Countryside Magazine Contributor, Author at Countryside

All About Ankole Watusi Cattle

January 9, 2021 · 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.

A Market Garden Planner for Profit

December 31, 2020 · Countryside Magazine Contributor · Growing

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!

The Versatile Mint: Peppermint Plant Uses

December 18, 2020 · Countryside Magazine Contributor · Growing

Peppermint plant uses are endless; this versatile mint does a lot more than make a refreshing drink. Peppermint is indispensable in my herb garden and so vigorous I can pull handfuls up by the roots and it always comes back, as fresh as ever.

What are Essential Oils?

December 18, 2020 · Countryside Magazine Contributor · Soapmaking

By now you have probably heard mention of essential oils even if you have not yet experienced them. However, with the rise in multi-level marketing of essential oils along with the increase in popularity of natural grocers and health food stores, perhaps you also have experienced an essential oil or two.

A DIY Mobile Sheep Shelter

December 14, 2020 · Countryside Magazine Contributor · Fences, Sheds & Barns

Do you really need a barn for small livestock? This was a question I pondered before we acquired sheep.

DIY Fence Installation and Maintenance on the Homestead

November 25, 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.

Raising Highland Cattle for Beef

November 24, 2020 · Countryside Magazine Contributor · Cattle

“As cute as they look, that is as good as they taste.” That statement is something I live by.

Safely Castrating Calves

November 16, 2020 · Countryside Magazine Contributor · Cattle

The best age and method for castrating calves may vary, depending on your situation. Some stockmen feel that a calf should be allowed to grow all summer before being castrated, since calves grow faster as bulls.

Know Your Firewood Moisture Content

November 14, 2020 · Countryside Magazine Contributor · Self-Reliance

Knowing firewood moisture content can make the difference between creating steam or heat. Most folks agree that water doesn’t burn, not unless you break H2O down into H and O, both of which are highly flammable, and that doesn’t happen in your stove or furnace.

KuneKune Pigs: A Hardy Homestead Breed

November 11, 2020 · Countryside Magazine Contributor · Pigs

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!

Hybrid vs. Heirloom Seeds

November 4, 2020 · Countryside Magazine Contributor · Growing

I am a diehard for plants grown from heirloom seeds, and I save most of my own seeds for our farm. I thought now would be a good time to give a lesson on the basic differences between hybrid and heirloom seeds.

Quick Tips For Fixing Metal and Wooden Gates

November 1, 2020 · Countryside Magazine Contributor · Fences, Sheds & Barns

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.

Buying a Chainsaw? Which One?

October 22, 2020 · Countryside Magazine Contributor · Tractors & Farm Equipment

Buying a chainsaw can be a frustrating experience. What brand should I buy? What size bar should I get?

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.