I recently attended a class at Michigan State University and became a Certified Salmonella Pullorum Tester. This certification allows me to test chicken flocks for Pullorum Typhoid which is required for NPIP certification.   Over the next few posts I will take you through the experience and explain:   What is Pullorum Typhoid and the […]

I’m very fortunate to live on a beautiful property that has been farmed continuously since just after the Revolutionary War. We tend 50 acres and have a barn that dates to 1894 as well as numerous outbuildings. For those trying to homestead on just a few acres (or less!), this may seem like plenty of […]

It’s the homesteading dream — living off the grid. And while many turn to solar power due to its rapidly decreasing price, more are asking, “Should my homestead be solar-reliant?” After all, there are plenty of other renewable choices, such as wind, geothermal and even hybrid options that let you live grid-free. What It Takes […]

No matter where you live or what stage of development your business is in, there will always be rules and regulations you must be aware of. As cities, counties, states, and the federal government take action to protect the public, selling homegrown or homemade goods will continue to be regulated. UPDATE!  March 20, 2018 The […]

Whether you run a big farm or a small one, having a functioning tractor can be invaluable. Unfortunately, as with anything that has an engine, occasionally it breaks down. You can hire a mechanic to come out to your farm and repair it, or you can pay to have your tractor towed to a repair […]

One of the great things about making a living on your homestead is earning an income doing things you love. But there are some things to keep in mind to successfully transition from hobby to work. If you want your hobby to be a successful business venture, you need to treat it as a business! […]

If you have lots of extra goat milk, and you’re tired of just feeding it to your pigs and chickens, what can you do with it that would also bring in a little extra income? Most people immediately think of selling milk, ice cream, yogurt, or cheese, but those types of businesses require a big […]

As a professional farmer or rancher, your attention gets pulled in multiple directions on a constant basis. The self-sufficient life you have chosen for yourself and your family demands daily maintenance and perseverance. The work needed to maintain your buildings will wear down the equipment you utilize. Whether it’s the tractor or tilling machine you […]

Email newsletters are a great way to keep in touch with your customers and let them know what is in season on your homestead. It’s a great way to highlight new products, important dates (like first or last market days of the season) or share exciting news about what is going on at your homestead […]

Excerpted from Market Farming Success by Lynn Byczynski Scheduling After you have completed the exercise of figuring out how much to grow in order to meet income targets, you can get to work filling in your planting calendar. You can do this with a pencil on a big paper calendar or use a computer. First, […]