breeding Archives - Countryside

Learn How to Felt Wool for Fun or Profit

October 5, 2022 · Countryside Contributor · Homesteading

Usually, people think of sculpting as an art form using clay or stone. However, there are other media and methods that can be used, such as wool. This has led many to discover how to felt wool and create beautiful wool sculptures.

Beef Composites and Breed Definition

September 12, 2022 · Countryside Magazine Contributor · Cattle

We frequently hear the terms crossbred, hybrid, composite, or synthetic when referring to breed definition, and we often wonder exactly what these terms mean.

Raising Lamb for Meat and Selling it at the Farmers Market

August 5, 2022 · Countryside Contributor · Sheep

Add to Favorites By Matthew Ernst – Nikki and Scott Royer took on the duty of managing her family’s 125–acre farm in Clinton, Indiana, in 2000, after Nikki’s father’s untimely death. …

Secrets of Raising Katahdin Sheep

May 18, 2022 · Countryside Contributor · Sheep

Add to Favorites By John Kirchhoff – For many people, mentioning hair sheep evokes either “I wouldn’t have anything else” or a “No way would I have them” response. My wife …

Belfair Miniature Cattle: A Small, All-Around Breed

March 30, 2022 · Countryside Contributor · Cattle

Belfair miniature cattle are the first dual-purpose miniature cattle developed in America. Developed by Tracy Teed of Conway, Washington, Belfair cattle are 50% Jersey, from high test Jersey cows bred to a small 35” Dexter bull, developed for the small acreage farmer who wants a small family milk cow which will also produce a good beef calf for the locker.

Cherishing the Natural Beauty of Icelandic Sheep

March 29, 2022 · Countryside Magazine Contributor · Sheep

Add to Favorites By Marguerite Chisick – We discovered that Icelandic sheep were our ticket to a more sustainable way of life! It is not uncommon for people who are living …

5 Meat Rabbit Facts to Know Before You Buy

March 22, 2022 · Maat Van Uitert · Homesteading, Rabbits

Add to Favorites Raising rabbits for meat is a wonderful way to harvest your own meat in a small area. But there are some rabbit facts you should know before …

5 Critical Sheep Breeds for the Homestead

September 13, 2021 · Kenny Coogan · Sheep

Raised for their hides, meat, milk, and wool, sheep are versatile. In addition to providing a local source of food and fiber, small flock owners are looking to support livestock conservation by venturing into raising rare sheep breeds.

Try Suffolk Sheep for Meat and Wool on the Farm

August 2, 2021 · Janet Garman · Sheep

Suffolk sheep were first recognized in 1797 in sheep breed books. Since 1888, the Suffolk sheep have traveled to new continents and become a staple of American and Canadian sheep farms.

Artificial Insemination is No Bull (Literally)

July 18, 2021 · Countryside Magazine Contributor · Cattle

Most homesteaders dream of having their own cow to provide fresh milk and dairy products for the whole family. The challenge is, a milk cow must become pregnant before she can lactate, and that means you’re going to need a bull—unless you use artificial insemination (AI).

How to Vermicompost At Home

March 18, 2021 · Countryside Magazine Contributor · Growing

Even homesteaders on a tiny urban plot make a lot of waste. Our multi-faceted approach to recycling sends most yard waste through our chickens to start the composting process along with both an outdoor, hot composting system and an indoor worm bin.

Your Guide to Farm Pond Design

January 20, 2021 · Countryside Magazine Contributor · Self-Reliance

You can create an effective farm pond design, whether you live on a few acres or 500. The water from a small stream is sufficient.

Cold Weather Tips for Raising Hogs for Meat

October 7, 2020 · Countryside Editorial · Pigs

Cold weather requires some planning for any homesteader raising hogs for meat. In the area of proper nutrition, thought and extra effort must be given to available supplies of fresh ice-free water at all times for all classes of hogs—the piglet, the weanling, growing/finishing, gestating and the lactating sow.

Sow Care During Farrowing and Lactation

September 16, 2020 · Janet Garman · Pigs

Sow care during gestation, farrowing and lactation is the key to healthier piglets. When piglets have a strong start in life they are more likely to thrive, develop quickly, and wean easily.