 balls in the air and I am trying to do everything.

And that's great for me because I'm, some chores I'm so good at I could do in my sleep. Others, I'm still learning too, like everybody else. It's a continual learning path. The worst thing I think I can ever hear from you is, I've got an idea. Oh my God, here we go. That would be good.

The handy helper hates it. I want to do, a friend of mine, shout out to Dave and his wife, who live in Yass. A friend of mine, and I remember seeing it in their house once, and it was the best idea ever. They had painted blackboard paint down a, like a pillar, like a wall in their house, and they had a little chalkboard, like a little You know, duster and some chalk.

And every time one of them thought of an idea that they had to do on their farm, they just wrote it on the chalkboard, like a continual list. And things would just get wiped off the chalkboard as they were done and added as they were thought of. I'd be constantly walking past it.

It's not nice to any helper. Anyway, let's get chatting because I don't want to go over on this one. I feel like we go over all the time when you and I are chatting because we get Because we're both talkers, so it doesn't help. Self sufficiency for families. Easy tips to start. On your journey.

Okay, and I guess the biggest thing is Start small and just chip away and little things that you find easy to do or things that really interest you because Everything if you're really interested in it, you'll probably put more effort into it So if you have always dreamt of being a gardener then start cutting Growing some plants now.

And if you're in a, if you're in a townhouse or a home, a rental, or yeah, somewhere where you can't really dig up the backyard then do it in containers. We still have plants that we have in pots that we'll never put in the ground. Go to your local Bunnings. They've got excess pots, plastic pots.

They've usually got a big trolley full of them. But they don't give them away. You've got Yeah, they do. They give them away. Really? Yeah. Cause otherwise so get some containers, start and start with things like herbs. Herbs are so easy to grow and you will use them in your cooking. Grow a tomato plant.

Yeah. Cherry tomatoes, the little cherry tomatoes are the best ones to grow straight up because they grow really quick, they ripen really quick, and oh my god, my kids, we never get to use them in the kitchen because when I have cherry tomatoes growing out in the veggie garden, if the kids walk out there, they will just stand next to the plant and pull the cherry tomatoes off and eat them straight up.

Grow a tomato in a pot. Yes. Yeah. Cause if you put it in the ground, you'll have tomatoes grow in that same spot for the next 50 years. We have that current problem at the moment with potatoes, don't we? We moved our potato. We had a big potato bed and we moved it because it was deteriorating. I think when you started moving it.

It was in the way of something else that was a bigger plan for you. So we moved it. Yeah. Cause I'm looking to start a market garden, like a proper market garden. I've got a great idea, honey. We can start a market. Because, we have the land here to grow stuff. So worth it looking at doing it. But so start small, start in containers if you have to.

If you own your backyard, then do it. Why have grass that you've got to mow and look after? I know how much you love mowing grass. Yeah, fantastic. I spent four hours doing it yesterday. So get rid of the grass and grow something that you'll use. If it's your property, if you own it and you are well within your legal rights to dig up the grass in the backyard, get rid of the grass, put a veggie garden in.

But then inside, if you like, just say you're in a townhouse and you don't have the space to do things like that in the backyard, or maybe. The idea of gardening freaks you out because that is a step. That you're just not ready for yet, then start inside now, things like canning and preserving. You don't need to be growing your own vegetables to do this.

When I started doing it, I actually wasn't growing that much. And do you remember a Christmas at Gunning and somebody on a noticeable page, like on one of the local Facebook pages said somebody's coming through from Young, which is a big cherry growing area in Australia. And New South Wales and somebody posted and said somebody's coming through from young.

They've got excess cherries If anybody wants to buy two kilos, they've got them in two kilo bags only. So It was five kilos it was a huge bag if They were only selling them in five kilo bags But at a discounted rate and the rate was like at that point, I think cherries were like 20 or 30 a kilo because it was leading up to Christmas and that's when they're more expensive.

