The magazine of modern homesteading

& Small Stock Journal Volume 101 • Number 4 JULY/AUGUST 2017

PLUS: How to Use a Pressure Canner

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FreeGeneratorGuide.com 96758X 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.

My name is Denise George. I was born and raised in Alabama. I am a wife, mother of four, grandmother of seven, piano teacher, horse lover (nine in our herd), mother to one very large dog, and two cats. I enjoy trail riding, hiking, camping, and exploring back roads ... camera in hand! And as I’ve grown older, I have become passionate about photography. In the last days of my mom’s life, she whispered to me to bring her wallet to her hospital bed. She instructed me to take what I needed to buy myself something I had always wanted ... a nice camera. It was her last gift to me and one that keeps on giving! I hope my photos make you smile. Follow Denise on Instagram @denise6217 Piper and Lizzy... they are inseparable!

opposite: top left: A butterfly feasting on Indian Paintbrush. I shot this on a camping trip to Texas hill country. top right: Each day when I feed our horses, I sprinkle horse feed on the fence rails for our Cardinals. We always have a crowd. They come flying when they hear my truck! bottom: Mares in the mist, break of day. These old girls have seen many surprises. top: This bridge is on the property adjoining ours. I love how the light and early morning fog give an ethereal look to the scene! bottom left: The road to our barn on an early foggy morning. 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

Message us on Facebook: Facebook.com/iamcountryside

Tag us on Instagram or use #iamcountryside: Instagram.com/iamcountryside WAYS TO SHARE: WAYS Countryside & Small Stock Journal retains the right to publish and/or reproduce any and all photos submitted. It’s summertime!

Tulips blooming on a neighboring property.

opposite clockwise from top: My sweetheart (in the driver's seat) surprised me a few years ago with this 1952 Chevy farm truck. We are the same model! My hubby and Matt truck ... both keepers!; A local woodcarver has done some wonderful carvings on the old cedar trees at our local park; Our horses come running when they hear my farm truck pull up to the barn! July/August 2017 Contents

4 I Am Countryside ANIMALS & LIVESTOCK A final gift brings the joy of 60 Livestock Guardian Dogs photography. Learn why these working 10 Editor’s Letter animals can be a good choice. 12 Country Conversation & 66 A Guide to Parvo in Dogs Feedback Prevention is key to happy, healthy canines.

GROWING 72 Blueberry Cinnamon Baked Dog Treats 18 Calendula: Nature’s Sunshine A homemade gift your furry Herb & More friends will love. 18 An easy-to-grow garden must have. 74 An Overview of Grass-Fed Beef Production 22 Migratory Insects Fly in Learn why this method can Stunning Numbers Above Us produce superior meat, flavor, The largest migration you and texture. will never see. 26 Explore Four Hydroponic Grow Systems for Beginners POULTRY Growing in water isn’t just for 80 Separating Fowl Falacies windowsill plant starts! from Fact Chicken myths abound. Know your facts. 50 FARM TO FORK 32 How to Successfully Use a Pressure Canner AFTER CHORES A comprehensive how-to guide 86 Just for Fun you’ll want to keep. 88 Almanack 91 Marketplace COUNTRY LIFE 94 Breeders Directory/ 40 How to Bee a Good Note Taker! Classifieds Keeping good hive inspection notes leads to better beekeeping. On the cover 60 HOMESTEADING 44 How to Turn One Acre Into a Productive Homestead Lots of land isn’t always needed for self-sufficiency. 46 How to Raise Crickets for Food These tiny insects pack a nice protein punch. 50 Top Nine Favorite Backyard Farmer Hacks No pricey gadgets required! Arco, a Great Pyrenees pup born in December of 56 A Guide to Welding Basics 2016, lives on a hobby farm in northern New Mexico. Imprinted on goats and poultry, he will grow up to be From the tools to their uses, half of a livestock guardian pair. In the meantime, he’s 74 what you need to get started. a sweet, independent, fluffy pup who enjoys exploring the farm and taking long naps in the sunshine. Melissa Willis evergrowingfarm.com @evergrowingfarm

8 || COUNTRYSIDE & SMALL STOCK JOURNAL

Countryside :: a letter to readers

A Summer Reading Spot I don’t know if it’s the nostalgia of childhood or just the beauty of life at its fullest, but summer is a favorite for me around our farm. Yes, it’s full of work, but it’s Volume 101 • Number 4 also a time for sipping some sun-steeped tea in my herb July/August 2017 garden and watching the birds, bees, butterflies, and insects as they enjoy my plantings. PAM FREEMAN Countryside & Small Stock Journal Editor, Includes Small Stock Magazine Founded I’m always fascinated by our pollinators. I make sure to Countryside 1917 by Wallace Blair and Countryside Magazine Founded 1969 by Jd Belanger create habitats for them. I have lots of blooming flowers and herbs. I maintain a hummingbird feeder that’s always full of activity. I leave watering spots for everyone. EDITORIAL And I make sure to hand-weed everything avoiding chemicals. Steph Merkle, Content Director [email protected] For my efforts, I’m rewarded with daily sightings like Pam Freeman, Editor the Tiger Swallowtail that’s pictured here. [email protected] I hope you’ve got a favorite summer spot and I Samantha Ingersoll, Ann Tom hope you’ll like reading this issue of Countryside Editorial Assistants while you’re enjoying that spot. CIRCULATION & MARKETING Ellen Grunseth, Marketing Director Inside you’ll find lots of information on [email protected] keeping livestock guardian dogs and working farm dogs. Plus a bonus recipe for making them Malisa Samsel some homemade treats. As summer harvests Publication Designer abound, learn how to pressure can your produce so ADVERTISING it can be enjoyed year round. If you’re handy in your Alicia Soper, Advertising Director workshop, grab some welding tips to make your projects successful. [email protected] Learn about how beehive inspection notes can lead to more efficient (715) 748-1388 beekeeping. In the poultry world, separate fowl fallacies from Kelly Weiler fowl facts. Pick up some handy farm hacks using commonly found [email protected] supplies and much more. (715) 748-1389

This issue is jam-packed with useful information you’ll find yourself Sue Lapcewich using again and again. Enjoy your summer! [email protected] (970) 392-4436

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 the journey. Countryside’s Main Homestead 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 COUNTRYLiving Trust the company with over 90 years of lifestyle and country AT ITSBEST living realestate expertise to helpyou sell or find your ideal property.

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Find many more lifestyle,recreational and country properties at UCCountryHomes.com | 800.999.1020 Country Conversation & Feedback Contact us at: 145 Industrial Dr., Medford, WI 54451; [email protected]

A One-of-a-Kind the market went down after 911, 18th Annual Bird Nest we lost two businesses, went Countryside Reunion - bankrupt (last resort) and lost July 1-4 everything. We were one week from being homeless, due to countryside: It is time, once again, everything we had went through to invite all Countryside readers and my husband getting sick. to attend the annual Countryside Now 20 years later, we are kinda reunion at our homestead we call on our feet to a degree. We are “The Poor Farm” in southwestern both disabled now, but we did Indiana. This year’s dates will be get another house with two acres. July 1-4. Feel free to “move into a Our health will not allow us to campsite” and become acquainted do everything we want with the on Friday. There is no charge to countryside: We had a pretty property. But we have one son attend this event and you are good wind here in California and who lives close by and is helping welcome to camp here, also without this fell out of the palm tree in our us see the dream we had 20 years charge. For those who have never front yard. It landed with very ago. We have 12 baby chicks and attended, it is an opportunity to little damage. The sticks pretty are getting layers the first of next meet like-minded people and to much stayed together. The big month. That is the first step we learn from each other. There are mystery, what was the nest made have planned for our garden. My many talks and demonstrations out of?!? Those are hairs from my son and hubby are building the given each day on a wide variety horse’s tail. When I brush the horse, coop now, and since we are raising of topics. If you have a topic you sometimes tail hairs fall out. Some two healthy, happy grandsons, we would like to talk about, you are very observant bird saw these and want rabbits and to grow veggies welcome to do so. You will also started to work on his home. while we have help. It is not the have a “tour” of our homestead Denise Sobel, California dream I had years ago, but I will where we have more than 5,000 take it and I hope to learn and square foot of organic (not certified) Don’t Wait to Live teach as well. The advice I have for gardens, fruit trees, berry bushes, Your Dream everyone is not to wait to live your chickens, and rabbits. We raise dream. Put some away for a rainy grass-fed, chemical-free beef cows. countryside: I found your day. You never know what can Robert is self-employed and runs magazine years ago and fell in love happen; we never thought that all a sawmill. We filter used cooking with it. In the year that I found of this would happen to us. I love oil for use in diesel equipment. We you, I wrote a short paragraph. the life I have now and it can only have an outdoor wood-burning To my surprise, you published it. get better. boiler, which heats the house, the It has been 20 years and I have God Bless, summer kitchen, the water for the learned so much. Of course, when Martha Crittenden, Michigan house and the summer kitchen,

12 || COUNTRYSIDE & SMALL STOCK JOURNAL “You can find your way across this country using burger joints the way a navigator uses stars.” - Charles Kuralt and the oil tank in the shop. The at 812-686-3805. You may also contact will save your hands) until it heats summer kitchen is a building used by email: [email protected]. up, then pull it out and stretch until for canning, freezing, dehydrating, You may also contact Yvonne through curds break. Keep doing that until the butchering, and making soap, messenger. cheese is smooth, like in the picture wine, and cheese, etc. In recent where it wraps around the hand. Heat For those who prefer, our years, we have needed some help one last time then knead in salt. Good mailing address is: Robert and with all we do, so my son and luck! - Marissa Ames Yvonne Hardy; 13738 N CR 10W; his family have moved in to help Gentryville, IN 47537. with all the Poor Farm activities and chores. Those attending are Burning Smaller, guaranteed to learn something and Excited for Cheese Hotter Fires to meet some great new friends. Making countryside: I really appreciate countryside: I was reading what David Haines wrote in note: Camping is primitive with through the May/June 2017 issue Country Conversation and Feedback a limited number of spots where and became very excited to see an March/April 2017 issue. David electric hook-up is possible. Please article on cheese making. However, wrote about how to “drive” our reserve these spots if you need one. I was saddened when I found wood stoves in an environmentally If all are not reserved, they will out that the instructions included friendly and efficient way. I burn be available on a first-come, first- required use of a microwave. We exactly like David does, with served basis. Primitive camping is don’t own a microwave and have smaller, hotter fires that produce not too difficult for most since we no plans to buy one. Can you please little to no smoke from my have a camp fire, gas stoves, ovens, provide alternate instructions chimney. This method of burning and both gas and charcoal grills for those of us who live off grid isn’t conducive to waking in the (complete with homemade charcoal) without microwaves? Thanks! morning with a bed of embers to available for cooking. People often Jen Cordaro, From light a new fire. Experiencing this collaborate and create “community” Countryside Facebook and consistently having people meals throughout the reunion. Fresh suggest closing the draft for a very hot coffee and tea are available in Hi Jen, After you squeeze whey slow burn to have embers in the the summer kitchen every morning. from curds, you must heat it before morning, I couldn’t help but feel Hot and cold clean water is also it can stretch. The traditional way conflicted to how I was burning available for all, as well as wood- is within a pot of water. Use gloves, wood. After reading David’s letter, fired hot showers. If you need motel because it needs to be over 160ºF I feel at ease with how I have info, we will help with that also. to get a good stretch, and that will taught myself to burn wood. Thank For information, call Robert at burn! Keep the pot going as you dunk you, David. 812-393-0160 or call or text Yvonne the cheese (hanging it in cheesecloth Candice Christie, Michigan

Join the Conversation on Facebook Joyce Simmons: Oh, I can Tina A Nichols: Born and smell the sagebrush. We raised in Idaho; been to started going to Idaho in the Salmon many times. There are late 50s. Idaho provided the many areas in this state that very best summers. There give you the feel of the old were hot springs and camping west and homesteading. and cooking in the fire. I know it’s not a work heritage, but Read Marissa’s full story at: I can attest to its beauty and countrysidenetwork.com/daily/ Its people welcoming visitors. homesteading/self-reliant-living/ Thanks for the careful, fighting-to-save-a-homestead- evocative article. heritage-in-salmon-idaho

JULY/AUGUST 2017 || 13 country conversation :: feedback

long hair to just long hair along the spine and on the back legs. Their temperament is sweet and gentle making them pleasant to work with. As for the Guernsey’s usefulness in the dairy barn, they are steady producers of high butterfat milk. This breed is known for their excellent ability to produce milk more efficiently on pasture rather than grain. A feat that the other breeds cannot easily accomplish as Left to right — Sylvia; best they usually require man; bride in background; Tess; Joe, groom more grain. Thus, I Guernsey Goat think the Guernsey goat is a most worthy addition to the dairy goat countryside: I read Alexis Griffee’s world and should not be neglected. very informative article on Tips for More info on them can be obtained Buying a Dairy Goat in the March/ by visiting the Guernsey Goat April 2017 issue. However, I wanted Breeders of America’s website. to make note that the American Again I would like to commend Dairy Goat Association (ADGA) has Alexis Griffee on two excellent recently recognized a new breed of articles about dairy goats that were dairy goat that was not mentioned very knowledgeably expressed. in the article. The Guernsey goat Anna Dean. Illinois is the newest recognized breed by

ADGA being accepted since 2015. Goats Special Guests Sylvia in her garter. opposite right: Left to right — Joe, However, the breed is not officially At Wedding groom; Tessa; Karen Fisher, goat’s owner; Sylvia; in the ADGA’s system until Nathaniel, bride’s nephew; Bride, Emilee. probably early 2018. The Guernsey countryside: I worked in the has so much to offer to homesteads Childrens’ Barnyard of The daughter, Emilee, was getting that I wanted to share a few words Farmers’ Museum, an 1845 living married and planned to hold the about them to Countryside readers. history museum in Cooperstown, wedding reception at The Farmers’ The Guernseys are the result of New York. Each year from May to Museum. The bridegroom, Joe, a breeding up program using September the Childrens’ Barnyard remembered there was always a Swiss breed does bred to the pure consisted of kids, lambs, chickens small flock of Java chickens housed Golden Guernsey bucks either and a calf, all on loan for the near the reception hall and was through artificial insemination or summer from area farms, including disappointed to learn that those by using the few Golden Guernsey mine. Visitors could bottle feed chickens had been retired. bucks here in the U.S. that came kids, lambs, and the calf twice He had been expecting animals about through imported embryos. a day as well as learn a little bit to be at their reception at The The Guernseys are unique in about animal behavior. Touching Farmers’ Museum. Harold, the appearance. They are larger than animals was a big part of the bride’s father suggested friendly the Nigerian Dwarfs, but smaller experience. The young animals got goats as a substitute for the retired than the other seven dairy breeds. accustomed to many (often noisy) chickens. He asked me to bring The Guernsey’s color ranges from visitors and they became very my two dairy goat kids from the pale gold to a reddish gold. The hair friendly quickly. Childrens’ Barnyard. Joe was length also varies from full-bodied In October 2010 a co-worker’s happy with this idea.

14 || COUNTRYSIDE & SMALL STOCK JOURNAL On the wedding day, in October, In Response to “GMO - after a beautiful wedding on the God Move Over” patio of the Fenimore Art Museum, the wedding party and guests I just got my walked across the street to the Countryside magazine, which I museum for the reception. I met always love reading but in the Joe and Emilee in the parking lot Reader Response section, I got with Tessa, a black Alpine doe, a little frustrated. Previously and Sylvia, a Saanen doe. The Countryside had written an article goats were clean and sparkling, on GMOs which was surprisingly as wedding guests should be. Joe positive. So a reader wrote in CELEBRATING dressed Tessa with a black bowtie about her disappointment, 100 YEARS in her letter she compared Since 1917, McMurray Hatcheryhas been the development of GMOs to providing farmers and hobbyists with over “Playing God.” She also criticized 100 breeds of chickens, turkeys, geese, Countryside for not supporting ducks, and awide range of rare and specialty the people who cared about their breeds and avariety of poultryoptions and supplies. Visit McMurrayHatchery.com to health ... HOLD UP now! I try order online or to request afree catalog. to be considerate of everyone’s privilege to choose their food system (and yes having the food choices we have in America is a PRIVILEGE). I have dedicated my life and career (which included six McMurrayHatchery.com | 800.456.3280 years of education) to agriculture and I don’t for a minute pretend to play God and shouldn’t be Small Farmer's Journal accused of that because I support Defending Small Farms andCraftsmanship Since1976. the genetic improvement of plants. Furthermore, I do care about my health and the health of others which is why I work for and BELIEVE in a company that helps

develop such things as Golden aquarterly periodical forforty yearsand counting, Rice that help prevent childhood championing human-scale agriculture blindness in third world countries, andliving as anaturalact. which is estimated to kill 670,000 www.smallfarmersjournal.com children under the age of 5 each PO Box1627, Sisters,OR97759 800-876-2893 •541-549-2064 year. Try telling that child that you don’t think they should have and Sylvia with a lace ruffled that option as you sit with a full, TheApple Grower garter. Then Joe and Emilee led healthy body here in America. AGuide the goats to the reception hall to So to get off my soapbox: Dear for the greet the guests. Tessa and Sylvia Countryside reader, while I respect visited with family and friends your choice to only eat organic Organic and had many photos taken of food don’t force your decisions on Orchardist them. They were as well behaved others and try to make them feel 343 pages, as one would expect kids to be at guilty about their choices. $40.00 +S&H a wedding. We left for home, after Ali Anderson CountrysideNetwork.com/shop signing the guest book, “Sylvia BS Animal Science 970-392-4419 and Tess.” Masters Agribusiness Joe and Emilee have had six Supporter of Biotechnology anniversaries so far and I have been FASTFENCE told their family and friends still talk Infoandbuynowat about the goats at their wedding. www.electricnets.com Karen Fisher, New York 800-356-5458

JULY/AUGUST 2017 || 15 Countryside bookstore :: homesteading

NEW Books! • NEW Books! • NEW Books! Building Raised Beds 100 Skills You’ll Need Body Into Balance By Maria Noel Groves By Marshall Bradley for the End of the World By Ana Maria Spagna An antacid or an aspirin may soothe For beginning Coving obvious needs your pain, but it gardeners and like first aid and farm- doesn’t cure the cause homeowners, this ing, while also providing of your symptoms. handbook shows you suggestions on how to Some conditions exactly how to plan, build a safe and culturally are clues to a deeper build, and plant a rich community through imbalance in your simple raised bed. storytelling and music body, and learning to Fully illustrated step- making. This book will read those clues is a key step in maintain- by-step instructions. provoke surprise, debate, 91 pages, $8.95 ing optimal health. Learn how to read your and laughter as it leads you to greater self- body’s signals and support your own well- reliance and joy. 224 pages, $14.95 ness with herbal remedies and other natural treatments. 336 pages, $24.95 Gardening with Apple Cider Vinegar Less Water Companion Cooking With Coconut

By David A. Bainbridge By Suzy Scherr By Ramin Ganeshram

Simple, inexpen- Generations of devo- Coconut is healthy sive, low-tech tees have sworn by and delicious. 125 techniques for apple cider vinegar: original recipes us- watering your cooking with it, swig- ing coconut in all garden much more ging it by the spoonful, its forms. Options efficiently — using and using it as a span the menu, up to 90 percent remedy for just about from breakfast less water for the any ailment. Why? dishes like Savory same results. Illus- The tart, fermented Coconut Crêpes trated step-by-step flavor certainly can to dinner and instructions on how add a punch to any recipe, but it’s also great for dessert dishes like to install buried clay pots and pipes, wicking weight-loss, digestion, and overall good health. Asparagus with Shallots and Shredded Co- systems, and other porous containers that The Apple Cider Vinegar Companion is the es- conut, Coconut Pork Kabobs, and Coconut deliver water directly to a plant’s roots with sential guide, with information on how to make Rum Crème Brûlée. Ramin Ganeshram, an little to no evaporation. 127 pages, $14.95 your own, and tips and tricks for using it for award-winning food journalist. household tasks. 175 pages, $14.95 287 pages, $18.95

One-Skein Wonders Knit Socks! Color-Your-Own For Babies By Betsy Lee McCarthy Greeting Cards By Judith Durant By Caitlin Keegan Featuring 17 clas- 101 original sic sock patterns These 30 ready-to-color knitting proj- guaranteed to keep cards have images and ects for babies your feet stylishly hand-lettered messages and toddlers warm. Choosing the for celebrations big and — each using right material for your small throughout the year just a single project is made easy as well as more general skein of yarn! with plenty of helpful all-purpose pictures. Complete advice on the qualities The heavy-duty back step-by-step of different yarns, cover offers a sturdy instructions and including what feels coloring surface for the pre-scored pull-out a photograph of the finished piece. best, what holds its shape, and what really cards. Includes ready-to-color envelopes. 287 pages, $18.95 lasts. 175 pages, $12.95 30 Cards, $16.95

To request a bookstore catalog, call 970-392-4419 or write to: Bookstore Catalog Request, 145 Industrial Dr., Medford, WI 54451 or for a complete list of books visit CountrysideNetwork.com. homesteading :: Countryside bookstore

Naturally Bug-Free Straw Bale Gardens Worms Eat By Stephanie L. Tourles Complete My Garbage By Joel Karsten By Mary Appelhof 75 Nontoxic Recips for Repelling Use Straw Bales How To Set Mosquitoes, To Grow Up And Maintain Ticks, Fleas, Vegetables A Worm Ants, & Other Anywhere, Ear- Composting Pesky Insects lier And With System No Weeding! 162 pages, 175 pages, 176 pages, $12.95 $10.95 $24.99

Essential Oils Homegrown Herbs Livestock Guardians By Alicia Atkinson By Janet Vorwald Dohner By Tammi Hartung Essential Oils Using Dogs, For Beauty, A Complete Donkeys & Wellness, And Guide to Llamas To Protect The Home Growing, Using Your Herd & Enjoying More Than 100 Herbs 205 pages, 229 pages, $12.95 255 pages, $24.95 $19.95

Feel free to use another sheet of paper, or call 970-392-4419 to place your order today! Order Form Title Quantity Price

Name: Total books $ Address: Shipping* $ $4 first item, $1 each add'l item City: *Call for Priority & Foreign Rates State: Zip: Subtotal $ E-mail: WI Residents add 5.5% sales tax $ Visa MC Discover AmEx Total $ No.: Mail your order to: Expiration: Countryside Bookstore E-Mail: 580 Mallory Way, Phone: Carson City, NV 89701 growing :: calendula “If you want to be happy for a lifetime, plant a garden.” - Unknown

Calendula Benefits Here are even more reasons to put the calendula plant on your healing herbs list!

