Rodents in SHAPE on the PLUS: Homestead Learn to Grow Saffron HUNTING SEASON IS HERE!

The magazine of modern homesteading

& Small Stock Journal Volume 101 • Number 5 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

FALL RECIPES AND CANNING

POPULAR MEAT CHICKEN BREEDS Controlling KEEP FARM ROADS Rodents IN SHAPE on the PLUS: Homestead Learn to Grow Saffron HUNTING SEASON IS HERE!

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I AM COUNTRYSIDE Show us what homesteading means to you! There are as many different reasons and ways to homestead as there are homesteaders today. Help us tell your unique story by submitting photos and short stories about your homesteading adventures.

Hey, friends, my name is Alisha Alisha Galbraith. and more time using the wild I’m a writer, oil guide, home- plants I’ve found and dried to steader, and self-proclaimed wild- make folk remedies, salves, and flower. I’m two years new at this infused honey. I spend less time homesteading thing ... and most weeding, and more time drinking of the time when I call myself a tea, baking bread, eating said “homesteader” I feel like a phony. bread, and reading books I don’t have big livestock. I don’t about essential oils, plants, and have a tractor, and I still shop at butterflies. the supermarket. I love that there are people But the beautiful thing about like us who want to learn how being countryside, about being a to live a more self-sufficient homesteader, is that there are so lifestyle. For those of you who many different ways to be one. are just starting out, even if Homesteading is about learning homesteading is just a thought to live better where you are, and in your mind, here are a few that’s different for everyone. things I’ve learned about For me it’s raising chickens, homesteading: failing at gardening more often than not, learning about herbs, • Not all moments are essential oils, and the plants in beautiful. Some are really my area during all seasons. messy and heartbreaking. My favorite season isn’t a • You don’t have to do season at all. It’s the space everything. between seasons when you get the best of both summer and • You don’t have to own land. autumn. When the days are • You don’t even have to be warm and the nights are cool. “good” at homesteading. When the wildflowers are extra • You just have to want it. wild in their last bloom, and when the drying leaves sound Start this season with like ocean waves. a change. As summer winds down on our little homestead I spend less Follow Alisha’s photo journey time worrying about tornadoes on Instagram: @folkandco.

Email photos in JPG format to editor@ countrysidemag.com with “I Am Countryside” in the subject line

Mail your entry to: Countryside, 145 Industrial Dr., Medford, WI 54451. To have your photos returned, please include a self-addressed stamped envelope

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WAYS TO SHARE: WAYS Countryside & Small Stock Journal retains the right to publish and/or reproduce any and all photos submitted. clockwise from top: Watching the honeybees on our property is one of my favorite things to do; An all-natural tick spray. I use this from spring all the way until the end of fall. 4 oz bottle, 30-50 drops of rosemary essential oil and fill up the rest of the bottle with witch hazel; An apricot tea from Baker Creek’s spring planting festival. Teas are a must-have during fall! opposite: Goldenrod honey clockwise from top: Free-range, pasture-raised eggs; Fresh baked baguettes; A few “must-haves” for the handmade apothecary — you can find more “must-haves” at folkandco.com. clockwise from top left: Throughout the spring, summer, and fall I stock my apothecary for fall and winter illnesses; My very first garlic harvest from two years ago; Goldenrod is often overlooked, but a good medicinal plant and nectar plant for monarchs!; Gwenevere as a young chick. Also known as “Gwen the Hen.”

My Favorite Season isn’t a Season at all. It’s the Space Between Seasons. September/October 2017 Contents

4 I Am Countryside HOMESTEADING 10 Editor’s Letter 62 Making a Smooth Ride 24 12 Country Conversation Learn how to grade and & Feedback maintain driveways on your homestead. 68 Exploring Wood-Burning Stoves GROWING for Off-Grid Living 20 Don’t Be Fooled: Growing Heating options to ward off Saffron is Easy! winter’s chill. Learn to grow this expensive and rare spice. ANIMALS & LIVESTOCK 24 Phytoremediation Plants Clean Contaminated Soil 74 How to Assist a Cow Using plants to make soil healthy Giving Birth is an option for big companies Learn how to tell when a cow 46 and homesteaders alike. is in labor and how to help if necessary.

FARM TO FORK POULTRY 30 Heat Source Options for Canning 82 Popular Meat Chicken Breeds Make sure you’ve got the Explore the pros and cons of right heat source for your two popular meat breeds. end product. 34 Understanding How Botulism AFTER CHORES Causes Illness 86 Just for Fun Learn how to avoid this disease especially during the 88 Almanack 62 canning season. 91 Marketplace 40 Ladle & Loaf - Harvest Soups 94 Breeders Directory/Classifieds and Breads for Autumn Easy and yummy recipes for fall meals.

COUNTRY LIFE 46 Rat-Hunting Dogs: An On the cover Organic Pest Control Option Get the job done without chemicals. 82 50 Understanding Hantavirus While rare, understand this disease to better protect yourself. 54 Natural Ways to Get Rid of Mice Keeping rodents out of your home and barn without poisons. 58 How to Find a Beekeeping Mentor A little help and guidance can Ah rats! This issue of Countryside mean success! turns the spotlight on rodent control on the homestead and arms you with natural ways to prevent and remove an unwanted population.

8 || COUNTRYSIDE & SMALL STOCK JOURNAL People everywhereare trying to get their hands on an appliance invented in theU.S.

Woolseyisn’t afraid to experimentin Freeze dryingleavesthe nutritional the kitchen. Hertwo years in South integrity,aswellasthe taste and Americamade her an adventurous chef; appearance, of the food completely and, her husband and three children intact. Agrape still looks likeagrape; a motivateher to cook healthymeals that sliceofpeach still looks as fresh as it did everyone will enjoy. beforeitwas freezedried; meatsand seafood stayfresh and taste fresh even Woolseyisahardworking mom trying after being freeze dried. Whether Harvest Right Freeze Dryersare easy to use, to balancehome management, freeze drying full meals likelasagna and affordable, and preserve large batches of food within 24 to 36 hours. part-time work,church and community beef steworpreserving dairyproducts involvement, and everything else. likecheddar cheese, yogurtand ice prime. Woolseynotedthather Harvest cream, Sharon has the confidencethat Right freeze dryeris“a game changer” “Ofall the interesting, and innovative the food is going to taste great. forher beautifullypreserved avocados. appliances I’veworkedwith, this was possiblythe most amazing, the most Besides preserving meals as long term The ability to keep food from going bad interesting, and the most innovative,” storage forher familyand making helps offsetthe pricetag, Woolseysaid. Sharon said after her first fewmonths delicious baked goods, Woolseyhas also Families throw out $2,250 worthoffood with the HarvestRight freeze dryer. found her freeze dryeruseful in ayear on average. Thatnumber alone preserving her garden bounty.Like almost pays forthe freeze dryer. It is This convenientfreezedryer isabout manyavidgardeners, Sharon sawher perfect to freeze dryfoodthatwould the sizeofamini-fridge and canbeused food going to waste because she otherwisegotowaste so thatitcan be in avariety of locations such as a couldn’t use the producefast enough. usedasamealinafewweeks or to be kitchen, spareroom, laundryroom, or Now, she has asolution thatkeeps her eaten in 25 years. evenagarage. Woolseykeeps her freeze goods fresh until she’s readytouse dryerinher garage during the winter them. Freeze driedpineapple, grapes and and brings it into her food storage yogurtdrops have replaced Woolsey’s closetduring the hot summer months. “[I love to preserve]myfresh producein kid’sfavorite candy. Sheturns the freeze dryerbecause it plumps back freeze-driedkale and Greekyogurtinto This applianceisagame changer for to lifesobeautifully.It’salso the powder to add to her morning manyreasons. It canfreezedry 6to10 absolute best way to preserve herbs, smoothies; and freeze-driedice cream pounds of food at atime, which especiallyastheyretain 100 percent of dippedinchocolate has become a amounts to 1,500 pounds of food per their flavor.” popular treatather house parties. year.When stored properly, Woolseyhas found away to turn this freeze-driedfoods canlast for15to25 Producefromthe garden isn’t all a remarkable food storage technique into years, it is an essential tool foranyone freeze dryercan save from going to away of life. who practices food storage likeSharon. waste. Leftovermeals and ripening grocery-storeproducestayout of the Learnmoreaboutthis revolutionary trashcan thanks to thefreezedryer. appliance at HarvestRight.com or call With foods thatripen quickly, like 1-800-639-9022. bananas or avocados, the Harvest Right freeze dryercan preserve them in their

1-800-639-9022 |harvestright.com Countryside :: a letter to readers

A Time of Plenty and Preparation AAhhhh! Fall! It’s such a welcome relief from the heat of summer. It’s a time of plenty and a time of preparation. It’s a busy time and a hopeful time as food for winter is Volume 101 • Number 5 stored and gardens are planted to sleep before the new September/October 2017 growing season. PAM FREEMAN Countryside & Small Stock Journal This issue is packed with everything you need during Editor, Includes Small Stock Magazine Founded this transitional time of year. For preserving the garden’s Countryside 1917 by Wallace Blair and Countryside Magazine Founded 1969 by Jd Belanger bounty, learn the best heat sources for canning in this last segment of our canning series. Also, learn how to keep your food and family safe by knowing the signs and symptoms of botulism and EDITORIAL how to avoid this disease altogether. Steph Merkle, Content Director [email protected] Whether you’re busy taking the kids to sports practices and games or working Pam Freeman, Editor around the homestead, our easy and delicious soup and bread recipes will [email protected] make sure everyone has a hearty meal to keep them going. Samantha Ingersoll, Ann Tom Before winter sets in, make sure your driveway and farm roads are in tip-top Editorial Assistants shape by using the proper tools and techniques for the job. And, stay warm as CIRCULATION & MARKETING cooler air moves in by exploring the best wood stoves for off-grid living. Ellen Grunseth, Marketing Director [email protected] As you’re cleaning up your gardens from summer crops, why not save a spot to plant some saffron bulbs so you have access to this expensive and rare spice. Malisa Samsel It may even add zest to your farm goods for sale! Publication Designer ADVERTISING Keep your livestock and their barns protected by learning the health threat Alicia Soper, Advertising Director posed by mice and how to get rid of rats naturally by using rat-hunting dogs. [email protected] (715) 748-1388 As fall calves are being born, know when to intervene and not to intervene so that mom and calf are safe. And, if you’re considering starting beekeeping, Kelly Weiler [email protected] learn how to find a mentor and benefit from their advice and experience. (715) 748-1389 Whew! That’s quite a list! Sue Lapcewich [email protected] Last, but certainly not least, take some time to rejuvenate yourself and enjoy (970) 392-4436 the beauty of fall.

GENERAL MANAGER Mike Campbell Our Philosophy [email protected] At Countryside, our purpose is to inspire self-reliant living on any level. We acknowledge that the path to self-sufficiency is as unique as the person who accepts Countryside’s Main Homestead the journey. Countryside We strive to strengthen the homesteading movement by sharing the diverse voices and 145 Industrial Dr., Medford, WI 54451 knowledge of today’s practioners. www.countrysidenetwork.com We teach our readers how to grow and raise their own food; build, fix, and craft with their Subscriptions (U.S. funds): own two hands; and walk as gently on this planet as possible. $19.99 per year Countryside Subscriptions 580 Mallory Way, Carson City, NV 89701 Contact Us: 970-392-4419 Phone: 970-392-4419 Printed in the U.S.A.

Fax: 1-715-785-7414 Countryside & Small Stock Journal (ISSN 8750-7595; USPS 498-940) Address: 145 Industrial Dr., Medford, WI 54451 is published bi-monthly by Countryside Publications, 145 Industrial Dr., Medford, WI 54451. Periodicals postage paid at Medford, WI and additional mailing offices. ©2017 Countryside Publications. Advertising office: [email protected] Countryside Publications is owned and operated by Fence Post Co. The views presented here do not necessarily represent those of the Editorial office: [email protected] editor or publisher. All contents of this issue of Countryside & Small Stock Journal are copyrighted by Countryside Publications, 2017. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited Customer service/book orders: [email protected] except by permission of the publisher.

POSTMASTER: Send all UAA to CFS. (See DMM 707.4.12.5); www.countrysidenetwork.com NON-POSTAL AND MILITARY FACILITIES: Send address corrections to Countryside Subscriptions, 580 Mallory Way, Carson City, NV 89701

10 || COUNTRYSIDE & SMALL STOCK JOURNAL Exclusive Country Charm Design! Pillow Collection

Pillows shown much smaller than actual size of 14½” square.

The CountryCharm Pillow Collection brings the richly- RESERVATION APPLICATION SEND NO MONEY NOW colored rooster art of Dona Gelsinger home in an original 4-piece pillow set. Vintage,with just atouchofcountry French, her imageryoftrue countrycharacters is ﬁlled with 9345 Milwaukee Avenue ·Niles, IL 60714-1393 warmth and style.Pillows arecustom-crafted of high-quality YES. Please reserve the Country Charm Pillow Collection for me as fabric for rich color and lasting beauty and areﬁlled with described in this announcement. Limit: one per order. Please Respond Promptly 100% hypo-allergenic down alternative. Mrs. Mr. Ms. Exceptional value; satisfaction guaranteed Name (PleasePrint Clearly) Strong demand is expected so order yours now in four Address convenient installments of only $29.99, for atotal issue City price of just $119.96*. Your purchase is backed by our 365-day money-back guarantee, so there’snorisk. Send no State Zip money now. Just mail the Reservation Application today! Email (optional) 01-25280-001-E57091 www.bradfordexchange.com/roosterpillow *Plus $16.99 shipping and service. Limited-edition presentation restricted to 295 crafting days. Please allow 4-8 weeks after initial payment for ©Dona Gelsinger, Little Angel Publishing, Inc., White City, OR ©2017 BGE 01-25280-001-BIR shipment. Sales subject to product availability and order acceptance. Country Conversation & Feedback Contact us at: 145 Industrial Dr., Medford, WI 54451; [email protected]

American Made? is 100% assembled in the U.S. There an interesting question. I agree, it are no companies in the U.S. that seems that most breeds of livestock Based on an article “How to currently make an economy pressure guardian dogs are heavily furred. Successfully Use a Pressure gauge, therefore, that component is Since many of these originated in Canner” in the July/August 2017 not manufactured here. The wing nomadic areas of the Mediterranean, issue of Countryside we decided nuts and top handles are from China. I can only suppose that they are heat to invest in a pressure canner this -Editorial tolerant despite the heavy coat! year. After reading the article and There are a few breeds that you finding that the “All American” Thank you so much! I have received might look into that have a lighter brand is considerably heavier, and my canner and we are attempting coat. The Kangal, Anatolian Shepherd, therefore more durable as well to figure out how to use it correctly and the Akbash are some breeds as more expensive, and “is made having never used one before. I had you might want to look into when in the United States” we chose also done some research and felt that you search. I am not sure of the that brand. Imagine my surprise the information listed on Amazon availability of these breeds in the when I went to Amazon to order, may be incorrect and feel that I would United States though as some livestock read all the input and found that consider this canner “American guardian breeds are rare finds. it is “manufactured in America” made.” I greatly appreciate this - Janet Garman but the origin is China! I assume additional information. - Peggy that means they put it together in Countryside America after importing it from Guardian Dog Breeds Network Fan China. If that isn’t an error on Amazon, I’m greatly disappointed I really enjoyed the article about I am not a farmer or raising that this product isn’t as it was the guardian dogs. It seems like livestock. But your website is the represented in the article. all the breeds mentioned are best. Really. I have forwarded Peggy S. Barrett, Pennsylvania heavy-coated. Are there any your site on to many non- breeds not so furry, suitable for farmers due to your hands-on Hi Peggy, hot, humid weather in summer? content. Don’t stop. Thank you Thank you for your note concerning I couldn’t find an email for the so very much. God bless you. the country of origin for the All author herself. Thank you for Frank Walker American canner. We spoke with the the great info in your magazine. company, and here is what we found I’m always happy when I find Life in the out for you. The lid and the pot are my copy in my mailbox. Mountain State made at the Wisconsin Aluminum Martha Keller, South Carolina Foundry in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. I was born in the late 30s, north The bolts and pins are also from Hello Martha, of Charleston, West Virginia. The companies in the U.S., and the canner Thank you for writing and posing effect of the great depression

12 || COUNTRYSIDE & SMALL STOCK JOURNAL “The pursuit of happiness gives some folks the chase of a lifetime.” — Anonymous

was still on in our part of the People in town had electric by the time they got to church. country. What is living now lights before we did. There were I have seen both boys and girls is not the same as then. cars and trucks to be had after the sweat their shirts and blouses I was born and raised in a hewn war ended. Roads were usually through in back. No one paid log house and times were hard. muddy in winter or snow covered any attention. Not everyone had We raised what we ate and sold and cars were useless unless they deodorant, but we were young or bartered the excess if it was a were parked on gravel roads, and we had each other and didn’t good year. When we hand canned, however far that was away. care as much about such things cured or dried what we thought I was a grown man before I ever as it is today. A 10-mile walk was was too much, we would try to saw cooking oil. Lard was used not even noticeable. This was after sell some. We “put by” more of by most people. Cholesterol never working until two o’clock and the most bountiful crops. Usually, bothered most people because we getting ready to go. That was if there was a good and an “off‘ year. walked most everywhere we went. the cows didn’t get out and end We didn’t have electricity We didn’t know we were up in the cornfield. But we had until 1948. We heated with coal “pore.” Poor is when you have a time to get to know each other and and cooked with wood. Coal oil little money. (One man said that even fall in love. Families started and kerosene were our means when he was young, times were this way. And when they married, of lighting. It was hard staying so hard that the river couldn’t they went home, they didn’t go on warm in winter. Houses were afford to run but every other a honeymoon. Life went on, they not insulated in those days. We day. Now that is sure enough milked the cows the next morning didn’t have any choice. Everyone hard times. That is “pore.”) and built a fire in the cook stove we knew lived like that. We Canned meat came in handy in and often went to the fields and did farmed with horses. We also summer. Groundhogs were eaten whatever was needed to be done. had cows, hogs, and chickens. in summer and squirrels and There was no other way unless After the war broke out we rabbits were welcome in winter. they lived with their parents. could trade butter, cream, and eggs The young folks in the People would visit or go to for what we needed. Middlings community would walk to parties a fair but you still had to be for hogs and laying mash for the or to church on Saturday evenings. back by 5 p.m. to feed, and milk hens was usually traded for. There would be a sizeable group and do everyday chores.

Be a Part of the Conversation! HOMEMADE GIFTS

We’re going to be featuring some homemade gifts in our the November/ December issue. That’s a natural for the holiday season. But we love homemade gifts any time of year, for any occasion, and we know you do too! We’d like to hear and see what are your favorite homemade gifts. Share a story of making or receiving a memorable gift. Share your homemade gift ideas. And please send photos too. We’ll feature your ideas and stories in our next Country Conversation. Plus, we may even share some favorites from our Can you knit? editorial team. Special wrapping hacks?

