The number one reason I decided to become a Certified Salmonella Pollorum Tester is to save money when getting my flock NPIP Certified.         I plan on selling hatching eggs in the near future and to do so legally, my flock must be NPIP Certified. This entails a blood test performed by […]

For this post I will use our home state of Michigan as an example. Each state has different rules and regulations, but this should give everyone a general idea of the process.   The pollorum test is a blood test. Usually the blood draw is taken from a vein under the wing. Only a drop […]

Everyone who wants a healthy flock should learn about Pullorum and how testing can help perpetuate a healthy poultry population.   Who needs to be concerned with Pullorum and the NPIP? The NPIP is technically a voluntary program, however, if you want to sell, move or show your chickens legally, you must be NPIP clean. […]

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 […]