» Sprained muscles/bruises: Its anti-inflammatory action helps lessen swelling.

» Acne, bedsores: Its antiseptic and antimicrobial action helps speed up the healing.

» Eczema, athlete’s foot, dermatitis: It’s the anti- fungal action of calendula that works here.

Growing herbs outdoors or indoors from seeds is much less expensive than starting with nursery grown plants. Calendula has a high germination rate, so you’ll have enough from one seed packet to share. This annual herb completes its life cycle in one year. Calendula can, however, become a short-lived perennial in some climates. It has many nicknames. Pot marigold is probably the most well known and Calendula: refers to the way calendula petals are used in foods cooked in pots, like soups and stews. But calendula Nature’s Sunshine is not related to the common marigold. They are from different plant families. Calendula belongs Herb and More to the Asteraceae family, which includes chamomile and yarrow. Common marigolds are a member ROWING CALENDULA (Calendula of the Tagetes family, which officinalis) from seed is an annual garden includes sunflowers. BY RITA G project in my family. We let the little ones help, And here’s a bit of plant trivia. HEIKENFELD and they enjoy monitoring growth as the first seedlings The calendula plant opens its petals push their way through the soil. Calendula adapts to in the direction of the sun in the a wide variety of climates and soils. With its yellow, morning. As the sun sets or after a apricot or florescent orange blossoms, calendula is a cold spell or rain, the petals close up. cheery, dependable bloomer. The petals are single or There’s a bonus here, too. The double, depending upon the variety and the scent is calendula plant is deer resistant and somewhat spicy and clean. a favorite plant of pollinators!

18 || COUNTRYSIDE & SMALL STOCK JOURNAL “If you want to be happy for a lifetime, plant a garden.” - Unknown

GROWING CALENDULA extremely hot weather. Seeds • Scratch up the soil, water well, FROM SEED germinate in seven to 10 days. and plant seeds about four Calendula grows well in Zones inches apart, 1/4” deep. Wait STARTING SEEDS INDOORS 2 to 10 with a soil pH range until the second set of true • Start seeds six to eight weeks from 5 to 8. Don’t be surprised leaves appear and then thin before the last frost date. if you see volunteers sprouting the plants out so they grow • Use a seed starting potting the next year. The seeds stay eight to 12 inches apart. Plants mix, not regular soil or potting viable over winter. I see seeds eventually grow to at least 12 mix. Seed starting mix has the sprouting toward the end of inches high, and up to a foot or correct balance of growing April in my herb garden. That’s more in width. material and nutrients. You a good six months after the • Seeds and seedlings need to be can plant the seeds in a seeds have dropped from the kept moist. As the plant grows, seed starter kit and follow mother plant. water as needed. I like to add a instructions there, or use • Plant in average, well-drained sprinkling of compost around anything that gets good soil in full sun, or partial shade established plants. drainage. I use peat cups and if the climate is very hot. Some put two seeds in each. I’ll • If grown in containers, fertilize describe calendula as a cool remove the weaker of the two and water a little more. season annual. It’s said that in seedlings after sprouting. hotter zones, calendula may • Although calendula is usually • Press seeds on top of the soil stop flowering. I have not an easy plant to grow, monitor and spread a 1/4” layer of soil had that problem here in my for pests and diseases by over seeds. southern Ohio garden. There checking with your local are heat-resistant cultivars Cooperative Extension Agency. • Spritz soil until the top 1/2” available, such as Pacific feels fairly moist. While the Growing calendula from seed Beauty. seeds are germinating, maintain gives you plants that flower that moisture. • If using containers, use a good profusely, so go ahead and pick to quality potting mix. your heart’s content! Picking forces • I like to arrange mine on a tray the plant to send out more flowers. to make them easier to handle. Calendula can survive light frosts. Cover with a layer of plastic In my herb garden, calendula is one wrap and poke enough holes in of the last blooming flowers late the wrap for air circulation and into autumn. evaporation. • Set near a window with a southern exposure, one that receives at least six hours of sun daily. Or set under a grow or fluorescent light. Germination will occur in five to 14 days. Discard the plastic wrap. Remove the weaker seedlings. Calendula Rotate the seedlings if necessary seedling with its first set of so they don’t get leggy trying leaves. to reach the light. • After the seedlings develop their second/true set of leaves, they can be planted outdoors if the frost date has passed.

DIRECT SOWING OUTDOORS • Sow seeds after last frost date. Calendula won’t germinate in

JULY/AUGUST 2017 || 19 growing :: calendula

CALENDULA BENEFITS DRY PETALS BEFORE USING The word officinalisin the To get the most healing calendula scientific name means calendula benefits, the petals must be dried. has medicinal qualities. With its The bright orange petals have the antiseptic qualities, it’s a good most healing qualities. remedy for sores, cuts, bruises, Lay on a towel or paper towel burns and rashes. Find calendula to dry thoroughly. This may take in oils, teas, natural toothpaste, several days. creams, teething gels, salves, Don’t put the petals on a metal and ointments. The brightest rack or screen since the petals orange petals have the highest tend to stick. Store dried petals concentration of active ingredients. in a sealed container away from The Shakers and early settlers moisture, heat, and light. They will knew the culinary value and keep up to a year or more. superior healing qualities of this beautiful golden herb. Called poor CALENDULA OIL man’s saffron, dried calendula This is a wonderful oil for petals were a substitute for saffron everyone, from babies to seniors. in foods cooked in pots. Both fresh Jojoba oil naturally resembles and dry petals are still used in sebum, the oily substance many culinary applications. produced by the body to nourish and protect skin, and that’s why COOK’S FRIEND I use it. This oil alleviates dry, Trendy chefs have rediscovered itching skin and helps relieve this sunny flower and include it bug bites and sunburn. Double in their edible flowers list to add or triple the recipe if you like. vibrant color and texture to foods. Calendula Cautions Fresh petals can be chopped ALLERGIES Ingredients into salads or used as a garnish on Calendula is closely related to the 1 cup packed dried calendula petals fruit and vegetable platters. Roll a ragweed family, so if you have 2 generous cups oil — I use log of butter in minced calendula allergies to ragweed, you may want a combination of Jojoba and petals. Grind dry petals to a powder to avoid calendula. Check with your almond oil. High-quality olive and and add to rice and grains as a healthcare provider. grape seed oil work as well. substitute for saffron or turmeric. Optional: Two tablespoons Calendula doesn’t taste like PREGNANCY vitamin E oil, which helps heal saffron but it does lend a golden According to the University of scars and is a preservative. hue to foods. Maryland Medical Center, pregnant and breastfeeding women should not Instructions use calendula. The center states that, Place petals in dry sterilized glass SKIN CARE in theory, calendula could interfere jar. Add enough oil to completely Over time, I have come to know with conception, and possibly cause immerse petals. One cup should and love the many calendula miscarriage, so couples trying to get do it. Add vitamin E oil if using. benefits for skin health. I’ve made pregnant should not use calendula. calendula tincture for soothing Seal and shake to blend. baths and teas. Learning how to CALENDULA VS. MARIGOLD Let sit two weeks or more. make calendula oil home remedies Calendula goes by many nicknames, The oil will turn golden. for bug bites and stings freed but marigold is not one of them. These Strain. me from purchasing expensive two plants come from completely alternatives. different “families.” Calendula is from Store in a sealed sterilized I have three favorite skin-healing the Asteraceae family, which includes container away from heat, recipes that use calendula oil as the the chamomile plant. Marigold, light, and moisture. Keeps up base. Start with a master recipe for a member of the Tagetes family, to one year. calendula oil. Add a couple more includes the common sunflower. ingredients, and you have a healing salve. Melt the salve, add a liquid DO NOT SUBSTITUTE MARIGOLD IN and whip to a fluffy cream. THESE RECIPES FOR CALENDULA.

20 || COUNTRYSIDE & SMALL STOCK JOURNAL beeswax cream

Countryside -The Answer 2015.qxp_Layout 14/29/1

The Answer “There is definitely apartofyou that is superior to all confusion and CALENDULA SALVE that partissuperior to it right now.” This is one response to anumber of I love this salve for chapped salve questions asked by aprofessional lips, dry skin (especially feet, counselorofVernonHoward. There are hands, and elbows), minor cuts Use water, hydrosol/floral five special lettersgiving numerous and scrapes. It makes a soothing salve water, aloe water, or aloe gel. I insightful answerstolife’s perplexing problems. The lettersare of avery for diaper rash. Double or have used both water and gel with lofty nature which will lead youtoa triple the recipe if needed. success. The aloe moisturizes and much higher way ofliving. is good for sunburned skin. Cream Ingredients Order this bookletbyVernon Howardtoday! 1/2 cup strained calendula oil made with aloe gel will be a tad airier. Send only $5 (Shipping included) to: The melted warm salve and water NewLife•PO Box 2230-AP•Pine AZ 85544 1 tablespoon grated beeswax have to be the same temperature or beeswax pastilles www.anewlife.org to emulsify properly. If you use gel, Optional: 12 to 15 drops essential oil have it at room temperature. or more, your choice Regardless of how much you make, proportions stay the same: equal Instructions amounts of melted salve to liquid. Kids Add beeswax to oil in a pan, or love to see how the mixture changes double boiler. Heat on low, stirring so let them have a go at it. Use a until beeswax melts. Remove mixer, hand blender, or beat by hand. from heat. Calendula benefits abound in this Stir in essential oil if using. I cream. It’s an excellent makeup like lavender for its antiseptic remover and antiseptic face and 15 CHICKS/EGGS and preserving qualities. body cream. Aloe is a humectant/ MINIMUM Plus it smells so good. moisturizer and helps relieve sunburn. ORDER Pour into containers. Salve will solidify Ingredients RingneckPheasant as it cools. Seal after cooling. 1/2 cup salve, heated until &Chukar Partridge just melted and warm Store away from heat, light, and Chicks &Eggs 1/2 cup warm distilled water, aloe moisture. Keeps up to one year. Hatching several thousand chicks water or room temperature aloe gel each Monday April through July. WHIPPED CALENDULA Instructions Beat together until fluffy and AKWOO CREAM emulsified. If using water and O D When my husband saw this in a bowl, mixture is fluffy with a little water GAME FARM he thought it was something to eat! remaining, pour that off. FOLLOW US ON FACE BOOK Whipping the melted salve with a liquid www.facebook.com/oakwoodgamefarm Spoon into containers, seal and emulsifies it to a fluffy healing cream. store away from heat, light, and oakwoodgamefarm.com moisture. Keeps up to six months. 1.800.328.6647 PO Box274 •PrincetonMN55371

JULY/AUGUST 2017 || 21 growing :: insects

Migratory Insects Fly Above Us in Stunning Numbers

to the weight of 10 Boeing 777s. A 10-year-old study focused on flying insects finds that 3.5 trillion of them migrate every year. That is more than seven times the mass of all 30 million songbirds that leave England for Africa each fall. And this is only one part of the globe. Of this great mass, it is estimated that about 70 percent migrate during the daytime and the rest are nocturnal, according to research. Although some insect migrations are well known, such as the flight of about 150 million monarch butterflies, weighing a total of 75 tons, it is amazing how they are able to fly between North America and Mexico each year. Backyard gardeners now plant milkweed to ensure these winged jewels have plenty of food along the way. To prevent loss of habitat, many homesteaders are ensuring safety by constructing facilities to house these creatures. The new evidence is T’S A BIRD! IT’S A PLANE! No, it’s radar about other flying insect migrations spotting trillions of migratory insects above us. and mass movements. The extent BY ANITA Yes, overhead as far as the eye can see are swarms of invertebrate migration had never STONE I of migratory insects that take flight during spring been measured until now, let alone and fall. And because we are now equipped to track its environmental impact, about airborne insects, we have been able to learn that several which research is still ongoing. thousand tons of biomass in the form of migratory An international team of scientists insects may travel up to hundreds of kilometers discovered that migratory insects are daily. The numbers are “stunning,” says Silke Bauer, the biggest movement of biomass an ecologist at the Swiss Ornithological Institute in on the planet. We notice birds and Sempach. “Wow,” adds Larry Stevens, an evolutionary butterflies, but not migratory insects, ecologist at the Museum of Northern Arizona in largely because of their high-flying Flagstaff. “Can you image what these numbers look altitude. Some migrate at heights up like in tropical settings, say, over the basins of the to 2,000 meters. Massive amounts of Amazon or the Congo?” nutrients locked in tiny little bodies Monarchs are the most well- This is nothing short of amazing when you think are moving between continents. known of the migratory insects. about 3,200 tons of migratory insects being equivalent Insects are a major part of our lives

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in farming, ranching and even in manufacturing. Climate change in insect migration patterns will ultimately impact the way we humans live. Any change in migratory insect flight patterns during any season, as much as 200 tons of biomass, could affect insects in either direction in any given year, affecting our lives in unknown ways. During winter and summer months, these insects become fascinating because we pay little or no attention to them. There are reports from research that measure and reveal a flurry of daytime migrants, moving north in spring and south in fall with seasonal changes on a yearly basis. Insects flying in the air. It is truly amazing to realize that all this activity is going on overhead and that we are generally unaware of these events. Any change in migratory insect flight patterns Ecologist Jason Chapman states, “high-altitude insect migration during any season, as much as 200 tons of biomass, represents the most important animal annual movement in ecosystems on could affect insects in either direction in any given the land, comparable to the most significant oceanic migrations.” year, affecting our lives in unknown ways. So why is studying this migratory insect event so important? One reason is the impact of climate Another reason is because mass Researchers and scientists believe change. Once again we evaluate the insect travel affects humans and that the larger insects have built- ecological impact of migrating insects some insects will devour our crops, in compasses. “If high-flying because changes in climate could while some protect and pollinate insects have a compass sense, one alter their travel paths with unknown plants. Also, many beneficial would predict that, in addition effects. And because any changes in insects are not equipped to keep to selecting a favorable tailwind, insect patterns could tell us about up with habitat loss, pesticide use they would also orientate in the climate changes before any changes and human climate changes. These seasonally beneficial year on their are discovered in other places. issues create open-door activities way to Africa,” says Dr. Nir Sapir for the bad insects to use in a from the University of Haifa. negative way which can change our “This is eight times more than the Locusts on the move. ecosystems. For this reason, many continued weights of all birds and who are homesteading today are bats migrating over the region practicing natural pest control. annually.” “Animal migration is a very If you ever feel inclined to look complex behavior which took up into the sky – really look up into millions of years to evolve and the sky during the spring and fall is very sensitive to the climatic seasons, and if you could catch a condition,” says Ka S Lim of the glimpse of a swarm of migratory Radar Entomology Unit in England. insects moving in unison toward “Global climatic change could another location, it would be truly cause the decline of many species, amazing. It would certainly be a but equally other highly adaptable realization and recognition of the species thrive and become power and mystery of our Mother agricultural crop pests.” Nature at work.

24 || COUNTRYSIDE & SMALL STOCK JOURNAL GROW YEAR-ROUND IN A GROWSPAN GREENHOUSE

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Explore Four Now I admit the term hydroponic grow system was not part of my plant vocabulary. But I Hydroponic was hooked. I experimented with growing other plants in water. Lentil and pea sprouts were easy Grow Systems to grow with abundant yields. Rooted watercress cuttings from my woodland spring supplied me for Beginners with fresh watercress for salads. I was delighted to learn that tulip bulbs could be grown hydroponically. Again, the method was not high tech. Just a tall vase with the bulbs suspended in water. I enjoyed monitoring the growth and was rewarded with colorful blooms.

ROOTS IN ANTIQUITY Hydroponic or soil-less gardening has been around for thousands of years. The word comes from the Greek “hydro” meaning water, and “ponos” meaning labor. In other words, working water. The hanging gardens of Babylon and floating gardens of ancient China are examples. During War ll, the United States Army used hydroponics to grow fresh produce for troops stationed in the infertile Pacific islands. Today there’s a demand for fresh, clean produce all year. People are living in smaller spaces and urban environments. That’s why gardening with a hydroponic grow system is affordable and sustainable. Growing without the help of Mother Nature appeals to millennials, who embrace the AVE YOU EVER GROWN a sweet potato technology and portability that vine or avocado pit in water? If so, consider a hydroponic grow system BY RITA yourself a hydroponic gardener! My first offers. Others are attracted to the HEIKENFELD H experience with a simple hydroponic grow system possibilities of growing plants was a sweet potato from my mom. I suspended the right at home in less space, potato in water and put it on the kitchen windowsill. indoors and out. It’s said that Tiny hairy roots started working their way into hydroponically grown produce is the water. I wound up with a beautiful vining superior in nutrition and flavor specimen, trained to frame the entire window. than produce grown in soil.

26 || COUNTRYSIDE & SMALL STOCK JOURNAL Lentil sprouts

left: ‘Cut & Come Again’ lettuce in a simple wick system.

far left: Avocado pit

above: Lettuce grown in an ebb & flow system. photo by don adams

CHOOSING YOUR SYSTEM WICK SYSTEM holes, allowing it to come about Hydroponic grow systems A wick system is basically a halfway up the cup, with a couple fall into two basic categories: vessel on top of a reservoir, with inches hanging out of the holes. water culture where plant roots wicks connecting the two. The Fill the cup with clean pebbles or grow in a nutrient solution, or nutrient solution is drawn from glass disks. Nestle the core in the an inert system where the roots the reservoir to the vessel by pebbles. Run it under tap water grow into a medium. You can means of the wicks. to thoroughly wet the core, start with seeds or seedlings, To see how the wick system pebbles, and wick. Let the water depending on the system. In both works, put a stalk of celery in drain out. Pour the nutrient categories, the system will supply some red colored water. The celery solution in the bottom of a larger, water, nutrients, and oxygen. acts as a wick. After a few days, dark-colored cup. This prevents There are lots of different the stalk turns red. algae from forming around types of systems within the two I use a simplified version of growing roots. Insert the smaller categories, but these four are this system with children. Cut a cup into the larger cup with the recommended for beginners: wick, stalk of lettuce down to a couple wicks touching the bottom. Check ebb, and flow, deep water culture, inches above the core. Cut two every few days to see if more and top drip. They come in a holes in the bottom of a plastic solution needs to be added. variety of designs, sizes, and costs. cup. Put wicking through the Kids love to watch lettuce grow

JULY/AUGUST 2017 || 27 growing :: hydroponics

in their own hydroponic system. pots suspended in a nutrient The bonus? It encourages them to solution. The roots grow through appreciate the way plants grow. the pots and literally dangle in It’s fun to experiment with the solution. An aerator provides hydroponics in simple ways, but oxygen to the roots. Lettuces do if you’re serious about eating well, along with some annual hydroponically throughout the vegetables properly supported. year, you’ll need to grow on a larger scale. TOP DRIP SYSTEM In this system, the nutrient EBB & FLOW/FLOOD solution is kept in a reservoir and & DRAIN SYSTEM pumped through tubing to the You can have a single pot or bottoms of potted plants. Excess more depending on the system. Healthy roots in deep water culture system. solution is released through the Pots are placed on a drain table holes in the bottom of the pots with a reservoir underneath. well include lettuces and some and returned to the reservoir. This A nutrient solution is pumped vegetables, with proper support. is done two to four times daily. A into the table. The holes in the DEEP WATER CULTURE large variety of produce thrives pots draw the solution up. After SYSTEM in this system including flowers. a few minutes, the reservoir is A deep water culture system drained. This is done two to is all about the aerating bubbles. LIGHTING & NUTRIENTS four times daily. Plants that do Plants are grown in plastic net Depending on your location,

FERMENTING POTS

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you may have to augment with produce. It needn’t be complicated. grow or fluorescent lights. There are many books and websites Hydroponically grown plants available. Due diligence will pay don’t have the benefit of soil off when designing and building All nutrients, so nutrients must your hydroponic grow system. Purpose be added. Research the best FoForrmmuulla for your system and plants. 9-4-15 There are so many choices for growing mediums! They include Hydroponics vs. ToT matot sand, perlite, rock wool (made Aquaponics BoBoostosterer from rock, melted and spun into 5-10-20 fibrous cubes) coconut coir/ Aquaponics takes hydroponics fiber, clay balls, and gravel. one step further. They both use aerated, nutrient-rich water but 10% DIY HYDROPONIC GROW aquaponics utilizes live fish as Discount SYSTEM: YES YOU CAN! Code - a healthy source of nutrients for CS10 Build your own hydroponic plants. Aquaponic books are grow system and have it large excellent sources of information. enough for a constant supply of www.hollistershydroponics.com

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Daily Stories | Resources | Free Guides | Magazines | My Library | Shop JULY/AUGUST 2017 || 31 farm to fork :: canning “Best way to get rid of kitchen odors: eat out.” - Phyllis Diller

How to Successfully Use a Pressure Canner

relatively inexpensive, and made in China. The All American brand is considerably heavier, and therefore more durable as well as more expensive, and is made in the United States. All models are made of aluminum, which is an excellent conductor of heat. The bad news for anyone who uses an induction cooktop is that aluminum is not magnetic, therefore is not suitable for use on an induction cooktop. Pressure canning may be an issue for any smooth surface cooktop, because of the canner’s weight and the high temperature a pressure canner generates.