And I got them for 10 a kilo. I think it was like 50 bucks for this five kilo bag. And they were beautiful cherries. There was nothing wrong with them. They were not old. They were not seconds. They were not smashed or crushed or anything like that. I canned cherries and I made cherry jam and then I used cherries for all of our Christmas stuff coming up as well.

So I used the whole five kilos canning, preserving and cooking but got them super, super cheap, but I didn't grow them. We didn't have a cherry tree. We have a cherry tree now that doesn't produce anything. Cause I don't know what's going on with it, but yeah but go to the local markets.

I always, when find going to the markets last thing on a Sunday afternoon. If there are a Saturday, Sunday market, food market, if you go last thing on a Sunday afternoon and walk around the fruit and veg stores, you will find people marking down. They will do up bags of things, and sell them really cheap.

And that's a great way to start canning or preserving because you don't have to grow the produce yourself, but it's just that practice of through preserving it and canning it. The other thing is bread. Which, I make sour, I'm not a big bread eater here because grains don't agree with me, but my children obviously still eat bread.

And, but what I've found is when I feed them sourdough bread, it's much better for their stomachs as well. And the head helps the same, you prefer the sourdough don't you? Yeah, it's good. commercially made bread. And yeah, that's a great way to start is doing just a small loaf of bread and you don't have to do a massive big round loaf.

Sourdough doesn't keep and it doesn't keep because it doesn't have preservatives all through it. So just make a small loaf every day or every other day, depending on what your family's needs are. That's something that you can start with without any problems at all. Cheesemaking. If you're interested in cheesemaking, you don't have to have milking goats or milking cows to do cheesemaking.

You can go and buy. milk from somebody and depending on where you live in the U S you guys are so lucky because you can buy raw milk in Australia. We are legally only allowed to buy goat's milk raw. But yeah even non homogenized milk that you can get in the commercial shops. You can use that for making cheese.

I've seen a guy, there was a guy that I was looking at cause and we'll talk about resources in a sec, but there's a guy on YouTube who does. Cheese making and he was using UHT milk. Now I can't even drink UHT milk. It upsets my stomach. The whole family struggles with UHT milk. But during the non milking times, because we live out of town, there's been times when we have bought UHT milk because we need shelf stable milk.

And he makes cheese out of it. I can't think of anything worse, but that's, now the next thing we want to talk about and you'll talk about a bit handy helper, but DIY essentials frugal living. People need to stop thinking of frugal living is cheap. Frugal living is not cheap. Frugal living is not spending thing, money on things that aren't worth spending the money on.

So don't get me wrong, any helper knows when I need a new bra, I go to the bra shop and I am paying 60 or 70 for a bra because I want one that's comfortable and that I am going to wear without complaining. When I go to buy commercial bread for the kids, I am buying the cheapest one on the shelf.

Like I, it's crap anyway, like all of it's crap anyway. So why would I spend? 5 on a loaf when I can spend 1. 25 on a loaf and all they're going to do is make a sandwich for school out of it anyway. So why would I spend the extra? Still fresh bread, bit of white under them. To me, the bread is not worth the extra.

I would rather spend the extra on making my sourdough and and feed them that. But if they're eating commercially made bread, I'm going to buy the cheapest one. Because it's really not worth it to me to spend the extra money on some special bread. Now the same goes for cleaning supplies and things like that.

We use. I've, and I've just gone back to using it full time a lot of vinegar and a lot of bicarb soda in my cleaning products because it's cheaper and I can make it up as I need it. And I don't have to go to the supermarket. I can buy, like I bought, I think it was a five kilo bag from Costco as a bicarb.

And the vinegar came in a four pack. four pack of four liter. Yeah. Vinegar. So we've still got, we've still got eight liters out there that we haven't even touched yet. And it was cheap. It was actually cheap. Now in the past I have actually made vinegar. I think, do you remember at Gunning? Yeah, we used to half, half bottle it and put water in and leave it sit for three months and it turns into vinegar.

