About the Author

Jeremy Chartier

At 12 years old, Jeremy Chartier became involved with his local 4-H group, later joined the local FFA chapter, and showed livestock until his college years. After graduating from the Ratcliffe Hicks School of Agriculture at UConn, he joined the University of Maine’s Poultry Service Provider training program. Today Jeremy sells started pullets to local backyard farmers, is still involved with 4-H as a poultry showmanship judge, and writes about his passion for farming.

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Articles by Jeremy Chartier

What Size Generator Do I Need for My Farm, Ranch or Off-Grid Home?

December 29, 2020 · Jeremy Chartier · Self-Reliance

When most people think of Connecticut they envision a state covered in pavement and cramped little houses stacked on top of one another, but nothing could be farther from the truth. Surprising as it may seem, the majority of New England is rural in nature, dotted with farms and homesteads averaging from five to 100+ acres per parcel.

Change The Game With A Backhoe Thumb

December 13, 2020 · Jeremy Chartier · Tractors & Farm Equipment

A backhoe thumb is a surefire way to add utility to your backhoe attachment. Read all about your options and how to size a backhoe thumb for your machine.

Top 10 List of Farm Tools and Equipment You Didn’t Know You Wanted

December 9, 2020 · Jeremy Chartier · Tractors & Farm Equipment

Over the years of setting fence posts, fixing barns, and repairing equipment, I’ve built a little collection of specialty tools to make my life that much easier.

Flammable Materials on the Farm

November 18, 2020 · Jeremy Chartier · Tractors & Farm Equipment

Flammable materials are abundant on every farm and homestead. Barn and coop fires are an unfortunately common issue, but there are a few critical things we can do to avoid a catastrophe.

Chainsaw Safety Gear to Get the Job Done Right

November 10, 2020 · Jeremy Chartier · Tractors & Farm Equipment

Chainsaw safety gear, albeit costly, is a necessary addition to any operator’s collection of farm tools and equipment. Unfortunately, farmers tend to be prone to disregarding safety devices, safety equipment and user warnings.

Firewood Management With Pallet Forks For Tractors

October 8, 2020 · Jeremy Chartier · Tractors & Farm Equipment

Pallet forks for tractors and other tractor bucket attachments are great complements to your wood-splitting tools. From dragging logs, bucking, moving and storing split wood, your farm tractor will be an indispensable asset as you prepare for the winter ahead.

Firewood Management 101

September 29, 2020 · Jeremy Chartier · Self-Reliance

Wood-splitting tools have enabled homesteaders to survive and thrive for centuries. Just like many of today’s tools we use on the homestead, there have been some marked improvements since the days of yore.

Wood-Splitting Tools for Today’s Homestead

September 16, 2020 · Jeremy Chartier · Self-Reliance

Wood-splitting tools have enabled homesteaders to survive and thrive for centuries. Just like many of today’s tools we use on the homestead, there have been some marked improvements since the days of yore.

Proper Fence Post Depth to Build Strong Fences

September 4, 2020 · Jeremy Chartier · Fences, Sheds & Barns

Fence post depth, size, and anchoring systems can make or break your fence line. Despite what some people believe, making a long-lasting fence is not always as simple as sinking a post in the ground and moving on to the next post.

First Aid Kit Contents Checklist for Homesteaders

September 4, 2020 · Jeremy Chartier · Homesteading

Using a first aid kit contents checklist is an excellent way to build a customized emergency kit, but with so many lists on the internet, which do you follow? This article will focus on preserving a human life.

The Best Way to Loosen Rusted Parts

September 3, 2020 · Jeremy Chartier · Tractors & Farm Equipment

Is there a best way to loosen rusted parts on the farm? I’m sure there is, but I’m more inclined to say; there’s the best way for each situation.

The Top 5 Farm Implements List for Homesteading

August 9, 2020 · Jeremy Chartier · Tractors & Farm Equipment

One of, if not the most useful thing any farmer or homesteader owns, is a tractor. Speaking from someone who has always owned a tractor of some kind, I can attest to the fact that a properly equipped tractor can turn a three-day, back-breaking job into a simple three-hour affair.

How to Build a Foundation for a Shed

August 2, 2020 · Jeremy Chartier · Fences, Sheds & Barns

Knowing how to build a foundation for a shed is the all-important first step of adding barn space to your farm or homestead. Laying a strong foundation for any project is key to the longevity of the structure, regardless of construction type.

Grease Zerk Fittings to Keep Things Running Smoothly

July 7, 2020 · Jeremy Chartier · Tractors & Farm Equipment

When and how to grease Zerk fittings is something many of us don’t think of often, but regular greasing is a crucial part of routine maintenance for your tractor and other critical equipment.

Driveway Graders For Small Farm Tractors

June 30, 2020 · Jeremy Chartier · Tractors & Farm Equipment

A driveway grader implement is one of those often forgotten but surprisingly useful compact tractor implements. Those of us who are fortunate enough to have homesteads with any appreciable amount of acreage can agree; long dirt driveways can be challenging.