ALL PRESSURE CANNERS FEATURE: 1) Securely locking cover 2) Vent pipe coming through the cover 3) Weighted pressure regulator that fits over the vent pipe 4) Overpressure safety device that automatically releases steam (should the vent pipe get OW-ACID FOODS MUST BE PROCESSED clogged and fail to function). at a temperature that is hotter than boiling 5) Most pressure canners also come water. Compared to water bath canning or with either a flat perforated metal BY GAIL L steam canning, which processes jars at 212ºF, a pressure rack or the same type of wire DAMEROW canner processes at 240ºF, the necessary temperature rack used for water bath canning. for destroying food spoilage organisms in foods with The rack elevates jars above a pH greater than 4.6. Such low-acid foods include the canner bottom to prevent poultry, seafood, meats, and most vegetables. Although breakage and to allow steam to a pressure canner is more expensive, it is more versatile circulate during processing. because it may be used for boiling water canning and The goal of all pressure canners for pressure canning. is to produce pressurized steam that generates a high enough CANNER CONSTRUCTION temperature for the safe home Double stacking. Three of the four major pressure canner brands — processing of low-acid foods. The artwork by bethany caskey Granite Ware, Mirro, and Presto — are lightweight, mechanics, however, differ among

32 || COUNTRYSIDE & SMALL STOCK JOURNAL “Best way to get rid of kitchen odors: eat out.” - Phyllis Diller

Comparison of the four major pressure canner brands. the brands, which is potentially confusing for the first-time buyer. To complicate things, canners made before about 1970 differ slightly from modern canners. If you acquire an older pressure canner, may you be lucky enough to also acquire its instruction manual. Canners are sized according to the capacity of the amount of water they’ll hold. How many jars the canner will process at one time depends on the canner’s diameter and height. The smallest pressure canner is the All American 10-quart model, which will process 4 one- quart jars and five to 7 pint jars, depending on whether the pints are wide or narrow mouth. The most popular models have a capacity of between 15 and 21 quarts, and will process 7 one-quart jars at a time, or 8 or 9 pints. Some canners are tall enough for double stacking, meaning they will process two layers of pint-size jars, one on top of the other. If you’re looking at a tall canner, and the clearance above your range is limited, check to make sure the canner will fit. The largest pressure canner — designed for really serious canning — is the All American 41-quart model. It is 19 COVER SEAL years. Eventually, it stretched so inches tall and the only model that All low-cost pressure canners use much I couldn’t insert it back into may be used to double stack quart- a rubber or silicone gasket to form the cover, so I bought a new gasket. size jars. In one load it will process a tight seal between the canner and That one didn’t last through a single 19 quart jars, or 32 to 36 pints. the cover. The gasket, also called season, leaving me in the middle For double stacking, a flat a sealing ring, should be removed of a canning job with no readily perforated metal jar rack must be from the cover, washed, and available gasket. So I learned the placed on top of the first layer of jars inspected at the beginning of each hard way to keep a spare. before the second layer is added. canning season and after each use. All American canners are gasket- The rack stabilizes the second layer Most manufacturers recommend free. The cover clamps directly to so the jars can be staggered for periodically lubricating the gasket the canner by means of a series of good steam circulation and so they to keep it pliable. wing nuts, creating a metal-to-metal will remain upright throughout the Eventually, the gasket will need to seal — no gasket to fail at the worst canning process; the perforations be replaced because it has stretched, time. Since our family relies on allow steam to circulate freely. Some dried out, cracked, cut, or is homegrown and home-processed pressure canners come with a flat otherwise damaged. Replacing the foods, I decided to get one of these perforated rack, and such racks gasket at the end of each canning canners. Initially, I had trouble are readily available in a range of season, or at least keeping a spare removing the cover from my new sizes. You might also repurpose on hand, is always a good idea. canner. Then I read the instructions something similar, such as a round The gasket that came with my and learned the canner rim should cake cooling rack. first pressure canner lasted many be lubricated with petroleum jelly

JULY/AUGUST 2017 || 33 farm to fork :: canning

to keep the cover from sticking. pointer on the dial should be at From then on I had no more trouble 10.5 psi to achieve a safe canning removing the cover. temperature of 240ºF, although 11 psi is often recommended PRESSURE REGULATION because it’s easier to read on the The cover of every pressure canner The most popular dial. At elevations above 2,000, the has a vent pipe, also called a vent port pressure must be increased by one or steam vent. It’s a short tube that models have a pound per additional 2,000 feet to extends through the canner cover and maintain the same temperature. above the cover. Its purpose is to vent capacity of between All American brand canners air from the canner to allow the canner have both an adjustable pressure to pressurize. Once the canner has 15 and 21 quarts, and regulator and a pressure gauge. been vented, the vent pipe is closed The regulator controls the pressure with a pressure regulator placed on will process 7 one- and the gauge provides assurance top to slow the escape of steam. that the pressure is correct. The Most canners have an adjustable quart jars at a time, real advantage to the gauge is, at pressure regulator, sometimes called the end of each canning session, a weighted gauge, that may be set for or 8 or 9 pints. you can tell when the canner has a pressure of five, 10, or 15 pounds been completely depressurized, per square inch (psi). At sea level, so you can safely remove the 10 psi will result in the canning regulator and open the cover. Do temperature of 240ºF necessary for the not unscrew the wing nuts until safe processing of low-acid foods. At the dial reads zero pressure, which elevations above 1,000 feet, water boils Testing Your takes about 30 minutes for pints at a lower temperature, requiring a psi Pressure Gauge or 45 minutes for quarts. Then of 15 to achieve a minimum canning remove the pressure regulator temperature of 240ºF. Although many canning manuals before loosening the wing nuts. Veteran home canners call the suggest you periodically have your Granite Ware, Mirro, and Presto pressure regulator a jiggler. When gauge checked, you’ll have a hard canners have cover locks that the correct pressure is reached and time finding anyone to do it. But prevent the cover from being lifted maintained, the regulator periodically you can test your own gauge. while the canner is under pressure. releases small amounts of air and For a Presto, put a quart of water Because all three brands are steam, causing it to jiggle and make into the canner, vent the canner, thinner than All American canners, that characteristic sound. Your model’s and bring the pressure up until the they cool faster and depressurize manual will tell you if the jiggler pressure regulator jiggles. If the more quickly. should rock steadily throughout the needle on the dial is pointing to Every pressure canner has canning process or if it should jiggle a 15 psi, it’s accurate. If the gauge an overpressure safety device, certain number of times per minute. is off by less than two psi in either sometimes called a fuse, that The pressure regulator on a Presto direction, you can compensate releases excess pressure if canner is not adjustable. To distinguish by adjusting the pressure during the vent pipe gets clogged or it from an adjustable regulator, it’s processing (increase if the gauge otherwise isn’t working properly. sometimes called a counterweight. Its reads low, decrease if it reads Most canners have a simple purpose is to release pressure above high). If the gauge is off by more overpressure plug consisting of 15 psi, at which time the regulator than two psi, replace it. a rubber stopper that pops up will warn you by jiggling. Pressure The main function of the when it needs to release steam. is measured by a pressure gauge that pressure gauge on an All American The overpressure plug should has a dial with an indicator pointing canner is to show when the canner be replaced whenever it gets to the canner’s internal pressure. The has been depressurized at the hard, deformed, or cracked. If the amount of pressure is adjusted entirely end of processing. The processing canner has a gasket, replace the by the amount of heat applied to the pressure is accurately controlled by overpressure plug whenever you canner — the higher the heat, the the three-way pressure regulator, replace the gasket. The Granite greater the pressure. which does not need testing Ware canner, instead of having an When using a Presto or a canner or replacement. overpressure plug, has two metal that is entirely regulated with a overpressure valves, one whistles pressure gauge, at sea level the a warning.

34 || COUNTRYSIDE & SMALL STOCK JOURNAL Canning Code

COUNTERWEIGHT - A pressure regulator that is not adjustable.

DOUBLE STACKING - Processing When steam flows two layers of jars at a time, also called freely from the open double decking. vent pipe, set your timer for 10 minutes and let the canner vent. GASKET - A flexible rubber or silicone ring that fits inside the canner cover and forms a pressure-tight seal between the canner and the cover during processing; also called a sealing ring.

OVERPRESSURE DEVICE - A rubber plug or safety valve in the canner cover that automatically releases steam if excess pressure cannot be released normally through the vent pipe; also called a safety fuse.

METAL-TO-METAL SEAL - A pressure canner cover that does not use a gasket to create a tight seal.

PRESSURE PROCEDURE PRESSURE CANNER - A pressurized Before processing food, in a vessel that raises the temperature to 240ºF (28ºF above the temperature of new pressure canner, do a trial boiling water) for the safe canning of low run with just water (no jars) in the acid foods. canner — bring up the pressure, note what it takes to keep the PRESSURE REGULATOR - A pressure steady on your range, weighted device placed over the vent After the canner has vented for 10 minutes, place and then depressurize — so you the pressure regulator on the vent pipe. pipe to allow pressure to increase inside can become familiar with how the canner, and which periodically your particular canner operates. releases small amounts of steam and air fitted with lids and bands, on the Each brand of pressure canner to maintain the pressure. rack in the canner. has a specific recommended PSI - Pounds per square inch, the unit procedure to follow. Refer to 3. Place cover on the canner and used to measure pressure in a canner. your owner’s manual for details. fasten securely. Do not put the In general, pressure canning pressure regulator on the vent pipe. SIPHONING - The leaking of liquid from involves the following steps: jars during processing, usually resulting 4. Turn the heat to the highest setting from a too rapid drop in pressure either 1. Put the canner on the burner, until steam flows freely from the as the canner reaches pressure and heat place the rack in the bottom of open vent pipe. You should be able is turned down too low, or the time is up the canner, and add the amount to see steam being released and and the canner cools too fast. of water specified in the recipe, hear it hiss. Leaving the heat on usually about three inches. Turn high, set your timer for 10 minutes VENTING - To release air from the pressure canner and jars so the canner the burner on low to keep the while the canner vents to exhaust can pressurize; also called exhausting. water hot, but not boiling; setting air from the canner, as indicated a glass jar into boiling water may by steam steadily flowing through VENT PIPE - A short tube through the cause the jar to crack. the vent pipe. cover of a pressure canner that releases air from inside the canner to allow the 2. Fill hot, clean jars according to the 5. After 10 minutes, place the canner to pressurize; also called a vent recipe. Reliable recipe booklets pressure regulator on the vent port or steam vent. filled with food preservation pipe. If your canner has an examples come with most canners, adjustable pressure regulator and WEIGHTED GAUGE - An adjustable or may be found online at such you are at an elevation of 1,000 feet pressure regulator. sites as nchfp.uga.edu and or less, set the regulator to 10 psi. freshpreservingstore.com. Use If your elevation is above 1,000 your jar lifter to place filled jars, feet, set the regulator for 15 psi.

JULY/AUGUST 2017 || 35 farm to fork :: canning

When the processing time is up, turn off the heat and let the canner naturally cool until it completely depressurizes.

When the pressure is holding steady, as indicated by the gauge dial or the jiggling of the pressure regulator, start your timer as required for the specific food you are processing.

6. Adjust the heat to maintain required processing time for the from the burner. I don’t because I adequate pressure. If your canner specific food you are canning. If can’t lift a full canner. And sliding has no pressure gauge, rapidly at any time during processing, the a canner across the stove can ruin heat the canner until steam begins pressure in the canner goes below the cooktop or a burner. to escape from the pressure the recommended amount, bring 9. Here’s the hard part: Walk away regulator, causing the regulator the pressure back up and reset and let the canner naturally cool to jiggle or hiss, then reduce the your timer for the full processing until it has fully depressurized. Do heat just enough to maintain a time to ensure safe processing. not attempt to speed up cooling, steady pressure. If your canner 8. When the processing time is up, and do not remove the pressure has a pressure gauge, when the turn off the heat. Most instructions regulator from the vent until the dial reaches two pounds less than recommend removing the canner pressure is all the way down. the desired pressure, turn the heat down so the pressure gradually rises to the required setting. Any rapid or wide variation in pressure can cause liquid to leak from jars, Elevation Table called siphoning, which results in If you are at this elevation: Add to processing time: failed seals. 1,001 – 3,000 feet 5 minutes 7. Within three to 10 minutes, depending on the size of the 3,001 – 6,000 feet 10 minutes canner and how many jars you are 6,001 – 8,000 feet 15 minutes processing, the correct pressure will be reached. When the pressure 8,001 – 10,000 feet 20 minutes is holding steady — as indicated You can find your elevation by entering your zip code at this by the sound of the pressure website: www.daftlogic.com/sandbox-google-maps-find-altitude.htm regulator on the vent pipe, or by the needle on the dial gauge — set your timer according to the

36 || COUNTRYSIDE & SMALL STOCK JOURNAL A Pressure Cooker is Not a Canner! After the canner has completely depressurized, Although several pressure cooker remove the brands are promoted as being suitable pressure regulator for canning, a pressure cooker is not from the vent pipe and wait another the same as a pressure canner. A 10 minutes. pressure cooker, sometimes called a pressure saucepan, similarly uses steam under pressure to cook Lift the canner meals fast but is generally smaller cover away from your face than a pressure canner. The USDA to avoid getting recommends that a vessel large burned by rising steam. enough for safe pressure canning must hold at least four quart-size canning jars, which requires a liquid capacity of 10 to 12 quarts compared to the standard six to eight-quart pressure cooker. (A pressure canner certainly may be used as a pressure cooker.) The larger size of a pressure canner allows the canner to attain stable processing times, temperatures, and pressures that are suitable for the safe preservation of vegetables, meats, and other low acid foods. The amount of time required for the canner to reach processing pressure and the amount of time needed to cool naturally and return to zero pressure are necessary aspects of safe pressure canning. Because a pressure cooker contains less metal and holds less water, it reaches pressure and reduces pressure more rapidly than occurs in a pressure canner, potentially resulting in under processed and therefore unsafe canned foods. Further, a pressure The canner has fully depressurized when the overpressure plug has cooker is typically cooled under dropped, the cover lock (if your canner has one) has released, the dial running water to get the pressure on the pressure gauge (if your canner has one) points to zero, and no down quickly, which never should steam escapes when you gently nudge the pressure regulator on the be done with a pressure canner. Not vent pipe. only does such rapid cooling result in unsafe processed food, but it may 10. After the canner has completely depressurized, remove the pressure permanently damage your canner. regulator from the vent pipe. Wait another 10 minutes before unfastening and removing the cover. Do not wait for the canner to Unlike aluminum pressure canners, cool completely or you may have trouble removing the cover. Always some pressure cookers are made of lift the cover away from your face to avoid getting burned by rising stainless steel. As tempting as it might steam. be to have a multi-purpose cooker/ canner made of non-reactive steel, 11. Use your jar lifter to remove the jars one by one without tilting aluminum is a much better conductor them. Place the jars, one inch apart, on a rack or thick towel away of heat and therefore is more suitable from drafts. for pressure processing food in jars. On 12. Let the jars cool for at least 12 hours before removing the bands and the downside, an aluminum canner is testing the seals. non-magnetic, making it inappropriate for use on an induction cooktop.

JULY/AUGUST 2017 || 37 farm to fork :: canning

PRESSURE CANNER CARE Wash and dry your pressure canner after each use. Leaving food residue in the canner may cause it to absorb odors and can pit the aluminum. Before and after each use, wash and dry the cover, paying close attention to the edges of the cover, the vent, and the safety plug or valves. If your canner has a pressure gauge, take care not to get water into the dial. Do not immerse the gauge in water, and do not set the cover upside down while it is wet (including when you Check to be sure the first open the canner after each vent pipe is free of processing session). obstruction by looking through it from the inside If your canner has a gasket, of the cover. remove it from the cover, wash and dry it, and inspect it for damage. Also make sure the vent pipe is free At the end of each season, canner has a gasket, to prevent the of obstruction by holding the cover thoroughly wash and dry the gasket from remaining compressed up to a window or light and looking canner before storing it. Do not seal during storage. from the inside of the cover through the cover on the canner, but instead If your canner has a pressure gauge, the vent pipe hole. Clear the vent place it upside down on the canner do not set the cover upside down at pipe of any obstruction if necessary. so air can circulate and, if the any time the inside cover is wet.

Web Resources A dandy website where you can see various sizes, and provides answers All American: allamericancanner.com and compare all the major pressure to many common questions about Granite Ware: graniteware.com/ canner models in one place is pressure canning. graniteware-canning www.pressurecooker-outlet.com/ The National Center for Home Food Pressure-Canners.htm. This site also Mirro: wearever.com Preservation includes a page on pressure offers a full line of replacement parts, canning at nchfp.uga.edu/publications/ Presto: gopresto.com including flat perforated racks in uga/using_press_canners.html

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38 || COUNTRYSIDE & SMALL STOCK JOURNAL Clear the vent pipe of any obstruction with a pipe cleaner, small brush, piece of wire, or large paper clip.

PRESSURE CANNER AS WATER cool down until steam no longer BATH OR STEAM CANNER hisses from the vent pipe. Then If your pressure canner is tall remove the cover and continue as enough to hold a sufficient amount you normally would when using of water to cover jars by at least a standard water bath canner. two inches, with another two to If your pressure canner is large three inches of air space to prevent enough, jars may be double stacked water overflow, you may use for water bath canning the same your pressure canner as a water as for pressure canning. The bath canner for processing high- reason it’s not commonly done in acid foods. Simply follow your standard water bath canners is that recipe directions exactly as you the canners are generally not tall would process the high acid food enough to accommodate two layers in a boiling water canner, but do of jars with sufficient water to cover not put the pressure regulator plus air space to prevent water from on the vent pipe at any time boiling over onto the stovetop. during processing. Also, do not Can a pressure canner be used lock down the pressure canner’s for atmospheric steam canning? cover on all brands except the All The jury is still out. Although American. For the All American, home canners are doing it, no keep the cover in place by screwing one official has deemed it safe. down two opposite wing nuts. According to professor Barbara Bring the water inside the Ingham, who led the University canner to a full boil. When the of Wisconsin team that proved the water is boiling, as indicated safety of steam canning, approval by steam flowing steadily from of the use of a pressure canner for the vent pipe, set your timer steam canning requires researching for the correct processing time both steam distribution within specified for whatever high acid the canner and the ability of the food you are canning. As long canner to effectively vent out is steam is streaming from the air. More to the point would be vent, the water is boiling. to determine a suitable and safe When the processing time is up, procedure for using a pressure turn off the heat and let the canner canner as a steam canner.

JULY/AUGUST 2017 || 39 country life :: beekeeping “One day in the country is worth a month in the city.” - Unknown

How to Bee a Good Note Taker! A Hive Inspection Checklist is a Good Idea for Beekeepers

HE ONLY WAY TO KNOW exactly what is A beehive inspection checklist going on in a beehive it to actually take a peek will also act as a record for you so BY ANGI inside. This can be intimidating, especially you don’t have to try to remember SCHNEIDER T to a new beekeeper, but it doesn’t have to be. And all that you observed in the hives. experienced beekeepers can get sidetracked by all that This record will enable you to is going on in a hive and forget to check on things they notice trends or patterns that are wanted to check. Using a beehive inspection checklist happening with your beehives. can help the beginning beekeeper have confidence in The more hives you have, the more the inspections and help the experienced beekeeper important it is to take notes and stay on track during inspections. use a beehive inspection checklist.

40 || COUNTRYSIDE & SMALL STOCK JOURNAL “One day in the country is worth a month in the city.” - Unknown

However, even if you only have WHAT DOES A BEEHIVE one hive, I’d still recommend LOOK LIKE INSIDE? taking notes and using a checklist Once you get into the hive you’ll every time you inspect your hive. want to start inspecting the frames. Hive inspections will be a little Take each frame out of the box, one at different depending on what kind a time and look for the queen, eggs, of hive you have: Langstroth, larva, and signs of pests. Warre, or top bar beehive. If you The queen will be easier to find if have a top bar beehive you take she’s marked. But if she’s not marked, the cover off and can immediately look for the large bee that has other start checking frames. If you have bees hovering around her. If you just a Langstroth or Warre hive, you cannot find the queen, don’t panic, will need to unstack the boxes first, just look for signs that she’s there. making sure you remember what If there are eggs in the comb that order they were in and start your means the queen was there within the inspection with the bottom box. last three days. The eggs will look like Whenever you inspect a beehive, little grains of rice in an empty cell. you’ll want to have on your You might need to tilt the frame a bit complete bee suit, gloves, and veil. to see them. Even if you’re just going to have Look for brood in capped and “a little peek” – take my word uncapped cells; brood is larva and for it. You’ll also want to have eggs. There should only be one per your smoker, hive tool, and your cell. If you notice more than one egg beehive inspection checklist. in a cell that means one of the worker Remember to be gentle as you bees is laying eggs. The workers will are removing boxes and moving take the extra eggs out of the cells so frames as you don’t want to smash there will never be more than one any bees. Also, be sure to put larva per cell. everything back just as it was, you You’ll also want to look for any wouldn’t want someone coming in signs of pests such as wax moths, and rearranging your house while mites, and ants. Notice the odor of the you were distracted. hive, too. It should smell like honey

JULY/AUGUST 2017 || 41 country life :: beekeeping

and beeswax; if it has a bad odor the hive might have foulbrood. While you’re gently looking around, it’s a good time to see how many frames in each box are full. Once about 70 percent of the frames are full you will want to give the hive more space. This means you will add a new box with frames for a Langstroth hive or harvest some honey from a top bar hive. Last, you’ll want to make notes on the environment. Keeping notes on things like the temperature and rainfall can help you evaluate what’s going on and even give you an idea of what to expect as the season goes on. It’s easy to say, “Last year the hive swarmed in August.” But was it really last year? Or was it the year before? Was it August or was it really the end of July or beginning of September? Without notes, our memory will only get us so far.

