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Countryside Magazine Contributor
Articles by Countryside Magazine Contributor
A DIY Mobile Sheep Shelter
Do you really need a barn for small livestock? This was a question I pondered before we acquired sheep.
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KuneKune Pigs: A Hardy Homestead Breed
KuneKune pigs are making their way into small scale farming operations across the country. You may ask yourself what makes these pigs so special … the simple answer is everything!
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Calving Success: How to Assist a Cow Giving Birth
The riskiest time in a calf’s life is being born. Several million calves in the United States and Canada are lost each year during birth or shortly after, and 45 percent of those deaths are because of dystocia (delayed or difficult birth).
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Quick Tips For Fixing Metal and Wooden Gates
By Heather Thomas Smith – Keeping metal and wooden gates in good repair can sometimes be a challenge, but is an important part of homesteading today. A sagging or broken gate can be a chore to open and shut, and may also tempt an animal to jump, lean over or crawl through, possibly injuring itself in the process or getting out on a road or into a neighbor’s place.
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A Market Garden Planner for Profit
Whether you’re using paper and pencil or an online market garden planner, why not start dreaming? It could be the start of a long-term, sustainable business venture for you!
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Raising Spotted Pigs: Gloucestershire Old Spot
We love raising pigs for meat, so I was excited to try a new pig breed. One bite of that succulent pork roast, and I knew I was on to something.
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Raising British White Cattle for Flavorful Meat
From setting up on his own from scratch, “straight out of school and from virtually nothing,” Yorkshire, England, farmer Andrew Fisher has come a long way—and so have his British White cattle.
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Akaushi Cattle Provide a Delicious, Healthy Meat
Add to Favorites By Heather Smith Thomas – The word Akaushi means red cow in Japanese. Akaushi cattle were introduced to the U.S. in 1994. “This is the only free-grazing beef …
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Silvopasture Explained
Silvopasture, also known as agroforestry, is a farming method that includes the use of timber, livestock, and forage together in the same section of land. It is used to expand the use of unconventional farm land and diversify income.
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What are Essential Oils?
Add to Favorites By Erin Oberlander, Certified Holistic Aromatherapist By now you have probably heard mention of essential oils even if you have not yet experienced them. However, with the …
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50 Must-Haves for TEOTWAWKI
Arguably, the most important thing to store for a SHTF (Stuff Hits The Fan) or complete TEOTWAWKI (The End Of The World As We Know It) scenario is knowledge. Without it, you won’t survive.
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Barbados Blackbelly Sheep: Back From the Brink of Extinction
In 2004, there were fewer than 100 Barbados Blackbelly sheep in the U.S.
It took a while for breeders to realize how critical the situation was: Most of us thought there were thousands of these sheep.
Burdock Slivers Can Cause Eye Irritations
Eye problems in livestock and horses can be caused by foreign material in the eye, and one of the most challenging problems is burdock slivers. Burrs from this invasive weed stick to hair or clothing.
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H-brace Construction For Your Permanent Fence Line
When homesteading or farming with livestock, fencing is arguably one of the most important considerations there are in regards to the containment and safety of your animals. Whether you’re planning fencing for chickens or cattle, H-brace construction is an important part of the permanent fencing process.
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Barking is the Language of Dogs
Barking is a language for all dogs, and livestock guardian dog (LGD) breeds are no exception. In fact, barking is an integral part of what LGDs do. It’s always done for a reason and a purpose.
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