About the Author
Countryside Contributor
Articles by Countryside Contributor
Detecting and Treating Lump Jaw in Cattle
Lump jaw in cattle is a bacterial infection of the jawbone. Bacteria are often present in the mouth of cattle, so anything that punctures the mouth tissues may open the way for infection, which can lead to lump jaw.
Read More
5 Tips to Developing a Permaculture Food Forest
Food forests, also known as edible permaculture forest gardens, are growing in popularity worldwide. A food forest is taking the old-fashioned monocrop orchard and adding many more layers of utility to it, while making it more self-contained and lower maintenance.
Read More
How A Solar Powered Car Could Drive Your Homestead
In 2014 when my wife and I decided to power our five East Texas acres with solar, a solar powered car was not part of the plan. But a couple of thoughts we had, changed our minds.
Read More
Adding New Dogs Into an Existing Livestock Guardian Dog Pack
Many operators incorrectly start their LGD experience by purchasing, training, and using just one dog at a time. They usually find out sooner than later, they should have bought two dogs or more to start. To be used successfully as guardians of livestock, LGDs should be run in pairs or more.
Read More
Salvage Your Drought-Affected Corn
For five long summer days, the relentless sun blazed, penetrating and drying out corn tassels. An unceasing wind drove away what moisture was available in the air.
Read More
Cooking with the Sun
Do you enjoy cooking outdoors? Then stretch those outdoor living skills by cooking with solar energy.
Read More
Rowdy the Buffalo
After driving down the long driveway past two large pastures and a small herd of bison, we arrived. We walked through a large expanse of fresh-cut green grass in front of the house and onto a large and sturdy, welcoming porch.
Read More
How to Build Durable Pipe Corrals
It’s important to know how to build pipe corrals because of the availability of material and, if done correctly, it will only need to be done once in a lifetime.
Read More
Cedar Apple Rust: A Disturbing Discovery
My family and I returned home from church on a rainy Sunday in May. It had been pouring for hours, but just as I pulled into the driveway, the rain stopped, and the sun shone brightly through a break in the clouds.
Read More
Much Ado About Mulch
From flower gardens to homestead veggie gardens, mulching is an integral part of bed cultivation. But are you mulching the right way?
Read More
DIY Yellow Jacket Trap
Imagine it’s noontime on the farm and your family is ready to enjoy a great lunch outside. The plates are full and the view is postcard gorgeous. But, oh no! They are back!
Read More
Making Herb Salts and Garlic Oil: Recipes for Imperfect Harvests
When insects attack your growing basil or your garlic doesn’t grow to a desired size, don’t worry, you can still make delicious infused garlic oil recipes and salts with your imperfect herbs.
Read More
Accidental Shetland Sheep Farmers
I became what I term as an accidental Shetland sheep farmer. Why do I say that? Well, sheep were not something we had considered for our small homestead.
Read More
Making Money with Goat Milk Soap
Add to Favorites By Heather Hicks — We didn’t plan to have a soap business, in fact, I didn’t plan for dairy goats! Some of life’s best adventures are from following your children’s lead …
Read More
Black Currants: America’s Delicious Forbidden Fruit
Black currants are easy-to-grow, requiring very little care, which was perfect for us! One spring, we were buying baby fruit trees at our local nursery and were excited about starting a small orchard on our 10-acre homestead.
Read More