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42 || COUNTRYSIDE & SMALL STOCK JOURNAL HOW OFTEN TO INSPECT BEEHIVES Every honey bee farm has its own guidelines of how often to inspect a beehive. One thing to remember is that every time the hive is disturbed it sets the hive back by one day. While a hive inspection is necessary, it does disturb the hive. As a rule of thumb, new hives should be inspected every seven to 10 days. Once you believe they are well established you can lengthen the time between inspections to every four to six weeks. In between official hive inspections, you’ll want to observe the outside of the hive for signs of health. For instance, are workers leaving the hive to forage and coming back with pollen on their legs? The more you observe your hives, the more readily you’ll be able to detect when something is not quite right. If the idea of handling a hive, smoker and writing notes seems daunting, you might want to use a printed beehive inspection checklist as a guide but use your phone’s digital recorder to record your notes. T WEEEEDDCCOONNTRO Once you get inside, you can fill out XPEERRT W TROLL EEXP A the checklist and write notes based ND MORE on the recording. ® 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

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JULY/AUGUST 2017 || 43 homesteading :: small farm “Ain’t nothing better to see in the country than a good old beat up John Deere tractor!” - Unknown

How to Turn One Acre Into a Productive Homestead Our Small Acre Farm Produces Vegetables, Fruit, Eggs, and Medicinal Plants

clockwise from top left: HEN WE PURCHASED OUR HOME in upstate New A grape arbor; homegrown berries; a handful of cherry York, we had no intention to create a one-acre homestead. BY JENNIFER tomatoes and chickens in We were thrilled that we had so much space to put in their coop. VANBENSCHOTEN W vegetable and herb gardens, but a farm layout? It was probably the furthest thing from our minds. But the universe (and my husband) work in strange ways, and before long, we found ourselves working toward creating a self-sufficient lifestyle using simple homesteading ideas and projects in our little corner of the Adirondack mountains.

44 || COUNTRYSIDE & SMALL STOCK JOURNAL “Ain’t nothing better to see in the country than a good old beat up John Deere tractor!” - Unknown

GARDENING BACKYARD CHICKENS Not realizing that we were setting Our next big addition to our up a small homesteading layout, we one-acre homestead was a flock started with the gardens, plotting of backyard chickens. We ordered out four vegetable gardens on the 27 birds from a reputable hatchery, open part of the property, and a and while the chicks were dedicated herb garden alongside brooding in our heated garage the house in a sunny, warm spot. workshop, my husband and his Each garden was about 10’ x 10’, best friend worked to convert the which gave us plenty of room to unused pole barn on our property plant enough vegetables to feed into a chicken coop mansion. The ourselves comfortably for most enclosed chicken run quickly grew of the season. These gardens took from a small 10’ x 10’ area to a up a small part of our one-acre comfortable 20’ x 10’ vegetated homestead, and the return in fresh “chicken jungle.” Repurposed vegetables was well worth the time. cedar poles and some chicken wire Those first few years, we stuck helped us create a safe, secure area with our garden staples: assorted for our girls. Our flocks varieties of tomatoes, heritage have waxed and waned cucumbers like lemon cukes, string over the years, but we’ve beans, radishes, bell peppers, found that about 20 winter squash, zucchini, sugar chickens gives us plenty snap peas, kale, spinach, and leaf of eggs for ourselves lettuce. After we were comfortable and our friends with the soil and knew the layout throughout the year. of the land, we experimented with above: The 15 x 7 Brussels sprouts, broccoli, potatoes, greenhouse on the one- DIY GREENHOUSE acre homestead. right: corn, onions, and garlic. Apple trees in the small PROJECT Whatever we couldn’t eat quickly orchard. Last summer, my was canned and frozen so that we husband embarked had a freezer and pantry full of on his latest project in fresh garden vegetables to get us an effort to get more through the winter until we could have grown and blossomed into use out of our little one-acre plant again in the spring. a mini orchard. They also provide homestead with the addition of a Just beyond the vegetable a bit of a privacy screen between greenhouse built onto our garage. gardens, we let the property grow us and our neighbors. While we I affectionately refer to it as “the wild and in the years since we’ve don’t get more than a bushel of magic greenhouse” because it moved in, we’ve learned how to apples from these trees, they’re felt like my husband just sort of harvest medicinal plants from that one of our favorite parts of our miraculously obtained most of the “wild” land including red clover, simple homesteading layout. materials we needed to build it wild carrot, plantain, mullein, in a very short time, and for very milkweed, elderberries, and wild ADDING A MINI VINEYARD little cost. We now have a small grapes. We were also thrilled to After our success with the 15’ x 7’ greenhouse tacked on to discover a number of patches of apple trees, my husband, an avid the garage where we can start wild blackberries growing around winemaker, decided to plant a small seedlings, grow more tomatoes, the property. vineyard on the border between and extend our growing season. the cultivated gardens and the wild When we sat down to do the CREATING A SMALL ORCHARD growing grass at the back of the math, we figured out that we’re The first year we moved in, property. A little research into some saving at least $1,000 a year in my husband was offered several cold-hardy vines from a supplier grocery bills by working on our apple trees. When they arrived, in Vermont now provides us with little one-acre homestead. Between they were so scrawny and small enough grapes for a couple of the fresh produce, eggs, apples, that we had a hard time imagining bottles of homegrown wine every blackberries, and wild harvested that they would ever grow. season. We use the grape leaves medicinal plants, we’re working Now, nearly 14 years after we’ve for extra crunch when fermenting toward becoming more self- moved in, our “apple twigs” vegetables at the end of the season. sufficient by homesteading today.

JULY/AUGUST 2017 || 45 homesteading :: crickets

How to Raise Crickets for Food

Y FIRST EXPOSURE TO edible crickets WHERE DO YOU GET was innocent enough. We took our son to a CRICKETS? BY JENNIFER M local natural history museum for their bug The first thing you need to raise VANBENSCHOTEN festival, and one of their guest speakers had written edible crickets is – crickets. But several cookbooks about edible crickets and how you can’t just go out and harvest eating bugs for protein was a great low-impact way crickets from your backyard. For to supplement your diet. My husband, being the most starters, removing large numbers adventurous of us, sampled a small cup of insect stir of insects from the local ecosystem fry that included crickets, black ants, bell peppers, is never a good idea. In addition, corn, and onions. (My son and I decided to stick with you never know what kinds of the hummus and vegetable sandwiches for lunch.) pesticides or chemicals those insects have come in contact with before you bring them home. So when you’re getting started raising crickets, it’s always best to start with crickets from a trusted source. In this case, we decided to hit up the local pet store. Crickets that are intended as food for lizards and other animals are generally safe for humans to grow and consume because they are not treated with any chemicals or other substances that would be harmful. You can also research some reputable insect farms and place an order for your first batch of crickets.

My husband’s fascination with edible crickets and SETTING UP A HOME insects finally hit home when he decided to find out FOR YOUR CRICKETS how he could start raising these critters at home for Once you have your crickets, human consumption. While we own a big flock of it’s time to set up a home for backyard chickens, we don’t have any other pets them. They’ll need light, warmth, that would eagerly consume bugs. We’ve already food, and proper ventilation to learned how to raise red worms as treats for our grow. The easiest way we found birds and how to compost at home with worms. to set up a cricket farm was to What can chickens eat as a treat? Big, juicy crickets get a large plastic storage tub and superworms certainly top the list, but I had no from the local dollar store. We intention of including these insects in my own diet. left the lid off the tub to make After doing a lot of research, my husband came sure the insects would get proper up with a plan to set up an insect farm in our house. ventilation, and the smooth sides It was a lot easier than we thought it would be, and of the deep plastic tub ensured now we’ve got a steady supply of edible crickets and that the crickets wouldn’t escape superworms for my husband – and our chickens. and reproduce all over the house.

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Feed your crickets the same

below: Potting soil healthy foods where crickets can lay their eggs. that you would feed any other animal intended for human right: Egg cartons provide additional shelter for the consumption. crickets. above: A plastic hours. After the crickets freeze, tub makes an economical home you can rinse them off to remove for crickets. any dirt and cook them up! What do crickets taste like? Well, once you’ve roasted your crickets, you can grind them up in a food processor or use a mortar and pestle and include them in your WHAT DO YOU FEED favorite recipes for added protein, Because we live in a cold, CRICKETS? or season them using your favorite northern climate, making sure The $64,000 question – what do spices and eat them whole. My that we had adequate heat for you feed these critters? We decided husband took his favorite paleo the insects was important, too. to give them a diet of carrots and recipe for energy balls using dates We chose a warm place in the oats, replenished on a daily basis and cocoa nibs and included a house near the wood stove where to keep the food fresh. Remember handful of ground crickets. I can they would get plenty of indirect that you’re going to eventually honestly say that I didn’t even sunlight – if the temperature in be consuming these insects, so taste the cricket powder in them, the house isn’t warm enough, they you want to avoid feeding them so maybe eating crickets isn’t so won’t reproduce. Another option highly processed pet foods like bad for this vegetarian, after all! would be to set up a large terrarium fish food flakes, or finely ground with a hinged lid, but the plastic dry cat and dog food. Feed your HOW TO ROAST CRICKETS tub was economical and easy for crickets the same healthy foods that IN THE OVEN us. Keeping the room temperature you would feed any other animal Take a lightly oiled baking sheet around 70 degrees Fahrenheit intended for human consumption or glass baking dish and spread is optimal for edible crickets. like leafy greens, carrots, oatmeal, out the crickets in one layer, We needed a good substrate for or organic vegetable scraps. leaving a little space between each the edible crickets, so we chose insect. Bake them at 225 degrees to use some old egg cartons – HARVESTING YOUR CRICKETS Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes, something that we always have The best time to harvest stirring them about every five a healthy supply of around our your crickets is while they still minutes. You can season them while house. We also included a small have no wings. Being a wee bit baking with your favorite salts container of potting soil for the squeamish about harvesting, I let and spices, or let them cool and crickets where they could lay their my husband do the dirty work: season them before eating. Store eggs. Spray down the substrate he gathered a handful of insects them in a tightly sealed container every day with a small amount of into a plastic grocery bag and in the fridge for up to two weeks, water to keep the humidity level up. put them in the freezer for 24 or in the freezer for six months.

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photos clockwise: Ubiquitous zip tie attaches shade cloth to top of veggie cage. More durable than a rubber band (I tried, I know!) These straw bales are on their second life after spending the winter protecting the pen, they now host collard greens and will be taken apart to protect garden soil in the fall. The trifecta hack: poultry wire on a steel rod hangs over awkward opening around door, all held together with cable ties. Backyard farmers like to keep a good collection of sticks of various sizes and wood types ranging from lightweight bamboo to long-lasting locust. Top Nine Favorite Backyard Farmer Hacks

IFTY GADGETS HAVE THEIR PLACE on the homestead but sometimes you just can’t go down that often-pricey path. Don’t get BY LORI me wrong — I’m a hopeless fan of wonky inventions (think egg FONTANES N flashlights and nut wizards), but even if you have the cash, you might not feel like cramming yet another single-purpose item into your barn or basement. Enter the hack. Inexpensive and creative solutions to everyday problems might be the most important tools in a backyard farmer’s toolbox. Here are a few of my favorites gleaned from several years raising vegetables, fruits, and animals on our suburban farm.

50 || COUNTRYSIDE & SMALL STOCK JOURNAL at home 1. ZIP TIES: WORTH THEIR ™ WEIGHT IN GOLD in natnatuurree On our property, plastic cable romseaside getaways ties have been put into service in Fto mountain retreats, countless ways and, despite their the Pacific Yurt goes low cost, typically last several years, whereyou want to be. even after very hot summers and sub-zero winters. From building Call todayfor abrochure: cages to thwarting squirrels and 1.800.944.0240 all the many tasks in between, the email: [email protected] lowly zip tie steps up to a starring www.yurts.com role in various homesteading productions. They come in several lengths, colors, and styles but my go-to model is the 8-inch commercial electrical model — heavy-duty and rated to operate in temperatures ranging from -40 to 85 degrees Celsius, well within our northeastern United States parameters.

HOW MANY WILL YOU No One Knows YurtsLikePacific Yurts™ NEED? PROBABLY MORE THAN YOU THINK. World’sLeading Manufacturer Cottage Grove, Oregon Zip ties are strong but can also be employed for short-term uses. For example, if you don’t tighten them all the way, you can easily cut them off when they’re no longer needed. Or you can turn them around and use the non-tightening side for loose closures where you want to get in and out, for example, a door flap. Be careful, though. Zip ties are not toys, keep them out of reach of children! They can be very difficult to remove once fully closed.

Sample uses: Create quick fences and covers - Attach poultry wire, netting, hardware cloth or any material you can stick a tie through to sticks, poles, or pipes. I use a hole-punch to create openings when necessary. Hang objects - Leave a gap in the zip to make a loop. You can make chains of zip ties to add length. Attach objects - Signs, varmint deterrent lights, etc.

JULY/AUGUST 2017 || 51 homesteading :: top hacks

2. CARDBOARD BOX: A wire cage attached with (what else?!) FARMER’S BEST FRIEND hundreds of zip ties! You can also use sticks for All sizes can be handy but whenever temporary fencing, trellising, keeping a really large cardboard box comes doors ajar for ventilation, digging my way, I stash it in the garage for holes and excavating hard-to-reach guaranteed future use. I prefer to coop muck, securing string for edging, employ the basic brown, made in flagging objects underneath the heavy the United States version and try snow, hanging covers or shade cloth, to remove all plastic tape when and many other uses I have yet to feasible. discover. Keep a range of weights from bamboo light to locust hefty and Cardboard can be called on lengths up to the famed 10-foot pole. for all kinds of quick and You can always trim to size as well lightweight duties. as repurpose broken pieces for many Temporary walls - Really useful years of service. Your farm dog will to separate or corral poultry when thank you for keeping an extra stick evading capture. (The ducks take around the place, too! one look and know it’s pen-up time!) 4. THE NEVER-ENDING Instant weed/lawn suppressor - STRAW BALE You could dig it up but wouldn’t you rather get a head start by Many articles, blog posts, and even covering that pesky vegetation a book have been written about the with sun-blocking cardboard first? virtues of the ordinary straw bale for small-scale vegetable gardening. Animal carrier - With bedding I’m here to tell you about its special in the bottom and holes for air, advantage for poultry owners as a sturdy cardboard box makes a well. Every autumn before most great lightweight container for folks have even finished their back- moving small animals. Whenever to-school shopping, I start scoping we have an injured duck, it’s out the local farm stands, hoping to easier for her to be transported in be the first to score as many straw a box than to have to navigate the bales as possible. Why? Straw (not openings of a typical pet cage. hay, different item altogether) makes a fabulous slow-release fertilizer that 3. STICKS: NOT JUST when gathered into a bale (or pieces FOR POKING of a bale) forms the perfect container for next spring’s edible plants. Over the years, I’ve collected scores But that’s not all! My main reason of sticks in various lengths, widths, for buying so many bales in the fall and wood types. As a newbie, I is to place them around the edges figured that all sticks were equally of the poultry pen for instant winter durable but a few harsh summers protection for the ducks. As the and winters destroyed that fantasy. straw decays, the bales heat up. I still use the faded, split, and They get warm enough that you splintered pieces of hardwood can feel it when sitting on them in that I first bought for bean teepees photos top to bottom: the middle of a snowy yard. That Hardwood stakes are great for supporting young fruit and tomato stakes but this spring I trees particularly susceptible to uprooting in strong means that not only do they block graduated to long-lasting locust for wind or heavy wet conditions. the sharp wind but they also add what I hope will be the last veggie Easier than pulling weeds, a layer of cardboard will a little extra cozy to your coop. poles I ever need to purchase. Those speed up the transition to a new ground cover. In the spring, the bales will then locust stakes are now screwed into Over the 1” opening hardware cloth pen door, I use resume their slow organic breakdown, 1/4” opening hardware cloth on the bottom to deter the sides of our cedar planters where raccoons and plastic hexagonal on the top to deter inviting tasty worms, fungi, and they support our homemade poultry sparrows. other organisms to join the party. My

52 || COUNTRYSIDE & SMALL STOCK JOURNAL ducks love to forage in between the bales, especially when the ground is still a bit hard for digging. Then, once the first brassica seedlings are ready to go, I either move the bales in one piece or, much easier, move them in slices to where I want to grow my vegetables that season. It takes all summer for most of the bale to feed the crops and if there’s any left, it goes on top of the harvested plots to protect the soil for next year’s planting. 5. POULTRY FENCING

Whether you’re talking hexagonal opening (AKA poultry) or square (commonly known as hardware cloth), netting materials from heavy-duty metal to the lightweight fabric are enormously useful on any sub(urban) farm. Just like the sticks I can’t do without, I keep a wide selection of everything from raccoon-resistant heavyweight wire with tiny 1/4 inch openings to plastic poultry netting, mostly useful to keep out ducks, not rodents. Here are some styles and uses. Plastic hexagonal - Use this for temporary fencing or veggie cages for anything squirrels don’t like. (Rodents can chew holes in plastic.) It’s lightweight, inexpensive, and easy to work with. Metal hexagonal - Use this for veggie cages, temporary dome covers, aprons for cages where large varmints are not a problem. It’s lightweight, inexpensive, and can usually be cut with scissors. Plastic hardware cloth: Use this for all the same uses as hexagonal but it has smaller openings so it can be used as shade cloth. It’s easy to cut, but rodents can chew through. Metal hardware cloth: Buy the one- inch and one-quarter-inch squares. The smaller openings are useful to protect sides of pens from raccoons. The larger openings in heavy gauge can be used for overnight accommodations when thoroughly secured and with at least an 18 inches of apron rim around the edge. The interior floor can be dug out and hardware cloth run underneath it as well. Wire-cutters are needed.