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 || 13 country conversation :: feedback

In winter we would haul hay from stacks every Saturday and throw it up into the barn loft. The first cutting had been all fed to the cows and horses. Other times we would go butcher a hog for a neighbor, salt it down and get two dollars and “a mess” of backbone or ribs. If it was honest work we didn’t turn it down. I have worked eight hours with a team and wagon, cleaning out the barn for three dollars. Public works were paying four a day. When we got our own hay put up we would go and put up hay for our neighbors. It didn’t matter if it was a 90-degree day or better. We would be working up close to a tin roof. The temperature was at least 100°. If not, it seemed like it! Countryside’s International! Watermelons grew good in West Virginia and we usually grew some. Stealing watermelons We made it to the Peruvian Andes thanks was not considered wrong by some people. One man got shot to our writer - Kenny Coogan! by a 16-year-old boy. Nothing - If you’re traveling, be sure to bring your Countryside was ever done about it. The man magazine along and snap a picture. We’d love to see it! lived to be an old man, but he changed his mind about stealing! The hills and mountains had several customs. One was if you from us by not allowing GMO went to a watermelon patch and GMO Opinion products to be labeled as such. picked yourself one and ate it in What are they hiding from us? I the patch it was ok. I have seen I just received my Countryside think we should have the right to old timers keep a teaspoon in July/August 2017 issue today and know what we are buying to feed the bib of their overalls. Another I love your magazine. In Country our families. Why has Congress custom was about apples. If you Conversation & Feedback, I have allowed Monsanto to market food stopped in an orchard and ate to respond to “GMO — God Move with no GMO labeling? Where what you could eat at one time it Over.” I have to get on my soapbox are the FDA, USDA, and food was ok by the farmer. A lot of the to respond to Ms. Anderson on safety organizations collecting hobos of the 30s did this to keep these GMOs. She must not have our tax dollars to protect us? going. It was better than nothing. done enough research on GMOs, GMOs are not allowed for sale I hope I have entertained or Genetically Modified Organism, in foreign countries because encouraged someone. This story which are producing large profits we still do not know what was simply a short account for Monsanto. I agree with her long-term effect they have on of life in the Mountain State that everyone should have the animal and/or human bodies. around my lil’ country home privilege to choose their food Next, I agree with the in the days of long ago. but our government has taken improvement of hybrid plants Porky Parkins, West Virginia that “awareness choice” away but GMO seeds are patented. I

14 || COUNTRYSIDE & SMALL STOCK JOURNAL Coloring Fun

Colored by my daughter, Emilia, Age 9. Thanks! - zeb lamp, minnesota

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 || 15 country conversation :: feedback

read about one landowner that lost 30 acres of his property Join the Conversation because his neighbor planted GMO corn, and the pollen on Facebook blew over into his field of corn. The court awarded this Read the full story on CountrysideNetwork.com/daily man’s property to his neighbor Search: growing okra because of cross pollination of the GMO patented corn, which stays in the ground. Is this camouflaged eminent domain? Next, with God given plant seeds we can save the seeds of the fruit, be it corn, wheat or whatever, and they will grow another plant: however, GMO “seeds” do not germinate, which is why Monsanto has them on a patent. You cannot replant the seeds from a GMO harvest and get another crop. I grew up on a farm and live on a small farm today, doesn’t matter as there are too many underground things going on in this world and our country, that we are not being told. I don’t want to brag about having college degrees, I am not impressed, as that does not make me more informed than someone who has researched things happening today. Still, we should keep trying to stay abreast of information as much as possible so we can safeguard our families and neighborhoods. GMOs are just one of the corrupt ideas to fool the public into thinking Rebecca Hudson He throws in about a save seeds every year everything is okay. I do agree Pederson: I have. tablespoon of vinegar, and they germinate with the fact “we” should It was wonderful. I and it cuts all the pretty well. I love the stop trying to “Play GOD!” canned lots of half slime. Works the same flowers and leaves Mary Lee Berger- pint jars. They were as cooking it with also. Very pretty. My Spaulding, Texas so handy and good. tomatoes. Somehow plants are still small the acid knocks out right now. I think Dave Ziebol: Coat it in the slime. Personally, I’m in zone 7a. cornmeal and pan fry I don’t mind a bit till crisp — fabulous! of slime, and I will Mary Shalhub- even eat it boiled. Davis: Cooked with Valerie Stuch Johnson: stewed tomatoes will My son sautées it in Pam Guest: I started cause it to be less half oil, half butter. growing it in 2015. I slimy. Love okra.

16 || COUNTRYSIDE & SMALL STOCK JOURNAL

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the chemicals safranal, a-crocin, and picrocrocin, which give it therapeutic properties. My favorite saffron use is within my cuisine. I add it to rice, soups, curries, and desserts. Moroccan recipes are great places to find both saffron and coriander uses, putting your garden’s cilantro to work. If you found a staggeringly good price on saffron, I have bad news: It was probably adulterated by turmeric, safflower, or marigold petals, all of which give foods a similar yellow hue. True saffron soars over $1,500/lb. Identifying it involves an experienced nose because the real deal has a distinct, heady aroma. So how do you know if the saffron you purchased is real? (If you choked at the price, it’s probably real.) Know your supplier. Or try growing saffron in your own garden. “But … it’s more valuable than gold! So, it can’t be easy to grow!” First: Commerce depends on supply versus demand. The industry thrives on people who believe their only option is buying it. Second: That price is per pound. It takes 100,000-250,000 Don’t Be Fooled: saffron plants to produce one pound, and you only need a Growing few threads for most recipes. CAN YOU GET RICH GROWING SAFFRON? Saffron is Easy! That’s tricky. More than 80% of the world’s saffron is hand- picked in Iran, where wages are IFE IS SHORT. COOK WITH SAFFRON. substantially lower. That affects My motto strengthened when I started market price. It also takes a lot BY MARISSA growing saffron and stopped buying it. of time and land to cultivate the AMES L Ancient people plucked the reddish stamens of 100,000+ plants to make $1,500. Crocus sativus then dried it for natural cold remedies, Growing saffron in the States to treat inflammation and menstrual issues. Science means adding labor costs or taking recently confirmed these benefits by identifying a huge profit cut if you attempt

20 || COUNTRYSIDE & SMALL STOCK JOURNAL “With time and patience the mulberry leaf becomes a silk gown.” — Chinese Proverb

Instead of competing on a large scale, try growing saffron for sale in local specialty shops. Or add value to other products you produce, Saffron is such as making saffron identifiable from other crocus by the three long, and goat milk ice red stigmas. Unlike other cream or saffron crocus varieties, saffron emerges angel food cake from in the fall. your fresh eggs.

to compete with foreign rates. I’m currently cultivating corms to naturalize on our nonprofit farming project in Zambia, but we’ll also have to establish trade with richer nations such as South Africa, or the Zambians won’t make any profit. Instead of competing on a large scale, try growing saffron for spring, purchased and shipped plants wither in the heat because sale in local specialty shops. Or in fall, and planted in September the sprinkler doesn’t reach that far. add value to other products you within the Northern hemisphere. Consider containers that you can produce, such as making saffron Though they are “corms,” most move into the sun and out of the and goat milk ice cream or saffron sites will call them “bulbs.” excess water. angel food cake from your fresh Order corms from suppliers When I first started growing eggs. Can you imagine the added with the highest ratings, because saffron, Carol Ort of the University profit of infusing saffron into your some sell older corms and keep of Nevada Reno’s Cooperative locally grown, organic honey? younger ones for themselves. This is Extension gave me valuable, area- important because the best flowers specific advice such as planting in GROWING SAFFRON, bloom in years one to three. cages. If your area has burrowing STEP BY STEP Saffron needs a lot of sun, a rodents like gophers, consider Find Crocus sativus bulbs … and little nutrition, and well-drained making a “cage” out of chicken wire be sure they aren’t any other type soil. Remember these successfully and bury that in the ground, filling of crocus! These purple-blossomed cultivate in Persian deserts. I put with dirt, and planting corms within corms are available for pre-order in mine in garden corners, where other the cage. Rodents love crocus corms!

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 || 21 growing :: saffron

Saffron Uses RICE Add a pinch to boiling water as rice cooks. Also, add a pat of butter for rich flavor. HONEY Heat honey within a pan or crockpot. Add dry saffron. Let steep at least right: Saffron honey 10 minutes before bottling. below: Saffron angel food cake ICE CREAM The day before, bloom saffron in 1/4-1/2 cup of the recipe’s required cream. Proceed with the recipe. Use goat milk instead of cow milk for a distinctive Mediterranean flavor. ANGEL FOOD CAKE Bloom saffron in one tablespoon water, being careful not to use too much so you don’t water down the recipe. After water cools, whisk it into egg whites then proceed with the recipe. YOGURT Follow a recipe for homemade yogurt, sprinkling saffron into milk during the initial heating stage. Whisk to combine when you inoculate with existing yogurt or cultures. DIPPING OIL When corms arrive, don’t wait corms have been known to produce Either: 1. Heat oil in a pan, sprinkle long to plant because they can dry 24! When flowers open, don’t in dry saffron, then cool and bottle. up. The rounded bottom has a wait. Pinch off the blossom, being 2. Combine oil and dry saffron then dimple; the top is pointed with a careful not to pull up bulbs. bottle and cap tightly, setting in a sunny tassel from dried foliage. Loosen window for several months. Because the soil in your sunniest, most well- SAFFRON REPRODUCTION olive oil can be strongly flavored, drained area, and mix in a light Unlike many flowers, saffron use extra-virgin or combine with fertilizer like compost or rabbit doesn’t reproduce by seed. grapeseed or fractionated coconut oil. manure. Plant at least three inches Saffron naturalizes and within apart, with two to three inches of soil a couple years, you can dig and over top. Water generously that first separate corms, replanting. I Saffron Ideas time then hold back, sprinkling only discovered this with delight when Before using saffron, you must first during dry spells of over a week. I accidentally unearthed some “bloom it.” This involves steeping Skinny green spikes will emerge. saffron while planting my onions. threads in a hot liquid such as water Flowers come soon after. Each The “mother” corm had eight or milk and letting it sit 10 minutes, corm should produce at least two “daughters” which, though not before adding it to recipes. blossoms, though some larger yet mature, would all be mothers

22 || COUNTRYSIDE & SMALL STOCK JOURNAL TM Unlike many flowers, saffron doesn’t Tools forcontrolling aquatic vegetation reproduce by seed. Saffron naturalizes and within a couple years, you can dig and Using the Weed Razerissimple: separate corms, replanting. I discovered this Toss it with delight when I accidentally unearthed Let it sink some saffron while planting my onions. The Pull it in “mother” corm had eight “daughters” which, THE MOST EFFICIENT though not yet mature, would all be mothers AND EFFECTIVE TOOL MADE FOR REMOVING themselves someday. ROOTED WEEDS.

Clears a 48” wide themselves someday. I replanted PREPARING SAFFRON path and the corms and marked the area AFTER HARVEST returns so I wouldn’t disturb it again. When are saffron flowers most weed free! After harvesting flowers, stop potent and at their highest quality? watering. Let the snow fall, let When they are fully open, often the ground freeze. And don’t let during the second day of bloom. animals into that area, because Venture into the garden midday, they love the highly toxic foliage. when the sun warms the blossoms Leaves may disappear by June. and produces an alluring aroma. Red Mark this area so you don’t stigmas will have golden tips. Pick accidentally disturb it. Once flowers and bring them inside. foliage dries up, water no more Carefully pluck only the three red WeedRazers.com than once a month, or not at all if stigmas. Discard the rest, because all 877-356-6455 you receive summer rain storms. other plant parts are poisonous. Place In September, water generously to stigmas in a well-ventilated area to start them growing again. Carol dry. (I place them on a coffee filter, Ort says, “If you wait until Mother covering with another filter to keep Nature provides us with a good dust away.) Each time you harvest, rain, then the flowering can be drop new stigmas onto this pile. delayed well into cold weather. I After harvest, you’re not done! If have picked saffron flowers when you use saffron now, you won’t get it has been snowing—flowers any flavor. seem okay but not a lot of fun for Heat stigmas in an oven set on the person doing the picking.” warm or in a food dehydrator. (I Commercial saffron producers stapled my coffee filter into a little dig up and redistribute bulbs every packet then placed it within my three years. This allows daughter forced-air dehydrator, at 115°F.) Heat bulbs to grow within their own for an hour then transfer threads to spaces so they can have their own an airtight bottle. daughters. Neglecting to dig and Place in a cool, dark, dry area for redistribute means poor flowering three to six months. Impatient? the following years. But as you Might I suggest buying saffron to dig and separate, you will see use while you wait? Storage time is how one bulb turns into 10 or 20! necessary for a quality product.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 || 23 growing :: phytoremediation

Phytoremediation Plants Clean Contaminated Soil

MERICA’S PRICELESS NATURAL RESOURCE, land, has often been used as a natural, free dispose-all for toxic compounds. For BY ANITA many of us, it seemed to be a harmless practice, using the out of B. STONE A sight, out of mind idea. But, as a result, the damage to soil can be long term, leaving areas of land that were once productive to lie fallow and become a wasteland. The surprising solution comes from phytoremediation plants — living green plants that can help clean and mitigate soil damage.

24 || COUNTRYSIDE & SMALL STOCK JOURNAL above: Contaminated land. right: Sunflowers growing in a field.

such as alfalfa, sunflower, corn, date palms, certain mustards, Using green plants to decontaminate even willow and poplar trees can be used to reclaim contaminated soil is a progressive and sustainable soil – a cheap, clean and sustainable process. The term, process, greatly reducing the need for heavy phytoremediation, can be best understood by breaking the word machinery or additional contaminants. into two parts: “phyto” is the Greek word for plant. “Remediation” refers to a remedy and in this case Just as there are houseplants issues. For instance, disposing a remedy for soil contamination for clean air indoors, there are of petroleum products such as whether it be located in the garden plants that can be used outdoors machine oil, asphalt, lead, tar or or across a large landscape area. for cleaner soil. Good soil lacks certain agricultural chemicals can Here is where plants used in contaminants and provides trace pose problems. In order to reclaim phytoremediation enter the area. minerals and key components for the soil and get rid of contaminants, These special plants are known plant growth. But good soil is not phytoremediation plants can be as superplants, which readily always easy to find. And many used to reduce these issues. absorb toxins from the very soil contaminants can be expensive Phytoremediation plants refer where they are growing. For and require a great deal of time to to the use of living plants to phytoremediation plants to work remove from toxic soil. Good soil reduce, degrade or remove toxic effectively, the specific plant must will result when phytoremediation residue from the soil. Using green be able to tolerate the toxic material plants clean contaminated soil. This plants to decontaminate soil is it is absorbing from the soil. We problem is not just an occasional a progressive and sustainable cannot just plant any vegetation issue concerning a variety of news- process, greatly reducing the need in contaminated soil and hope for worthy events. Homesteaders for heavy machinery or additional the best. The history of the concept and farmers can face these same contaminants. Familiar plants of phytoremediation plants is

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 || 25 growing :: phytoremediation

Willow can be an effective phytoremediation plant.

interesting and can be traced to and manganese. One plant used in residues such as pesticides and earlier studies of the relationship phytoremediation for cleaner soil is herbicides. Indian Grass is one between soil-plant systems and Alpine Pennygrass because it was of nine members of grasses the nutritional quality of food. found to be able to remove 10 times that assist in phytoremediation. In 1940, studies of compounds more cadmium than any other When planted on farmland, within edible plants and their known soil-cleaning plant. Another the reduction of pesticides ability to absorb additional plant used in phytoremediation and herbicides is significant. nutrition from the soil became for cleaner soil is Indian mustard, This list also includes Buffalo big news. Early research on soil which removes lead, selenium, zinc, grass and Western wheatgrass, testing proved the ability of soil to mercury, and copper from the soil. both capable of absorbing increase a given plant’s nutrition In 1980, R.L. Chanely published hydrocarbons from the land. beyond what was thought to be a paper on the subject of what Since any plant used as a their ultimate level. Soil testing makes good soil and how to phytoremediator must be able research led to further tests of establish it through the use of to tolerate any toxins it absorbs, a plant’s ability to absorb less phytoremediation plants. Plants researcher David W. Ow has been desirable elements from the soil; such as mustard and canola investigating which genes are that is, toxins released through thrive in contaminated soils, key to increased plant tolerance. industrial waste, sewage and absorbing and therefore reducing When identified, these genes can agricultural chemicals. Eventually, the level of toxic accumulation. then be moved to other plant phytoremediation plants became A native phytoremediation species to absorb high levels of an additional clean-up technique to plant for cleaner soil, known as certain metals. More research remove harmful chemicals from the Indian Grass, has the ability to proves genetic movement. During soil, such as cadmium, zinc, iron, detoxify common agrochemical testing into the nutritional value of

26 || COUNTRYSIDE & SMALL STOCK JOURNAL broccoli, it was found that the plant plants were demonstrated to have like benzene or paint thinners that worked well to deplete the soil of removed 95 percent of uranium have accidentally spilled onto several metals. In California, some from a contaminated area in a 24- the soil. This has been a fantastic farmers who had been irrigating hour period. This highly successful discovery. Besides their usefulness with recycled water discovered crop is a powerful tool for the in controlling and absorbing toxic that their soil became overloaded environment because of its ability soil materials, poplar trees can be with either selenium or boron. to remove radioactive metals easily integrated into any type of Other plants used in from superficial groundwater. landscape for aesthetic appeal. phytoremediation for cleaner soil The willow is being used as a With ongoing research and new include species that reduce levels of phytoremediation plant for cleaner toxin-absorbing plant life being organic compounds found in coal soil. It not only beautifies the discovered each year, we can and tar, which are present in pitch, landscape but the roots have the expect phytoremediator choices creosote, and asphalt. These include capability of accumulating heavy for pollutant cleanup projects to the very popular sunflower, which metals in sites polluted with diesel increase. The process appears has the ability to absorb heavy fuel. A tree that is being studied simple, but the research is slow, metals, such as lead. Homesteaders, for use as phytoremediation for complicated and painstaking. But, farmers, and agriculturalists have cleaner soil is the poplar tree. compared to the process of soil been practicing ‘intercropping’ Poplar trees have a root system that removal, soil disposal, or physical for several years. By simply absorbs large quantities of water. extraction of contaminants, employing the intercropping Carbon tetrachloride, a well-known phytoremediation plants are a method, phytoremediation plants carcinogen, is easily absorbed by useful and working alternative can be effectively used as excellent poplar tree roots. They can also that pinpoints toxic materials choices. For example, sunflower degrade petroleum hydrocarbons in the soil. We can remove quite a bit of soil contamination by using this process. Some enthusiasts consider this With ongoing research and new toxin- process a low-cost green technology for soil cleanup, which can be used absorbing plant life being discovered each anywhere without specialized training or equipment. Planting a year, we can expect phytoremediator choices few additional plants, attractive to the landscape, can certainly for pollutant cleanup projects to increase. enhance the soil on any land area. A variety of grasses, sunflowers, trees and other plants work in a positive way, helping farmers, homesteaders and agriculturalists rid levels of toxic materials found in our soil. These plants, themselves, are used in the restoration of healthy soils as they become their own ready-made storage containers for removal and subsequent treatment. The future of phytoremediation plants continues to move forward in creating clean soil. It is being used by industrial groups. With the help of farmers, homesteaders, and landowners, future research A Tulip Poplar leaf. could create a system that will continually absorb contaminants, free up useless soil, and clean the environment on a continuous, constant and self-renewing basis.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 || 27 join the

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their product’s suitability for canning. With today’s focus on home food production, the scene has changed dramatically. Now most manufacturers offer recommendations concerning the use of their units for canning. Other sources, like a portable electric burner, can come in handy as an auxiliary heat source.

SMOOTH COOKTOP The big issue for many home canners is whether or not canning may be done on a ceramic glass cooktop. Some manufacturers recommend not canning at all on this type of top. Ignoring that recommendation may void the warranty. Since smooth cooktops vary in their stability for canning, the most sensible plan is to follow the manufacturer’s advice. One possible issue with smooth cooktops is a canner’s weight. Older glass cooktops were relatively thin and likely to crack under the weight of a full canner. Some newer glass cooktops are reinforced or otherwise thick enough to hold up under the weight. Another issue occurs if the canner bottom is ridged or concave, rather than flat. On a smooth Exploring Heat cooktop, a canner with a non- flat bottom won’t efficiently and evenly distribute heat. As a result, Source Options the canner may fail to maintain a full boil (in a water bath canner) or full steam (in a steam canner) for Canning sufficient to surround the jars. Yet another issue is the intense Find Out What Heat Source is Best heat reflecting back from the canner onto the cooktop surface, for Your Electric Water Bath Canner which may damage the top. To avoid this problem, manufacturers specify a maximum recommended HETHER YOUR KITCHEN HAS all canner diameter in relation to the modern conveniences or you live off burner size, which may be as little BY GAIL the grid, for canning purposes, some heat as one inch. The diameter of a DAMEROW W sources work better than others. When I bought typical canner is about 12 inches. the cooktop I use now, most of the manufacturers Depending on the size of your I contacted didn’t furnish information about cooktop’s burners, and on the

30 || COUNTRYSIDE & SMALL STOCK JOURNAL “I cook with wine, sometimes I even add it to the food.” — W.C. Fields

manufacturer’s recommendation, finding a canner of suitable size may then be an issue. A pot that is Portable gas stoves are popular with canners too small for proper canning may come to a boil too rapidly, reducing who live off the grid, don’t want to heat up the total amount of processing time and causing the jars to be the kitchen on an already hot summer day, or under-processed, rendering the food in them unsafe to eat. have smooth cooktops not rated for canning. Using a canner that is larger than the recommended diameter reflects excessive heat back onto and the cooktop. The flat magnetic cooktop is not rated for canning; the cooktop, possibly resulting in disk conducts heat from the they want to operate the canner damage to the burner, a cracked induction cooktop to the canner, where it won’t heat up the kitchen; glass surface, or the metal canner making the cooktop less efficient. their garden yields produce faster fusing to the cooktop. To prevent the It can also overheat the cooktop. than the kitchen’s cooktop alone smooth top from overheating, many An enameled canner — has the capacity to process. glass cooktops have a protective constructed of porcelain enamel A portable electric burner used feature that automatically turns off coated steel — poses a unique for canning should pull at least a burner if it gets too hot. When that issue for induction cooktops. 1500 watts. And, as with any happens during a canning session, Although the steel is magnetic, electric coil, the portable electric the food will be under-processed the enamel coating can overheat, burner should be no more than four and unsafe. The automatic heat melt, and ruin the cooktop. inches in diameter less than the cut-off especially is a problem Even using a recommended type canner bottom, meaning the canner with a pressure canner, which canner on a smooth cooktop that extends no more than two inches operates at a higher temperature is rated for canning, sliding a full beyond the burner all around. than a water bath or steam canner. and heavy canner across the top If you use the portable electric If your smooth cooktop has an may scratch the glass surface. And, burner on your countertop, to automatic cut-off, it may not be of course, you want to be careful prevent heat damage to the counter at all suitable for canning. not to drop the canner onto the the unit must allow for sufficient A smooth cooktop is either radiant surface. If you can on a smooth air circulation underneath. The heat or induction. A radiant top has cooktop, the best approach is to unit must also be stable enough electric heating elements beneath place the canner on the cooktop to accommodate a heavy canner the glass surface, functioning before filling it and heating it, while remaining level. A restaurant much the same as a regular electric then leave it in place until the supplier would be a good source cooktop with coil burners. processed jars are removed from for a quality portable electric An induction cooktop has the canner — thus minimizing burner that’s sturdy enough for copper elements beneath the glass the potential of damaging your canning and made of heat-resistant that generate an electromagnetic smooth ceramic glass cooktop. cast iron and stainless steel. field that transmits energy to the canner, causing it to heat up. ELECTRIC COIL GAS COOKTOP Some induction tops automatically An electric coil that is suitable for When my farm kitchen was adjust energy output according canning should be no more than four remodeled I opted for a propane to the canner’s diameter. For an inches smaller than the diameter of cooktop as being the most suitable induction cooktop to work, the the canner. For heating a typical 12- type for the considerable amount canner must be magnetic, meaning inch diameter canner, the coil must of canning I do. In terms of heat a magnet will stick to it. Stainless be at least eight inches in diameter. regulation, it is much more responsive steel canners are magnetic; If the coils on your electric cooktop than the old electric range. Also, the aluminum canners are not. are too small for your canner, you sturdy iron protective grate over Some people attempt to might opt to use a portable electric the burners supports a canner of overcome this problem by putting burner. Some home canners use any size, and I can slide a canner an induction interface disk such portable electric burners for along the grate without causing between the aluminum canner many other reasons: their smooth damage to the cooktop or the pot.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 || 31 farm to fork :: canning

A sturdy camp stove is an option for off- grid canners, provided it can be set up in a protected area away from the wind.