So even if you want to go that frugal, you can with what the prices are at Costco at the moment. I haven't bothered because It's cheap as buggery anyway. So I've just been buying it straight. But yeah, vinegar and bicarb soda for cleaning. Now, DIY stuff. I'll let you talk about because you are the DIY king when it comes to recycling things, aren't you?

I love it. I hate spending money on anything. So what are your best tips for people when they're first starting out? Especially with gardens, like I mentioned bef

Beginner Homesteading: How to Start Your Journey

Easy First Steps for Beginner Homesteaders

Start Small and Simple  

Begin with small projects that fit your current lifestyle, such as growing herbs, composting kitchen scraps, or raising a few backyard chickens. These manageable steps will build your confidence.

Understand Your "Why"  

Define why you want to homestead. Is it for healthier food, self-sufficiency, or a deeper connection to nature? Knowing your motivation keeps you focused and helps with long-term planning.

Research and Plan  

Find reliable sources of information to guide your journey. Books, online forums, and local workshops can help you learn about gardening, raising animals, or preserving food.

Making Simple Lifestyle Changes for Homesteading

Reduce Your Reliance on Stores  

Begin by shifting from store-bought products to homemade alternatives, like baking bread or canning your own produce. This mindset change can ease your transition.

Incorporate Self-Sufficiency Slowly  

Gradually replace store-bought items with homegrown ones. This might be eggs from your own chickens, homegrown veggies, or even homemade soap.

Prioritise Sustainability  

Use energy-efficient practices such as rainwater harvesting, solar power, or composting, even in suburban settings, to ease the transition toward more sustainable living.

How to Get Your Family on Board and Handle Overwhelm

Engage Your Family in the Process  

Get your family involved in homesteading decisions. Start with fun and easy tasks, such as gardening or raising chickens, so everyone can feel part of the adventure.

Manage Overwhelm  

Homesteading can feel overwhelming at times. Break large tasks into smaller, manageable goals, and celebrate each small success to keep motivated.

Time Management Tips  

Balancing homesteading with your current lifestyle can be tricky. Set aside specific times for homestead work, and remember it's okay to take things slow.

Buying Rural Land

If you’re dreaming of a self-sustainable lifestyle and planning to buy rural land for a homestead or small farm, you’re not alone. First-time rural buyers often feel excited yet overwhelmed by the process, especially if they've never lived outside a city or suburban area before. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to consider when buying rural land, covering everything from finances to essential infrastructure and farming needs.

Understanding the Financial Side of Buying Land

Planning Your Budget for Rural Living

Buying rural land comes with both upfront and ongoing expenses that first-time buyers should be aware of. Beyond the purchase price of the land, you’ll need to account for additional costs like fees, property taxes, and maintenance. 

It’s also essential to plan for unexpected expenses such as fencing repairs, road upkeep, and infrastructure improvements, which are common when transitioning to a rural lifestyle. Make sure you have a clear budget covering not only the land's cost but also these long-term needs.

Financing Your Purchase: Rural Loans and Programs

Fortunately, several financing options in many countries, including the USA, Australia, and the UK, can help first-time rural buyers.

- In Australia, various government programs aim to support rural and regional buyers. The Regional First Home Buyer Guarantee, for instance, can help with securing a property in a rural or regional area. Additionally, many banks and lenders offer loans tailored to agricultural purchases or lifestyle properties, allowing for flexibility based on land use.

- The USDA loan program is a popular choice for those purchasing rural property in the USA. It offers low interest rates and often requires little to no down payment, making it accessible to first-time buyers. Additionally, traditional mortgage lenders may offer specialised loans for agricultural land or rural homes. Some areas also provide grants or incentives to encourage rural development.

- In the UK, rural land buyers may look into agricultural mortgages, which are specifically designed for purchasing farmland. These are available through many banks and specialised lenders. The government also offers grants and subsidies, such as the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS), for those looking to buy land for agricultural purposes. Various regional schemes are available to encourage investment in rural areas, particularly for those who plan to use the land for farming or conservation.

