Since I've taken up homesteading, I hardly ever rearrange the furniture. I've moved on to bigger things to rearrange, like chicken tractors, livestock pens, and gardens; around new innovation!
This year I'm rearranging all the garden spots and making new plans for how and where I'm raising food. Due to circumstances beyond my control at this time, I don't need a garden as large as I've been keeping, but I do need livestock feed that is not GMO, so, it's time for some reorganization and new coordinates on the homestead grid!
After fencing more pasture last year, I realized with proper planning and implementation, as well as raising my own food, I can raise most everything the critters need as well. Even with GMO, grain prices are outrageous and I refuse to even consider the ethanol by-product of that corn syrup poured over hay. Not only is raising my own feed healthier for the animals, but it's much easier on my wallet, as well. It is a little tougher on my back, though, but I'm catching on to some better ideas.
The big fences are permanent, but the smaller grazing areas are all made with panels, so they are portable, as is the chicken tractor. Vegetable gardens are now going to be on rotation beyond just alternating years with the chicken coop. I'm actually implementing a plan to raise barley and wheat for flour, alternating years with the chickens. The corn is looking good, so I'm hoping to grind my own corn meal. The beets for the livestock are a hit in the field, as well as on my table. WIN/WIN/WIN/ all the way around. There's still another acre to consider when I get this figured out!
I am so thankful to our Creator. He didn't intend for us to all be cooped up on top of ourselves and each other. He created us to enjoy the nature He created, and considering are created in His image, He must want us to be creative!
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