32 || COUNTRYSIDE & SMALL STOCK JOURNAL Another big plus is that, given the 20 percent more efficient in energy home canner that holds 3 one- unpredictability of power outages, use than canning on an average quart jars, five pints, or six half- gas is more reliable than electricity. electric stove. As a multi-cooker, pints. It has a digital touch pad The four burners on my cooktop the unit may also be used as a with easy-to-use food category are rated for 5,000, 9,000, 11,000, stockpot or a vegetable steamer. buttons for, respectively, jams and 12,000 BTU respectively. For For canning, this appliance and jellies, fruits, tomatoes, canning, I most often use the 12,000 works essentially the same as a salsas, pickles, and sauces. This BTU burner. Gas burners rated stove top water bath canner, with appliance does not double as a higher than 12,000 BTU are not a couple of exceptions. One is that cooker but is designed only for recommended for use with low-cost it comes with a diffuser rack that canning specific recipes provided canners made of thin aluminum. is placed on top of the jars during with the unit or published by Ball Higher heat could warp and ruin processing. The rack is designed to Canning under the “auto canner” a thin-wall aluminum canner. diffuse boiling evenly throughout category on their website. Portable gas stoves are popular the pot and reduce water splatter. Similar-looking appliances are with canners who live off the Another difference is that, when widely advertised as pressure grid, don’t want to heat up the processing time is up and the cookers that double as pressure the kitchen on an already hot appliance is turned off, after a canners. Some even have buttons summer day, or have smooth cooling period of five minutes, the labeled “canning” or “steam cooktops not rated for canning. water is drained from the canner canning.” Pressure cooking is not For outdoor canning, the unit (through a built-in spigot) before at all the same as pressure canning. must be operated in a protected the processed jars are removed. For many reasons, using an electric area where the temperature won’t The Ball water bath canner pressure cooker as a canner fluctuate because of breezes. may be used to process any does not ensure safe processing Some people set up a wind break. reliable high-acid food recipe. of food sealed and stored in Others use a covered porch or Ball produces a smaller electric jars. Why take the chance? open garage that offers wind protection while providing Ball’s electric water bath plenty of necessary ventilation. canner may be used to process any high-acid food Some authorities discourage for which reliable canning canning on outdoor gas stoves instructions are available. because of the danger of tipping and spills, especially where frisky pets and boisterous children might be involved. It goes without saying that kids and pets should play at a distance. A portable gas unit used for canning must be stable enough to accommodate a heavy canning pot without tipping over. Both tabletop and stand-alone units have been successfully used by home canners. As with portable electric burners, the selection and use of outdoor gas stoves for successful canning are discussed in detail by many online groups.

ELECTRIC CANNERS One of the latest innovations in canning appliances is the Ball FreshTech electric water bath canner and multi-cooker, which may be used to process 7 one-quart jars, eight pints, or 12 half-pints at a time. Ball claims this appliance is

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 || 33 farm to fork :: food safety

The Basics of

Botulism canning. To get a demographic of her audience, Erica asked who had canned. Three-quarters of the group admitted they wanted to but hadn’t tried it. “Is it because you’re afraid you might kill your family with strawberry jam?” Erica asked. They all answered yes. “The fear factor doesn’t do people any favors,” Erica explains. “When it comes to botulism and home canning, knowledge is power. If you understand exactly what the risk factor is and how the risk factor develops, then you can take steps to eliminate that risk. And it’s not hard to do this. For the most part, canners just have to follow safe processing time and safe processing pressure.” Erica is one of many home canners that preaches the solid wisdom of acidity, processing times, and following strict rules. The USDA and the National Center for Home Food Preservation offer free, up-to-date information. Access this online or purchase the most current Ball canning book version, keeping in mind that scientists keep learning about botulism causes and prevention. Always follow the newest, accredited guidelines. Blogs can be great sources of information but, when it comes to deadly toxins, be wary of those that don’t demand solid safety guidelines. Botulism comes from three bacteria: Clostridium butyricum, C. baratii, and most commonly C. botulinum. It’s the C. botulinum that causes problems for T’S THE BIG EVIL IN CANNING. Botulism home canners. Unlike many bacteria, causes paralysis, death, and long-term botulism has a unique life cycle. And BY MARISSA rehabilitation for survivors. But understanding how it’s only deadly at a certain stage. AMES I botulism forms, and how to prevent it, keeps you safe. Erica Strauss, of the blog Northwest Edible Life, BOTULISM SPORES stood in front of a Seattle audience to promote her Round and hard-shelled, new book release. Someone asked a question about spores are the dormant form of C.

34 || COUNTRYSIDE & SMALL STOCK JOURNAL botulinum. They survive freezing, boiling, bleach, and acidity. Botulism spores exist virtually everywhere: In moist soil, the dust on your shelf, animal intestinal tracts, and in honey. It’s theorized they can even remain viable for thousands of years. The only proven method of destroying them is raising temperatures above “When it comes to botulism and home 240 degrees Fahrenheit until all spores die. This is only attainable, canning, knowledge is power. If you at home, with a pressure canner. Erica Strauss says there are no understand exactly what the risk factor is and shortcuts for processing time. If USDA guidelines specify 75 how the risk factor develops, then you can minutes for meat, shortcuts may result in undestroyed spores. take steps to eliminate that risk.” But the spores, themselves, are not harmful. Eating them cannot hurt you … unless you and some detrimental. Yeast’s Sean Sullivan confirmed this. He’s are an infant. byproduct is alcohol; lactobacillus’ a chef with a Bachelor of Science Because spores are so prevalent, byproduct is lactic acid. C. in chemistry and a specific interest home canners should always botulinum creates botulism toxin. in food preservation methods. assume they are present and will Even if conditions become “212 degrees isn’t hot enough,” he grow if conditions are right. unfavorable and bacteria revert explains. “It will kill the organism to spore form, the toxin remains. but it’s hard to destroy the toxins.” BOTULISM BACTERIA He describes how a steam autoclave Before they can become active BOTULISM TOXIN can, but that isn’t possible for bacteria, which grow and create This powerful neurotoxin home kitchens. “Same reason the toxin, spores must have disrupts the signals telling muscles we throw out bulging cans.” three specific requirements. what to do. It’s said that a pint If botulism contamination is of pure botulism toxin can kill possible, home canners should • An anaerobic (oxygen- every human being in the world. discard suspect jars. Buy new ones; free) environment. Deaths also occur from botulism in don’t risk it. • An acidity below 4.6. chickens, pets, and other animals. Can you introduce contaminated Because most bacteria can’t exist food to high acidity and kill the • Temperatures between over 160 degrees, and all bacteria toxin? 37 degrees and boiling. die at 212 degrees, some canning “You can’t really take it out,” All three requirements are met blogs suggest boiling suspect Sean says. “You needed the vinegar with low-acid canning. Processing foods after breaking the seal. But or sugar before.” removes oxygen. Mason jars can boiling kill botulism toxin? Tamalyn confirms, “The toxin then sit at room temperature, Certified Sous Chef Tamalyn Karp cannot come out of dormancy which bacteria love. If contents says, “In the culinary world, we if the acidity is high enough. aren’t acidic enough, spores are taught that once C. botulinum However, once the bacteria have become bacteria and botulism has produced the toxin, you begun producing the toxin, the causes the toxin to be made. cannot rid the food of the toxin. amount needed to seriously Microbes create byproducts as Not without turning your food harm or kill a human is not very they reproduce: some beneficial into inedible mush/charcoal.” high.” She asserts, “Once present,

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 || 35 farm to fork :: food safety

Botulism symptoms usually appear 12 to 36 hours after consumption but can take as long as eight days.

it is not safe for consumption regardless of what you do to it.” Even with the frightening reality of botulism causes and toxicity, it’s easy to avoid. High acidity foods such as pickles, jams, and most fruits, are safe. Pineapple, figs, and tomatoes can have varying acidity, so adding lemon juice creates that 4.6 pH threshold. treated fast because effects can be (when spores enter an open And, if you don’t want acidic long-lasting if they aren’t fatal. wound and reproduce within the marinara, freeze it instead. Freeze Botulism is most often associated body), and inhalation botulism or dry any low-acid foods you with improper water bath (often caused by bioterrorism). don’t want to pressure can. Simply canning, since failure to follow All of those are rare; the most avoiding those ideal conditions safety guidelines may create the common is infant botulism, with keeps spores from activating. perfect environment in which foodborne following afterward. bacteria thrive and produce BOTULISM SYMPTOMS the toxin. Certified chefs and INFANT BOTULISM Though it’s a rare chance you food handlers receive microbe Tragically, up to 75 percent of will witness botulism symptoms, training that home cooks don’t, confirmed botulism cases are with recognizing and understanding so most states have written laws infants. Unlike foodborne botulism, the toxin’s effects could mean regarding selling homemade which occurs when bacteria life-saving treatment. food. Pickles may be legal while produce the toxin before food is A byproduct of the bacteria canned vegetables are prohibited. consumed, infant botulism comes C. botulinum, botulism toxin is In addition to knowing botulism from spores which turn to bacteria a paralyzing nerve agent. In causes, recognizing botulism within the child’s digestive tract. minuscule doses, it’s injected into symptoms involves understanding Botulism spores are prolific in muscles as Botox, as a cosmetic how the neurotoxin works. honey. Since spores survive up or therapeutic treatment. It Homesteaders most often focus to 240 degrees, pasteurization doesn’t take much to harm or kill on foodborne botulism, though cannot destroy them. Honey is a human. Botulism symptoms doctors also face latrogenic (from acidic enough that it suppresses should be recognized and too much injected toxin), wound transition from spore to bacteria.

36 || COUNTRYSIDE & SMALL STOCK JOURNAL And, once it is consumed, stomach Botulism symptoms are acids ensure bacteria never forms. often confused with stroke or Infant digestive systems Guillan-Barré syndrome, so a aren’t acidic enough to suppress laboratory confirmation usually C. botulinum growth. follows clinical examination. Though infant botulism can Labs test serum and food; come from several sources, it sometimes, physicians require is most often traced to honey a stool sample as well. which was given to infants under After labs confirm the presence six months of age. Parents and of C. botulinum bacteria or toxin, caretakers are warned to never the antitoxin is administered give honey or orange juice to as soon as possible. Antibiotics Get Inspired! children under one year. are rarely effective because the Constipation is often the first illness is caused by a toxin, sign of infant botulism. Next, not the bacteria itself. Severe comes drooping eyelids, weak cases may require mechanical cries, difficulty sucking and intervention, such as ventilators, Pomona’s Pectin floppy movements. If you suspect for several weeks to months. Make healthy, botulism symptoms in infants, seek Survivors of severe botulism fruity jam with urgent medical care to avoid the poisoning may need years of low amounts of risk of death or complications. physical therapy to overcome any sweetener. nerve damage. Some patients No sugar, FOODBORNE BOTULISM experience permanent paralysis. preservatives, SYMPTOMS Because of modern testing or GMOs. Do not expect fever as a and quick intervention, the disease At natural food stores or symptom. Though a rise in is only fatal in five to 10 percent www.pomonapectin.com 559-760-0910 body temperature accompanies of cases. bacterial infection, botulism poisoning is from the toxin, PREVENTION not the bacteria itself. Even the World Health As a neurotoxin, botulism Organization (WHO) and Centers interrupts signals telling muscles for Disease Control and Prevention what to do. Botulism symptoms (CDC) stress the importance often start at the top and work of proper food preservation. their way down. Fatigue, Commercial pasteurization is weakness, and vertigo may often inadequate to kill spores come first, followed by difficulty so refrigerators must be set at swallowing or speaking. Vision may blur and eyelids may droop. Soon muscle failure moves The WHO lists five down into the abdomen, causing vomiting, diarrhea, swelling, important keys to and constipation. Arms and preventing food neck weaken. Then legs and the poisoning: respiratory system stop working

Botulism symptoms usually appear 1. Keep areas and containers clean. 12 to 36 hours after consumption but can take as long as eight days. The TRUE QUALITYLASTS GENERATIONS. 2. Separate raw from cooked food. That’s why we back our iconic red World Health Organization stresses mills with an heirloom guarantee. that prompt diagnosis and treatment 3. Cook food thoroughly. It’s also why we’resoproud to back is necessary to avoid high mortality. families whoknow theenduring, 4. Keep food at safe temperatures. nutrient-richbenefitsofhome-milled DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT whole grains. www.grainmaker.com 5. Use safe water and raw If you suspect botulism and materials. think food is involved, bring a sample to your checkup.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 || 37 GMR-1/6 Ad.indd 1 6/13/16 5:13 PM farm to fork :: food safety

37 degrees or below. Acidic conditions and high salt content also inhibit growth. Even with all the scary facts and figures, botulism causes fewer deaths than bee stings. The CDC confirmed 199 cases in 2015, with 14 more probable cases. 141 (71 percent) were infant botulism, often from babies consuming honey. Of the 39 foodborne cases, 27 were from potato salad at a single church potluck; four were from fermented seal flipper, and two from beets that were roasted then kept at room temperature several days before being made into soup. Whether you are a commercial chef, parent of an infant, home canner, cottage food seller, or just someone who wants trustworthy food, knowing botulism symptoms and causes can make prevention easy. Follow a few simple rules. Seek immediate help if you suspect botulism symptoms. And remember that knowledge is the most powerful factor in botulism prevention.

Resources: World Health Organization: www.who.int/mediacentre/ factsheets/fs270/en/ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc. gov/botulism/index.html

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Ladle & Loaf Harvest Soups and Breads for Autumn

HERE’S A NIP IN THE AUTUMN AIR. Sweaters are retrieved from the back of the closet and a mosaic of rust, yellow, and brown leaves blankets the hillside. Signs that BY RITA it’s time to pull my tasty bread and soup recipes from my files. Harvest pumpkin soup HEIKENFELD T and chicken gumbo are easy enough to make on short notice and filling enough to take the chill off a breezy fall day. My Zuppa Toscana is a clone of the famous restaurant soup. And since ladle & loaf go together, I’ve included two simple quick bread recipes to serve alongside.

40 || COUNTRYSIDE & SMALL STOCK JOURNAL Recipes DRIZZLE WITH ROASTED RED PEPPER PURÉE.

Harvest Pumpkin Soup Instructions This is my go-to pumpkin soup for Melt butter over medium heat in soup a simple supper or as a starter for pot. Add onion and garlic and cook just casual and holiday entertaining. And until onion is translucent, not browned. here’s a bonus: This soup tastes better Add brown sugar, cinnamon, after it sits a day in the refrigerator, and thyme and cook a few minutes TIPS so it’s a good soup to make ahead. until the garlic smells fragrant. If buying pumpkin Whisk in broth and pumpkin purée. Ingredients purée, buy only pure Add nutmeg, cayenne pepper, and 4 tablespoons unsalted butter salt. Bring to a gentle boil, reduce heat pumpkin purée, with 1/2 cup yellow or white onion, diced to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes. no added ingredients. 1-2 cloves garlic, minced Stir in cream. Transfer soup, in batches, to a 1 tablespoon light brown sugar, blender and purée until smooth. Swap it! Substitute or to taste (Instead of a lid, place a towel 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon on top of the blender to catch any butternut squash for splashing soup.) Pinch dried thyme or a few the pumpkin. Return to pot and if too thick, minced fresh thyme leaves add more broth. 3-4 cups vegetable broth or Serve plain, or garnished with a Leeks can be chicken broth thyme sprig or with a drizzle of roasted 2 cups pumpkin homemade red pepper purée. substituted for onions pumpkin purée or 1 can, 15 in most soup recipes. oz. pure pumpkin purée You will get a more Freshly ground nutmeg to taste A shake of ground cayenne mild flavor. pepper or to taste 1/2 cup whipping cream Salt to taste

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 || 41 farm to fork :: recipes

TIP: Use brown rice instead of white. Add 15 minutes Chicken Gumbo Soup to cooking HOMEMADE OR This soup was the most popular time. STORE-BOUGHT STOCK for many years at our church bazaar. I had lots of requests for it, so I FOR SOUP RECIPES? Instructions developed a recipe for the home cook. In my soup recipes, I use In a soup pot over medium heat, chicken broth made from add just enough olive oil to cover the Ingredients homemade chicken stock. I’ll bottom. Add chicken, bell pepper, 1-1/2 pounds boneless, use necks, backs, and feet celery, and onion and cook just skinless chicken breast or or stewing hens for stock. until chicken loses its pink color. thighs cut into 1-inch pieces Making my own stock allows Stir in garlic, basil, bay leaf, rice, me to control what goes into 1 bell pepper, diced tomatoes, salt and pepper, and six it, customizing it as I see fit 2 ribs celery, diced cups chicken broth. Bring to a gentle for use in making seasoned boil, lower to a simmer and cook, broths. Canning chicken stock 1 generous cup onion, diced covered, until chicken and rice are isn’t hard, and if you have 1 teaspoon garlic, minced done, about 20 minutes. Add more the time, it’s well worth it to or more to taste broth if desired. have a supply in the pantry. While soup is cooking, sauté okra in 1 teaspoon dried basil a little olive oil or butter just until crisp/ or more to taste tender and still bright green. You can 1 bay leaf also simply steam it in the microwave. 1 cup white rice After the soup is done, adjust seasonings and remove bay leaf. 1 can, 14.5 oz., diced tomatoes Add okra and serve. Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste 6-8 cups chicken broth 10 oz. frozen cut okra or 2 cups fresh okra, sliced

42 || COUNTRYSIDE & SMALL STOCK JOURNAL Zuppa Toscana My restaurant-style version of this Italian peasant soup is a real winner. Note the dry mashed potato flakes in the recipe. I use dry mashed potato flakes as a thickener and nutrient booster in soup recipes like this, Instructions or any creamy soup. It’s my secret Cook sausage in soup pot until ingredient for thick and rich soups! done. Drain and set aside. This is a to-taste recipe. In the same pot, cook bacon and leave drippings. Cook onion and Ingredients garlic in the drippings until onions 1 pound hot Italian sausage are translucent but not browned. 1/2 pound bacon, cut Return sausage and bacon to pot. into small pieces Add chicken broth and potatoes. 2 cups diced yellow or white onion Bring to a boil, lower to a gentle boil and cook until potatoes are 3-4 cloves garlic, minced tender; about 20 minutes. TIPS Stir in kale and cook just until wilted. 6-8 cups chicken broth Kale is nutrient dense Stir in cream and heat through. 2 pounds potatoes, peeled Add salt to taste. and cut into 1/8” slices with lots of fiber, calcium, If you think the soup is too thin, iron and vitamins. As much chopped kale as you like start adding a small amount of dry (I use several handfuls chopped) mashed potato flakes until the soup is as thick as you like. Be careful 1 cup whipping cream or half & half Lacinato or alligator here. Remember, the potato flakes Salt to taste absorb the liquid and expand. kale, as the kids Dry mashed potato flakes (optional) Sprinkle with cheese and serve. call it, is milder in flavor Provolone cheese for garnish than regular kale.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 || 43 farm to fork :: recipes

TIP: No raw sugar in the house? Granulated sugar works fine.