JULY/AUGUST 2017 || 53 homesteading :: top hacks

6. NO-TILL COMPOSTING serendipitously discovered handy heavy-gauge wire that’s sold along Okay, so I realize this is heresy and with it. Johnny’s Seeds offers varying it all depends on what you use and amounts, weights, and lengths so of how you use it but I’ve stopped course, I bought the largest box of getting compost from a composter. the longest length (100 pieces may, in What?! Yeah, it’s true. Partially it’s fact, be a lifetime supply for a quarter- because I’m lazy, partially it’s because acre property but contact me in a few I never get enough compost from decades and I’ll let you know!) those fancy rotating set-ups to feed Like the practical wooden stick, my huge vegetable habit. So, two a bendable wire can be useful for years ago, I began directly tossing building lightweight structures such kitchen plant scraps (not meat, eggs, as cages or domes to fit odd-shaped oil or cooked foods) into a new plants (think bush variety pumpkins) garden bed I had been trying to or for hanging objects, crafting doors quick-start. In the fall, I then added or flaps, flagging items under snow, some very weathered straw bale and, of course, holding crop covers, material and the next year, voila, shade cloth and the like. Best of all, super successful brassica and, later they are made of seriously long- that autumn, out-of-control squash. lasting, reusable galvanized steel. Last winter, I took it to the next Super easy to store, I tie them into level by choosing two off-the-ground bundles and stack in the garage. Who planters and trying the same thing. knew a skinny piece of wire could be Before the snow set in, I tossed a thin Sample of garden or kitchen raw vegetable trimmings so useful? layer of veggie scraps onto the top in thin layer on top of a bed. Looks messy but helps of the soil and in the spring, gently make great soil and healthy plants. 8. STRANGE USES FOR YOUR turned them under, adding a little top: These steel hoops repurposed from store-bought more potting soil to supplement accordion-style crop cover. They can support row 1990s PANTYHOSE what got lost in the previous season. covers or shade cloth as needed. I’ll confess here that although I’m Take a look at the photos. The rather a fanatic about not using plants grown in the two no-till synthetic pesticides or fertilizers in beds are going gangbusters. The Quick & Easy Tips my home or garden, my tomatoes do compost-less beds, not so much. get some help from a store-bought Are there other reasons? Sure. Each Your store-bought crop covers friend. That said, there’s very little I soil system is different but I think seen better days? Tear off the won’t do to produce a bumper crop I can reasonably say that using a material and reuse the hoops of pizza and pasta sauces. Among the little veggie scrap without waiting underneath with row cover cloth. weirder strategies I employ is a tip for it to break down completely into Don’t have room to store I gleaned from the classic reference crumbly compost is not a terrible way another trellis or bean cage? tome, Carrots Love Tomatoes: Secrets to get rid of your dinner trimmings. Make a teepee out of sticks and of Companion Planting for Successful Do not go overboard, mind! You burlap string. At the end of the Gardening by Louise Riotte. In don’t want to create an anaerobic season, pull it apart for other uses. that book, Riotte talks about how environment; you just want to protect Need an entry flap for a veggie lightning adds nitrogen to the soil the soil in the winter and add a little cage? Cut a flap slightly larger than when it strikes the ground. This is not nutrient with very little work. the opening and attach one side to say that I think you should go all with zip ties. Reverse a few zip ties 7. INCREDIBLE, (the non-binding direction) and use Ben Franklin in your tomato patch. those to close the flap. This will not Riotte’s suggestion is a much milder BENDABLE WIRE keep out super-wily rodents but may and safer method of harnessing slow them down a bit! electricity by using pantyhose tied You would think I’d have learned both to the plant’s stalk and also to a from my experience with zip ties Tomatoes grow better fruit when supporting structure, such as a tomato but no. I started with a couple of they’re buzz-pollinated. Grow cage. The static electricity generated crop covers and eventually realized lots of bumblebee-friendly flowering by this connection is said to promote my farmer ambitions outstripped plants near your tomato patch and a bumper crop. Your neighbors may the coverage supply. I sought out get ready for the most delicious “love apples” ever. look at you funny but I’ve blogged an agriculturally rated material and about this and used this method

54 || COUNTRYSIDE & SMALL STOCK JOURNAL TheUltimate Wood Heat. Setthe thermostat whereyou want for amorecomfortable home. for several years and have raised many delicious fruits to show for it. EPA-Certified Outdoor Wood 9. MORE PURPOSES Furnaces FOR THE ALL-PURPOSE Stainless models available - RUBBER BOWL ask about our Titanium Series You know ‘em, you see ‘em everywhere, you probably own a few; the ubiquitous rubber pans that come in sizes from two quarts to 15 gallons. These durable workhorses are indispensable for anyone raising small livestock. Great for food, water, bathing and carrying everything from eggs to • You’re in Control -Keep your house as warm as straw and beyond. youwant, and with wood being the ideal source My favorite rubber bowl hack, forself-reliantheat, you’re protectedfrom price changes and shortages associatedwith other types however, is the Instant Staircase. of energy. I guess you could really call it a • PeaceofMind -Keeping the fireoutside coop hack since there are very eliminatesthe dangers and mess associatedwith few duck-specialized houses on traditional indoor wood stoves. the market. This means that to get AVAILABLE FROM YOUR LOCALCENTRAL BOILERDEALER a duck into a chicken coop you usually have to pick it up and place It’s importantthatyouroutdoor furnaceand system be properly sized and installed.See your local CentralBoiler.com dealer formoreinformation. ©2017 CentralBoiler •ad7320 800-248-4681 it inside because those cute little entry ladders are not well suited to waterfowl feet. I considered a wider, longer board but that would be heavy and unwieldy with no Available in guarantee that the girls would want Chicken 2styles! to “walk the plank.” One cold day in February, I decided to use a couple of large prons rubber bowls instead. I picked A each duck up and placed her on the secure surface then shooed her inside. It took no more than two nights for the ducks to get the drill. Now I leave the coop door open each afternoon so the girls can go inside when they’re ready. Thank goodness for no-slip rubber!

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JULY/AUGUST 2017 || 55 homesteading :: welding

A Guide to Welding Basics — From the Tools to Their Uses

SHIELDING Your welding arc needs to be protected from ambient air, otherwise, it will splatter. Some systems burn flux to shield the arc and others use a bottle of shielding gas. Both systems have pros and cons.

FILLER Filler metal fills the cavity you make when welding. Depending on the system it might be a consumable electrode or automatically fed wire.

HOW TO ARC WELD SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding) welders have been making sparks for generations, and they still work perfectly fine. A SMAW “stick” or “Arc” welder is a simple yet effective welding system. The power supply of an Arc welder is typically referred to as a “tombstone” due to its headstone HERE ARE MANY WELDING TYPES shape. Stick welders have a available today, but for the beginning welder, selectable amperage adjustment BY JEREMY T there are three kinds you should consider. and an on/off switch, so they’re CHARTIER They all have their place, their good points, and their not very confusing. Attached to the downfalls. When choosing a welder, there are three power supply there are two welding components you should consider: the power supply, cables, one ground clamp and one how it shields the weld and how it fills the weld. These electrode holder colored black and three factors will largely dictate which welding types red respectively. you decide to buy into. Arc welder electrodes are a con- sumable conductor, filler material POWER SUPPLY and shielding all in one stick. Be You need to create heat to bond your metal surfaces sure to stock up. together, otherwise, you’re just gluing. Heat in these Filler metal and Arc shielding are welding types are supplied by electricity, so the first both taken care of by the welding major component is the power supply. Things to electrode. An Arc welding electrode consider are duty time (how long you can weld), the is a length of thick steel wire with input voltage (110v or 220v), output amperage (will it a special coating on the outside, go high or low enough) and cost. resembling a stick (hence the name).

56 || COUNTRYSIDE & SMALL STOCK JOURNAL This electrode has a bare metal end (Direct Current) selector. Also, which inserts or clamps into the there is a valve on the bottle to electrode holder and conducts the control gas pressure. electricity to the tip. When an Arc is Much like the Arc welder, a struck, the steel inner core melts to fill MIG unit will have two cables, the weld and the outside coating burns one for ground and one that to create a gas pocket and a layer of resembles a hose with a nozzle material called “slag” that shields the and trigger. This curious looking welding pool from the environment. hose is actually four things in one; This electrode is a consumable part a welding cable, electrode, gas line and doesn’t last long. and filler wire feed. The big plus of an Arc welder is The filler material is stored as a cost. These are readily available and spool of wire inside the cabinet and can be found for very little at yard is fed through the nozzle. As you sales and online. The downside is depress the trigger, the Arc begins the cleanup. The protective slag and the welder feeds wire into the must be chipped off to expose the arc to fill the weld. Gas is delivered actual weld beneath, adding a from the bottle to the nozzle every time-consuming step. Additionally, time you hit the trigger. This more technique and practice is gas pocket shields the weld and required to become proficient leaves you with a clean weld that with an Arc welder compared shouldn’t require cleaning. to its modern counterparts. That MIG welding is easy, but it’s being said, it’s regarded as the not cheap. Good power supplies best welding type for beginners. that offer enough amperage to weld thick metal are expensive HOW TO MIG WELD and the inert gas (usually Argon) MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welding that is required adds expense and is a very popular welding system. inconvenience. Gas bottles are Its ease of use and the professional expensive and unless you buy look of the resulting weld make two, you’ll have to stop welding this an attractive welding type for and run to the closest fill station home, farm and professional users to refill them. alike. Coincidentally, this is the system I used to weld chain hooks HOW TO FLUX CORE WELD on my tractor last year. FCAW (Flux Cored Arc Welding) MIG welder power supplies is the more common of the welding usually consist of a box cabinet, types because it combines the accompanied by at least one simplicity of Arc welding with This MIG welder, albeit expensive, allows me to weld gas bottle. Controls on the front thick and thin steel, as well as aluminum. MIG’s ease of use. It’s biggest selling typically include an amperage point, however, is its low cost. top: Arc welder electrodes are a consumable adjustment, wire speed, an on/ conductor, filler material and shielding all in one stick. Flux core power supplies look off switch and sometimes an AC Be sure to stock up. like MIG welders, only minus (Alternating current) or DC the gas bottle. It still features

WELDING TYPE COST LEARNING CONVENIENCE CLEANUP STEEL EXHAUST STEEL STEEL STEEL CURVE (SHEET) PIPE (1/4”) (1/2”) (3/4”+)

Arc (SMAW) $ High Better Worst No No Great Great Great

MIG $$$ Medium Good Best Great Great Great Good OK

Flux Core (FCAW) $$ Low Best Better Good Good Great Good OK

JULY/AUGUST 2017 || 57 homesteading :: welding

the same clamp and hose that welder should buy themselves the MIG uses, as well as the some basic safety gear before they same controls on the front. ever turn on a welder. The big difference between Welding is a useful Flux core and MIG welding is the skill that can save EYE PROTECTION welding wire. Flux cored wire is Before the obvious stuff, invest in actually a tube filled with flux. you lots of money a hand full of cost-effective safety Much like the Arc welder, this glasses. I buy cheap safety glasses flux material burns to create a gas and could even open and change them regularly, usually and slag to protect the weld from every other job just because they the environment. In a pinch, you up employment get scratched up. Seeing well is can turn a MIG into a flux core critical to surface prep and since welder by shutting off the gas and options you wouldn’t welding is 90 percent prep and changing to a flux cored wire. 10 percent Arc time, you’d best This welding type can be have had before. have glasses you don’t hate. smokey and dirty, requiring good Welding helmets are not all ventilation. When you’re done, created equal. Whatever welding you’ll want to wire brush your shield you decide to buy, be sure work to clean off soot and slag. it covers your entire face and is FCAW rarely makes good-looking auto darkening. An auto-darkening welds, but you can still build things shield allows you to keep your like compact tractor implements face covered while you work and using this welding type. when you strike your Arc, it will automatically tint your viewing THE BEST WELDING TYPES window. I can’t stress enough how It’s hard to say which is best, much safer and convenient this because it really depends on you. shield design is over others. You can Do you want to weld sheet metal? find these auto-darkening shields Then you want a MIG or Flux Core. for around $40 or less at your local Are you welding a half-inch plate discount tool shop or online. steel? Your best bet will be an Arc welder. Is money not an issue? Dive EAR PROTECTION in with a top-notch MIG welder Don’t underestimate the sound because you can’t go wrong there. of a metal grinder. You may be able to tune it out now, but you TIPS FOR THE will pay for it later. I suggest BEGINNER WELDER using disposable ear plugs since A beginner welder has a lot to ear muffs tend to be far too bulky learn, but don’t let it intimidate when using a welding face shield. you by any means. Welding is a useful skill that can save you lots SKIN PROTECTION of money and could even open up I have a lovely scar that runs employment options you wouldn’t across my wrist. Albeit well faded have had before. I’ve been welding by now, the lesson still stands in on the farm for the better part of 20 my mind. Your regular leather years and I’ve learned a few things gloves just don’t offer you the along the way. Let me share a few protection you think they do, key pointers to get you started. so buy some quality long cuff There are cheaper alternatives, but a good auto- darkening welding helmet is best. welding gloves. Cheap stiff SAFETY FIRST top: Arc welders, although harder to learn, are the gloves are inconvenient at best, Just like wearing chainsaw safety best way to start welding. Much like starting to drive so spend a little more on quality gear to cut down trees, you need using a standard shift, once you can “stick” weld, gloves to keep your skin intact. other weld types are that much easier to conquer. appropriate safety gear to do a A welding Arc is incredibly welding project. Every beginner bright and it can fry your skin

58 || COUNTRYSIDE & SMALL STOCK JOURNAL faster than that time you fell asleep the surface of oils and grease, since at the beach. Arc burn is seriously a contaminated surface makes painful, which is why welders for terrible welds. Do not use wear long sleeves and long pants brake cleaner, since burning brake no matter the weather. Follow cleaner produces a dangerous gas. their lead and cover your skin with non-flammable clothing. SET UP Welder’s coats can be had for Make sure your work is ready around $15 or less and they’re to weld and fully supported. You cheap insurance. I forgot to don’t want to be holding on to wear mine when I was welding your work while you weld, so some tractor bucket attachments use magnets, welding tables, and last year and I suffered for two tack welds to keep your work in weeks with a terrible Arc burn. position. Tack welds are small Learn from my mistakes. spots of weld meant to temporarily hold things in place and should DUTY CYCLE be easily broken or ground off. Duty cycle is expressed as a When using a MIG or Flux Core percentage (such as 20, 40, or welder, a quick one-second zap 100) and refers to how much of a should produce a good tack weld. 10-minute period it can weld before it needs a break. For example, a BEGINNER WELDER 20 percent duty cycle welder can Whenever possible, give yourself weld for two minutes, then must a support to rest your arm while rest for eight minutes. If you try you weld. Without some form to weld beyond your duty cycle, of support, your Arc will shake your welder and welds will or wander as you fatigue. suffer. Your duty cycle will largely Avoid warping by tack welding depend on your welding types and clamping. If laying a lot of weld and the quality of your machine. (such as the length of your tractor’s bucket), weld in short bursts, then The Ultimate Toilet PREP WORK move to a different area or side The most common downfall of the work. Doing this prevents of a beginner welder is putting too much heat in one spot. underestimating the importance For sheet metal, use brief tack of prep work. You need to prep welds. If you try to run a weld bead your working surfaces before you on sheet metal it will warp or burn weld anything. Rust, paint, grease, right through. It’s tedious, but you oil and any other contaminant should tack sheet steel zap by zap. will sabotage your best efforts if not completely removed. PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT A grinder is a welder’s best Welding is a motor skill and a friend. If you need to shape or mental ability. Your body needs clean rusted steel, a grinding wheel to develop muscle memory and will take metal off fast and bevel learn the hand-eye coordination to your edges. If you have paint or make proper welds, which doesn’t light rust on your surface, install happen overnight. Learn about a wire wheel. Need to cut things what you’re doing. Read a book, short? Grab a cutting wheel. surf online or find a great blog on The grinder really is the unsung welding. There are lots of talented hero of the welding world. welders willing to share their Once you have a surface you’ve experience and it’s up to you to ground to bright steel, you’ll need listen. Be open, be wise and above to clean it. Use Acetone to clean all, be safe!

JULY/AUGUST 2017 || 59 animals & livestock :: working dogs “Animals are such agreeable friends—they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms.” - George Eliot

Livestock Guardian Dogs CAN BE A GOOD FARM CHOICE

by Janet Garman • photos by Melissa Willis @ evergrowingfarm.com

SING A LIVESTOCK GUARDIAN DOG dates back more than 2,000 years. Dogs bred for the purpose of protecting livestock from predators and thieves were necessary when nomadic people Uroamed thousands of acres while raising sheep and cattle. The livestock guardian dog would be placed among a herd or flock and left to stay with the animals. Particular breeds were developed that showed this strong instinct to guard and protect. Not all dogs exhibit these character traits. Some individuals in other breeds may show some intensive protective instinct over your farm animals but they won’t react the same way as a true livestock guardian dog will, when left to do his job.

60 || COUNTRYSIDE & SMALL STOCK JOURNAL “Animals are such agreeable friends—they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms.” - George Eliot

JULY/AUGUST 2017 || 61 animals & livestock :: working dogs Anatolian Shepherds are What Are Some Livestock large, agile dogs that can be Guardian Dog Breeds? very quick, too. The Anatolian Shepherd is a bit headstrong. The ancient breed Molossus The different appearance of the is thought to be the original Anatolian Shepherd may not livestock guardian dog breed. make you think it is a livestock This breed is now extinct but guardian breed. many breeds have developed over A few other breeds to time. Some breeds, like the Great consider would be the Maremma Pyrenees, are easily recognized. Sheepdog, Tibetan Mastiff, Others are not as well-known in Pyrenean Mastiff and the Akbash. the United States, but are widely used in other parts of the world, What You Should such as Karakachan livestock guardian dogs. Know About the Livestock The Great Pyrenees may be Guardian Dog the most well-known livestock guardian dog in the United Many people prefer to raise a pair States. The Great Pyrenees is of livestock guardian dogs. Males a nocturnal breed that is very and females in this category are aggressive toward predators yet equally good at guarding. Keep very gentle even with helpless these important points in mind and tiny animals. when making the decision to The Komondor is considered purchase a livestock guardian dog. one of the loudest barkers. In Livestock guardian dogs have addition, they have been known been bred and used in nomadic to be overprotective. This could herding life for centuries. The urge be a problem if you have nearby to roam is strong. Good fences neighbors that the dog might and plenty of open space are best, consider a threat. Careful training or you may find your livestock can take care of any issues with guardian dog is a constant visitor this breed in most cases. on your neighbor’s property. Kuvasz dogs are sought because The livestock guardian dog of their highly intelligent nature will bond with the herd or flock and loyalty. naturally, but specialized training animals & livestock :: working dogs

is still necessary. Even though these guarding dogs will spend vast amounts of time alone with the flock, socialization is necessary from an early age. Daily handling, managing, training, and correcting are required almost from birth. Many livestock guardian dog owners say that the dogs are not reliable until two years of age or older. The young livestock guardian dog will learn from working with a seasoned livestock guardian dog. Often the older dog will helpfully train the new pup. Adding a puppy to your flock as your mature dog is still working, helps ensure your flock remains protected if the older dog is injured or unable to guard any longer. A livestock guardian dog has needs as any dog. Good food, protection from the hot sun, and the normal veterinary care are needed even for a dog that lives out with the herd. A working guard dog needs good nutrition in order to do his job well. Health checks should be performed at regular intervals and any signs of injury or illness must be tended to immediately. Dog paw pad injury can occur since the dogs are roaming should not exhibit aggressive warding off the attack first. rough terrain and chasing off traits toward the animals in As a predator attempts to get predators. Communicable the flock and should not be closer to the herd, the livestock canine diseases such as parvo overly protective of the lambs, guardian dog will take on an should be watched for and calves, or goat kids they are aggressive stance and increase immediate veterinarian care guarding. Attempting to keep the barking. As a last resort and provided. the ewe away from her lamb is when necessary, the dog will not a good quality in a livestock chase or attack. Using livestock How Does the Livestock guardian dog’s behavior. guardian dogs allows you to The livestock guardian dog manage a predator problem Guardian Dog Work? should be on alert and aware. without the use of poisons, When a predator threat is traps, or shooting the predator. The livestock guardian dog present, barking is the first A livestock guardian dog will is trained and trusted to stay warning. Most do not attack fight to the death, although in with the herd or flock. They without using other means of many cases, their presence alone As opposed to working farm dogs, who may be used to herd, guide and control the animals, the livestock guardian dog’s job is to protect. They take the job very seriously.

is enough to deter the predatory guardian dogs. Some special livestock guardian dog breed. animal from attacking the herd. training might be needed to Often people will comment acclimate the chickens to the dog. on farmers leaving their guard Which Animals Large livestock guardian dogs dogs out in all types of weather are extremely intelligent and with the herd. This is where Do Livestock Guardian when well trained will serve the these dogs want to be. Unlike our Dogs Guard? flock or herd well for many years. house pet dogs and our farming As opposed to working farm work dogs, livestock guardian Traditionally the livestock dogs, who may be used to herd, dogs are inherently bred to be guardian dog was used for flocks guide and control the animals, with the flock or herd. Removing of goats and sheep and herds of the livestock guardian dog’s job them from their job causes them cattle. Sheep, goats, and cattle are is to protect. They take the job much distress and anxiety. fairly tolerant of having a dog in very seriously. Even the best The livestock guardian dog is their area. Horses and chickens farm dogs won’t have the same happiest when he is protecting are also guarded by livestock degree of protective instinct as a his animals. animals & livestock :: parvo

Originally, canine parvovirus is thought to have mutated from the variety of parvo that infects cats. Feline parvo or panleukopenia may have mutated through some other species, particularly wildlife, while becoming CPV2. The various forms of parvovirus are species specific. Human parvo is much less deadly and is referred to as Fifths Disease. Racoon, fox, and mink can also suffer from strains of parvo. Dogs do not contract the cat variety; however, cats have been known to A Guide to Parvo contract the canine version. HOW DOES PARVO SPREAD? To avoid parvo, it’s important in Dogs to know how it is spread. I asked our Veterinarian, James Pleura, DVM, this question. Dr. Pleura HAT IS PARVO IN DOGS? Should you explained to me that the virus is be concerned about this disease if you are everywhere. Even if your puppy BY JANET raising a farm dog? or grown dog doesn’t encounter GARMAN W Canine parvovirus is a viral illness. The virus has a sick animal, they can contract three major factors that make it so deadly. First, the it from the surface of dog bowls, virus’s method of infection makes it extremely hard to shared water, dog park facilities, kill once the infection gets started. Second, the virus and it can be transmitted even long attacks the bone marrow tissue where immune system after an infected dog was in the cells are made. Third, parvovirus can mutate. facility or home. Contamination Canine parvovirus is a fast-acting and deadly virus. can be carried on shoes, clothing, When an outbreak of parvovirus comes around, it is and leashes. The most common easy for dogs to catch parvo since it can spread from mode of transmission is through dog to dog and can be transmitted by humans and contact with contaminated feces, everyday items the dog encounters. or direct, dog-to-dog contact. Since dogs don’t commonly show signs of DISEASE BACKGROUND illness during the initial incubation Parvovirus was first discovered in the late 1960s but it phase, your dog could be playing was a mild illness and caused no real harm or death to with an infected dog and you the animal. Within 10 years the strain had mutated into would not be able to tell. Canine Parvovirus 2 (CPV2). Dogs were dying quickly Since the virus is resistant to from the severe symptoms. Puppies and elderly dogs many different environmental were particularly susceptible. Other dogs that lacked conditions it continues to spread good nutrition and were weakened, to begin with, despite any heat or cold conditions. also died because of the new strain of parvo. Since the Parvovirus also is not affected by middle 1970s three more recognized mutations have dryness or humidity. To top it off, occurred. The current CPV2 in the forms a, b, and c are there is no medication that will still circulating through the world’s dog population. conquer parvo.