When considering your financing options, it’s essential to compare interest rates, terms, and any regional programs that could provide additional support. In each country, loans and grants are available that can make buying rural land more accessible to first-time homesteaders.

Evaluating Land for Investment Potential

When choosing rural land, it's important to consider its long-term value. Land near growing communities or with desirable natural resources (like water access) may increase in value over time. 

Additionally, think about the land's potential for farming or other income-generating activities. Good soil, accessibility, and space for livestock or crops can make the land a sound investment for your homesteading plans.

Is there road frontage for a roadside farm shop? Close to farmers markets?

Infrastructure Essentials for New Landowners

Checking Road Access and Transportation Needs

One of the first things to check when buying rural land is whether it has reliable road access. You’ll need year-round access to get supplies, equipment, and visitors in and out of your property. 

If the road leading to your land is private or poorly maintained, you may end up responsible for its upkeep. In areas prone to heavy rains or snow, this can become a costly and labour-intensive task.

Securing Water and Power

Water is crucial for both personal and farming needs. Make sure the land has a reliable water source, whether it’s a well, a natural water body, or municipal water access. Check the quality of water and whether there are any restrictions on its use. For power, consider the availability of grid electricity, or if you’re looking for a more sustainable option, explore solar or wind power systems. 

In rural areas, going off-grid can be a practical and cost-effective solution.

Waste Management and Sanitation Systems

Rural properties often lack access to municipal sewer systems, so you’ll need to plan for waste management. Most rural homes use septic systems, which must be properly installed and maintained. Alternatively, some homesteaders opt for eco-friendly composting toilets. 

Check rubbish removal services for the area also.

Either way, make sure your waste management system complies with local regulations and is suitable for your needs.

Evaluating the Land for Homesteading and Farming

Soil Testing and Land Usability

If you plan to grow crops or raise animals, soil quality is key. Have the soil tested to determine if it’s suitable for farming? Look for nutrient-rich soil that drains well and isn’t too rocky or sandy. The layout of the land also matters—flat or gently sloping land is usually better for market gardens however grazing is suitable for hilly or uneven terrain.

Fencing and Property Lines

Fencing is essential for protecting your crops and livestock, so assess the condition of any existing fences and the cost of installing new ones. You should also ensure property boundaries are clearly marked to avoid disputes with neighbours. Proper fencing will safeguard your animals and define your homestead’s borders, making it a crucial part of your investment.

Researching Area Laws and Restrictions

Before purchasing rural land, investigate local zoning laws, building permits, and regulations. Some areas may have restrictions on the types of structures you can build, the number of animals you can keep, or how you can use the land. Ensure the property’s zoning aligns with your homesteading goals, whether that’s farming, raising livestock, or running a small business.

Buying rural land can be a rewarding step towards a self-sufficient lifestyle, but careful planning is essential. By understanding the financial commitments, ensuring access to necessary infrastructure, and evaluating the land’s suitability for homesteading, you’ll be well on your way to creating the rural life you’ve always dreamed of.

Introduction  Episode 83

Livestock Guardian Dogs (LGDs) play a crucial role on small farms and homesteads by protecting valuable livestock from predators. In this episode, we’ll break down the essentials of LGDs for beginners—everything from choosing the right breed to caring for your new farm guardian. Whether you're worried about foxes, hawks, or stray dogs, LGDs can be your first line of defence.

What Are Livestock Guardian Dogs?  

LGDs are a specific group of dogs bred for centuries to live with and protect livestock from predators. Unlike herding dogs, which move livestock, LGDs are bred to defend the animals they live with. They instinctively bond with the flock and see it as their responsibility to keep them safe, often through patrolling, barking, and sometimes direct confrontation with predators. 

Popular LGD Breeds for Small Homesteads  

Some of the most popular LGD breeds include the Great Pyrenees, Anatolian Shepherd, and Maremma Sheepdog. There are about 45 different types. 