Instructions Preheat oven to 375°F. Mix flour, soda, salt, sugar, and butter until mixture is crumbly. I do Crusty Buttermilk this by pulsing the mixture in my Quick Bread food processor. With just four ingredients and less Best Soda Bread Add fruit and stir to combine. By than five minutes, you can have this Soup recipes always pair well adding fruit to the dry mixture, it will bread ready for the oven. with a slice of bread, warm from stay dispersed throughout the loaf the oven. This soda bread is moist when baked. Ingredients and has a touch of sweetness Stir in sour cream and mix until Unsalted butter for pan and from the dried fruit. Get ready to blended. 4 tablespoons for melting on share the recipe, it’s that good! Place a piece of parchment on cookie sheet. Spray parchment with top of bread cooking spray. Form bread into a Ingredients 3 cups self-rising all-purpose flour mound-shaped circle on parchment. 2 cups all-purpose white wheat flour 3 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon If desired, make a cross shape on top. or unbleached all-purpose flour granulated sugar Brush with butter or milk. (Butter 3/4 teaspoon baking soda makes a softer crust; milk makes a 2 cups whole buttermilk 1/4 teaspoon salt crunchier crust.) Sprinkle with sugar. Bake 40-45 minutes or until a Instructions 3-4 tablespoons raw sugar toothpick inserted in center comes out Preheat oven to 375°F. Coat a loaf 1 stick, 4 oz., butter, softened clean. Serve warm with slabs of butter. pan inside all over with softened butter. 3/4 cup dried cherries, golden Combine ingredients by stirring raisins, or cranberries flour and sugar together. Make a well and pour in buttermilk. Stir gently 1 cup sour cream until mixed. Melted butter or milk for Pour into pan. Melt 4 tablespoons brushing on top of loaf butter and drizzle on top of dough. Bake 45-55 minutes or until crust Extra sugar for sprinkling is golden brown and toothpick on top of loaf inserted in center comes out clean. Serve warm. Best eaten same day it’s baked.

44 || COUNTRYSIDE & SMALL STOCK JOURNAL CHEESE PRESSES

FERMENTING POTS FRUIT PRESSES

TIPS RECEIVE 10% OFF Whole buttermilk YOUR ORDER. lends moistness, but USE CODE COUNTRY EXPIRES :09-30-17 low-fat buttermilk works well too.

Measure flour by spooning into cup and leveling the top.

DIY self-rising flour: Whisk together 1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour, 1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda and 1/4 teaspoon salt.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 || 45 country life :: rodents “I wouldn’t mind the rat race if the rats would lose once in a while.” — Tom Wilson

130 rats caught during this hunt. photo credit: jreed/k.ruby RAT-HUNTING DOGS: An Organic Pest Control Option JReed Explains Why His Rat-Catching Dogs Avoid Dangerous Issues

By Marissa Ames

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

46 || COUNTRYSIDE & SMALL STOCK JOURNAL “I wouldn’t mind the rat race if the rats would lose once in a while.” — Tom Wilson

photo credit: jreed/k.ruby

BACK TO HIS ROOTS, BACK IN HISTORY Hunting with dogs is a way of life in South Carolina. In California, not so much. After he moved west, Jordan Reed worked on farms, happily carrying on his mother’s love of agriculture and gardening. But farms and Northern California’s mild climate form the perfect breeding ground for Norway rats. Jordan tried natural ways to get rid of mice and rats: traps, BB guns, etc. He couldn’t make a dent in the population. JReed on a hunt. photo credit: jreed/k.ruby A love of dogs, farms, and the hunt came together when his first terrier, Holy Molé, snatched up a gopher and shook it to Hoard. With a few dogs and brave friends a swift death. willing to get dirty, Jordan charges $100-150 Jreed’s exciting discovery was actually the plus a case of beer: just enough to pay for purpose for which terriers were bred. Back gas and reward hard work. His fees are low when almost all dogs were working animals, because this isn’t his job; he has a job. He terriers hunted small vermin which plagued believes in eliminating poisons and helping his European farms. Poisons weren’t options back “farming family.” then, so people learned how to get rid of rats “Ideally,” he says, “we want to come because by training rat-hunting dogs. there is an infestation, deal with the infestation Jreed encouraged the practice, acquired a and the reason for the infestation … so the few more terriers and created the Mongrol farmer can manage it from that point.”

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 || 47 country life :: rodents

Hunts take a maximum of three to four hours, which is about all dogs and humans can expend in labor and energy. Fifty rats caught is considered a fantastic day; 100 is better. His most successful day involved three dogs and one pup, a calf barn within a dairy farm, and 224 dead rats counted on the board. The number of rats caught usually reflects the amount of feed available. Dairies rank high in rat populations.

ARE RAT-HUNTING DOGS HUMANE? Though Jreed welcomes questions about his dogs, he takes threats seriously. And he receives them from people who don’t understand how his method is the best option. Those who complain most about HIS MOST SUCCESSFUL DAY INVOLVED rat-hunting dogs have never seen the damage caused by infestations. THREE DOGS AND ONE PUP, A CALF “Barns sinking in the ground as the BARN WITHIN A DAIRY FARM, AND rats undermine the foundations,” Jreed illustrates. “Adult chickens 224 DEAD RATS COUNTED ON THE killed and eaten in the night, aborted cow fetuses because of BOARD. THE NUMBER OF RATS CAUGHT fecal contamination in feed.” Jreed USUALLY REFLECTS THE AMOUNT OF explains that wild rats, which can top a pound in weight and produce 200 FEED AVAILABLE. DAIRIES RANK HIGH offspring a year, are nothing like pet store rodents. IN RAT POPULATIONS. His website illustrates the inhumanity of poisons, to both rats and wildlife. “The death itself Jreed expects farmers to participate in hunts, is several days of pain and suffering.” Any moving objects and cleaning up problem areas. animal preying upon weak, wounded rats also If they refuse to help or refuse to correct issues consumes poison. Dogs kill with a bite and which exacerbate rat problems, Jreed won’t a shake, and Jreed’s team does a swift “dead work with them. check” to ensure rats are swiftly dispatched. He understands that infestations often happen As for the dogs? He’s only lost one, and because of a change in farm management — that was a freak accident caused by a puncture family illness or death — and things get out of wound. Accidents can happen anywhere. hand. Jreed doesn’t do dirty, dangerous work for Sir Grumps A Lot’s memory is honored on people who won’t help themselves. Neglected Jreed’s blog. farm animals are a deal-breaker. He also won’t But because people can be so critical, he deal with other people’s garbage. If they have avoids speaking in public about his dogs and rats because they won’t take out their own trash, only answers serious inquiries. “I’ve filed no amount of money will convince him to drive police reports over direct threats,” he explains. out to their farms. “I take this very seriously.”

48 || COUNTRYSIDE & SMALL STOCK JOURNAL WANT RAT-HUNTING DOGS? farm where he caught 224 rats now has three of DO YOUR HOMEWORK. their own terriers; they even help Jordan with other hunts. He’s no longer needed on that farm Rat terriers are pets in the States, but prey drive is because he helped them learn the cause and so strong that Jreed advises owners to know what solution for their rat problems. they’re getting into. “Terriers are not for everyone and require experience and an exceptional amount of owner ARE RAT-HUNTING DOGS attention and supervision.” AN OPTION FOR YOU? Jreed explains that the best farm dogs love to be involved in what you are doing and need to be Learning from Jreed’s experiences can help kept busy. He says, “My dogs kill rats because I you decide if you want rat-hunting dogs or like to spend time on farms catching and killing should focus on traps instead. He illustrates rats.” Don’t expect dogs killing rats unless you’re the backlash, hard work, trials and triumphs out moving boards and guiding the animals. on his website. YouTube videos show what’s That’s why he won’t breed or sell dogs. involved. And though the “Training” portion “The shelters are stock full of terrier-type of his site gives steps and tips, he states that dogs,” he says. “Dogs that, if they had the needed you cannot force a dog to hunt and that not love, supervision, exercise and stimulation, all dogs will be trustworthy around livestock. would be wonderful dogs for you.” Adult dogs that have never shown interest in His website contains information about training hunting are unlikely to be good hunters. rat-catching dogs. He welcomes questions about “We believe dogs need four things to become the hunt or animals. But he won’t train dogs great rat catchers: instinct, genetics, training, for you. Jreed has a few converts, though. That and opportunity.”

RAT-CATCHING METHOD BENEFITS DRAWBACKS

No Intervention You don’t have to get dirty. If there is enough food, a couple rats soon becomes an infestation, which carries disease that can hurt humans and livestock. Rats kill and eat small animals such as chickens.

Catch and Release No rats die in the mitigation They become someone else’s problem. of rats on your property. Rats are introduced to new territory, where they don’t know where to find food. Live release of vermin may be illegal in your area.

Traps Most traps are inexpensive Traps only kill one rat at a time. An infestation can breed and can be used many times and multiply faster than traps can catch and kill them. before they break. Traps may also be dangerous to small children and small livestock.

Poisons Rats drag it into their dens, Anticoagulants take several days to work, during which where other rats can share it. time the rat is in pain and cannot find relief. If any other animal eats a poisoned rat, that poison moves into the predator’s body and can harm/kill it as well.

Cats Cats are great companions in Rats are often too large for standard cats to kill. Also, cats addition to great mouse mitigation. kill one mouse at a time, then play with their food before eating it. This doesn’t allow quick extermination.

Terriers A dog catches and kills quickly, Dogs require patience, training, and veterinary care. Not all allowing it to kill up to a hundred breeds, or even all ages, make good rat-catching dogs. within a day.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 || 49 country life :: rodents

Understanding Hantavirus Protecting the Homestead from Disease

that affects the lungs and the heart, are fever and muscle aches, fatigue and shortness of breath. HPS is often confused with influenza, which delays victims consulting a physician. The chances for a complete recovery from HPS, are much improved if diagnosed early. Deer mice, depending on their habitat and geographic area, have grayish to reddish brown fur, white bellies, and a bi- colored tail, changing from dark to light toward the end. Their body length is approximately four inches, not counting the T DOESN’T MAKE The Centers for Disease tail. Deer mice are often referred much difference where you Control and Prevention (CDC) to as field mice and are the BY KARIN I live, chances are, sooner records from 1993 to date, show predominant HPS carriers. DENEKE or later you will encounter that 690 cases of Hantavirus White-footed mice, slightly rodents. Gnawing sounds were reported in 35 states. Of larger, closely resemble deer coming from the void between these 36 percent resulted in mice. Their fur on the back interior walls or from the attic death. Victims ranged between and sides is more reddish of your home could rob you the ages of five to 84 years. Most than grayish-brown, is not of your much-needed sleep. cases, about 96 percent, were as soft, and appears rougher. Tell-tale droppings underneath recorded west of the Mississippi A darker stripe often runs furniture or even worse, inside River. New Mexico, Colorado down the middle of the your pantry, will drive you to and California lead in reported back, and the tail is not wage war with these little pests. cases. Deer mice were suspected white at the end, compared Cases of Hantavirus as the primary vectors. to that of the deer mouse. Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), Five cases of HPS were Pet owners often wonder a life-threatening infection confirmed in 2016 in San whether or not these mice that can be transmitted by Luis Valley, a high elevation can transmit HPS to their deer mice, white-footed alpine valley in south central keepers. Presently no evidence mice, cotton rats and rice rats Colorado. Two of these cases exists that dogs and cats can have been confirmed in the resulted in death. Symptoms be affected by the disease, majority of our 50 states. of this rare respiratory disease, or transmit it to humans.

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proof cabinets or containers. On the exterior of your house, along the foundation, clear weeds to eliminate sources SPECIES LOCATION HABITAT of nesting materials. Deer Mouse North America Woodlands, Deserts, Farmers and ranchers battle High Elevations a variety of rodent species where livestock is being housed White-Footed Eastern United States Woody or Brushy Areas, and feed is being stored. Mouse Mixed Forests & Edge of Retired farm equipment, junk Agricultural Fields cars, and old tires left in patches Cotton Rat Southeastern Overgrown Shrubs, of weeds offer great nesting sites United States Tall Grasses for rodents. It is recommended to locate these items at least 100 Rice Rat Southeastern Semi-Aquatic feet away from a residence. The United States best option would be removal. Even though HVS infection rates are projected at a low 10 to 15 percent in most suspect regions, it is best not to risk exposure to the virus. House and barn cats may be one of the most valuable weapons when it comes to staging war on mice. But don’t count on complete eradication. And depending on where you live, birds of prey, snakes, weasels and coyotes, also keep rodent populations down. Hikers and backpackers should thoroughly inspect trail shelters, cabins, trailers and or yurts, prior to making camp. Airing out these shelters, and checking for signs of rodents SHEEP KNOW-HOW HOW CAN WE PROTECT Make rodent proofing your prior to occupancy, makes OURSELVES FROM home a continuous effort. sense. Avoid breathing in the HANTAVIRUS PULMONARY Keep window screens and dust by wearing a mask when SYNDROME? weather stripping in good sweeping out suspect sheds or First of all, do not panic. The repair. Examine your pet door buildings. It is also important percentage rate of HPS-carrying for tightness. When plugging to practice vigilance when it mice is low; 10 to 15 percent at holes avoid foam insulation, comes to disposing of any trash the most. However, mice show rodents can chew right through or food waste before vacating no symptoms from the virus, it. Instead use materials like such shelters or cabins. as it coexists peacefully with steel wool, hardware cloth, Hantavirus has not claimed its hosts. Infected mice rarely cement or metal sheeting. many victims, yet it is a more transmit the disease through Rodents prefer to run along serious concern for residents bites that break the skin, instead walls, so place your traps living in the states west of the they shed the virus through their or bait stations accordingly. Mississippi. A good source saliva, droppings, and urine. Make sure you wear protective of information for questions No matter where you live, gloves while handling and dealing with HPS is your local rodents will try their best to disposing of dead mice. Health Department or your invade your living space. An Do not create a feeding station County Extension Agent. You opening the size of a dime is for mice. Keep your home can also call the CDC Hotline at all it takes to give them access. clean and store food in mouse- 1-800-232-3322 for information.

52 || COUNTRYSIDE & SMALL STOCK JOURNAL SHEEP KNOW-HOW country life :: rodents

Natural Ways to Get Rid of Mice How to Keep Mice Out of Your House and Barn Without Using Poisons

AVOIDING MICE If mice never come to visit, you don’t have to ask them to leave. Make your house less inviting for rodents. Don’t leave open food where the little critters can access it. That means human food, dog food, chicken food, etc. If they can smell it, they’ll try to get it and will bring other mice. Keep your food in closed containers. If the mice can get into the cupboards, place anything that’s in plastic or cardboard packaging into rigid containers. If you purchase rice in bulk, first vacuum- seal it in small portions to keep bugs out then place those packages within a tub with a fitting lid. Before you go to bed each night, wipe down counters and sweep floors. Within your garage or greenhouse, OR THE SAFEST, MOST NATURAL clean up any spilled seeds. ways to get rid of mice, start with the most Don’t leave open bags of pet food. BY MARISSA minimum impact and work up from there. Purchase latching containers and AMES F I have a friend who insists on using only the level empty bags into these bins soon of protection necessary in a situation. She refers after you get home. If you have to gardening with this admonition but it applies large or many dogs, buy a 50-gallon to rodent control as well. If she can eliminate mice trash can. Both aluminum and simply by wiping counters at night, she doesn’t plastic work, as long as they have bring out the poison at the first sign of a scurrying tight-fitting lids. Store livestock feed critter. If you want natural ways to get rid of in garbage cans as well. Keep a can mice, start with the bottom level of protection and beside your chicken coop so food is only move up if that level just isn’t enough. dry, safe, and easily available. When

54 || COUNTRYSIDE & SMALL STOCK JOURNAL Purchase a hot pepper repellent spray or make your own. Add a half-cup chopped habanero (or hotter!) peppers and a few tablespoons hot pepper flakes to a gallon of boiling water. Remove from heat and let sit at least 24 hours. Strain through a cheesecloth or fine mesh sieve. Fill a cheap spray bottle and spritz at openings and entry points. Avoid carpet or white areas because the liquid may discolor. Reapply every few days. Wearing gloves and safety glasses during chopping or spraying helps avoid uncomfortable splashes. Even if they’re not “natural,” ultrasonic devices are safe for the rodents and members of your household. Available online, at feed stores, or hardware stores, they range from $4 to over $90. The most expensive products you lock your chickens up at night, either hang carry the best reviews. Small devices attach the feeder on a hook high and away from walls directly to an outlet and work for rodents and or place the feeder within a closed tub or can. cockroaches. Larger weatherproof units protect Mice hide wherever they can, especially in gardens from squirrels and groundhogs. And warm and comfortable locations of your home. the more pricey units come with guarantees. Keep houses clean enough that mice don’t find places to nest. Insist that children pick up piles of TRAP AND RELEASE clothing. Mice chew up many different materials Humane traps are a debated topic. Some to make nests: stuffed animals, cardboard egg people claim they are better because the cartons, natural insulation, or boxes of fabric. mouse doesn’t die but others argue that Try to locate where mice are entering your it’s less humane to relocate it away from house. Often it is in the dryer vent, around its environment. Either way, several live pipes, pet doors, air conditioner connections, or traps are available as natural ways to beneath the skirting of mobile homes. Mice can get rid of mice. Prices range from two flatten their bodies to squeeze through amazingly dollars to more than 50, and the more small spaces. Close entry points if you can. Use expensive traps tend to be more effective. wood filler or plaster of Paris. If you cannot Set an inexpensive trap by setting a permanently fill the area, stuff it with steel wool. five-gallon bucket under a shelf near the infested site. For a no-kill option, rub sides NATURAL PEST-CONTROL REPELLENTS of the bucket with petroleum jelly; for a Peppermint essential oil is often used as permanent option, add about six inches a natural way to get rid of mice. It’s one of water into the bottom. Smear a little of many peppermint plant uses and is too peanut butter on the end of a ruler then lay intense for the rodents. Either dab cotton balls with 20-30 drops peppermint oil and stuff them in entry points or dry the plant and make herbal sachets. Replace oil or herbs weekly because the fragrance fades. Clove oil can have the same effect as peppermint. Many rodents despise it. Though it might not work for all of them, this natural solution smells amazing either way. Dab clove oil on cotton balls, or place whole cloves in cracks where mice tend to invade.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 || 55 country life :: rodents

HUMANE TRAPS ARE A cost more at first, many farmers swear by DEBATED TOPIC. SOME PEOPLE them because their chickens and other small CLAIM THEY ARE BETTER livestock cannot crawl into the device’s tunnel. Mouse-size and rat-size units are both sold BECAUSE THE MOUSE DOESN’T in hardware and feed stores, but the rat-sized zappers have tunnels large enough for small DIE BUT OTHERS ARGUE children’s hands. Load the unit with high- THAT IT’S LESS HUMANE TO protein bait such as peanut butter. $40 units, which have moderate reviews, indicate a RELOCATE IT AWAY FROM ITS catch with a red light and kill about 20 mice per set of four AA batteries. For about $500, ENVIRONMENT. you can purchase a system of four traps, a USB device, tablet, and range extender, all of it across the shelf and the lip of the bucket, which kill about 100 mice per set of batteries leaving almost half of the ruler sitting and notify you when a mouse has been killed over the water. When the mice run for the so you don’t have to check traps daily. peanut butter, they’ll tip the ruler and fall into the bucket. The mice will be unable to escape the bucket until you empty it.

QUICK ELIMINATION Cats are an ageless, natural way to get rid of mice. House cats can eliminate mice better than traps do; cats kill mice or simply scare them away, depending on the feline. In many cities, the Humane Society adopts feral cats for free to homes they know will use them for hunting mice. The cat is allowed to live as it has been raised and the owner loses a few vermin. If you adopt feral cats, provide somewhere that they can escape the heat or cold and offer plenty of water. To quickly eliminate vermin, consider cheap and effective snap traps. Six sell for as little as two dollars and you can get several uses out of each before they break. Snap traps are designed to strike the mouse at the SAFETY FOR HUMANS neck for a quick death. Though the huge Mice may be cute but they can be very rat traps are dangerous for human fingers, dangerous. Diseases such as hantavirus smaller mouse traps only cause pain if your and rabies plague these little animals. If children accidentally trigger one. But the you think mice have chewed on your food, snapping action can be harmful to small don’t try to save it. Discard the damaged livestock like chickens. If you want natural container. Do not handle wild mice with bare ways to get rid of mice in your barn or coop, hands. Use gloves and always wash hands don’t use snap traps unless you can ensure with soap and water after handling traps. your chickens won’t encounter them. Many natural ways to get rid of mice Rat zappers don’t miss. If the mouse exist, methods which you can use without crawls inside, it gets an electric zap which ever pulling out the poisons. Start at the kills it immediately. Though rat zappers bottom and escalate as necessary.