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SIGNS OF ILLNESS Looking closer at the signs and symptoms of parvo, we can see why it is such a devastating viral illness. Any unvaccinated puppy or mature dog is susceptible to a parvo outbreak. Your dog’s best chance of recovery is based on quick recognition of the signs of parvo. So how do you know that the illness your dog has is parvo? There is a three- to seven-day incubation period with the virus. This is the time between when the dog is exposed to the virus and when the dog shows signs of illness. The early signs of parvo include lethargy, not eating, abdominal discomfort or pain, fever, vomiting and finally, diarrhea. During the incubation phase of the virus, the dog will begin to shed the virus in its feces and body fluids once the virus infects the stomach and lymph system. Once it travels through the body to the bone marrow, the virus rapidly multiplies in the fast Association recommends caution HOW DOES PARVO dividing bone marrow. The virus has with newly acquired puppies. They MAKE DOGS SICK? now infected the area of the body should be kept away from places Other than strong bleach solution that provides immune support. that are likely to be a higher risk for and extremely high temperature, Puppies and young dogs are infection such as doggie day care, parvovirus is hard to kill. The virus more likely to contract parvo. The dog parks, and groomers until the enters the dog after contact. The first American Veterinary Medical vaccination series is complete. stop is the tonsils in the dog’s throat. This is where the virus makes its way into the blood stream. Now it is multiplying and traveling to all organs in the body. Once it hits the bone marrow where the infection-fighting cells are made, it invades and begins to manufacture virus cells even faster. Soon the body is fully assaulted by the virus. The once active puppy is not interested in moving a muscle. There is no interest in food. Treats go uneaten. Soon the puppy or dog begins to vomit. The virus is heading to another rich environment for breeding, the intestines. Parvovirus attacks the lining of the stomach and intestines. One of the most distinctive signs of parvo in dogs is the horrible smelling diarrhea. Those who work in veterinary clinics and rescue shelters tell us that the smell is one that you never forget.

68 || COUNTRYSIDE & SMALL STOCK JOURNAL Back in Balance Minerals ® Now that all the signs of parvo are present, the virus is fully entrenched Formulas for goats, sheep, horses andcamelids in your pet. The care of the dog at Abioavailable lineofminerals this point has a lot to do with the formulated by herbalistand dog’s survival. traditionalnaturopathAlethea Kenney.Created to improve digestion, TREATING DOGS WITH growth,health, immunefunctionand PARVOVIRUS reproduction. Contains no fillers or The best chance a dog has for artificial preservatives,non-GMO. recovering from parvo is when care is started quickly. Unfortunately, BOOK NOWAVAILABLE — “AnOunce of Prevention: Raising and Feeding not all dogs survive a parvo Animals Naturally” See website fordetails. infection. The American Veterinary BackinBalance Blends: Medical Association states that with Canship anywhereinthe U.S. appropriate, early treatment, the Herbal Products for Livestock survival rate is close to 90 percent. FOr PrOduCt INFOrMAtION: Since the virus is not susceptible FOr Orders: AletheaKenney NorthCentral Feed Products,LLC to drugs, the best treatment is traditional Naturopath, Zena dunker supportive nursing care which WesternHerbalist,Aromatherapist smallruminant NutritionConsultant 70 Alicest., PO Box10 also helps combat any secondary, Gonvick, MN 56644 opportunistic infections. Of course, forNorth CentralFeed Products,LLC 218-657-2502, [email protected] 877-487-6040 •[email protected] this can get expensive quickly. The faster treatment is begun, the less Healthy animals startwith good nutrition. severe are the effects from the virus. The initial treatment is traditionally performed in a veterinary clinic or www.BackInBalanceMinerals.com hospital and lasts three or four days. The first thing the vet will do is isolate your dog. This protects other Are you dogs in the clinic and also keeps your looking for weakened dog from contracting a afaster, secondary infection. IV fluids will be administered to easier way keep your dog hydrated. Electrolytes to milk your are included in the IV fluids to keep goats, sheep, the internal organs functioning. horses and Medications for nausea and diarrhea cows? are given to make your dog more comfortable. An antibiotic is started to keep secondary infections from infecting your dog. Parvo is a painful virus to endure so often a pain medication is administered to keep your dog comfortable. The full course The Ultimate of treatment can last many days, and the dog can still be shedding virus for Milking SolUTion weeks or months after recovering. The Ultimate EZ Milker has less clean- WHEN IS MY DOG OUT up, cleaner milk, and my animals are OF THE WOODS? far more comfortable. It’sthe best How long parvo lasts depends milker Ihave ever had. We also use on many factors. The age of your the Udderly EZ™ to collect colostrum. dog is important. Puppies are not Ihighly recommend it to anyone.— physically as strong as mature dogs Menno Yoder,Maysville, AR and their immune systems are not ready to battle a strong attack from EZAnimalProducts.com •507-213-2126 •800-287-4791

JULY/AUGUST 2017 || 69 animals & livestock :: parvo

parvo. Elderly dogs may have the is equally at risk from contracting same limitations, especially if they are canine parvo. also fighting other illnesses associated The AVMA stresses the importance with aging. In most cases the of obtaining the complete series of stronger the dog is when contracting vaccines for your dog. There can be parvo, the better the chance of a gap in immunity as the puppy’s recovery. A dog that is well-fed, immune system begins to mature healthy, immunized against common and take over the immunity from the diseases, and physically strong, will mother. Even as the puppies have have an almost 95 percent chance begun vaccinations, they can become of recovery with proper treatment. infected with parvo. If you see signs One thing is sure, the chance of your of parvo in your puppy, even if it dog surviving parvo without the is on a vaccination schedule, seek appropriate medical support and treatment quickly. A series of shots nursing care is very low. is administered to puppies every Parvo in dogs is not an immediate three weeks. The three-shot series death sentence but one that requires of puppy shots plus a parvo booster a fast response and good supportive between 14 and 16 weeks of age, medical care. Immunizing your dog is your best plan to avoid parvo and being cautious during the early infection. puppy weeks gives you the best Dr. Pleura also mentioned the chance of avoiding the disease in the issue of buying vaccinations to being unable to afford the veterinary first place. administer at home. The purchased care and choosing euthanasia as The parvo recovery timeline is vaccinations may not be the best an alternative. The heartbreaking lengthy in dogs. Canine parvovirus quality if they have not been stored decision led to the researchers is more serious in puppies and older properly before being administered. sending patients home to be cared dogs that have compromised health Subsequent vaccine failure and for with medications and supplies. already. Since the virus attacks two infection with parvo has been seen Although the study still showed a main areas of resistance, the intestine in dogs that were vaccinated. better survival rate with hospital care lining and the bone marrow cells, over in-home care, the difference was the virus can spread quickly without AVOIDING PARVO slim. The findings noted that in-home being checked. In addition, cardiac Training your puppy is important care resulted in 85 percent survival damage has been seen in puppies in the prevention of parvo, too. Teach rate as opposed to a 90 percent because of infection with parvovirus. your dog commands such as “leave survival rate for those admitted to The cardiac factor in puppies is it” or “drop” and use these commands the veterinary hospital. The in-home usually a result of the mother having when the dog is attempting to contact protocol saves the dog’s owner little to no immunity to parvo, also. feces of other animals. Dog owners hundreds of dollars over the parvo Even if your dog recovers quickly, should be responsible for picking up recovery timeline. the virus can still be present for up to pet waste especially in public places six weeks. It is best to keep your dog where other dogs can come into GIVING YOUR DOG THE BEST away from other dogs during this contact with it. CHANCE OF SURVIVING PARVO long recovery period. Canine parvo can live in the Keeping your dog in top condition environment for up to six months. If will help his immune system PROVIDING IMMUNITY you know of an outbreak at a facility function best. Things such as dog No dogs are immune to parvo or public space, avoid taking an paw pad injury, external and internal for long. If the mother has been unvaccinated dog there. parasites, ear infections, and GI tract vaccinated or has recovered from upsets should be treated promptly. a case of canine parvo, some short- PARVO RECOVERY TIMELINE Deworming as necessary strengthens term immunity will be passed to - A NEW PROTOCOL the dog’s immunity by keeping the pups in the colostrum and milk. A few years ago, a study was the intestinal tract healthy. Just as This is short lived and vaccination conducted at the Colorado State in humans, GI tract health is an is the only reliable method of University Teaching Hospital using important factor in health. preventing canine parvo, according at home supportive care for dogs Avoid areas with dog droppings to the American Veterinary Medical suffering from parvovirus. The cost until the dog is fully vaccinated. Association (AMVA). The small dog of inpatient treatment for parvo Over the past few decades, the to the largest livestock guardian dog infections leads to many people vaccine for canine parvovirus has

70 || COUNTRYSIDE & SMALL STOCK JOURNAL been shown to be the best method of When they’rehurting, fighting this virus.

IS THERE A CURE FOR we’rehelping. PARVOVIRUS IN DOGS? Currently, no cure has been released. One pharmaceutical company has an experimental antibody formula in testing. The study derived from noting that antibodies from geese egg yolks are effective. The company is hoping to release the antibody soon.

NATURAL CURES FOR PARVO - DO THEY WORK? Holistic health care in dogs is of interest to many. A growing number of dog owners do not routinely vaccinate their dogs. People who choose natural immunity over vaccinations spend much time considering the alternative choice to not vaccinate. Supporters of this method state that exposing puppies to short times in an environment likely to be ripe with both distemper and parvovirus, builds natural antibody titers. Holistic Use Vetericyn to carefor cuts, pecking sores, and veterinarians test the blood titers for irritations and jumpstart the healing process. the subsequent immunity and find it as high as in dogs receiving traditional No antibiotics, alcohol or steroids. vaccinations. Many people object to Non-toxic &safeifingested conventional vaccinations. Others find fault with the vaccination schedule Safefor all animals at all lifestages finding it to be over vaccinating at No withdrawaltime an unnecessarily high rate. If you are

INAR ER IA concerned about the vaccinations your T N E V Buy locally or shop online.

R pet is receiving take note that the only E D C E Made in theUSA O D Vetericyn.com|866.318.3116 vaccine required by law is for rabies. MMEN Discuss all treatment options and your concerns with your vet. None of us want any harm to come to our working farm dogs or our pampered house pets. We surely do not want to watch our dogs From 6’x13’ to 20’x38’ suffer from a raging parvo infection. Optional PVC Covers & Wheel Sets It’s heartbreaking to see your new Galvanized Tubular Steel Frame puppy so ill or your older dog Treated Timber suffer. Currently, careful exposure to 17 Guage Welded Mesh unknown situations and following the FREE Shipping recommended vaccine schedule are the surest way to protect your dog from parvo. Remember that most dogs that receive treatment and supportive nursing care recover from this dreaded disease.

JULY/AUGUST 2017 || 71 animals & livestock :: dog treats

Blueberry Cinnamon

Baked Dog Treats YOUR POOCH WILL LOVE THEM!

Dog Treat Recipe

Ingredients 1/4 cup flax seed, ground 2/3 cup oatmeal, ground 1 cup blueberries 2 cups whole-wheat flour 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt 1 egg 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted Cooking spray

Cinnamon contains anti- OUR PUPS WILL BE sure to love this baked inflammatory properties, which dog treat recipe, whether they are livestock may help an aging dog that is BY ERIN guardian dogs or family pets. This all-natural experiencing irritated joints or PHILLIPS Y baked dog treat recipe is packed with antioxidant- muscles. Even the best farm dogs rich ingredients, including flaxseed, cinnamon, eventually age and need some and blueberries. Antioxidants can be especially extra care, especially if they have beneficial for dogs with eye and skin problems, served your farm and family well allergies, illnesses like cancer or just old achy joints. through the years. We have an old Flaxseed, coconut oil, and egg are all sources of mutt who has been a wonderful healthy fats, which will leave your dog’s coat shiny dog for our family. She has gotten and smooth. As long as your dog doesn’t have an creaky in the last couple years; it egg allergy, you can also give him an egg a day in is obviously more difficult for her his food for a beautiful coat. We had a dog with to get around. I give her a couple terrible itchy, dry skin who was always scratching of these treats a day and I notice and shedding white flakes everywhere. We started a little sparkle in her step! You giving him an egg with his breakfast and now he can’t cure old age but she seems has a lovely coat and hardly ever scratches. to be a little more comfortable.

72 || COUNTRYSIDE & SMALL STOCK JOURNAL Directions Flax seed won't grind up as Preheat your oven to smooth as oatmeal. That's ok. 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray two cookie sheets with cooking spray. Put your flax seed in a food processor or coffee grinder and process it until it resembles flour. Or buy ground flax seed. Add the oatmeal to the food processor and grind it up into flour as well. Then empty out most of it into a bowl or stand mixer, leaving just a tablespoon or so behind in the food Roll it to about 1/4" processor. Next, chop up your blueberries in the food processor. The little bit of flour you left behind will help you scoop out all your blueberries with ease. Leave the blueberries in the processor for now. In your bowl or mixer, add the whole-wheat flour and cinnamon then stir the dry ingredients to mix them. Now add in the blueberries, yogurt, and egg. Melt your coconut oil and add it in as well. This is the texture you Use your mixer or a spoon want for your dough. to stir the dough until it begins to hold together. You can add a touch of water if the dough seems too dry. Once it’s mixed, scoop out a fistful of dough and roll it into a ball between your hands. Flour your countertop well so it won’t stick, then flour the top of your dough. Use a rolling pin to roll it to about ¼ inch thick. Cut out dog treats with a small cookie cutter and put them on prepared cookie sheets. I usually have enough treats to fill two full sheets, with the treats very close together. Bake for 16 to 20 minutes then remove and let them cool on Even the kids the counter. can help! Once cooled, refrigerate and store in an airtight container NOTE: IF YOUR DOGS ARE ALLERGIC TO EGGS, TRY USING APPLESAUCE or Ziploc bag. They will stay good for several weeks. INSTEAD OF AN EGG. START WITH TWO TABLESPOONS AND ADD MORE AS YOU MIX UNTIL YOU GET A WORKABLE TEXTURE.

JULY/AUGUST 2017 || 73 animals & livestock :: cattle

An Overview of Grass-fed Beef Production

This grass-fed steer is RASS-FED BEEF CAN BE A PROFITABLE ENTERPRISE for gaining well on pasture. When harvested, he will a small farm. Knowing how to time cattle production cycles to supply us with a nutrient- BY ABBEY match the forage production cycle in cattle pastures is a secret dense, well-marbled, AND SPENCER G delicious product for our to creating a superior grass-fed beef product. When properly managed customers. SMITH and produced, grass-fed beef contains many health benefits to people, communities and the environment. PHOTOS Creating the right blend of forages and grasses in cattle pastures to BY SPENCER finish (fatten for slaughter) cattle is not as simple as turning the cattle out SMITH to grass. It requires timing the “finishing season” for maximum flavor and health benefits. Everything the animal eats will impact the flavor of the meat.

74 || COUNTRYSIDE & SMALL STOCK JOURNAL Grass-fed beef and grass for the best grass to finish cattle. finished are sometimes used Time the grazing so that optimum interchangeably to describe cattle fat and flavor can be part of the who only ate grass their whole Creating the right beef product. lives. To finish cattle means to “My opinion is that a majority grow them to a certain age and fat blend of forages of the off flavors found in grass- cover to be ready to slaughter. A and grasses in cattle fed beef is a result of not having a grass-finished product means that minimum of 3/10ths of an inch of the animal ate only grass its whole pastures to finish fat at the last rib on the carcass as life. Grass-fed generally means they go from slaughter into chill. this too, but some companies are (fatten for slaughter) Having carcasses the are too trim advertising grass-fed beef when cattle is not as simple leads to cooler shrink and cold really the animal was fed grass shortening. The carcasses do not most of its life but supplemented as turning the cattle have enough fat to protect against with corn or other high-concentrate drying out. Likewise, if the carcass feeds at the end of life. out to grass. It requires is chilled too quickly, muscle fibers Dr. Jason Rowntree, an Associate timing the “finishing seize up causing toughness among Professor of Animal Science at other issues,” said Dr. Rowntree. Michigan State University and season” for maximum “Gaminess” of the beef can be a Savory Global Network Hub prevented. It is caused by the age leader, explains the critical factor flavor and health of the plants the animal eats. is getting enough fat cover on the benefits. Everything The flavor of grass-fed beef is animal leading up to slaughter. influenced by how it cooks. “Energy intake during the last the animal eats will “People generally don’t recognize 60 days of finishing and adequate that grass-fed beef needs to be subcutaneous fat at slaughter impact the flavor of cooked a certain way. “Low and are two important factors. First, the meat. slow” is our motto. Grain-fed we want to see steers gaining a beef can be seared and cooked at minimum of two pounds per day a moderately high temperature (even better three pounds average and the meat turns our fine. With daily gain) in the last 60 days of finishing. This ensures an increasing plane of weight gain and hopefully a more marbled carcass. Our steers average around 1250 pounds with a 650-pound carcass.”

WHY SOME GRASS-FED BEEF TASTES “GAMEY” Common complaints of grass- finished beef is that it has a gamey flavor, is tough and dry. Just as important as selecting the best cattle breeds for grass-fed beef for the local environment, also select

Grass-finished beef should be finished. This is a rib steak out of a beef we harvested this fall and the flavor is fantastic due to adequate fat cover and intramuscular fat, also called marbling.

JULY/AUGUST 2017 || 75 animals & livestock :: cattle

Global Network Hub called leaves rather than growing more Grassfed Sustainability Group, leaf. When grasses are lush, dark and a grass-fed beef producer in green and growing fast, the plant is grass fed that technique almost Central Texas, says that grass- higher in protein. A cattle pasture always results in a meal that is finished cattle need a diverse diet. with high-protein plants will add unsatisfactory," said Joe Bertotti, Age of the animal matters too. frame and muscle on calves, but owner of Hole in One Ranch in “Animals must have sufficient it will not get them to a finished Janesville, California. age in order to produce a well- body condition. This is a common marbled carcass with adequate problem for grass finishers as they THE AGE OF PLANTS back fat. Most bad grass-fed beef will allow their cattle to re-graze INFLUENCES THE FLAVOR eating experiences are because plants as the plants re-grow leaves. OF BEEF that animal is not truly finished” Instead, get cattle pastures that Fattening cattle on pastures said Lemke. are at maximum forage growth, takes the same principle as grain The genetics of cattle influence but prior to “heading out,” which finishers in the feedlots: more their ability to gain enough fat to means the plants are creating a carbohydrates in the cattle’s diet finish on grass. seed head. This timing will ensure allows them to put on enough fat “One of the biggest mistakes the proper balance for a fat- to actually finish. When finishing producers make is believing that packing diet. on forage, make sure that the any animal can be forage finished Another way that producers animals get enough carbohydrates on any forage,” Lemke said. can manage for the best-tasting compared to protein. The time to start fattening product is selecting what forage Chad Lemke, Production genetically appropriate cattle is mixes the cattle will have access to Manager for Grassfed Livestock when forages are starting to move during the last few weeks of life. Alliance, director of the Savory more carbs/energy up into the Design cattle production cycles:

MANURE CONDITION AND TEXTURE WHAT IT MEANS HOW TO MAKE CORRECTIONS

Round, Moist Patty with Hollowed Out Center Feed is Well-Digested None Needed

Loose and Runny Stools Getting Too Much Protein; Supplement with High-Energy Hay Meat will be Gamier in Flavor

Manure is Blocky and Hard Carbohydrates are Too High; Supplement with High-Protein Meat will be Tough Feed like Alfalfa Hay

76 || COUNTRYSIDE & SMALL STOCK JOURNAL calving times, weaning times, finishing times to complement the grass production cycle. Some ranchers plant a pasture of annual plants for finishing cattle. This Show your beef customers how you feel about is effective because annual crops such as wheat, rye, and oats your livestock, let them know that animal welfare can be planted early in the year. is a priority for you, and they will understand They provide ample energy to the grazing animal as soon as what motivates you to produce beef for them. the fourth leaf is mature. Later in the year, if cattle are finishing in the height of summer, consider planting warm season annuals such as grazing corn, sorghum, sudangrass or legumes that will maintain throughout the summer heat. Another option is feeding stockpiled feed such as high- quality hay or haylage. Monitor how well the stock is metabolizing feed. This can be checked (not scientifically) by learning to read manure. Cattle eating a balanced ration that their stomach biology is adapted to will produce manure that is moist and well-digested. Learning how livestock is utilizing the feed provided in cattle pastures helps maximize fat and flavor in grass- fed and finished beef.

