The year 2013 was an informative and challenging year for Half Creek Farm in Bickleton, Washington. In late July and early August, we got our first “opportunity” to give farm fire evacuation procedures a try.
Read MoreMilkweed plant isn’t your average weed; in fact, I feel guilty calling it a weed at all. The common milkweed, Asclepias syriacqa, is one of the best known wild plants in North America.
Read MoreSome calves develop calf bloat, an acute enterotoxemia (toxic gut infection), caused by bacterial toxins. These calves are usually about a month old but may be as young as a few days of age or as old as two to three months.
Read MoreA greenhouse can be crucial for extending the growing season. It keeps plants warm while letting in a full day’s worth of sunlight.
Read MoreAs important as it is to know what to feed pigs, it is just as important to know what not to feed pigs. Raising pigs on your farm or homestead is a rewarding experience.
Read MoreI’ve always wanted pigs and been curious to learn how to start pig farming. I’ve never owned pigs, never even was a close friend of someone who raised homestead pigs.
Read MoreWith approximately 300,000 new cases of Lyme disease in the U.S. each year, the search for knowledge about Lyme disease symptoms is increasing. Although several different types of ticks can carry Lyme disease, the blacklegged tick is the biggest carrier.
Read MoreWhen selecting a family milk cow or choosing from the best dairy cow breeds to start a small dairy, there are a number of options. The most “ideal” breed will be one that best suits your own situation and purpose.
Read MoreThe spring and summer are a great time to bring pigs onto your farm or homestead. Within a few months, it is possible to have homegrown pork to fill your freezer.
Read MoreHow many of you are confident the economy is solid, your employment is secure, the value of the dollar is sound and the power grid is permanent? It’s no wonder the subject of preparedness has gone mainstream.
Read MoreWater storage tanks can be a practical solution if your well doesn’t fill fast enough for normal household use. But how do you get a building permit if the flow is less than local code requires?
Read MoreThe hardest part of getting that homestead hog from pen to freezer is the part that most people don’t like to talk about: harvesting. While using such words may soothe the conscience of some, it avoids the hard truth.
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