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can feel difficult, especially if you don’t know anyone who keeps bees in your area. Beekeeping organizations partially meet the demand for education by offering classes and other events to people interested in starting beekeeping. While these are terrific opportunities that work out well for most, they don’t always fulfill the needs of those seeking a more personal, ongoing connection with an experienced beekeeper. Sometimes you just want someone you can call when things go sideways in the hive. What happens when the queen bee dies? Should I feed syrup, bee fondant, or pollen patties this time of year? How will I know when I have given them enough food? Or you may want a relationship that goes beyond the transmission of how- to; helps you meet your potential as a beekeeper, and helps you become a part of a larger beekeeping community. Close mentoring relationships do exist in beekeeping and can evolve into friendships that span decades. However, they can take some time to find and cultivate. Here are a few ideas for people just starting beekeeping who would like to find a beekeeping mentor.

SAY YES TO QUIET INVITATIONS One of my biggest regrets in beekeeping is not getting to see a dear friend and mentor one last time How to Find before she passed. One day, not long after moving from her condo to an assisted living facility, she invited a Beekeeping me for a visit. While I was, of course, delighted to receive the invitation, I didn’t fully understand its Mentor importance. So rather than jumping up right away to attend, I fiddled Raising Honey Bees Can Be around on email in an attempt to organize a group visit with mutual Learned Through Help from Others friends. Days passed. Alas, to my sadness and regret, she died before I got that last visit in, and I lost my one ENTORING IS A TRADITIONAL WAY last chance to be with her, sit near for beekeepers to teach people starting her, and hear what she was thinking. BY LAURA beekeeping about tending bees. However, The most rewarding mentoring TYLER M finding a mentor, someone who is both knowledgeable relationships in beekeeping have a about hive management and interested in teaching you, personal quality. Sometimes special

58 || COUNTRYSIDE & SMALL STOCK JOURNAL Seeking hands-on advice? Try organizing a local hive tour or series of roving inspections where a small group of beekeepers visits each others’ apiaries to observe different setups and hive handling techniques.

invitations to participate in life answers. These organized, group arrive quietly, so quietly that you opportunities are not only terrific may not recognize them for what sources of information, but they they are. If someone you admire, are also the places where you get to someone you like or are interested meet the people who may eventually in getting to know better invites you become your mentors. Get out, in, do say yes. Because you never attend events, ask questions and know if and when you may receive volunteer to get the most out of these that unique opportunity again. meet-and-greet opportunities. And while you are there, pay attention DO SOME RESEARCH to the more experienced beekeepers Videos, online forums, books, who respond to your questions. and articles offer a range of People who respond helpfully to perspectives from the instructional your inquiries in a group setting to the more personal. Use these are already mentoring you. resources to get a feel for whether starting beekeeping and attending INVITE A BEEKEEPER to its seasonal tasks is a good fit TO VISIT YOU for you. You can make yourself In places where interest in bee- more appealing to a potential keeping is on the rise, the demand mentor by acquiring a baseline for instruction by people just start- of beekeeping knowledge and ing beekeeping can overwhelm ex- vocabulary. This will give you perienced beekeepers whose main a better understanding of what concern may be carving out time to you are asking more experienced care for their own bees. We receive beekeepers to do for you when you numerous requests at our apiary reach out to them for support. each season from people interested in “helping out,” in exchange for us JOIN A BEEKEEPING teaching them about beekeeping. Or ORGANIZATION sometimes people will ask me to set A first step toward finding a them up with someone who “knows beekeeping mentor is to check out how to start a honey bee farm.” While your local beekeeping organization. these requests are understandable If your area doesn’t have a local club, (who wouldn’t want free beekeeping find a state or regional beekeeping lessons scheduled at their conve- organization to connect with. Most nience?) they are difficult to say yes to beekeeping groups offer some kind because they lack specifics and sound of organized mentoring for people time-consuming. Extra hands in the starting beekeeping whether it bee-yard aren’t necessarily helpful FAST FENCE is a workshop, conference, social hands unless they are trained. Also, Info and buy now at media site, or online forum where training sessions can be hard to www.electricnets.com you can ask questions and get schedule with looky-loo newcom- 800-356-5458

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ers because so much of beekeeping — new package installation, swarm collection, making splits, and so on — has to happen on the bees’ timetable with humans serving in a responsive role and adapting accordingly. Rather than inviting yourself to a potential mentor’s apiary for free lessons, consider inviting him or her over to visit you to help you troubleshoot a specific problem in one of your hives. Some beekeepers offer hive visits and mentoring as a paid service. Others offer them for free. I am often delighted to visit other beekeepers’ bee-yards to see where they keep their bees. It is interesting to observe different setups. And while I don’t presume expert status, I do enjoy offering diagnoses and help as I can. For me, defined tasks, as opposed to an open-ended shadowing session, are easier to schedule. Other beekeepers may feel differently. Respect the time of the person who is mentoring you.

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60 || COUNTRYSIDE & SMALL STOCK JOURNAL Beekeeping is theBetter RAISING HONEYBEES: FIND A PEER GROUP TO HELP In the absence of experienced WaytoGardening! mentors, a peer group can provide an excellent source of support for people just starting beekeeping. Consider starting a beekeeping book club with an eye toward building a mutual support community where nearby beekeepers can get to know each other over time. Seeking hands-on advice? Try organizing a local hive tour or series of roving inspections where a small group of beekeepers visits each others’ apiaries to observe different Manufacturer Of Quality setups and hive handling techniques. Beekeeping Supplies Since1976 Events like these provide invaluable opportunities to observe a range of situations, see who is thriving, who is struggling, and with the help of others, www.MillerBeeSupply.com try to determine why. While expert 888-848-5184 advice from experienced beekeepers [email protected] is often the most valuable input you can receive, when that is not available, 496 Yellow Banks Road, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659 try putting heads together with your ~Manufacturer Of Quality Beekeeping Supplies Since 1976 ~ peers to brainstorm solutions to your beekeeping problems. As your group matures and gains in experience, each individual participant has the potential to become a mentor moving forward, providing beekeeping guidance and support to those who come up after. Also, working side by side with other beekeepers to solve mutually interesting problems is a rewarding way to build relationships that can serve you over time.

KEEP AN OPEN MIND Beekeeping mentors come in many forms and most of us will have the good fortune to have more than one throughout our beekeeping careers. Some may be older than you, others younger. You will meet some in person. Others you may encounter online. Some may move in and out of your life like a breeze with a single anecdote or piece of advice that changes beekeeping for you. Others have the potential to become a reliable part of your network of friends over time. All have value to new and experienced beekeepers able to keep an open mind.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 || 61 homesteading :: farm roads “Skill and confidence are an unconquered army.” — George Herbert

Making a Smooth Ride Driveway Graders & Grading Techniques

DRIVEWAY GRADER IMPLEMENT IS one of those often forgotten but surprisingly useful compact tractor implements. Those of us who are fortunate enough BY JEREMY to have homesteads with any appreciable amount of acreage can agree; long dirt CHARTIER A driveways can be challenging. Erosion, traffic, rutting, and the effects of snow plowing can wreak havoc on your dirt or gravel driveway. The only way to keep these surfaces in traversable condition is to maintain them, which requires the right tools. Like any job, some tools work better than others and your needs will largely dictate which tool you choose. Let’s talk about some tractor implements available and which job they fit best.

62 || COUNTRYSIDE & SMALL STOCK JOURNAL “Skill and confidence are an unconquered army.” — George Herbert

DRIVEWAY GRADERS Department of Transportation, more aggressive cut, which may or three-point grader blade may not be a great choice for you. CHAIN DRAGS implements feature an adjustable If your driveway simply needs a If you don’t have a tractor with blade that can aggressively cut dirt little grooming then this driveway a three-point hitch, this is likely or gravel surfaces. When you have grader is likely too aggressive for your best method of grooming a severely damaged or neglected you. If you have big stones lurking your driveway. A chain drag driveway, this is a great tool to have. under the immediate surface of (or drag harrow) is a driveway Just like a York rake, you have the your driveway, you may catch one grader that you quite literally option to angle these blades side to big enough to stop your machine drag behind your tractor, or truck side. Your pitch, downforce and all dead in its tracks. If your driveway if need be. Many farmers make a other adjustments are still handled has a tendency to develop big pot simple one from a section of chain by your three-point hitch. Unlike holes, pronounced crowns between link fence. It’s a simple tool, but the York, this style of driveway tire ruts, or you see sections getting it’s limited in what it can do. grader features what looks like a washed out a lot, then this is a Much like taking an army of short snow plow instead of rake great tool for you. Also, if you need rake-wielding landscapers to your tines. When you trade flexible to pitch your driveway surface driveway, a chain drag effectively rake tines for a stiff blade with a or add drainage ditches, then a rakes the ground lightly. A chain proper cutting edge, you gain a grader blade will do wonders. drag is not a particularly aggressive implement, which is why it will take several passes to accomplish the desired result. Chain drags don’t handle heavy ruts or severe crowns well, so groom your driveway regularly to keep ahead of it.

LANDSCAPE RAKES Three-point rakes are a versatile implement that I find myself using often. From tidying up the driveway to raking freshly cleared land, the landscape rake is my go-to tool. Your standard landscape rake is a simple affair, consisting of flexible tines attached to a bar. That bar can angle from side to side to allow the operator to cast material to one side of their path. All other adjustments of a landscape rake come from your tractor, such as pitch angle and down force. York rakes make for a great multi-purpose implement and do a great job of resurfacing loose material. Most dirt and gravel driveways are easily resurfaced with this type of driveway grader, but particularly hard surfaces are not easily dealt with.

GRADER BLADES Much like the professional road graders used by your town or state

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 || 63 homesteading :: farm roads

SCRAPER BOXES or drag harrow which would If you think grader blades simply skate across a hard surface. make for an aggressive driveway This style of driveway grader grader, then you’ve never met one is yet another option. It features of these monsters. Scraper boxes two blades and tines like a grader are an aggressive earth-moving box. This style of driveway device that does the job very well, grader is slowly catching on likely too well for most people. but is not widely popular yet. Scraper boxes look much like they sound; it’s a big box of unforgiving DRIVEWAY GRADER OPTIONS steel. Grader boxes have no angle Before blindly buying an adjustments with exception to the implement, ask around. Someone pitch your three-point hitch gives in your area is bound to have one of it. Imagine a grader blade that’s these implements, so ask how well been boxed in, then a set of really they perform. Is your driveway soft aggressive tines are set in front of and sandy? If so, a driveway drag that blade and now you have a harrow will probably do just fine. pretty good idea of a grader box. Do you have stiff dirt or stone? If your driveway is soft dirt or Do you need the tines to give way relatively loose gravel, then this to big rocks lurking in the surface? is the wrong tool for you. Scraper If that’s the case, then a landscape This style of driveway grader is yet boxes are king when it comes to rake will be a great start for you. another option. It features two blades and tines like a grader box. This style of hardpan and clay. The aggressive Does your driveway have some driveway grader is slowly catching on nature of the tines makes it easier severe crowns? Do you need the but is not widely popular yet. to break the surface, unlike a rake ability to pitch the surface one

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64 || COUNTRYSIDE & SMALL STOCK JOURNAL XPEERRTTWWEEEEDDCCOONNTTRROOLL EEXP A ND MORE ® WITH THE RED DRAGON TORCH • Melt Snow &Ice “Great product. Iabsolutely love it. • Heat Branding Irons, It is very easy to assemble and Metal Castings, use. Iamparticularly impressed Asphalt &Tar with how little fuel it uses. We have • Burn Heavy Weeds, alarge gravel drive and two gravel Brush &Stumps pads. With regular use, atank of • Remove Paint, propane should last afull season. Grease and Other High quality product. Low cost to Residues operate. No chemicals. No dead • Sanitize Animal weed debris to pull up. If it had a Confinement Areas cup holder it would be perfect.” P. Boyles –Lexington, KY

“The Red Dragon is an amazing product that’sincredible versatile. Iuse it for weeds and patching the driveway pavement in the summer,and for melting snow and • CSA Certified ice in the winter.Itgets the BBQ charcoal ready for cooking in about 15 seconds!” • USDA Approved Organic Practice E. Alscher-Manotick, ON, Canada • 500,000 BTU Work Easier,Order Today • Made in Kansas 1.800.255.2469 www.RedDragonTorch.com way or another? Do you have drainage ditches you need to re- carve? Then a grader blade sounds like the right tool for the job. Lastly, if you have a really hard surface like clay or some sort of hardpan material, then you probably need to reach for the big guns. A scraper box will prove to be an aggressive implement, but with practice and finesse, you can achieve some great results. If you do need such a tool, consider using a York rake in conjunction with it to smooth things out after roughing it all up.

HOW TO GRADE A DRIVEWAY

Learning how to grade a driveway is not all that difficult, but some basic concepts and tips will make the process easier. For those of us who have long dirt driveways that have a mind of their own, it makes sense to keep them in good shape. Don’t wait for it to become a critical issue! Pin your driveway grader to your tractor and let’s get down to business.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 || 65 homesteading :: farm roads

COMPACTION When we drive vehicles and Erosion can creep up on you. This driveway used to equipment along the same path be level with the ground to over and over, we create the “cart the right of the photo. path” effect. This is caused by the weight of our cars, trucks, and equipment rolling over the same two tracks, compacting the soil in those areas. If you have an existing two-track driveway that is otherwise traversable, consider filling the ruts with stone instead of cutting the crown and pushing the dirt into the ruts. Filling ruts with stone gives your tires something harder to ride on and will bring your driveway back to its original grade level, instead of cutting the crown and reducing the overall height of your driveway. Simply grading the crown may be a low-cost construction technique, but over time Learning how to grade a driveway is not all that you’ll notice that your driveway will look less like a driveway and more difficult, but some basic concepts and tips will like a trough or shallow river bed. make the process easier. For those of us who have SNOW AND FROST For those of us in snow country, long dirt driveways that have a mind of their we get to deal with the added own, it makes sense to keep them in good shape. complication of frost and snow. Frost heaving, the resulting Don’t wait for it to become a critical issue! potholes, and the stones pushed

to the surface all need to be dealt Water also makes driveways Use your adjustable lift arms to alter the pitch of with. Not only that, but the act of muddy, which leads to ruts. your driveway grader. plowing snow also moves material Since water likes to collect in low around, especially when there’s spots, make sure your driveway snow but the ground hasn’t frozen isn’t one. Slope low points, or yet. You may find your gravel piled even create a ditch that sits lower up where you plowed snow, so than your driveway to give the be prepared to drag that material water somewhere else to go. Mud back to where it’s needed. alongside your driveway isn’t an issue, but mud in the middle EROSION of your driveway is, so take that Water can hasten driveway into consideration when deciding deterioration. Existing compaction how to grade a driveway. ruts create a low point for runoff water to follow. As water flows CROWNING down these ruts, erosion cuts Crowning a road stops water them deeper and deeper. Even from collecting and pooling on driveways that have no ruts can the driveway. Unlike the severe experience erosion, especially if crowning of a neglected two- they have more dirt than gravel. track, an intentional crown leaves Water will find the lowest point a slight peak in the middle of the and carve its own path, usually road which sheds water from the in an inconvenient location. center. If you have a long stretch

66 || COUNTRYSIDE & SMALL STOCK JOURNAL of flat driveway, adding a slight a grader blade or grader box, then crown to it will stop puddling in you need to adjust your lift arms to the middle of your driveway. put your implement on a slant. Once Crowning is an effective way to properly slanted, your implement shed water, but remember that water will carve your desired grade. is going somewhere if you like it or not. Concentrating the water runoff on ADDING MATERIAL the sides of your driveway will create When deciding how to grade a ditches, but those erosion ditches may driveway, many people settle on a undermine the driveway. Be proactive crushed gravel sized somewhere and provide a definite path for your between a ¾ and 1 ½-inch. For those water runoff, and line it with a coarse of us with a tractor, we can explore gravel to reduce the erosion if need be. other options such as a 2-inch or larger size, since we have the GRADING TECHNIQUES equipment to manage it. A ¾-inch Sometimes you can get away with a gravel makes for a smooth surface quick and simple flat grade, but that’s when groomed, but it’s far easier to

not always the best course of action. wash away versus a 2-inch or larger If you’ve decided to add drainage gravel. If you just can’t keep your ditches, correct a pitch or form a stone in place, try graduating to a proper crown, you’ll need to properly larger sized gravel. Larger gravel is adjust your driveway grader. more difficult to work with, which is For those of us using a tractor with why it’s not as popular as the smaller an adjustable three-point hitch, we sizes, but when you have a tractor need to take care in how we set up and driveway grading implement, our implement. Landscape rakes and it’s nothing you can’t handle. grader blades are typically a light to medium draft implement, which YOUR MILEAGE MAY VARY means the top link needs to be in the Everyone’s situation calls for lowest pin hole available. Scraper different considerations. Weather boxes are typically considered a patterns, local soil composition, heavy draft implement, so be sure to the implements you have available use the top pin hole. Verify this with and even the size or power rating your tractor’s manual just to be sure. of your machine will largely Most tractors feature adjustable dictate how you decide to manage lift arms. For forming a flat grade, your driveway. My goal here maintain your two lift arms in the level was to give you some food for position. If you want to add a crown thought, and hopefully, answer with your rake or dig a ditch with some questions along the way.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 || 67 homesteading :: heating

ICKING THE BEST wood-burning stove for your P homestead is a personal affair. Factors including your budget, your intended use, and personal preferences will largely dictate what stove you choose. Before investing in a chunk of iron, here’s a preliminary dose of information to help make your decision a sound one.

POT BELLY STOVES Pot Belly stoves were popular in the late 1800s and were commonplace in train stations, stores, and cabins. Pot Belly stoves cast heat and give you a small flat area to cook on, which makes them useful. The downside of most Pot Belly stoves is their poor efficiency and drafty construction. An old Pot Belly makes for a nice functional touch in a hunting cabin, but I don’t recommend it for daily use.

AIRTIGHT STOVES The best wood-burning stove for you may be an airtight stove. The Franklin stove, invented in 1741 by Benjamin Franklin, is credited as the official precursor to the airtight stove. Franklin never patented Like many older airtight stoves, this stove features a his design, and inventors of the solid iron door. world improved upon his idea. Eventually, the ideas of Franklin evolved into the airtight stove. Unlike the unbridled burn of a fireplace, an airtight stove allows you to influence the rate of Exploring combustion by limiting the amount of available oxygen within the stove. They also do an excellent Wood-Burning job of extracting much of the heat, BY JEREMY usually with the use of baffles. CHARTIER Additionally, many airtight stoves Stoves for have flat areas for cooking and that classic windowless loading door appearance. If you’re buying Off-Grid Living a used stove locally, this is likely the type of stove you’ll find.

68 || COUNTRYSIDE & SMALL STOCK JOURNAL RE-BURN STOVES If you’re in the market for a brand-new stove, your best wood- You spoke, burning stoves will likely be a re- we listened! burn design. The recent EPA rules Introducing in the United States require wood new silicone inflations in stove manufacturers to produce 3 c olor coded stoves that conform to their new sizes! emission standards, and this design is their answer. Re-burn stoves feature tubes, baffles or plates that take unburnt emissions from the fire and either send them back into the coal bed or a high-heat combustion chamber. Re-burn stoves are not airtight, drawing in a secondary air flow which is preset by the factory. This secondary air flow supports the “re-burn” effect. Many re-burn stoves offer space to cook, glass fronts and many people like the design because of the lively visual burn. They’re also very efficient and far sturdier than the other option for EPA-compliant stoves.

CATALYTIC STOVES Buck Wheeler,Inventor Catalytic stoves are the other answer to EPA compliance. Generally speaking, it’s far easier Questions? Contact the inventor,Buck Wheeler for a manufacturer to design a 800-287-4791 or 507-213-2126 catalytic stove compared to the [email protected] complicated systems involved in a re-burn stove. Most people Learn more about these products and watch video couldn’t tell the difference between demonstrations at www.EZAnimalProducts.com a catalytic and a re-burn stove Countryside -The Answer 2015.qxp_Layout 14/29/1 from afar, but the catalytic stove requires more user intervention The Answer to operate properly. Additionally, “There is definitely apartofyou catalytic stoves are not the most that is superior to all confusion and popular because of the expensive, that partissuperior to it right now.” fragile and temperamental catalyst This is one response to anumber of questions asked by aprofessional system. You need to be careful counselorofVernonHoward. There are what you burn, because some five special lettersgiving numerous materials will destroy the catalyst insightful answerstolife’s perplexing material, and rough handling problems. The lettersare of avery of wood may cause it to shatter. lofty nature which will lead youtoa much higher way ofliving. With the high cost of replacement catalysts, it’s no wonder why Order this bookletbyVernon Howardtoday! people are avoiding this design. Send only $5 (Shipping included) to: NewLife•PO Box 2230-AP•Pine AZ 85544 www.anewlife.org

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Inserts are an attractive solution to many, but they’re not always the best option.