Each breed has its strengths: 

the Great Pyrenees is gentle and patient with livestock, 

the Anatolian Shepherd has the stamina for large properties, 

the Maremma is known for its quiet but effective guarding, especially for poultry. 

The Maremma has a solid, muscular build, a thick white coat, a large head and a black nose. Dogs weigh some 35–45 kg and stand 65–73 cm at the shoulder, while bitches weigh 30–40 kg and stand 60–68 cm. Some dogs may be considerably larger. The coat is long and thick; it is rough to the touch, and forms a thick collar around the neck. It should be solid white; some minor yellowing may be tolerated. The nose, the lips and the skin round the eyes are black.

Understanding each breed's personality and working style is key to picking the right one for your needs.

Choosing the Right Dog for Your Farm  

When selecting an LGD, consider your farm size, the type of livestock you need to protect, and the predators in your area. For example, a larger breed like the Kangal may be better for properties with large predators, while a Maremma might excel in guarding smaller poultry flocks. Also, consider your ability to train and maintain the dog—some breeds are more independent, while others need a bit more guidance.

Training an LGD  

Training LGDs is a slow but rewarding process that usually takes 12 months. Puppy training starts with bonding the dog to the livestock it will protect, with minimal human interaction during work hours to keep its focus on the animals. Avoid treating the LGD like a pet, and instead focus on teaching it boundaries and to patrol its territory. Remember, patience is key, as these dogs naturally grow into their roles over time.

Housing and Containment for LGDs  

LGDs need space to roam, but they should be contained in a secure, fenced area to keep them close to the animals they protect. Fencing not only keeps the LGD with the livestock but also helps prevent the dog from wandering too far, which is a common issue. While they don’t need elaborate housing, providing a basic shelter from the elements is essential, especially in extreme weather.

Feeding and Nutrition  

An LGD’s diet is vital to maintaining its strength and stamina for guarding livestock. High-quality meat or kibble designed for working dogs or a raw diet can be considered, depending on your preferences. LGDs have a slower metabolism, so overfeeding can lead to weight issues, which can affect their ability to guard effectively. Make sure fresh water is always available, especially in hotter climates, and keep an eye on their weight and energy levels.

Maintenance and Health Care  

Just like any other dog, LGDs need regular vet care, including vaccinations, parasite control, and grooming. Many of these breeds have thick coats that need brushing to avoid matting and to keep them comfortable. Hip dysplasia and other joint issues are common in larger breeds, so regular checkups are important. Staying on top of your LGD's health will keep them in peak condition for their demanding job.

How LGDs Protect Poultry and Small Livestock  

LGDs have instinctual behaviors that make them effective at protecting smaller livestock. They patrol their territory, bark at threats, and even create scent boundaries to ward off predators. When it comes to poultry, some LGDs, like the Maremma, excel at keeping aerial predators like hawks away by constantly watching the sky. LGDs fit well into a broader farm protection system and work alongside secure fencing and coops.

Do LGDs Make Good Pets?  

Although LGDs can form strong bonds with their owners, they are primarily working dogs. It’s important to strike a balance between providing affection and allowing them to remain focused on their guarding duties. Oversocializing an LGD with humans can diminish its instincts to protect livestock, so it’s important to remember they are not traditional pets. They thrive on respect, trust, and a clear purpose.

Is an LGD Right for Your Homestead?  

Bringing an LGD onto your farm is a serious commitment. It takes time, patience, and resources to train and care for these dogs, but they can provide immense value by keeping your livestock safe. If you have persistent predator problems or are simply looking for peace of mind, an LGD may be the perfect solution. Weigh the pros and cons carefully to decide if you’re ready for the responsibility of owning a livestock guardian.

Closing Thoughts  

Livestock Guardian Dogs can be an invaluable asset for homesteaders and small farmers, but they require a unique approach to training and care. Take the time to research, connect with experienced LGD owners, and plan for the longterm commitment. Thank you for joining us for this introduction to LGDs—be sure to explore more homesteading tips and resources in our next episode.