Subsistence Farming in the first world

Written by Mr. Farmer
That oil 'will' peak isn't a theory, the only question is 'when.'. It's almost hard to overestimate how profound the implications will be. Viewed in this light, attempts at self-sufficiency should take on a unique urgency, gardening in particular. In that vain, I'm going to begin to grow two subsistence crops, cassava and moringa. Both are drought tolerant, grow in poor soil, require little care, and are easily reproduced. Cassava is a rich source of starch, while moringa provides a surprising amount of protein, vitamins, and minerals. They are also a great source of animal fodder. The moringa tree is especially interesting, with a stunning array if uses, which I hope to outline in future poosts. Suffice to say it is the ideal post-peak crop, so much so I would honestly recommend everyone have a few growing in their yard. There's a whole lot more I would like to say but it will have to wait. Stay tuned for future experimentation.

Disclaimer by Mrs. Farmer
P.S. We are not nutballs who like conspiracy theories. We're just nutballs with livestock in the backyard, haha. Peak oil is just kinda scarry because it's been getting a lot of attention lately. There's no harm in being self sufficient for any reason you choose, farming is always fun!!!!!

I woke up in a cold sweat

The goats are getting closer to blowing and there is so much to prepare for. They need selenium and vitamin A and D shots at 135 days (this Thursday). And there is so much I need to stock up on. Surgical gloves, antibiotic boluses, iodine, ky, newspaper, udder wipes, a bottle and nipple, molasses, and the list goes on. And that's just for the birth. The kids need all kinds of stuff up to 3 weeks of life, like disbudding, castration, (for males), shots, and so on. I woke up last night and had to google all kinds of stuff for like two hours to calm myself enough to go back to sleep. I feel better prepared this morning though, I just need to organize and start making shopping lists. I got nervous because a goat that has kidded before could potentially have like four babies. So it wouldn't be crazy to think that there will be eight babies, meaning I'll have a herd of 10 goats in the backyard. Oh my god, I'm getting twinges of panic again. Thank goodness I don't have many neighbors. I think I need to cut back on caffeine, after this last cup of coffee, I swear...

OMG, I caught the rabbit

After maybe a month with this stupid rabbit on the loose, I finally caught him! It was so random, I was just doing my morning rounds and I look down at my feet and there he is. Just sitting there staring at me like no big deal. I crouched down, and scooped him up. He didn't even move or try to run, it was so crazy. I like rabbit whispered or something. I think he could sense my garden frustration and took pity on me and turned himself in. It was so like he let me catch him. I was not in control, he was.

So to celebrate I planted some seeds. After I duck proofed the garden naturally because those MFers are wicked garden killers as well. I finally feel in control of the backyard after weeks of chaos. So we have some heirloom peas and beans in the ground. And the plan for this weekend it making some raised beds for the lot. That's finally coming together after weeks of delays... I was starting to feel like a farming failure.

Kidding positions

This is the page I need to master. And I dont have much time left. I need to start keeping a close eye on them for signs if labor around the 22nd of July.

need to know how to deliver goat babies? This book will tell you!!

The bible

want to be the ultimate homesteader? Need to learn how to manage your herd of cattle, sharpen your axe, make some beeswax candles... This book will be your guide! There's even tips on how to save money. And now I finally have my own copy!!! Watch out for more homesteading greatness.

The first canning of the season

blueberry jam! The recipe was easy, blueberries and lots of sugar. My brother said I needed more blueberries in my sugar jam. And my 9 year old sister said, "I won't say anything about it because I can't say anything nice" and after I strangled her I reformulated the recipe. so for the next batch I cut the amount of sugar. 9 cups berries to 6 cups sugar instead of equal parts berry to sugar. I didn't have any complaints after that.