The Best Wood-Burning Stoves Cost Efficiency Cooking Availability

Pot Belly $ Poor Ok Used

Airtight $ Good Good Used

Re-burn $$$ Great Good New

Catalytic $$$ Great Good New

Cook $$$$ Poor Great Both

Barrel $ Good No DIY

Insert $$ Marginal No Both

COOK STOVE locally for a used stove. You may doors and other hardware you’ll If you have your heart set on a find a beautiful piece of history need to fabricate your stove. wood-fired cook stove, be prepared worthy of a little reconditioning. Kit stoves may be cheap, but for two big downfalls. One is the not exceptionally efficient. Most high rate of fuel consumption DRUM STOVES designs position the drum(s) and the other being the sticker For those of us who are cost- horizontally, which won’t lend price. Few manufacturers are still conscious, a homemade wood itself to cooking. Additionally, building wood-fired cook stoves, stove may be our best bet. The the thin steel drums don’t last including some Italian producers 55-gallon drum design has sparked forever, so expect to rebuild and very few American makers. the imagination of many farmers, them eventually. Still, drum Regardless of manufacturer, and you’re a click away from kit stoves are fun, cheap and expect a price range of $2,000 to many YouTube videos featuring effective. If you’re a do it astronomical. Before committing DIY drum stove conversions. You yourself kind of person, then to the high purchase price, look can buy kits complete with legs, drum kit stoves just might be

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EPA-Certified Outdoor Wood Furnaces Stainless models available - ask about our Titanium Series

• You’re in Control -Keep your house as warm as To meet EPA youwant, and with wood being the ideal source standards, many forself-reliantheat, you’re protectedfrom price re-burn stoves changes and shortages associatedwith other types feature tubes of energy. like these in the • PeaceofMind -Keeping the fireoutside fire chamber. eliminatesthe dangers and mess associatedwith traditional indoor wood stoves.

AVAILABLE FROM YOUR LOCALCENTRAL BOILERDEALER the best wood-burning stoves CentralBoiler.com for your barn, garage or shed. It’s importantthatyouroutdoor furnaceand system be properly sized and installed.See your local dealer formoreinformation. ©2017 CentralBoiler •ad7320 800-248-4681 FIREPLACE INSERTS If you have a fireplace you probably understand how much heat it sucks out of your home. Many people think fireplace inserts are their best solution, but their design is inherently inefficient. Stuffing these inserts into your fireplace blocks a lot of radiant heat as well as air circulation that could otherwise extract your precious heat. If you have your heart set on using a fireplace insert, be certain that they are installed correctly and serviced professionally. I also urge you to install a full liner in your chimney when installing an insert stove, even if local codes only require a simple stub liner. This article isn’t an exhaustive list of options, but it does offer a few •A92.24% efficient fireplace capable of totally heating yourhome. popular options. I’m sure you’ve •EPA tested zero clearance fireplace with aheat output of 167,227 BTU. noticed the absence of outdoor •NOPOWER! NO PROBLEM! Many options, you can even cook on it. wood boilers, masonry stove Century, •Three new door options allow you to choose the ideal look for your décor. a b eautiful plans, and a wood stove hot water working •Great customer service seven days aweek and even evenings. fireplace that really will heater. I consider them different •Century’s40-year safety record and A+ rating with BBB says alot! keep your family warm! animals altogether. Whatever •GREATFACTORY DIRECT PRICING! design you decide, be certain to consult a professional and your Checkour web Centuryfireplaces.com, local building regulations. then call 1-800-284-4328 to see howCenturycan work foryou!

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P P 100% TheFDA has identiﬁed growing levels of internal 99.6% 98.7% parasites resistant to theMacrocyclic lactones PASS (Avermectin) class of dewormers.1 90% FAIL F Results from the Merck Animal Health Fecal Egg F Count Reduction Test National database2 shows 83.5% 80% several cases of internal parasite resistance and supports concurrent treatment protocol to 78.4% F manage resistant parasites. 72.3% 70% Themajority opinion among parasitologists

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Consult your local veterinarian for assistance in the diagnosis, treatmentand control of parasitism. Safe-GuardDrenchand Paste RESIDUEWARNING: Cattle must not be slaughtered within 8days following last treatment. For dairy IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION cattle, the milk discardtime iszerohours. Awithdrawal period has not been establishedfor this product Safe-GuardEN-PRO-ALMolasses Block in preruminating calves. Donot use in calves to be processed for veal. RESIDUE WARNING: Cattle must not be slaughtered within 11 daysfollowing last treatment. A Safe-Guardisaregistered trademark of Merck Animal Health. Panacur is aregistered trademark of MerckAnimal Health. Ivomec is aregistered trademark of withdrawal period has not been established for this product in preruminatingcalves. Do not use in calves Merial, Ltd. Cydectin is aregistered trademark of Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica. Dectomax is aregistered trademark of Zoetis. LongRange is aregistered to be processed for veal. trademarkof Merial, Ltd.

Safe-GuardProtein Block 1FDA Public Resistance Forum-March 2012 RESIDUE WARNING: Cattle must not beslaughtered within 16 days following last treatment. A 2Testsfrom1/1/2008-4/12/2016 withdrawal period has not been established for this product in preruminatingcalves. Do not use in calves 3NAHMS 2008 4 Dobson R., Jackson F., Levecke B., Besier B., et al. Guidelines for fecal egg count reduction tests (FECRT). World Association for the Advancement of to be processed for veal. Veterinary Parasitology (WAAVP) (2011) Proceedings: 23rd International Conference of the World Association for the Advancement of Veterinary Parasitology Safe-GuardMineral, feed through products and liquid feed 2Giralda Farms–Madison, NJ 07940 –merck-animal-health-usa.com – RESIDUE WARNING: Cattle must not be slaughtered within 13 daysfollowing last treatment. For dairy 800.521.5767 Copyright ©2016 Intervet, Inc. d/b/a Merck Animal health, cattle, the milk discardtime is zerohours. Awithdrawal period has not been established for this product asubsidiaryof Merck &Co., Inc. All rights reserved. in preruminating calves. Do not use in calves to be processed for veal. 5/16 BV-SG-55108 animals & livestock :: cows “All the really good ideas I ever had came to me while I was milking a cow.” — Grant Wood

How to Assist a Cow Giving Birth It’s Important to Act at the Right Time

HE RISKIEST TIME IN A CALF’S LIFE IS BEING BORN. Several million calves in the United States and Canada are lost each year during BY HEATHER birth or shortly after, and 45 percent of those deaths are because of dystocia SMITH THOMAS T (delayed or difficult birth). Almost all birth losses can be prevented, however, by being there to assist a cow giving birth if needed. A cow is pregnant for roughly nine months; average gestation is 283 days, but some cows calve a week or two ahead of schedule, or a week or two later. Cows with shorter-than-average gestation tend to have smaller calves at birth and fewer calving problems.

74 || COUNTRYSIDE & SMALL STOCK JOURNAL “All the really good ideas I ever had came to me while I was milking a cow.” — Grant Wood

You’ll know when she is about get up quicker and find the udder. the calf’s tongue is sticking out, to calve when you see calving If no feet start to show after a cow labor has probably been too long, signs. In early labor the cow is is straining intensely, check her to especially if the tongue is starting restless, tail held out, getting up see if the calf is being presented to swell; this means the calf has and down, and kicking at her belly. normally or not, or whether it’s been in the birth canal too long, Breaking of the water signals the too large to be born. It’s healthier subjected to steady pressure. beginning of active labor as the for both the cow and calf if you calf starts into the birth canal and can assist the cow before she is HOW TO ASSIST IN THE abdominal straining begins. fatigued and the calf compromised BIRTHING PROCESS How long should a cow be in by being in the birth canal too To pull a calf, first, make sure it is labor? It’s important to know how long. It’s time to check her if she’s in the proper position, then attach long and in what circumstances to been in early labor more than pulling chains to his legs using leave her laboring on her own, so six to eight hours, or is straining a half-hitch (one loop above the you can know when to help her hard for more than one hour with fetlock joint and the other around or seek help from your vet. Don’t nothing showing, or if the feet the pastern above the hoof). This intervene too soon, before the cervix show when she strains but then spreads the pressure better than is dilated, or you may injure her go back in (multiple times), or the a single loop and will cause less by pulling the calf through that feet of the calf look upside down, injury to his legs. Attach handles narrow opening. If you pull too or if only one foot appears, or the to the chains and pull when the soon (and too steadily) a partially progress of the calf has halted. cow strains, resting while she opened cervix may be pulled out A good rule of thumb is to give rests. If you have a helper, that of place, like a sleeve—pulling assistance to any heifer or cow that person can stretch the vulva as it cone-like ahead of the calf and goes beyond one hour in active you pull, making it easier for the restricting the diameter of the labor (straining) and the calf is not head to pass through. Once the opening. A too-strong pull may yet born. Even if the feet and nose head comes through, the rest of tear it. Forceful pulling before the are showing after an hour of hard the calf should come fairly easily. birth canal is ready may rupture the labor, it’s best to go ahead and pull If the calf is coming backward, cervix or tear the vagina and vulva. the calf unless visible progress attach chains to the hind legs The cervix opens as the calf’s head is seen at the end of that hour. If (double half-hitch) and pull slowly presses intermittently on it with each contraction; a hard steady pull on the calf can delay this process. But once the calf is in proper position and the cervix nearly fully dilated, there is no point in waiting, if the calf is taking too long to come through. He is subjected to a lot of pressure from uterine and abdominal contractions and from the constricted area in the birth canal. Each time the cow strains, her abdominal contractions put pressure on the blood vessels to the uterus, resulting in diminished oxygen supply to the calf. If this goes on a long time he may be born weak, unconscious or dead. If he’s born in cold weather and has been short on oxygen, he is more at risk for chilling than a calf Calving cow born quickly and easily. A calf that - posterior spends minimal time in the birth presentation canal is lively and strong, able to animals & livestock :: cows

and gradually until the hips are coming through the vulva, then pull the calf on out as swiftly as possible so it won’t suffocate. Its umbilical cord is breaking before you get it out, so it needs to come on out quickly so it can start breathing. Assisting heifers (or a cow, if she needs help) no later than after one hour of active labor results in a more vigorous calf; he’s not weak and exhausted from being in the birth canal too long. Also, heifers that take less than an hour in labor or are helped before they go beyond that golden hour will breed back faster. The reproductive tract returns to normal more quickly (less stress and damage). Proper intervention and assistance at birth can significantly shorten the interval between birth and first heat cycle for the cow or heifer. As a rule of thumb, you can figure that each 10 minutes delivery is delayed adds about two days to that time interval, and some heifers that don’t have help when they need it do not become pregnant again that year. If you wait too long to help, the calf will die. The heifer or cow may be exhausted by then, and unable to strain productively when you do try to help her. The lubricating fluid around the calf may be gone, if the

top: Checking a cow in labor. bottom: Pulling backward to help deliver a calf.

sacs have ruptured, making assistance more difficult. If she’s already spent too long in labor, the vaginal wall may be swollen, making it harder to put your hand and arm in—and there’s less room to manipulate the calf if he’s in the wrong position. If the cervix and uterus have already started to contract and shrink, correcting a malpresentation becomes very difficult or impossible, so timely checking is crucial.

76 || COUNTRYSIDE & SMALL STOCK JOURNAL Back in Balance Minerals ® Almost all birth losses Formulas for goats, sheep, horses andcamelids can be prevented Abioavailable lineofminerals by being there to assist formulated by herbalistand traditionalnaturopathAlethea a cow giving birth Kenney.Created to improve digestion, if needed. A cow is growth,health, immunefunctionand reproduction. Contains no fillers or pregnant for roughly artificial preservatives,non-GMO.

nine months; average BOOK NOWAVAILABLE — “AnOunce of Prevention: Raising and Feeding gestation is 283 days, Animals Naturally” See website fordetails. BackinBalance Blends: but some cows Canship anywhereinthe U.S. calve a week or two Herbal Products for Livestock FOr PrOduCt INFOrMAtION: FOr Orders: ahead of schedule, or a AletheaKenney NorthCentral Feed Products,LLC traditional Naturopath, Zena dunker week or two later. WesternHerbalist,Aromatherapist smallruminant NutritionConsultant 70 Alicest., PO Box10 forNorth CentralFeed Products,LLC Gonvick, MN 56644 218-657-2502, [email protected] 877-487-6040 •[email protected] CHECKING THE COW OR HEIFER Healthy animals startwith good nutrition. Restrain her in a head catch or stanchion that accommodates a cow lying down as well as www.BackInBalanceMinerals.com standing, or tied with a halter— low enough that if she lies down the rope won’t be “hanging” her. Wash her rear end with warm water. If you don’t have a helper to hold her tail, tie it with a string around her neck, so she’s not continually swatting you in the face with it or flipping manure. Since she may defecate several times during your exam, bring extra wash water for rinsing her and your arm. Putting your hand in the birth canal will make her strain and pass more manure. It’s handy to have extra water in squeeze bottles; they are easy to use with one hand. Coat Small Farmer's Journal your hand/arm or OB sleeve Defending Small Farms andCraftsmanship Since1976. with obstetrical lubricant. If the water bag is in the birth canal, don’t rupture it yet, in case you find a problem you can’t correct and must call the vet. If the cow must wait for assistance it’s best if you don’t aquarterly periodical forforty yearsand counting, championing human-scale agriculture let all the fluids escape yet; they andliving as anaturalact. will be beneficial lubrication if the calf must be pulled. Also, www.smallfarmersjournal.com PO Box1627, Sisters,OR97759 if the fluids are gone, it’s like 800-876-2893 •541-549-2064

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 || 77 animals & livestock :: cows

you may be able to put your hand through and determine what’s happening with the calf and why his feet are not starting through. If the birth canal ends abruptly at the pelvic brim and is pulled into tight, spiral folds, the uterus may have turned over (torsion of the uterus) putting a twist in the birth canal. If this is the case, call your vet for assistance to correct the torsion. If all you feel is a spongy mass of placenta, coming ahead of the calf, this is an emergency and you must deliver him quickly. Your assessment of the situation will help you know whether to

Assisting by pulling a calf. emptying a balloon; the uterus will be shrinking down more by the time the vet arrives, leaving less room to manipulate the calf. But if you decide to go ahead and correct a problem yourself or pull the calf, rupture the membranes to get the fluid-filled balloons out of your way so you can manipulate the calf easier and put chains on his legs. Put your hand into the birth canal as far as needed to find the calf. You may discover his feet are there, but he’s large and taking too long to come through. Feel a little farther to make sure the head is coming. If the head isn’t there, or there’s nothing in the birth canal yet, reach farther in. If you come to the cervix and can put your hand through it, it’s dilated and the calf should be starting through. There must be some reason he’s not coming. Reach on into the uterus to feel the calf and which way he’s lying. If the cervix is not fully dilated and you can only put one or two fingers through it, the cow needs more time. If it is partially open,

78 || COUNTRYSIDE & SMALL STOCK JOURNAL THERE’SANEWKID ON THEBLOCK

A good rule of thumb is to give assistance to any heifer or cow that goes beyond one hour in active labor (straining) and the calf is not yet born.

give the cow more time, call the vet to help you correct a problem, or go ahead and pull a calf that has started into the birth canal in proper position but coming too slow because he’s big. If he’s large, you must make a determination as to whether he can be safely pulled. If when the calf’s head is starting through the cow’s pelvis there is no room to force your fingers between his forehead and the pelvis, he won’t fit, and you should call the GIVE YOUR GOATS THE vet to do a C-section delivery. NUTRITION THEY DESERRVE If you can’t decipher the calf’s position, or have worked for 20 Foraging for food is somethingg goats are born to do. Standleee to 30 minutes trying to correct a Premium Western Forage® maakes problem and have not been able feeding your goat easier with the to correct it or extract the calf, call introduction of anew high prootein your vet, unless you can tell you and fiber option, Standlee® Orrganic are beginning to make progress. Alfalfa Pellets. Give your goattsthe Don’t spend too long in futile best so they feel their best. efforts, or it may become too late for the calf after you finally decide you cannot get him delivered Recommended for: yourself. Other instances in which you should call the vet are if you feel any abnormalities such as a tear in the birth canal or uterus, abnormal aspects of the calf such as a forehead too large, fused Available at select locations: joints—the legs not able to flex to maneuver into the birth canal—or some other problem that would www.standleeforage.com hinder the birth progress.

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Nov/Dec 2003 Vol. 87/6 •Choose the best cow for your •The time is right forafamily garden! Sept/Oct 2010 Vol. 94/5 •Build aone-log hauler homestead •Dry your bounty •Hogs on the Homestead •Anon-electric chick brooder •Solar Panels: Buy or Build? •Herbs for the holidays July/August 2007 Vol. 91/4 May/June 2009 Vol. 93/3 •Onions: Truffles of the Poor •Keep your bees healthy •Hardeconomic times? Nov/Dec 2005 Vol. 89/6 •Rearrange your chicken yard Actions speak louder than words Nov/Dec 2010 Vol. 94/6 •Solar and wind options for for fresh grazing •Swap your lawn for an edible garden •Why Do YouNeed aGoat? grid-tied homes Let Us Count the Ways... Sept/Oct 2007 Vol. 91/5 •Standby generator systems: •Build afieldstone smokehouse • Build aHeirloom Sled •Start your own business •Earthen Construction choosing apersonal power plant •Free&wild winter food •Angle Grinders Nov/Dec 2006 Vol. 90/6 •Atropical greenhouse: Nov/Dec 2009 Vol. 93/6 March/April 2011 Vol. 95/2 •How to sell your crafts at 9,100 feet •Build Your Own Root Cellar •Security is Spelled •How to choose agrain mill •Anyone Can Weld! •Build asolar shower Jan/Feb 2008 Vol. 92/1 •Garden in aGreenhouse F-E-N-C-E! •Build acold frame or •Organically Certified Goats Jan/Feb 2007 Vol. 91/1 hoop house March/April 2010 Vol. 94/2 •It’s Sweet Strawberry •Be prepared with a •Shear your own sheep •Going Solar: The Real Cost Season! wilderness survival kit •Iswindpower right for you? •How to Choose &Use The •Choose the right knife Modern Scythe July/August 2011 Vol. 95/4 May/June 2008 Vol. 92/3 •Meet the Neighbors: How 3 •Isitreally food? Grow Your March/April 2007 Vol. 91/2 •The Integrated Homestead Homesteaders Built Their Dream Own to Be Sure •Getting started with bees Part 1: Soil Fertility Ponds •Beef on aBudget •Stand-alone solar water pumping •Solar hot water,options for •Raising rabbits step-by-step every climate May/June 2010 Vol. 94/3 Sept/Oct 2011 Vol. 95/5 •Coping with today’s economy •IsitTime for aCow? •Build aSolar-Heated Water May/June 2007 Vol. 91/3 •Composting the Easy Way, Tank •Feeding &careof your new July/August 2008 Vol. 92/4 Let Your Hens Do the Work •Real ”Whole” Whole Wheat Honeybees •Toolsfor the integratedhomestead •Build aClamshell Greenhouse Recipes SLOW BALE (These are not necessarily the issues you will receive, we may substitute if an issue sells out) Small Mesh BUDDY Slow Feeder. M ade nylon out of 100% soft, durable netting, with 1 1 /2 inch knotless allowing openings,it eliminates your animals to graze waste while 3YES! Send me the 20 Countryside Back Issues listed above for only $30, shipping Check or Money Order included. digestion at a m ore natural BIG BALE BUDDY heavy and allowing speed, aiding their includedonU.S.orders(*CallforforeignandCanadashippingprices).Iunderstand of UV protected, your hay to last longer this is alimited time offer and available only while supplies last! Charge my Credit Card: Feeder,Made and round bale sizes. . A vailable in all square Round Bale clean and contained *not for use with Safe, Affordable Keeps your hay horned or shod animals* polypropylene. in 3 sizes. Name duty woven eat it. Available Visa/MasterCard/Discover/AmEx(Circle One) until your animals Address______Card#______Exp______City______State______Zip______Phone number ______One Year Warranty.www.bigbalebuddy.com Mail this form along with $30 to: Countryside BI,POBox 1848, Carson City, NV 89702 Or Call 970-392-4419 Today! •www.CountrysideNetwork.com Direct order or inquiries: 866-389-9952 *retailer inquires always welcome * Save Your Hay.SaveYour Money. BALE BUDDY Safe, affordable, effectivefeedersfor all your hay feeding needs.

