breeding

How Rabbit Farming Differs in the Winter
December 20, 2022 · · Homesteading, Rabbits

Whether you’re raising meat rabbits or rabbits for show, rabbit farming changes seasonally. What works in summer may not work in winter.

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Beef Composites and Breed Definition
September 12, 2022 · · 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.

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Secrets of Raising Katahdin Sheep
May 18, 2022 · · Sheep

Katahdin sheep are one of several hair breeds, the most common of which includes Barbados Black Belly, St. Croix, and Dorper sheep.

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Cherishing the Natural Beauty of Icelandic Sheep

We were ready to give up on the sheep business altogether when we discovered Icelandic sheep.

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5 Meat Rabbit Facts to Know Before You Buy
March 22, 2022 · · Homesteading, Rabbits

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 buying your first rabbit.

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5 Critical Sheep Breeds for the Homestead
September 13, 2021 · · Sheep

In addition to providing food and fiber, small flock owners are looking to support livestock conservation by venturing into raising rare sheep breeds.

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Try Suffolk Sheep for Meat and Wool on the Farm
August 2, 2021 · · 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.

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Artificial Insemination is No Bull (Literally)

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).

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How to Vermicompost At Home

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.

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Your Guide to Farm Pond Design

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.

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Cold Weather Tips for Raising Hogs for Meat
October 7, 2020 · · 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.

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Sow Care During Farrowing and Lactation
September 16, 2020 · · 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.

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Rat-Hunting Dogs: A Historically Organic Option
August 27, 2020 · · Homesteading

Got a rat problem? You can try traps, poisons … or rat-hunting dogs. This organic concept is the reason rat terriers exist today.

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7 Pasture Pig Breeds for the Small Farm
December 10, 2019 · · Pigs

Add to Favorites Raising pasture pig breeds is talked about frequently in farming discussions. Not too far back in agrarian history, pasture pig breeds were more common. Keeping a few …

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Valais Blacknose Coming to the U.S.
September 14, 2019 · · Sheep

Add to Favorites By Alan Harman Originating from Switzerland, Valais Blacknose are a world heritage breed with an estimated global population of just 13,000 or 14,000, verging on an endangered …

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