Countryside Magazine Contributor, Author at Countryside

Burdock Slivers Can Cause Eye Irritations

October 19, 2020 · Countryside Magazine Contributor · Cattle

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.

Raising Spotted Pigs: Gloucestershire Old Spot

October 18, 2020 · Countryside Magazine Contributor · Pigs

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.

All About Ankole Watusi Cattle

October 15, 2020 · Countryside Magazine Contributor · Cattle

Ankole Watusi are known as the “Cattle of Kings.” Their unmistakably large horns can spear a lion. The tribes of Africa that rely on them for survival call them sacred.

Silvopasture Explained

October 15, 2020 · Countryside Magazine Contributor · Homesteading

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.

Why You Should Consider Wintering Geraniums

October 7, 2020 · Countryside Magazine Contributor · Growing

Wintering geraniums not only saves money, it also saves special memories. As a warm October day arrives, I force myself to uproot blooming pots of geranium plants to store away for winter.

Grind Your Own Grain For Bread

September 25, 2020 · Countryside Magazine Contributor · Canning & Kitchen

Grinding your own grains may add more vitamins to your diet, as well as contribute to a better overall healthy lifestyle. Grinding your own grains puts you into a place of really being connected and informed in the area of your food.

Growing and Marketing Bulb Plants

September 24, 2020 · Countryside Magazine Contributor · Growing

Experimenting with new ways to earn an income from our small farm, we recently discovered the possibilities of spring flower bulb plants.

Artificial Insemination is No Bull (Literally)

September 19, 2020 · Countryside Magazine Contributor · Cattle

Most homesteaders dream of having their own cow to provide fresh milk and dairy products for the whole family. The challenge is, a milk cow must become pregnant before she can lactate, and that means you’re going to need a bull—unless you use artificial insemination (AI).

How to Craft with Grapevines

September 12, 2020 · Countryside Magazine Contributor · Growing

By Cherie Dawn Haas – One of the beauties of homesteading is learning how to use everything that’s available to us in some way, and if you grow grapes for wine or jelly, that resourcefulness includes making grapevine crafts. I discovered this firsthand a few years ago after pruning hundreds of our vines one season.

Emergency Preparedness Plan Ideas

September 11, 2020 · Countryside Magazine Contributor · Self-Reliance

A disaster can occur at any time. Having an emergency preparedness plan ahead of time could make a difference in your survival.

Propagating, Collecting and Saving Seeds

September 11, 2020 · Countryside Magazine Contributor · Growing

Had the Pilgrims not brought and introduced abundant seed varieties to the New World, we would not be enjoying a diverse variety of popular plants in the agricultural world and our homesteads would lay barren. Collecting and saving seeds is easy and rewarding.

Aphids and Ants on Apple Trees!

August 29, 2020 · Countryside Magazine Contributor · Growing

If you have infestations of ants on apple trees, you could also have an aphid problem.
I got home from a long trip for work and hear that one of the new apple trees isn’t doing so well.

DIY Fence Installation and Maintenance on the Homestead

August 22, 2020 · Countryside Magazine Contributor · Fences, Sheds & Barns

When building a new fence, you need to consider whether to go with DIY fence installation or hire it to be done. Probably the most crucial part of fence maintenance is whether the fence was put up well, with quality materials.

Wash With Nuts…Soap Nuts!

August 20, 2020 · Countryside Magazine Contributor · Soapmaking

Want to save a ton of money on laundry detergent and household cleaners? The long unnoticed soap nut is nothing but 100% natural and has a plethora of uses.