HOW TO TALK TO CONSUMERS ABOUT GRASS-FED BEEF BENEFITS The key to talking about grass- Maezy Smith cuddles with her cow, Belle. fed beef benefits is understanding why a conscientious consumer is interested in grass-fed/finished beef. Consumers tend to choose grass-fed/finished beef for three primary reasons:

1. The health benefits of grass- fed beef. 2. Animal welfare issues. 3. Knowing their farmer and buying local food.

“Most people want grass-fed beef because of the health benefit – but it goes much deeper. The

JULY/AUGUST 2017 || 77 animals & livestock :: cattle

folks who want grass fed tend to GRASS-FED AND FINISHED be much more interested in how BEEF VS. GRAIN-FED AND Producing the animals are raised and the FINISHED BEEF environment that we maintain for When discussing the health grass-fed beef can them. After health benefits, I think attributes of grass-finished beef, be a meaningful that customers (friends) genuinely remember that the fat contains value their relationship with their the health benefits. The grass- enterprise for a ranchers," said Joe Bertotti. finished beef must be fat enough at the time of slaughter. Many ranch or farm. WHAT ARE THE HEALTH grass-fed beef ranchers are looking The grass-fed beef BENEFITS OF at beef breeds that finish on GRASS-FED BEEF? the grass at a younger age and benefits extend Several studies show that maintain maximum marbling or grass-fed beef contains higher intramuscular fat. One such breed beyond health to omega-three fatty acids, as well as is the Akaushi. These cattle come animal welfare and Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA), from Japan and have been selected compared to grain-finished animals. to fatten on forage rather than supporting the This is important for an American on grain. Yielding a wonderfully population that is battling record marbled and premium piece of local economy. rates of heart disease and cancer. meat. Another small breed is the The best dietary source of CLA Highland. Knowing breeds of comes from grass-finished beef cattle and the beef they produce and dairy. will help with communication and “CLA has even been shown marketing about the beef product. to reduce the risk of cancer, in both experimental and case- ANIMAL WELFARE MATTERS: control studies. It appears to work GRASSLANDS AND PASTURES primarily by blocking the growth ARE A COW’S NATURAL HABITAT and metastatic spread of tumors, Grass-fed beef benefits extend controlling the cell cycle, and by beyond health. Many consumers reducing inflammation,” according are concerned with animal to an article by Chris Kresser on welfare. This gave rise to labels ChrisKresser.com. such as Animal Welfare Approved. Other studies have shown that This lets consumers know that the CLA can help with Type Two beef they are purchasing enjoyed a Diabetes and weight loss. good life while consuming healthy Few fats have been studied as forages, that care was taken in the thoroughly as omega-three fatty day-to-day life of the animal to acids. They have wide ranging ensure it was healthy and handled health benefits, such as heart health, in a low-stress manner. Stress is a eye health, and brain function. The big influencer in a grass-finishing best sources of dietary omega-three operation because stressed fatty acids are fatty fish, but a diet animals do not gain weight. The rich in grass-finished beef provides pounds that they do put on tend health benefits. Discussions about to be leaner and less palatable to omega-three fatty acids are usually the consumer. Taking good care about their ratio to omega-six fatty of animals has multiple benefits. acids in foods. A healthy ratio of The story of the farm or ranch, the omega-three fatty acids to omega- family managing it and the animal six fatty acids is about two to one are important to consumers. omega-six to omega-three. Grass- When talking to consumers fed beef has a two to one ratio. about grass-fed beef benefits, Perhaps nature knows best what we first know why you produce need to be healthy! this product.

78 || COUNTRYSIDE & SMALL STOCK JOURNAL Producing grass-fed beef can be a meaningful enterprise for a ranch or farm. The grass-fed beef benefits extend beyond health to animal welfare and supporting the local economy. Learning to synchronize cattle production cycles to forage production cycles allows the farmer to create a healthy, local product that works with nature.

The Smith Family enjoys a family meal and the health benefits of grass-fed beef. Being able to tell your consumers why your beef is a high- quality product, comes down to educating them about the health benefits of grass finished beef for the consumer, ranchers, and ranching communities.

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JULY/AUGUST 2017 || 79 poultry :: chicken myths “Put all thine eggs in one basket and watch that basket.” - Mark Twain

Separating Fowl Fallacies From Fact

AVE YOU HEARD THAT providing corn for chickens can make them overheat? Or that feeding cayenne increases egg production? Even experienced chicken BY MARISSA owners still believe a few old wives’ tales. While some myths are harmless, others AMES H can be dangerous.

MYTH: HOT PEPPER KEEPS heat. Too much hot pepper will do the same CHICKENS WARM. thing to chickens that a five-alarm curry will do to you: cause stomach problems, diarrhea, A dish of chili warms you on a January and possible internal blistering. But it’s worse day, but it’s because the chili itself was heated for chickens because their mouths don’t up. Capsaicin, the plant compound giving taste capsaicin, so they’ll keep eating it. Red peppers their Scoville units, feels warm on peppers contain vitamin C but do chickens a the tongue but doesn’t create any metabolic favor: offer sweet bells instead.

80 || COUNTRYSIDE & SMALL STOCK JOURNAL “Put all thine eggs in one basket and watch that basket.” - Mark Twain

MYTH: PROVIDING season or replenish your flock with Do you know what not to feed CORN FOR CHICKENS MAKES younger birds. chickens? With the exceptions of THEM OVERHEAT. Yogurt is high in protein, but too chocolate and caffeine, which can much lactose can upset digestion in harm their hearts, consider the same animals that did not evolve drinking rules: what’s good for you is good Can chickens eat corn on the cob? milk. Provide corn for chickens for them. Don’t offer greens from They love it! instead, and save hot pepper for a plants that can also poison humans, Yes, corn is considered a “hot” good egg curry. such as tomatoes or rhubarb. Junk food. But this “heat” is a caloric food is bad for you and them. So is measure, not temperature. Eating moldy food. Avocado pulp is fine, high-calorie foods keeps chickens CHICKENS SHOULD BE but not pits or peels. warm in the winter because it VEGETARIANS AND Another myth claims that fuels their metabolisms, the same OTHER FOOD MYTHS. chickens avoid what is bad for way that comfort food gives us them. Perhaps that was true for the energy to shovel snow. But Vegetarian, really? Have you ancestral Red Jungle fowl, which providing corn for chickens in the seen hens chase mice or gobble up evolved before plastics and junk summer doesn’t overheat them any earwigs? Chickens are predators that food, but they’ve evolved several more than cupcakes will overheat need protein. They love dandelion thousand years since. Now we’re humans. Go ahead and make that greens, but if you offer steak growing corn for chickens instead recipe with frozen corn for chickens trimmings, they’ll trample each of expecting them to forage. Anyone in muffin tins. They may not eat other to get a bite. who has performed an operation it until it thaws, but they will Feeding chickens scraps is okay if to remove Styrofoam from a hen’s appreciate cold kernels on a hot day. you remember a couple rules. crop, knows to keep non-digestible In general, chickens can eat what or toxic materials out of reach. MYTH: FEEDING OLD you can. Too much fat, salt, sugar, YOGURT OR HOT or empty carbohydrates will mess MYTH: CHICKENS NEED PEPPER INCREASES EGG up your nutrition, just as it will with chickens. But they love it so much, SWEATERS. PRODUCTION. right? So do children, if you let them choose between candy and broccoli. Chickens evolved in Iceland The hot pepper myth claims that Save treats for special occasions. and New England before humans it makes chickens thirsty, and they drink more water, which makes more eggs. Do you see the fallacy here? Eggs aren’t just shells filled with water, and dangers of hot peppers are addressed earlier in this article. Egg production depends on several factors: age of the bird, the amount of light/daylight, specific breed, overall health and stress level, and whether she consumes enough food and water to push that high-protein egg from her body. She won’t lay if she’s molting or broody. You can add supplementary light during short winter days or feed high-quality protein for an easier molt. But you cannot increase a chicken’s egg-laying abilities beyond her specific biology. You may have to wait until she’s back in

JULY/AUGUST 2017 || 81 poultry :: chicken myths

harnessed electricity. Provide a draft-free coop, ventilation, clean bedding, and proper food and water to support metabolic function, but nothing else is necessary. Sweaters can keep chickens from self-regulating body temperature, can harbor lice and mites, become strangulation hazards, and provide places for predators to grab.

MYTH: BROILERS ARE GENETICALLY MODIFIED AND/OR GROWN WITH HORMONES.

Currently, the only FDA- approved, genetically engineered meat product is a type of farm- raised salmon. Broilers are hybrid

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

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82 || COUNTRYSIDE & SMALL STOCK JOURNAL Foods containing more vitamin A tend to be darker yellow or orange. Eggs from backyard First: All food decomposes. chickens can contain more nutrition because That’s how you know it’s real food. Unwashed eggs will spoil with the birds’ diets are varied. increased heat, time, and exposure to outside bacteria. crosses of Cornish and Plymouth So why is “raised without Second: These internet articles Rock, which creates heavy and fast- hormones” printed on poultry rarely mention Europe’s fresh- growing offspring. The breed has packaging? Because consumers food culture. Pizza is marketed by other issues, but being GMO isn’t believe myths and pay more for freshness, instead of how much one of them. the label. cheese is dumped on. Cooks are It has never been legal, in the embarrassed to serve day-old bread. United States, to raise anything but MYTH: EUROPEAN From sanitary nests to eggs that beef and mutton with hormones. EGGS DON’T GO BAD reach market the next day, there At the same time the government BECAUSE PEOPLE aren’t as many chances for them to legalized it for these animals, they encounter dangerous bacteria. This outlawed it for poultry and pork. It’s DON’T WASH THEM. fresh-food culture is certainly not also nearly impossible. Hormones in mirrored in the United States unless feed would just be metabolized and Oh, the ongoing argument of you farm or purchase from farms. rendered ineffective. Administering whether you should refrigerate Third: What happens between via injection or subdermal pellet eggs. It is true that washing them egg laying and consumption is would make poultry more expensive removes a protective “bloom” of what matters. An egg laid in a to produce than consumers are calcium crystals. But whether eggs clean nest, which is soon gathered, willing to pay. will go bad isn’t that simple. doesn’t sit in temperatures above

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70 degrees, and is eaten within a orange-red yolks. Commercial producers may add lutein to feed, to make couple days, is less likely to harbor yolks yellow, or marigold seeds for orange yolks, though their products are bacteria. Eggs laid in factory farms, no more nutritious than competitors’ eggs. washed with ammonia which strips The best way to determine if yolks are healthier is to know if the away protective blooms, handled by chickens’ diet is also healthy. multiple people, then allowed to sit a month or longer before reaching MYTH: CHICKEN’S WON’T EAT THEIR OWN consumers? Refrigerate those. EGGS (OR EACH OTHER, OR HURT CHICKS, MATE WITH MYTH: BLOOD SPOTS MEAN SIBLINGS, OR EAT YOUR GARDEN.) EGGS ARE FERTILE. Trust me, chickens have no moral code to tell them that eating their Blood spots mean capillaries own eggs is bad. Eggs are delicious, and once they figure that out, broke when eggs were formed. It they’re not going to stop just because “it’s wrong.” The same goes for just happens, and it’s not dangerous roosters and hens with similar parentage: they don’t know they’re to us or hens. You don’t see blood siblings, and no matter how often you remind them, they won’t listen. in commercial eggs because of Chickens have their own rules. Humans can either work with those or the screening process, which also can gasp in horror when chickens behave like chickens. separates grades A from B, isolates If you place cooked chicken before them, they will eat it. these eggs and assigns them to If you put tiny chicks with a hen which isn’t broody, she will kill them. other culinary purposes. If you don’t provide enough space, a balanced diet, and something Fertility can be determined by for the hens to do, they may kill and cannibalize each other. That’s why cracking the egg and looking at the crowded commercial farms trim beaks. blastoderm, which is a tiny white A flock may even decide when it’s time for one to go. They will gang spot located on the yolk. If it’s up on her. If you don’t want this to happen, isolate the sick or old ones. fertile, this spot resembles a donut; Your garden is a buffet. Chickens eat garlic and onions if that’s the if it’s infertile, it’s just a spot. Some only greenery available. They will rip up carrot seedlings to access vegetarians only eat eggs from worms beneath the soil. If you want chickens to eat bugs within your coops without roosters, because garden, either let them in when plants are mature, allow a few well- there’s no way those can produce monitored hens at a time, or fence off vulnerable areas. life. And even if they are fertilized, it takes time, temperature, and humidity for that blastoderm to What chicken myths have you heard, crazy or believable? Whether become blood vessels capable of it’s about providing corn for chickens in the summer or dressing them turning into a chick. in sweaters, do your own research to separate myths from facts. MYTH: DARKER YOLKS ARE HEALTHIER. CRAZIEST CHICKEN MYTHS I’VE HEARD: Foods containing more vitamin A tend to be darker yellow or You need a rooster to get eggs. Humans also ovulate without a orange. Eggs from backyard male presence. chickens can contain more nutrition What they eat determines chick gender. Actually, it’s genetics. because the birds’ diets are varied. But determining an egg’s Fertile eggs are healthier. Male + female doesn’t equal healthiness, by color, can get tricky. more vitamins. Yolks are yellow in the United States because factory farms Only roosters have spurs and big combs. Hens can have spurs and big combs. provide yellow corn for chickens. Hens can crow. Roosters can sit on eggs. But healthy African chickens, Chickens are the closest relatives to T-rex. They’re only the closest relative out consuming sorghum, have off- of 21 species tested. white yolks. Some South American chickens eat annatto, making White eggs are processed. I don’t know what to say to this.

84 || COUNTRYSIDE & SMALL STOCK JOURNAL after chores :: just for fun "Why not go out on a limb? Isn't that where the fruit is?" - Frank Scully

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86 || COUNTRYSIDE & SMALL STOCK JOURNAL "Why not go out on a limb? Isn't that where the fruit is?" - Frank Scully

JULY/AUGUST 2017 || 87 Countryside :: almanack Take stock in August. Count the days, Poor Will’s Measure the harvest, IS YOUR DEWORMER the hours of sunlight. Countryside — Celtus Almanack PASSINGTHE TEST? AVERAGEPERCENT EFFICACY2 for Middle and Late Summer of 2017 90%Required to Pass4 BY W. L. FELKER

P P 100% THE SUN’S farthest from Earth) Aquarius. This shower Independence Day stress, better for your TheFDA has identified growing levels of internal 99.6% PROGRESS August 7: The moon can bring up to 20 August 7: Jamaican livestock and you. parasites resistant to the Macrocyclic lactones At 5:00 a.m. on July 3, the is full at 1:11 p.m. meteors in an hour. The Independence Day 7. The moon is 98.7% 1 Earth reaches aphelion, August 14: The crescent moon should not August 10: Ecuadorian full today, but PASS (Avermectin) class of dewormers. the point at which it moon enters its final interfere with viewing of Independence Day yesterday’s apogee 90% is about 153 million quarter at 8:15 p.m. these meteors. should weaken lunar FAIL Results from the MerckAnimal Health Fecal Egg kilometers (its greatest August 18: Lunar The Perseid meteor POOR WILL’S GUIDE power, good news if F 2 distance) from the Sun. perigee (when the moon shower peaks August 11 TO FARMING AND you are transporting Count Reduction Test National database shows On July 23, the Sun is closest to Earth) through 13 in the east an GARDENING animals to the fair. 83.5% F 80% several cases of internal parasite resistance enters the late summer August 21: The Cricket hour or so after midnight 8. Poor Will’s daughter and supports concurrent treatment protocol to sign of Leo. In August, and Katydid Moon below the Milky Way July Jeni says that if she 78.4% manage resistant parasites. the sun moves halfway is new at 1:30 p.m. in Perseus. This shower 1. Plan for early autumn lets her chickens F between summer August 29: The moon can produce up to 60 sales: September indoors and feeds 70% solstice and autumn enters its second shooting stars in an hour, brings six holidays on them snacks, they 72.3% Themajorityopinion among parasitologists equinox, entering Virgo phase at 3:13 a.m. but the bright moon which you can market lay a lot more eggs. attending the FDA public forum on managing and reaching Cross- could interfere with your your lambs and Hmmm. resistant parasites was that concurrent treatment Quarter Day (halfway to The Planets meteor count. kids: Eid Al-Adha 9. The height of of twodifferent classes of anthelmintics is the Equinox) on August 23. Venus remains the (September 1), Labor summer heat adds to ermectin 60%

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Sun occurs on August throughout the summer. Fish, game, livestock, 4th), Jewish New turning some grasses an 21, visible in its entirety Jupiter is the evening star and people tend to feed Year (September dormant. F Merck’s database supports 2008USDA National in an area from Oregon in the far west. Saturn more and are more active 20 – 22), Navaratri 10. Patrol chicken pens; Plus 50% ® ® Animal Health Monitoring Study (NAHMS) through the center of the lies below Hercules as the barometer falls (September 21 – 29), remove carcasses, 49%

United States. The eclipse at sundown and then one to three days before Al Hijira (September which may cause e showing confirmed or suspected resistance will begin in the middle disappears into western the weather systems that 21 – October 19) and botulism if eaten by anacur anacur in several U.S. states to Macrocyclic lactone Injectable of the morning and will horizon after midnight. arrive near the following Ashura (September other chickens,. /P /P

Injectable 3 ® ® jectabl ®

Injectable 40% (Avermectin) class of dewormers. d d last until the middle of Mars is not visible in July dates: July 6, 14, 21, & 28 30) 11. If your buck rabbit ® In ®

the afternoon. and August. and August 4, 10, 17, 21, 2. Explore ethnic (like your buck goat ® & 29. markets in the closest or ram) is exposed Phases of the Sweet Corn The Stars Tornadoes, hurricanes, large cities now and to excessive heat, ADDSAFE-GUARD Ivomec LongRange Cydectin Dectomax Safe-Guar Moon, the Blackberry Cassiopeia and the floods or prolonged see how you might he may become Safe-Guar 0 Moon and the Cricket Milky Way lie on the periods of soggy pasture serve their needs sterile for up to three ADDPOUNDS and Katydid Moon northern horizon in the are most likely to occur for lambs, kids, and months. June 30: The moon late evening. Cygnus within the following other livestock. 12. Be alert for heat enters its second rises from the northeast, windows: July 3 – 8, 3. Japanese beetles now stroke in your quarter at 7:51 a.m. Ophiuchus from the July 21 – 23, August 3 reach major levels in chickens. Keep their July 6: Lunar apogee east, Sagittarius and – 7 and August 27 – 30. roses and ferns. water cool or cold Consult your local veterinarian for assistance in the diagnosis, treatment and control of parasitism. Safe-GuardDrenchand Paste (when the moon is Libra from the southeast. Full moon on July 8 and 4. When the with ice cubes. RESIDUE WARNING: Cattle must not be slaughtered within 8days following last treatment. For dairy farthest from Earth) Centaurus and Corvus August 7 and the new temperature rises 13. Make your feeding IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION cattle, the milk discardtime is zerohours. Awithdrawal period has not been established for this product July 8: The Sweet Corn are low on the southern moon on July 23 and past 80 degrees, schedule for Safe-GuardEN-PRO-ALMolasses Block in preruminating calves. Do not use in calves to be processed for veal. Moon is full at 11:07 p.m. horizon. Hydra snakes August 21 are likely your rabbit may pregnant animals RESIDUE WARNING: Cattle must not be slaughtered within 11 days following last treatment. A July 16: The moon across the southwest. to coincide with more experience heat now. Good nutrition withdrawal period has not been established for this product in preruminating calves. Do not use in calves Safe-Guardisaregistered trademark of Merck Animal Health. Panacur is aregistered trademark of Merck Animal Health. Ivomec is aregistered trademark of enters its final quarter Monoceros is setting in dangerous storms. stroke. favors twinning. Merial, Ltd. Cydectin is aregistered trademark of Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica. Dectomax is aregistered trademark of Zoetis. LongRange is aregistered to be processed for veal. trademark of Merial, Ltd. at 2:26 p.m. the west, Capella and 5. Be sure to provide 14. Weight loss in Safe-GuardProtein Block July 21: Lunar perigee Perseus disappearing A CALENDAR extra water, building livestock can alert 1FDA Public Resistance Forum-March 2012 July 23: The Blackberry into the northwest. OF FEAST DAYS ventilation, and you to problems not RESIDUE WARNING: Cattle must not be slaughtered within 16 days following last treatment. A 2Tests from 1/1/2008-4/12/2016 withdrawal period has not been established for this product in preruminating calves. Do not use in calves 3NAHMS 2008 Moon is new at 4:43 a.m. AND HOLIDAYS shade for livestock. only associated with 4Dobson R., Jackson F., Levecke B., Besier B., et al. Guidelines for fecal egg count reduction tests (FECRT). World Association for the Advancement of July 30: The moon The Shooting Stars FOR FARMERS, Begin autumn temperature but to be processed for veal. VeterinaryParasitology (WAAVP) (2011) Proceedings: 23rdInternational Conference of the World Association for the Advancement of VeterinaryParasitology enters its second The nights of July 28 GARDENERS AND planting of root with feed, the type of Safe-GuardMineral, feed through products and liquid feed 2Giralda Farms –Madison, NJ 07940 –merck-animal-health-usa.com – phase at 10:23 a.m. to 29 bring the Delta HOMESTEADERS crops. pasture, and disease. RESIDUE WARNING: Cattle must not be slaughtered within 13 days following last treatment. For dairy 800.521.5767 Copyright ©2016 Intervet, Inc. d/b/a Merck Animal health, August 2: Lunar apogee Aquarid meteor shower July 4: United States 6. Today’s lunar apogee 15. Explore the mail cattle, the milk discardtime is zerohours. Awithdrawal period has not been established for this product asubsidiaryof Merck &Co., Inc. (when the moon is after 12:00 a.m. in (also Puerto Rico) means less lunar order or online All rights reserved. in preruminating calves. Do not use in calves to be processed for veal. 5/16 BV-SG-55108

88 || COUNTRYSIDE & SMALL STOCK JOURNAL IS YOUR DEWORMER PASSINGTHE TEST? AVERAGEPERCENT EFFICACY2 90%Required to Pass4

P P 100% TheFDA has identified growing levels of internal 99.6% 98.7% parasites resistant to the Macrocyclic lactones PASS (Avermectin) class of dewormers.1 90% FAIL Results from the MerckAnimal Health Fecal Egg F Count Reduction Test National database2 shows 83.5% F 80% several cases of internal parasite resistance and supports concurrent treatment protocol to 78.4% F manage resistant parasites. 72.3% 70% Themajorityopinion among parasitologists attending the FDA public forum on managing resistant parasites was that concurrent treatment of twodifferent classes of anthelmintics is the ermectin 60%