SLOW BALE Small Mesh BUDDY Slow Feeder. M ade nylon out of 100% soft, durable netting, with 1 1 /2 inch knotless allowing openings,it eliminates your animals to graze waste while digestion at a m ore natural BIG BALE BUDDY heavy and allowing speed, aiding their of UV protected, your hay to last longer Feeder,Made and round bale sizes. . A vailable in all square Round Bale clean and contained *not for use with Safe, Affordable Keeps your hay horned or shod animals* polypropylene. in 3 sizes. duty woven eat it. Available until your animals

One Year Warranty.www.bigbalebuddy.com Direct order or inquiries: 866-389-9952 *retailer inquires always welcome * poultry :: meat chickens “Sins, like chickens, come home to roost.” — Charles W. Chesnutt

CORNISH ROCK The Cornish Rock, or Cornish Red Ranger vs. Cross (X) as they are commonly referred to, is the most popular meat chicken breed in the United Cornish Cross States. Designed for large-scale poultry operations, the breed The Pros and Cons of These is known for its quick growth rate, and its ability to be raised Popular Meat Chicken Breeds in confined settings, making it popular among small farms and homesteaders alike. The Cornish Cross is immediately recognizable with its sparse white feathers and exaggerated wide leg stance. These physical characteristics are a direct result of tailoring the breed for specific qualities and rapid growth. The limited feathering makes plucking easier when processing, while the widened leg stance allows them to compensate for their front-heavy stature. Creating an insatiable appetite to increase the broiler’s growth rate, however, has its consequences. The breed is notorious for being genetically predisposed to health issues of the skeletal and cardiovascular systems. Internal systems struggle to keep up with the accelerated growth, making these birds prone to leg and heart issues. Foraging, a behavior associated Day-old Cornish Cross with most breeds, is not typically chicken (left) and Red Ranger associated with Cornish Cross chicken (right) chickens. Birds that walk around looking for an alternate food source require more space and HEN IT COMES TO CHOOSING which burn calories in the process. This meat chickens to raise, there are several requires more food to replace BY KATE options available. Broilers such as the calories lost and slows the growth ST. CYR W Cornish Cross and the Red Ranger generally are the rate. The Cornish Cross chicken most popular as they efficiently and quickly convert was designed for one purpose: to their food to meat, while yielding a heavier dressed gain as much weight possible in bird than heritage breeds. Both are hybrids. They the shortest period of time. It excels are the offspring of two different breeds carefully at this! No other breed can come selected for specific genetic characteristics, each close. Undesired characteristics, with their own attributes depending on what the such as foraging, have been bred consumer needs based on their goals for their flock. out. Cornish Cross is a bird that is

82 || COUNTRYSIDE & SMALL STOCK JOURNAL “Sins, like chickens, come home to roost.” — Charles W. Chesnutt

content living a sedentary life. This does not mean that a Cornish Cross Cornish Cross and Red Ranger at four weeks old. raised on pasture will not forage at all, it just won’t make up a major portion of the diet. Based on my observations, they are moderately active when they are young and it is easier for them to get around. But, as they put on weight and struggle more to walk, they become much more sedentary and choose to lay in front of the feeder and eat in lieu of a foraged diet. Overall, Cornish Cross chickens are typically processed between eight to 10 weeks of age and dress out between five to eight pounds. These numbers can vary depending on the protein content of their feed, the quantity of feed given, and the amount of space provided to roam. The Cornish Cross is also known for its distribution of meat. With a high consumer demand for boneless skinless chicken breast, greater emphasis is being placed on white meat. No other broiler for outdoor living environments, some. If this is a concern, limiting on the market shares this quality, as they are a hardy breed that either their foraging space or time furthering its popularity. can withstand extreme cold and foraging is an alternative option heat, unlike their counterpart. to allow them to grow quicker. RED RANGER Many of the natural behaviors The recommended earliest Red Ranger chickens are associated with chickens have processing age for Red Ranger becoming increasingly popular been preserved within the Red chickens is 11 weeks, yielding a as an alternate option for people Ranger breed. Most notably, they smaller dressed weight of four who want more natural looking make excellent foragers, allowing to five pounds on average. Like and behaving meat chickens while people to save on feed costs. I give the Cornish Cross, this greatly maintaining a moderate growth mine unlimited access to grass varies with the protein content of rate. These birds are favored and grubs, which dramatically their feed, and more importantly, among those who raise free-range cuts down on the amount of how much the birds are allowed or pastured broilers because of commercial feed I have to buy. to forage. Because they aren’t their excellent foraging abilities This does, however, slow their predisposed to health issues, they and overall hardiness. The Red growth rate, as they are very active can be kept well past the 11-week Ranger closely resembles some burning calories in search of food. mark if you’re looking for a larger sex link breeds physically, with its Because I have a designated coop roasting chicken. However, unlike red and brown feathers and thick and pasture for them, I don’t have the Cornish Cross, the distribution yellow legs. Unlike the Cornish a timeline that I am up against to of meat throughout the Red Cross, Red Ranger chickens are have them processed. So to me, Ranger’s body is proportional to its fully feathered which makes them the amount of time that it takes legs, yielding a smaller breast size. more difficult to pluck. It does, them to grow to market weight There are many pros and cons however, make them more suited isn’t an issue like it may be to to raising both the Cornish Cross

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 || 83 poultry :: meat chickens

and Red Ranger breeds for meat, and the choice of breed is personal preference. For someone who is looking to raise a broiler with a lot of white meat, or who may have limited space available, the Cornish Cross is an ideal fit. However, if you have ample space and want to raise a more natural broiler with a highly foraged diet, then the Red Ranger is a great option. No breed, however, is without its shortcomings. No matter how much space you have to raise your own broiler chickens, or what your preference is, there are options available to fulfill your needs.

Cornish Cross and Red Ranger at six weeks old. Cornish is noticeably larger, mainly in the breast with widened leg stance to compensate.

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84 || COUNTRYSIDE & SMALL STOCK JOURNAL left: Cornish Cross Chicken at seven weeks.

below: Red Ranger at seven weeks.

Red Ranger foraging on ferns and other greens.

QUICK FACTS: CORNISH CROSS VS. RED RANGER

Cornish Cross Red Ranger

FEATHER COLOR White, Sparse Red-Brown, Fully The Ultimate Toilet Feathering Feathered

AVG. 8-10 Weeks* 11-14 SLAUGHTER AGE Weeks*

AVG. DRESS 5-8 Pounds* 4-5 Pounds* WEIGHT

HARDINESS Not Weather Heat and Cold Hardy Hardy

HEALTH Prone to Health Issues: Not Prone to Specific Legs and Heart Health Issues

FORAGING Limited Foragers Excellent Foragers ABILITIES

SPACE Sedentary, Does Well Active, Requires REQUIREMENT With Limited Space Space to Forage

*Numbers are averages and can vary depending on environmental factors.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 || 85 after chores :: just for fun “After dinner, rest a while, after supper walk a mile.” — Arabic proverb

We hope you enjoy our cartoons and this autumn- themed coloring page. A hearty laugh is good for the soul and coloring is for everyone nowadays! So grab your crayons, markers and colored pencils, and fill this beautiful harvest basket with the rich colors of fall. And don’t forget, we love to see your beautiful creations. So, once you’re done, snap a picture and send it to us via email at [email protected] or via snail mail at Countryside, Attn: Coloring Pages, 145 Industrial Drive., Medford, WI 54451.

86 || COUNTRYSIDE & SMALL STOCK JOURNAL “After dinner, rest a while, after supper walk a mile.” — Arabic proverb

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 || 87 Countryside :: almanack Out of the west the wind comes over, over the yellow goldenrod, over the drying rattle-box pod, comes Poor Will’s heady with corn and Countryside apple smell now. Almanack — August Derleth Early and Middle Autumn Summer of 2017

BY W. L. FELKER

THE SUN’S PROGRESS retaining its position the following dates: Have your turkeys 11. When crickets songs Autumn equinox occurs as the morning star, September 2, 8, 12, 15, all placed before are slow, then be (and the Sun enters its shadowed by Mars 20, 24 and 29; October the leaves turn! ready to cover your middle autumn sign (the two planets in 2, 7, 13, 17, 23, and 30. 3. When you see streaks tender flowers and of Libra) at 3:02 p.m. conjunction on October Tornadoes, hail, floods of scarlet in the oaks vegetables: frost on September 22. 5). Jupiter blends with or prolonged periods and shades of pink on could be on the Cross Quarter Day is the sunset in the early of soggy pasture are the dogwood trees, way that night. October 23, the halfway fall, disappearing from most likely to occur in then cut your gourds, 12. Today marks the mark between autumn view by October 15. connection with tropical winter squash start of a decline in equinox and winter Saturn is visible along the storms, especially near and pumpkins for the percentage of solstice. The Sun enters western horizon at dusk. full moon on (September winter storage and daily sunshine. Scorpio at the same time. 6 and October 5), lunar Halloween. Harvest 13. The moon reaches The Stars perigee (September your grapes, too. perigee today, Phases of the The Cricket The Pleiades and the 13 and October 9) and 4. Northern gardeners making storms and and Katydid Moon, the Hyades of Taurus lie on new moon (September can expect light frost more likely Corn Harvest Moon and the eastern horizon well 20 and October 29). frost after the first 14. Ragweed season the Apple Cider Moon after dark, announcing weather system of the finally comes September 6: The middle autumn in the A CALENDAR month moves east. to a close. Cricket and Katydid Northern Hemisphere. OF FEAST DAYS 5. When asters bloom 15. Sow next spring’s Moon is full at 2:03 a.m. Nonetheless, summer’s AND HOLIDAYS in the waysides and spinach and garlic as September 13: The moon Milky Way is still almost FOR FARMERS, bur marigolds flower the moon turns new. enters its final quarter directly overhead, and GARDENERS AND in the swamps, then 16. Hunt the damp at 1:25 a.m. and reaches June’s Corona Borealis HOMESTEADERS cut corn for silage. woods for puffball lunar perigee, when the has still not set by ten September 7: Labor Day 6. Today is full moon mushrooms. moon is closest to Earth. o’clock. Orion has not September 13 – 15: day, increasing the 17. Cut wood now at the September 20: The yet vanquished Hercules. Rosh Hashanah: chance for frost dark of the moon. Corn Harvest Moon Cygnus, the swan is still Jewish New Year and storms. 18. When most of the is new at 12:30 a.m. high above you in the September 23-24: Eid 7. When the first black black walnuts have September 27: The west, along with August’s Al-Adha: (Muslim walnut trees are fallen and wood moon enters its second Aquila and Lyra. Festival of Sacrifice) almost bare, complete nettle seeds are quarter at 8:54 p.m. and September 27: Harvest the last cut of alfalfa black and brittle, reaches apogee, when it The Shooting Stars Moon Festival, Chuseok: and prepare the soil then begin your is farthest from Earth. The Draconid meteors Often observed by for planting canola, autumn bulb planting October 5: The moon fall (at the rate of about Korean Americans and grasses and grains. and transplanting is full 1:40 p.m. 10 per hour) in the others of Asian descent. 8. The September 8 of perennials in October 9: Lunar vicinity of the North October 13 – 22: weather system the garden. perigee, when the moon Star after midnight on Navaratri /Navadurgara: usually ushers in the 19. Halloween crops is closest to Earth. October 7. The gibbous This Hindu feast honors season of early fall, come to town. October 12: The moon moon will make the goddess Durga. and full moon on the Don’t be left out. enters its second viewing difficult. 6th is very likely to 20. The equinox front quarter at 7:25 a.m. The Orionid meteors POOR WILL’S GUIDE strengthen this front. often brings a October 19: The appear in Orion during TO FARMING AND 9. Temperatures, which likelihood of frost Apple Cider Moon the early morning hours GARDENING began to cool at the as it departs east, is new at 2:12 p.m. of October 21 and 22 at pivot time of August and today’s new October 24: Lunar the rate of 15 to 30 per September 10, now decline moon increases the apogee, when the mooon hour. The dark moon will 1. This month, there are more noticeably probability of cold. is farthest from Earth. favor viewing them. more ethnic holidays throughout the 21. Dig your potatoes October 27: The moon for marketing than country. before a hard enters its second METEOROLOGY during any other 10. When micrathena freeze threatens. quarter at 5:23 p.m. Weather history suggests month of 2017. spider webs are all 22. Check the weight that cold waves usually 2. Do your over in the woods, of animals about to The Planets cross the Mississippi Thanksgiving turkey that’s the time to be bred and adjust Venus is in Virgo, River on or about marketing now: pick the fall apples. feed as needed.

88 || COUNTRYSIDE & SMALL STOCK JOURNAL 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ 5 1 1 3 3 5 7 7 7 8 8 8 8 7 7 7 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ 4 4 ⁄ ⁄ 4 4 ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ 5 1 1 3 3 5 7 7 1 1 3 3 7 8 8 8 8 7 7 7 8 8 8 8 7 7 4 4 4 4 ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ ⁄ 1 1 3 3 8 8 8 8 7 7

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INTERNET—SAFE SECURE SITE EZSHIELD PRO® WE’RE Required 2. INTERNET—SAFEwww.BEChecks.comSECURE SITE MOBILE! REQUIRED(MustSEalsoRVICE/purchaseHAEZShieldNDLINGCheck†Fraud$2.95Protectionx#oabove)fBoxes/Items=Add $8.00 total $ WE’RE Required REQUIRED SERVICE/HANDLING† $2.95 x#ofB(4-9oxes/Items=bus. days) Checks Only 3. MAIL—www.BEChecks.comSend completed Order Form MOBILE! Check boxes $ shipped together. Also Include (4-9 bus. days) Checks Only 3. MAIL—Send completed Order Form Includes FREE IN-PLANT RUSH (045) AddCheck$8.95boxestotal $ 1. Payment check or money order (no cash please) shipped together. Also Include ❏ IN-PLANT RUSH (checks only)Saves1-3 Days (070) $5.99 Over 50 Designs Available at www.BEChecks.com 2. Voided Check with changes noted OR Reorder Form Includes FREE IN-PLANT RUSH (045) Add $8.95 total $ 1.3. PaymentDeposit Slipcheckfromor samemoneyaccountorder (noMailcashto addressplease)at the top of coupon ❏ Untrackable delivery: Allow 2-3weeks for delivery.All items shipped ❏ (checks only)Saves1-3 Days (070) $5.99 FREE Over 50 Designs Available at www.BEChecks.com 2. Voided Check with changes noted OR Reorder Form sepIN-PLAarately.DNTelivRerUytSHoAlaska andHawaii may takelonger. $ ©JohnLean,Represented by JQ Licensing. ©LarryK. Martin ©Tim Cox ©JenniferPugh ©2017 ChuckPinson Feel 3.SecureDeposit Slipwithfrom same•TaccountrackableMailtoto youaddress at the top of coupon ❏ Untrackable delivery: Allow 2-3weeks for delivery.All items shipped FREE ©Paul Brent ©Olika Licensing Inc./Lori Siebert ©2017 Thomas Kinkade, The Thomas Kinkade Company, Morgan •Guaranteed delivery OFFERseparately.DCODE:eliverytoAla22044XSVska andHawaii may takelonger. SUBTOTAL $ ©JHill,ohCA.nLJOHean,RNWepreseAYNEnted,(JohnbyWayJQ Licenne’s Signsing.ature),©LarDUKEryK. 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EZShield 18NEE7D9 SimmsLeague ©SusanBaseballWingettrademarks©Challiands&copRoosyrights©2017,are usedBillywithJacobsperm-LissioicensenofMgrantedajor Leagby Pennue BasyLeballane PubliPropertiesshing Inc.®,Inc. Protection® EZShieldIdentity ResChecktoratiFon®:raud ProtectiHelps restoreon Prograyourm®:idenAdvancestity to pre-thefup tot TOTAL: $ Visit the officialwebsite MLB.com ©ChuckDeHaanEachcheck features 4different images. *Offervalid on Top EZShield . ©BethYarbrough ©Disney©Sally Barlow. Licensed by Sagebrush Fine Art ©2017 CNH America LLC Major Programs $25,0status.00Toinlearthenmeventore,ofvi3msitwajorww.bradtypes oforfcd.ezshield.heckfraud.com.EZShield TearLeaguechecksBaseonly.ball trademarksPrices and andofferscopsubyrightsject toarechangusede.with©2017permBraissiodfordnoExcfMhangeajor LeagCheuecksBas18-00035eball Properties-001-B1CSJ,Inc. Protection 18NEE7D9 TOTAL: $ Identity Restoration®: Helps restore your identity to pre-theft . 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18_00035_001_B1CSJ.indd 1 6/28/17 2:50 PM 18_00035_001_B1CSJ.indd 1 6/28/17 2:50 PM Countryside :: almanack

23. Prices rise for goat prune shrubs or trees 17. After the leaves come 29. Feed sugar or corn And the winners: Mary milk and remain to retard growth. down from each of syrup to beehives Knutson from Dunseith, higher through 7. After all the wheat your trees, provide when the nights ND was the 10th; Carolyn the winter. and corn are fertilizer that will grow cold and S. Fields from Royston, 24. The September 24 harvested, then wrap gradually feed their flowers grow scarce. GA was the 25th; Harry cold front extends new trees with burlap roots through the 30. Daylight Saving Time Mishler, Jr. from Dalton, frost season down to help them ward late fall and winter. ends on November WI was the 66th. into the Mid-Atlantic off cold winds. 18. Gradually increase 5. Plan to make a states, chances 8. Harvest honey from the feed to your gradual feeding THE MAY-JUNE for damaging your hives (leaving livestock as the cold transition from to SCKRAMBLER temperatures plenty for the bees). intensifies in order to Standard Time. ANSWERS doubling over the 9. Lunar perigee occurs provide them with 31. Now that pollen Trees, shrubs and plants chances before the today, strengthening sufficient autumn season is behind that attract birds equinox front. the power of the and winter energy. you, consider taking swolliw/willows 25. Acorns are falling, moon and increasing 19. New moon today: college entrance tempting deer to the chance for cold. look for frost and employment srewolfenoc/coneflowers seek them out. 10. The October 10 cold and stress. screening tests. Scores nuswolfers/sunflowers 26. Complete the front almost always 20. As the moon waxes, are typically ten deewklim/milkweed harvesting of tobacco. brings in a chillier bring in the honey percent higher than gdosdoow/dogwoods 27. The moon reaches and more dramatic from your hives they are between apogee today, sub-season of autumn (leaving plenty April and September. dinalcar lowerf/ decreasing the known as middle fall. for the bees). cardinal flower chance for late 11. Fields may be 21. Look for the Orionid LUNAR FEEDING murtpet envi/ September frost. re-greening with meteors in Orion PATTERNS FOR trumpet vine 28. Increase scouting secondary growth after midnight. PEOPLE AND BEASTS iniavirg rreeepc/ for game in the in many states 22. The period between When the moon is above virginia creeper woods as the south of the Great the 23rd and the 31st the continental United hsubnottub/buttonbush undergrowth thins. Lakes. Provide is often one of the States, creatures are 29. Average temperatures plenty of free choice mildest and driest typically most active. redlebeyrr/elderberry now start to fall hay to livestock in times of autumn, The second-most-active ebe almb/bee balm at the rate of four order to reduce the and lunar apogee times occur when the nniasz/zinnias degrees per week in chance they will on the 24th increase moon is below the Earth. most of the United gorge themselves the chances for rettibswtee/bittersweet States and Canada. on fresh growth. good weather. Date Best; Second-Best bxwdooo/boxwood 30. Milkweed pods are 12. The coldest morning 23. Today is Cross- September 1 - 5: lolhy/holly opening, forecasting so far in the season Quarter Day, Evenings Mornings ecivserybrer/serviceberry major leaf coloring. often occurs as the when the sun September 6 - 12: October 13 front reaches halfway to Midnight to Dawn tubretylf edew/ October arrives, and chances winter solstice. Afternoons butterfly weed 1. Test your soil of a low in the 24. Lunar apogee today September 13 - 19: mulcoenib/columbine after harvest and teens or 20s reach reduces the chance Mornings Evenings neyohcklesu/ fertilize as needed. 20 percent in the for frost below the September 20 - honeysuckle 2. The likelihood northern half of the 40th Parallel. 26: Afternoons xhpol/phlox of frost becomes country for the first 25. Late pastures Midnight to Dawn greater as October time since spring. often contain less September 27 – October THE SEPTEMBER progresses, and the 13. The moon is nutrition when soil 4: Evenings Mornings – OCTOBER October 2nd front darkening, favoring temperatures drop October 5 - 10: Midnight SCKRAMBLER often combines with surgery for humans near 40 degrees. to Dawn Afternoons Names of Star another front a day and livestock. 26. The rapid advance October 11 - 18: Constellations or two later to double 14. Highs below 50 of the sun towards Mornings Evenings NORIO the risk to tender degrees now occur winter accelerates October 19 - 23: UATRUS pasture and garden. about 30 percent changes in the color Afternoons Midnight RECNAC 3. When the first of the time in the of leaves as well as to Dawn RPACNRCOI killing frost takes upper half of the causing changes in October 24 - 30: ELO the peppers and United States. hormonal patterns Evenings Mornings SCESIP tomatoes, then 15. After the passage of for humans, livestock GOVIR dig up the onions, the October 17 front, and wild game. SCKRAMBLER EIIGMN remove the mum the average amount 27. After the October WINNERS SGTTRSAIAIU tops, cut flowers and of cloud cover 30 weather system People continued to PIUSSCOR herbs for drying. increases, clouds comes across the submit answers to the DHYRA 4. Check sludge depth being twice as likely country, milder March-April Sckrambler ALIUQA in septic tanks to occur than in the but rainier weather until the 69th correct SICAN RJOAM while the weather first half of the month. typically follows for response was finally PENSRES is still mild. Clouds mean slower the first few days received from Ellen SRQUIAUA 5. The moon is full drying time for hay of November. Marique, Newton, NH. GUSNYC today: Expect and wool, not to 28. When maple leaves Poor Will promised a CUHERSEL frost all across the mention an increase are down, then plant prize of $5.00 to the 10th, EAIRS northern states. in seasonal stress. crocus, daffodils, 25th, and 66th person AIEPOISSAC 6. As the moon wanes 16. New moon on the tulips, snowdrops to return the May-June SARU RMNIO after the 5th, clip 19th is expected and aconites before Sckrambler solutions hair, trim hooves, to add cold to November turns the before the answers worm livestock, the clouds. weather chillier. appeared in Countryside. Copyright 2017 – W. L. Felker

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Tennessee. 901-553-9401. Nigerian Dwarf, Tennessee homestead.com> Fainting. Wisconsin DREAm CHASER FARm ALPACAS, Ann &maurice dorset HoGs mcKercher,6106SDedham Rd., Foxboro, WI 54836. 715-399-8527,cell: 218-348-4823. Quality fiber and breeding stock for sale. Cane Creek Rd, Rutherfordton, NC 28139. 828-286- Quandt Rd., grand Island, NE 68801. 308-381-1518. $400 and up. 0159. Purebred Dorsets RegisteredHereford since 1974. hogs. Boars, gilts, feeder pigs, multi-bloodlines.

BuLLFroGs Wisconsin eQuine WHITE BISON FARm,Dave &Jodi Cronauer, idaho 5711Karls Ln., Laona, WI 54541. 715-674-2287. RANA RANCH BuLLFROgS,POBox 1043, ohio Idaho Pasture Pigs, KuneKune Pigs, American American Bullfrogs (Rana Strasser,4318Hattrick Rd., Rootstown, OH 44272- Bison, gypsy vanner Horses. catesbeiana). Deep soothing music on your pond. 9770. 330-325-1373. Irish Purpose bred bullfrogs-healthy,hardy and prolific. Dexter cattle, miniature donkeys. grass-fed freezer Free info sheet. beef for sale. Kune Kune PiGs CAttLe Pennsylvania GAMe Birds KuNE KuNE PIgS OF HONEYBROOK, 436 Church- town Rd Honeybrook, PA 19344. 717-725-4666. Arkansas Minnesota Piglets available.Registered Kune Kune Pigs. gRAmYBEAR FARm, Clair gorton, 1068 Sycamore OAKWOOD gAmE FARm, INC., PO Box 274, Princ- Lane,Leslie,AR72645.870-447-2869. mini Jerserys. Fonnie Thoman Line. ßgamefarm.com>Pheasant&ChukarPartridge chicks MiniAture CAttLe &eggs available. Kansas Pennsylvania LA DORADA, Elizabeth Lundgren,Dvm., 22484 Wisconsin WELSH mOuNTAIN FARm,Amos T. Ebersol, 590 W. 239 St., Spring Hill, KS 66083. Ankole-Watusi cattle. 800-216-9917. Indian Red Junglefowl, guineas, Missouri Peacocks. Ducks: mandarin, Ringed Teal,Whistling HIgH-LAND FARm, Harold &Jann Ramey,RR73, Ducks, Wood Ducks, mallard Ducks. Swans: White MiniAture LiVestoCK Box3549, Alton, mO 65606. 309-251-4114, Cell: mute, Australian Black, Trumpeter,Whooper,Black Alabama 309-251-5832. Scottish Necked. Quail: Northern Bobwhite, Jumbo Bobwhite, Highland Cattle. Texas A&m, valley,gambel, Blue Scale, mountain, LNL mINIFARm,Levon&LynnSargent, 663 mearns. Partridge: Chukar,Hungarian. Ringneck Hulsey Rd., Henagar,AL35978. 256-657-6545. Pheasants: Chinese, Jumbo, Kansas, manchurian Americanguinea hog xKuneKune pigs, Red golden, Yellow golden,BlueEared, Brown AmJA %miniature Jersey &Lowline crossbred mini Wisconsin Eared, Lady Amherst, Silver,TimminicksTragopans. beef cattle. WICK PLACE FARm, 1907 43rd St., Caledonia, WI Wild Turkeys: Eastern and merriams. 53108. 414-708-4057. PouLtry Cream Legbars. Black GoAts Copper marans, Olive Eggers, Lavender,Orpingtons. NPIP certified. California California mETZER FARmS, 26000C Old Stage Rd., gonzales, AmBER WAvES Pygmy goats. Ship Worldwide. 951- CA93926.Year-round hatching.Nationwide shipping. doGs 736-1076. [email protected] Text Only 951- Free catalog now,800-424-7755. Ducklings: Pekin, Rouen, Khaki Campbell, illinois of registered pygmy goats and Nigerian Dwarf goats golden 300 Egg Layer,White Layer,BlueSwedish, gRANDvIEW ACRES, Dennis &Laura gray,14014 available anywhere. We arethe leading exporter of Buff,Cayuga,mallard,WelshHarlequin,WhiteCrested State Line Rd., Durand, IL 61024. 815-248-9012 & miniature goats worldwide. Whether you are looking &Runners (Black, Chocolate, Blue, Fawn &White) Cell/TXT:815-988-8867. great Pyrenees LgD’s, St Croix, DorperxKata- tors always welcome by appointment. Herd Testing Toulouse,Dewlap Toulouse, African, Buff,Tufted din sheep&Boer goats. Purebred puppies-weanedor Negative for CAE, CL and Johne’s. Lifetime Support Buff, Sebastopol, Pilgrim, Roman Tufted. Ringneck EXPERIENCED.Parentsreduced ourlivestocklosses Why is this important to you? ASK! pheasants, French Pearl guineas. to zero from predators and RAPTORS. Raised with, lambs, goats, poultry,and more. California FLoridA HYONAHILL, Ruth mcCormick, 24900 SkylandRd., gREENFIRE FARmS, www.greenfirefarms.com. oklahoma Los gatos, CA 95033. 408-353-1017. Registered Oberhasli dairy goats. Beautiful, Legbar,Swedish Flower Hens, Bielefelder,marans, CIATION –A national performance registry. Tish quiet, delicious milk. Send for breed information. Isbar,Barbezieux, Bresse, Sulmtaler,Spitzhauben, Toren. 580-426-2311. multipurposeFarm iowa Niederrheiner,marsh Daisy,Altsteirer,East Frisian Dogs: English &Australian Shepherds, Standard & D&EDAIRY gOATS, 2977 Linn Buchanan Rd., Cog- gull, Lyonaisse, malines, Pavlovskaya, Queen Silvia, Border Collies, Shetland Sheepdogs and Kelpies. gon, IA52218.319-350-5819. Alpine, Saanen. Selling 200 head annually. Wyandotte, Yamato gunkei. tennessee CASTLEROCK’S SPECIAL ASSISTINg CANINES, Massachusetts illinois giant Schnauzer &English Springer Spaniels, live- mENDINg WALL FARm, Ed &Judy Lowe, PO CHICKEN SCRATCH POuLTRY, Larry&Angela mcE- stockguardian,servicedogs.CindyChoate,memphis, Box 722,Assonet, mA 02702. 508-644-5088. wen, 14025 Cty Rd 975 E, mcLeansboro, IL 62859.

94 || COUNTRYSIDE & SMALL STOCK JOURNAL BREEDERSbreedersDIRECT directoryORY :: Countr:: Countrysideyside

618-643-5602. Coronation guineas, gamebirds, bantams,equipment. rHode isLAnd reds Sussex, LightSussex, LavenderOrpington,Chocolate FREE CATALOg. Orpington, Jubilee Orpington, Black Orpington, Black ALABAMBA THE CHICKEN BARN, Ephraim Stoltzfus, Felton, Copper marans,BlueCopper marans, BlueLaced Red vALLEY FARmSHATCHERY,RyanKelsey,POBox PA.717-927-6705. Selling 19 week old Pullets! Wyandotte, Crested Cream Legbar,Welsummers, 2201,muscle Shoals, AL, 35662.256-314-2282. Blue Ameraucana, Black Ameraucana, Rumpless Barred Rocks,Sexlinks, White Leghorns, Buff Rhode Island Red, Freedom Ranger Reds, Black Australorps, Ameraucanas, Domin- Broilers,BlackBroilers,KhakiCampbellducks, French iowa iques,Welsumers, golden LacedWyandottes, guineas,KosherKingBroilers, Novogen Brown. NPIP COuNTY LINE HATCHERY,2977Linn Buch- Delawares, Speckled Sussex, Rhode Island Certified. Hatching/Shipping weekly. ananRd., Coggon, IA 52218. 319-350-9130. Whites, marans,White Rocks, California grey, Rare and fancy CaliforniaWhite, Lakenvelders, Pheasants and peafowl, guineas, chickens, ducks, turkeys, geese, more! Also shipping adult birds. sHeeP bantams and more. Featuring Showgirls &Silkies. south Carolina idaho most economical and diverse poultry assortment available. SAL’S, Columbia, SC. 803-609-5648 -Ayam FISHERTEXELS,W. Eugene&NikiFisher,2720NE25th Cemani, Jubilee Orpingtons, Blue, Splash Ave., Payette, ID 83661. 208-315-5659. Texel. JOHNSON’S WATERFOWL, 36882160th Ave. golden Lace Polish, Black, mahogany& Lavender Michigan NE, middle River, mN 56737. 218-222-3556. Orpingtons, Blue &Splash Silkies, Blue Lace Red Buff&White Afri- Wyndottes THE WHITE BARN FARm,10080 S. Wyman Rd., can geese. Rouen, Silver Appleyard, Pekin, White Blanchard, mI 49310. 989-561-5030. Penciled, White, Blue, Black, grey (mallard), and PuRELYPOuLTRY,POBox 466, Fremont, WI 54940. Romeldale/Cvm breeding stock &fleeces. Emory Penciled Runners, White, grey,Snowy,Black, 800-216-9917. 300 varieties: chickens, bantams, brochure. ducks,geese,turkeys,guineas,peafowl,swans,pheas- mISSOuRI KATAHDIN BREEDERSASSOCIATION, ants, ornamental pheasants, chukars and quail. Randy Wehner,246 ThreeSprings Loop, Long Lane, Missouri mO 65590. 417-345-1515. Ka- CACKLE HATCHERY®, PO Box 529, Lebanon, mO QuAiL tahdin Hair Sheep. Why shear when all you want is 65536. 417-532-4581. Fancy and excel on forage. chicks, ducks, geese,turkeys,bantams, guineas, northCarolina pheasants, quail, chukar.FREECOLOR CATALOg. gEORgE PARKER, 768 moores Ln., Lumberton, ohio NC 28358.910-374-8176. QuailEggs:Bobwhite, RPm FARm,Don &JaniceKirts,5990Beecher Pennsylvania Tennessee Red, mexican Speckled Eggs. Will ship Rd., granville,OH43023. 740-927-3098. Reg. Romanov 17030. 717-365-3694. envelope for price list. &miniature Baby Doll Southdown sheep.

March/April 2012 Vol. 96/2 Nov/Dec 2013 — Vol 97/6 AvailablE Back IssueS •Healthy Soil •Put Your Cattle to Work •Working Oxen, Popular Once Again •Bring Renewables to Your Only $4 each +S&H...while supplies Homestead &Small Journal May/June 2012 Vol. 96/3 last. Circle the issue(s) of your choice. •Preserve Your Produce With Sunshine Jan/Feb 2014 — Vol 98/1 July/August 2016 — Vol. 100/4 •Make Yogurt in Your Oven March/April 2015 — Vol 99/2 •Caring for Livestock in Cold •Off-Grid Water Systems •Tiny Home, Big Idea July/August 2012 Vol. 96/4 Weather •Understanding Aquaponics •Garden Mulch Techniques &Tips •How to UseGreyWater In Your Garden •Brood Some Chicks This Spring May/June 2015 — Vol 99/3 Sept/Oct 2016 — Vol. 100/5 •Make an Emergency Hand Pump March/April 2014 — Vol 98/2 •AGuide To Composting •AGuide To Buying AWood Stove Sept/Oct 2012 Vol. 96/5 •Short Rotation Forestry: Plant aTree •AJourney With Bees Into Summer •Build AWinter-Proof Greenhouse •Saving Seeds •Purslane, It’s Dinner! July/August 2015 — Vol 99/4 Nov/Dec 2016 — Vol. 100/6 •Bring Your Old Cast Iron BacktoLife May/June 2014 Vol 98/3 •How Horses Bring YouLabor And Love •Solar Gadgets For The Homestead Nov/Dec 2012 Vol. 96/6 •Soil Health Check-Up •AttractButterflies &BugsToGardens •What YouCan And Can’t Can •Winter Garden Preparations •Canning Butter and Cheese Sept/Oct 2015 — Vol 99/5 •Build aChicken Feed Dispenser Jan/Feb 2017 — Vol. 101/1 July/August 2014 Vol 98/4 •PrepareYour Garden For Fall •Alternative Heating Methods March/April 2013 — Vol. 97/2 •Agritourism •New Off-Grid Battery Technology •Tips For Water Canning •Aging on the Homestead •3Low-Sugar Jam Recipes Nov/Dec 2015 — Vol 99/6 •Alternative Livestock Feeds March/April 2017 — Vol. 101/2 Sept/Oct 2014 Vol 98/5 •Building With Straw Bales &Adobes •Emus: Alternative Agriculture •How To Make Your Hens Happy May/June 2013 — Vol 97/3 •Homesteading Preparation Must •Advice For Buying Dairy Goats •Alternative Energy Tips Haves Jan/Feb 2016 — Vol 100/1 •Solar Fencing: Protect Your Livestock •Using Horsepower For Haying •Winter Cover Crops May/June 2017 — Vol. 101/3 •Raising Elk •Make Your Own Cheese July/August 2013 — Vol 97/4 Nov/Dec 2014 —Vol 98/6 March/April 2016 — Vol 100/2 •Repel Insects Naturally •Lightning Rods, Protect Investments •Wind Power, Is It Right For You? •Build ACheap Greenhouse •Dig Fence Holes With Ease •Donkeys For Pleasure&Protection • Ollas, Water with Clay Pots In The Garden •The Adorable Nigora Goat July/August 2017 — Vol. 101/4 Sept/Oct 2013 — Vol 97/5 Jan/Feb 2015 —Vol 99/1 May/June 2016 — Vol. 100/3 •AGuide to Dogs on the Farm •Build aHome for Less Than $25K •Install Your Own Handpump •When the iGeneration Gardens •Welding Basics •Ease “Farrier Phobia” in Your Horse •Cook &Cool Your Food Off-Grid •Build aHomemade Incubator •How to Use aPressureCanner

Name ______Phone Number ______Address ______Credit Card#______City ______State______Zip______Exp ______CVV #______Mailthis formalong with $4 perissue plus $4 shipping/handling for first issueand $1 for eachadditional issue to: Countryside BaCk issues,POBox 1848, Carson City, NV 98702 •970-392-4419 •www.CountrysideNetwork.com

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 || 95 Countryside :: ASSOCIATIONS

AmERICAN EmuASSOCIATION, 510 West madison or email serving the full diversity of the breed. Associated St.,Ottawa,IL61350.541-332-0675. Emu. association.org> Contact for FREE infornatmational 66547. 785-456-8500. CountrysideCountryside :: associations:: ASSOCIATIONS package.continued Faye Whitney,Executive Secretary,413-628-3279. ANKOLE WATuSI INTERNATIONAL REgISTRY, madison orDediemailcate serving the full diversity of the breed. Associated St.,IL61350.541-332-0675. Emu. association.org>Discover thismContactajestforic,FREEheriinfornatmationaltage breed! 66Box547.424,78machias,5-456-8500. BARBADOS BLACKBELLYSHEEP ASSOCIATION package.www.jsba.org Fayecom>WhitneyOld type,Emorganxecutivehorses.Secretary,413-628-3279. ANKOLEINTERNATWAIONALTuSI,rINTegERNAistry TIOfor NALAmericaREgISTRnBlackY,- yhardy, Dedi1029ZcateelidtnskociRd.onser,goldviendang Jle,acoWAbs986heep20. ASSOCIATION–Polledand whitebreed regularly twin unassisted. Bred for thro509-773-3671.ugh regisn. POSmstandHORSEard onlREgISTRy, SecretaY, firryst,1Am652erican9Nbreed,WPPOau- superior meat quality! Directory of breeders at Discover thismajestic, heritage breed! Boxly Rd.,424, Portland,machias, mEOR04654.97231. www.jsba.org com>Old type morgan horses. INTERNATIONAL,registry for AmericanBlack- NORTH AmERICAN BABYDOLL SOuTHDOWN bellyCONTI&BNENarbadosTALDBlackbellyORSETCLhairuB Insheep.c., Debgorgeous,ra Hopkins, NASHvAEEPJO-ASSOCHuCIARROTIONASHNDEEPREgISTASSOCIARY(NABTIOSSAR)N,. STTEXEL.CROSHEEPIX HABREEDERSIR SHEEP SOCIETYINTERNA,2TION720NALE exotiExecutivec-lookingSecretary/Tsheep.reasurerNo she,Paring,OBoxver506,yharNorthdy, 102Protecting,9ZelinskpreservingiRd.,g,aoldnd promotingendale, WAthe Babydoll98620. ASSO25th AvCIAe, Payette,TION–PIDolle83661.da518-993-nd wh4983.iteb standard only, Secretary,16529NWPau- Scituate, RI02857.401-647-4676.Fax401-647-4679. Southdown. Educational bi-annual newsletter, dutchbarnfarm.com> Large loin superior meat quality! Directory of breeders at ly Rd., Portland, OR 97231. 503-629-5587. eyes and incredible muscle. com> Dorset sheep. NORNABSSARTH AmERegistryRICAN BABYDOLL SOuTHDOWN CONTINENTALDORSETCLuB Inc., Debra Hopkins, SHEEPASSOCIATIONANDREgISTRY(NABSSAR). TEXELuNITEDHSHEEPORNEDBREEDERSHAIR SHEEPSOCIETYASSOCIA,2720NTION,E ExecutiveFINNSHEEPSecretary/TBREEDERS’reasurerASSOCIA,POBoxTION,506, Secre-North Protecting,NORTH AmERICANpreservingROmANOv,and promotingSHEEPtheASSOBabydollCIA- 25thINC.Av(uHHSe, Payette,A), IDAssoc83661.iatio518-993-nOffice4983.and,mLargearysviloille,n .< eyesmI 48040and incredible937-430-1768.muscle. com>org> sheep. NABSSARcom> uNITEPaintedDHDesORNEDert,TexaHAIRsDall, BlacSHEEPkHawaASSOCIAiian,CorsiTION,can, FINNSHEEPHEARTLANDBREEDERS’HIgHLANDCAASSOCIATTLEASSOCTION,IATION,Secre-for NORNORTHTHAmERICANAmERICANROmANOvSHETLANDSHEEPSHEEPBREED-ASSOCIA- INC.Desert(uHHSSand,A),NewAssocmexicoiatioDahl,nOffmulti-hornedice and RegiHairs- taryfree,minformationary Tuckeron.PHighlandOBox 85,cattleWestcallClarksvil417-345-0575le, NY TION,ERS ASSOCIADon Kirts,TIONSecretary(NASSA),,POBoxDedicated1126, Pataskala,to pre- trar:and mouflon.3333 Ravenswood Rd Lot 191,marysville, 14786. 585-928-1721. org> com> Painted Desert,TexasDall, BlackHawaiian,Corsican, HEARTLANDHIgHLANDCATTLEASSOCIATION,for NORTH AmERICAN SHETLAND SHEEPBREED- Desert Sand, New mexico Dahl, multi-horned Hair freeCountrinformation onysideHighland cattle::callBREEDERS417-345-0575 ERS&CASSOCIALASSIFIEDSTION (NASSA), DedicatedADvERto preTISINg- and mouflon.INFORmATION

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AStep-By-Step small dairy farm for sale in foothills of the Ozarks, To order call 970-392-4419. Arkansas. Includes 2800 sq ft home with solar panels CountrysideNetwork.com/shop Guide to Raising and newly updated kitchen, barn has an efficiency Vegetables &Fish apartment, 64+ acres, organic practiced 15 years “raising earthworms for Profit” Illustratedmanual on it not certified organic with small orchard. Dutch for successful growing and selling -$15.Request Together Belted replacement heifers, Raw milk and product freebrochuredescribingall our books. Shields sales. The water is from anatural spring that has Publications, PO Box 669-E, Eagle River,WI54521. never run dry.Ithas many other features that make 715-479-4810. it an ideal homesteading place. Contact Janet gar- 970-392-4419 [email protected] or 501-593-8631.Serious Bedrun inquiries only please. Redworms–2,250/33, 5,000/$55, 10,000/$95, CountrysideNetwork.com 20,000/$180. Postpaid-Fishing,Composting, garden- Timberframe home on 17.8 acres, central Wisconsin. ing. greg Allison, 112Stilwell Drive, Toney,AL35773. 3200 sq ft. 2.5 ba. Winegrape vineyard on trellis.Apple, ”How to guides” included. 256-859-5538.

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