Av best way to manage these resistant parasites. an F Merck’s database supports 2008USDA National Plus 50% ® ® Animal Health Monitoring Study (NAHMS) 49%

e showing confirmed or suspected resistance

anacur anacur in several U.S. states to Macrocyclic lactone Injectable /P /P

Injectable 3 ® ® jectabl ®

Injectable 40% (Avermectin) class of dewormers. d d ® In ® ® ADDSAFE-GUARD Ivomec LongRange Cydectin Dectomax Safe-Guar Safe-Guar 0 ADDPOUNDS

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

Safe-GuardProtein Block 1FDA Public Resistance Forum-March 2012 RESIDUE WARNING: Cattle must not be slaughtered within 16 days following last treatment. A 2Tests from 1/1/2008-4/12/2016 withdrawal period has not been established for this product in preruminating calves. Do not use in calves 3NAHMS 2008 4Dobson 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. VeterinaryParasitology (WAAVP) (2011) Proceedings: 23rdInternational Conference of the World Association for the Advancement of VeterinaryParasitology 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 days following 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 Countryside :: almanack

market for organic adjusting to high it’s ragweed: that forget today’s solar August 14 – 20: goat’s milk soap or summer heat. High plant is getting tall eclipse! Mornings; Evenings sheep’s milk soap. humidity makes it now, and it can give 21. Overcast skies may August 21 – 28: 16. Schedule hoof even more difficult a strange tang to intensify hormonal Afternoons; Midnight to trimming for a week for them to adjust. your milk. fluctuations related Dawn to two weeks before 29. Consider digging a 10. Begin your worm to the number of August 29 – 31: you show your back-yard pond for farm now. hours of daylight. Evenings; Mornings animals. tilapia fingerlings 11. Throughout the 22. West of the 17. Shear the rams to born indoors during country, average continental divide, SCKRAMBLER be used for fall the winter. temperatures now it is time to consider WINNERS breeding. Some 30. A little mineral oil drop a degree and a bringing the sheep People continued to homesteaders shear (about an ounce) half per week until down to safer submit answers to the ewes in midsummer given daily during September 10, when pastures. March-April Sckrambler to improve flushing. the flushing period they decline one 23. Harvest tilapia until the 69th correct 18. Increase the quality of sheep and goats degree every three fingerlings for sales response was finally of forage available may increase days into January. to homesteaders, received from Ellen to your bucks and ovulations and have 12. Koi fingerlings born preppers, or Marique, Newton, rams in order to a positive effect on in June could soon hobbyists. NH. Answers and the increase breeding fertility. be large enough to 24. Plan a green manure winners of the May-June performance later on 31. Keep a bag of ice market to stores crop for your garden. Sckrambler and the July- in the year. in the freezer for and individuals. 25. Nights below 60 August Sckrambler will 19. Rotate pastures to keeping poultry and They grow well degrees occur be announced in the next ensure the youngest rabbits comfortable in aquariums and often in the North Poor Will’s Countryside animals get the best in the heat. should be especially as August comes Almanack. location and shade. beautiful by next to a close, and the Consider setting up August spring. morning of the 29th THE JULY-AUGUST a mister to cool off 1. Keep rams and does 13. Be on the lookout brings the possibility SCKRAMBLER: your chickens. away from legumes for ketosis in your of light frost. Requirements for Self- 20. Increase the later in the season; overweight does and 26. August and Sufficiency availability of loose that form of feed ewes. September are soil salt to your animals may cut down on 14. The day’s length, testing months. ECNIEPAT as the heat increases. fertility. which shortened at 27. Pick wild grapes. URPNEDEC 21. Lunar perigee today 2. Wash and shave the rate of only six Collect hickory nuts TEDMREANINOIT is likely to increase your bucks before minutes per week and black walnuts. ECNEDIFNOC stress in folks and breeding season. one month ago, now 28. Check the elderberry OUAEGRC animals. 3. Harvest blackberries. contracts more than juice for wine. REPSEVREANCE 22. Early estrus cycling 4. If you’re feeding hay, a quarter of an hour 29. Be sure animals OEPH may occur in does check and clean the in a week, providing have had their DORLERNISES and ewes during hay feeders. more breeding vaccinations before NESSFULPLEH periods of rapid 5. Explore breeding stimulus to ewes breeding. GHTIRESOF rising or falling of tilapia in a fish tank and does. 30. Keep burrowing ITYBILEXIF barometric pressure. over the coming 15. This is a pivotal date predators out of EESSN FO ROHUM 23. The Blackberry winter. for the first frosts in your pens by laying NEGRESOTIY Moon turns new: 6. Full moon today is the West and North. barbed wire along STYNEOH more lunar stress likely to strengthen 16. Explore marketing the ground under RITYINETG today and increased the first two cool to wool and fiber your fences. EEEATMPRNC likelihood of storms. fronts of August. shows in your state. SESNLUFEHPL 24. Get ready to 7. In northern states, Even though spring LUNAR FEEDING YTILAGURF market lambs and the length of the is the time for PATTERNS FOR RTYSUDNI kids for Jamaican day falls to 14 hours many of the biggest PEOPLE AND BEASTS NOITERAMOD Independence (the length often shows, some of the When the moon is above Day (August 7) associated with nicest ones may the continental United If you are the 10th, the and Ecuadorian estrus in ewes and come in fall. States, creatures are 25th, the 56th or 100th Independence Day does) by the middle 17. Today’s lunar typically most active. person to return your (August 10). of August. In the perigee may The second-most-active correct Sckrambler 25. Do you have enough Deep South, the stimulate ovulation times occur when the solutions before the mud for your pigs to 14-hour span is not in sheep and goats. moon is below the earth. answers appear in wallow in? It’s hot reached until the 18. Expand your Countryside to Poor out there! middle of September. aquaculture research Date Best; Second-Best Will, P.O. Box 431, 26. Move pansies and 8. Don’t forget to to include raising July 1 – 7: Evenings; Yellow Springs, OH mums to market for include winter catfish. Some people Mornings 45387, you will win autumn sales. bedding material even sell and send July 8 – 15: Midnight to $5.00. If you happen to 27. Be alert for in with your herd’s fish by mail! Dawn; Afternoons find a typo, however, conditions which supply requirements 19. Prepare soil for July 16 – 22: Mornings; you may simply skip would favor the for the coming garlic planting. Evenings that word without transfer of ringworm months. 20. New moon July 23 – 31: Afternoons; penalty. and club lamb 9. If your goats’ milk today builds on Midnight to Dawn fungus in crowded is starting to taste perigee of the August 1 – 6: Evenings; Copyright 2017 – show conditions. salty, that taste could 18th, heightening Mornings 28. Younger animals be the result of the intensity of August 7 – 13: Midnight W. L. Felker have a harder time mastitis. Or maybe breeding. And don’t to Dawn; Afternoons

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hft_countryside_0617_M-REG110624.indd 1 4/20/17 5:13 PM CountrysideCountryside :: breeders:: BREEDERS directoryDIRECTORY reACH oVer 300,000 PeoPLe For Just $60/yeAr! SEpTEmBER/OCTOBER 2017 DEADLINE: JuNE 23, 2017

Tennessee. 901-553-9401. Wisconsin nebraska DREAm CHASER FARm ALpACAS, Ann &maurice dorset mEADOWLARK FARm, Larry Rauert, 4767N. mcKercher,6106 SDedham Rd., Foxboro, WI 54836. Quandt Rd., Grand Island, NE 68801. 308-381-1518. RegisteredHereford 715-399-8527, cell: 218-348-4823. Quality fiber and breeding stock for sale. Cane Creek Rd, Rutherfordton, NC 28139. 828-286- Wisconsin $400 and up. 0159. purebred Dorsets WHITE BISON FARm, Dave &Jodi Cronauer, since 1974. 5711Karls Ln., Laona, WI 54541. 715-674-2287. BuLLFroGs Idaho pasture pigs, KuneKune pigs, American idaho Bison, Gypsy Vanner Horses. RANA RANCH BuLLFROGS, pO Box 1043, ohio Twin Falls, ID 83303-1043. 208-734-0899. STRASSERHuTENFARmS,Robert&CorinneStrasser, Kune Kune PiGs American Bullfrogs (Rana 4318 Hattrick Rd., Rootstown, OH 44272-9770. 330- catesbeiana). Deep soothing music on your pond. 325-1373. Irish Dexter cattle, Pennsylvania purpose bred bullfrogs-healthy,hardy and prolific. miniature donkeys. Grass-fed freezer beef for sale. KuNE KuNE pIGS OF HONEYBROOK, 436 Church- Free info sheet. town Rd Honeybrook, pA 19344. 717-725-4666. GAMe Birds piglets available.Registered Kune Kune pigs. CAttLe Minnesota MiniAture CAttLe Arkansas OAKWOODGAmEFARm, INC., pO Box GRAmYBEAR FARm, Clair Gorton, 1068 Sycamore 274, princeton, mN 55371. 800-328-6647. Pennsylvania Lane,Leslie,AR72645.870-447-2869. pheasant &Chukar WELSH mOuNTAIN FARm,Amos T. Ebersol, 590 gmx.com> mini Jerserys. Fonnie Thoman Line. partridge chicks &eggs available. Red Hill Rd., Narvon, pA 17555. 717-768-3652. mini Jersey Cattle. Kansas Wisconsin LA DORADA, Elizabeth Lundgren, DVm., 22484 W. puRELYpOuLTRY,pOBox 466, Fremont, WI MiniAture Jersey CAttLe 239 St., Spring Hill, KS 66083. 54940. 800-216-9917. Ankole-Watusi cattle. Indian Red Junglefowl, Pennsylvania Guineas, peacocks. Ducks: mandarin, Ringed Teal, Missouri Whistling Ducks, Wood Ducks, mallard Ducks. Swans: mini Jersey Cattle: mini moo Farm, 37 mcCall Dam Rd, HIGH-LAND FARm,Harold &Jann Ramey,RR 73, White mute, Australian Black, Trumpeter,Whooper, Loganton, pA 17747, ph 570-725-2011ext 2. Box 3549, Alton, mO 65606. 309-251-4114, Cell: Black Necked. Quail: NorthernBobwhite, Jumbo 309-251-5832. Scottish Bobwhite, Texas A&m, Valley,Gambel, Blue Scale, MiniAture LiVestoCK Highland Cattle. mountain, mearns. partridge: Chukar,Hungarian. Ringneck pheasants: Chinese,Jumbo, Kansas, man- Alabama churianCross,melantistic mutant.Ornamental pheas- CreAM LeGBAr LNL mINIFARm, Levon &Lynn Sargent, 663 Hulsey ants: Red Golden, Yellow Golden, Blue Eared, Brown Rd.,Henagar,AL35978.256-657-6545. American Wild Turkeys: Eastern and merriams. WICK pLACE FARm, 1907 43rd St., Caledonia, WI Guinea hog xKuneKune pigs, AmJA %miniature 53108.414-708-4057. Jersey &Lowline crossbred mini beef cattle. Cream Legbars. Black GoAts Copper marans, Olive Eggers, Lavender,Orpingtons. PouLtry NpIp certified. California AmBER WAVES pygmy Goats. Ship Worldwide. 951- California doGs 736-1076. [email protected] Text Only 951- mETZER FARmS, 26000C Old Stage Rd., Gon- 444-0074. Amber Waves offers the largest selection zales, CA 93926. Year-roundhatching. Nation- of registered pygmy goats and Nigerian Dwarf Goats illinois wide shipping. Free catalog now,800-424-7755. available anywhere. We are the leading exporter of Ducklings: pekin, Rouen, GRANDVIEW ACRES, Dennis &Laura Gray,14014 miniature goats worldwide. Whether you are looking Khaki Campbell, Golden 300 Egg Layer,White Layer, State Line Rd., Durand, IL 61024. 815-248-9012 & to add afamily pet or awhole herd we can help. Visi- BlueSwedish,Buff,Cayuga,mallard,WelshHarlequin, Cell/TXT:815-988-8867. Great pyrenees LGD’s, St Croix, DorperxKata- Negative for CAE, CL and Johne’s. Lifetime Support Fawn &White) Goslings: Embden, White Chinese, din sheep &BoerGoats.purebredpuppies-weanedor Why is this important to you? ASK! Brown Chinese, Toulouse, Dewlap Toulouse,African, EXpERIENCED. parentsreduced ourlivestocklosses Buff, Tufted Buff, Sebastopol, pilgrim, Roman Tufted. to zero from predators and RApTORS. Raised with, HYONAHILL, Ruth mcCormick, 24900 SkylandRd., Ringneck pheasants, French pearl guineas. lambs, goats, poultry,and more. Los Gatos, CA 95033. 408-353-1017. Registered Oberhasli dairy goats. Beautiful, FLoridA oklahoma quiet, delicious milk. Send for breed information. GREENFIRE FARmS, www.greenfirefarms.com. ultra- AmERICAN WORKING FARmCOLLIE ASSOCIA- rare imported breeds: Ayam Cemani, Cream Legbar, TION –A national performance registry.Tish Toren. iowa Swedish Flower Hens, Bielefelder,marans, Isbar,Bar- 580-426-2311. D&EDAIRYGOATS, 2977 Linn Buchanan Rd., Cog- bezieux,Bresse,Sulmtaler,Spitzhauben,OlandskDwarf, multipurpose FarmDogs: gon, IA52218.319-350-5819. Alpine, Saanen. Selling 200 head annually. Daisy, Altsteirer,East Frisian Gull, Lyonaisse, malines, Collies, Shetland Sheepdogsand Kelpies. pavlovskaya,QueenSilvia,SwedishBlack Hen,Sussex, Massachusetts Twentse, Lavender Wyandotte, Yamato Gunkei. tennessee mENDINGWALLFARm,Ed&JudyLowe,pOBox722, CASTLEROCK’S SpECIAL ASSISTING CANINES, Assonet, mA 02702. 508-644-5088. Nigerian Dwarf, Tennessee Fainting. wen, 14025 Cty Rd 975 E, mcLeansboro, IL 62859.

94 || COUNTRYSIDE & SMALL STOCK JOURNAL BREEDERS DIRECTORY :: Countryside breeders directory :: Countryside 618-643-5602. purebred Finnsheep, Finn xDorset com> Coronation puRELYpOuLTRY,pOBox 466, Fremont, WI crosses. Rgenetics,Accelerated lambing,high selec- Sussex, LightSussex, LavenderOrpington,Chocolate 54940. 800-216-9917. 618-643-5602. grain 300 varieties: chickens, com> Coronation sheepfarm.com> purebred Finnsheep, Finn xDorset Copper marans,BlueCopper marans, BlueLaced Red bantams,puRELYpducks,OuLTgeese,RY,pOBturkeys,ox 466,guineas,Fremont,peafowl,WI Sussex, LightSussex, LavenderOrpington,Chocolate crosses.ohio Rgenetics,Accelerated lambing,high selec- Wyandotte, Crested Cream Legbar,Welsummers, swans,54940. 800-216-9917.pheasants, ornamental Orpington, Jubilee Orpington, Black Orpington, Black tion criteria. pasture raised, grain finished. Blue Ameraucana, Black Ameraucana, Rumpless 300 varieties: chickens, Rpm FARm,Don &Janice Kirts, 5990 Beecher Rd., Copper marans,BlueCopper marans, BlueLaced Red bantams, ducks, geese, turkeys, guineas, peafowl, Granville, OH 43023. 740-927-3098. Reg. Romanov & iowaBlue Ameraucana, Black Ameraucana, Rumpless and quail. QuAiL miniatureRpm FARm“Baby,DonDoll”&JaniceSouthdKirts,own5990sheep.Beecher Rd., Granville, OH 43023. 740-927-3098. Reg. Romanov & ananRd., Coggon, IA 52218. 319-350-9130. north Carolina iowa QuAiL miniature “Baby Doll” Southdown sheep. Rare and fancy GEORGE pARKER, 768 moores Ln., Lumberton, COuNTY LINE HATCHERY,2977Linn Buch- NC 28358.910-374-8176. QuailEggs:Bobwhite, peafowl, guineas, chickens, ducks, turkeys, geese, north Carolina anabantamsnRd.,andCogmore.gon,FeaturingIA 52218.Showgirls319-350-913&Silkies0.. Tennessee Red, mexican Speckled Eggs. Will ship poultryRare assortmentand fancy GEORGEsmallquantitiespARKofEeggs.R, 768Sendmooresself-addressedLn., Lumberton,stamped peafowl,available.guineas, chickens, ducks, turkeys, geese, NCenvelope28358for.9price10-374-list.8176. QuailEggs:Bobwhite, bantams and more. Featuring Showgirls &Silkies. Tennessee Red, mexican Speckled Eggs. Will ship sheep! Minnesotamost economical and diverse poultry assortment smallquantitiesofeggs.Sendself-addressedstamped enveloperHodefor price list.isLAnd reds JOHNSON’Savailable. WATERFOWL, 36882 160th Ave. NE, sheep! middle River,mN56737.218-222-3556. Buff&WhiteAfrican geese. rHode isLAnd reds JOHNSON’SRouen, SilverAppleyard,WATERFOWL,pekin,36882White160th&BlaAvcke.Crest-NE, VALLEY FARmSHATCHERY, Ryan Kelsey, pO Box 2201, muscle Shoals, AL, 35662. 256- mided, dleSaxonyRiver,B,mlackN5&B67luem37.2agpies,18-222-penciled,3556. (mallard),Buff&WandhiteEmoryAfricanpenciledgeese. 314-2282. Rouen, SilverAppleyard, pekin, White &Black Crest- Y, RyanRhodeIKelseysland, Runners, White, Grey,Snowy,Black,penciled, Blue pO Box 2201, muscle Shoals, AL, 35662. 256- ed,BibbedSaxony&p,BastellackCall&Bducklluemings.agpies,Freepenciled,brochure.White, Red,Freedom Ranger Broilers, BlackBroilers, Blue, Black, Grey (mallard), and Emory penciled Khaki314-2282Campbell.King RhodeIsland MissouriRunners, White, Grey,Snowy,Black,penciled, Blue Broilers, Novogen Brown. NpIp Certified. Hatching/ Bibbed &pastel Call ducklings. Free brochure. ShippingRed,Freedweeklyom .Ranger Broilers, BlackBroilers, CACKLE HATCHERY®, pO Box 529, Lebanon, Khaki Campbell ducks, French Guineas, Kosher King mO 65536. 417-532-4581. Shipping weekly. sHeeP FanCACKLEcy chicks,HATCHERducks,Y®,gepOese,tBoxurkeys529,,bLebanonantams,, guineas,mO 6553pheasants,6. 417-53quail,2-4581.chukar sHeeP Renew or startyour Fancy chicks, ducks, geese,turkeys,bantams, FISHER TEXELS, W. Eugene &NikiFisher, 2720 NE 25th Ave., payette, ID 83661. 208-315-5659. Pennsylvaniaguineas, pheasants, quail, chukar.FREECOLOR idaho subscription today! CATALOG. Renew or startyour HOFFmAN HATCHERY, INC.pOBox 129C, FISHERTexel. TEXELS, W. Eugene &NikiFisher, 2720 Gratz,pA17030. 717-365-3694. Chicks,turkeys, ducklings, gos- Missouri subscription today! lingsHOFF,gmANuineasHA,gTCamHERebirdsY, ,bINCant.pamOBs, eqoxuipm129C,ent. Texel. Gratz,pA17030. 717-365-3694. Chicks,turkeys, ducklings, gos- Missouri THElings,gCHICKENuineas,gBARN,amebirdsEphraim,bantStoltzfus,ams, eqFelton,uipment.pA. Loop, Long Lane, mO 65590. 417-345-1515. mISSOu Katahdin Hair Sheep. Why shear 970-392-4419 THE CHICKEN BARN, Ephraim Stoltzfus, Felton, pA. Loop,when allLongyou wantLane,is meat?mO 65590.missouri417-345-1515.Katahdins are Rhode Island Reds, New Hampshire Reds, Black Katahdin Hair Sheep. Why shear 970-392-4419 Golden Laced Wyandottes, Delawares,Speckled when all you want is meat? missouri Katahdins are magazines/sheep-magazine RhodeSussex,IslandRhodeReds,IslandNewWhites,Hampshiremarans, WhiteReds,Rocks,Black new york hardy,goodmothers and excel on forage. CountrysideNetwork.com/ AuCalifornistraloraGps,Amerey,raucaCalifornianas,DomWhite,iniquesLake,Welsunveldermerss,, LIGHTHOuSE FARm,mary &Herb Tucker,8885 Gopheasantslden Lacedand more!WyandoAlsottes,shippingDelawaradultes,Sbirds.peckled CountyRd5,Boliver,NY14715.585-928-1721. magazines/sheep-magazine Sussex, Rhode Island Whites, marans, White Rocks, new york CaliforniaGrey, California White, Lakenvelders, LIGHTHOuSE FARm,mary &Herb Tucker,8885 pheasants and more! Also shipping adult birds. CountyRd5,Boliver,NY14715.585-928-1721.

associations :: Countryside ASSOCIATIONS :: Countryside

AmERICAN EmuASSOCIATION, 510 West COTSWOLD BREEDERS ASSOCASSOCIAIATION– TIONS :: Countryside madison St., Ottawa, IL 61350. 541-332-0675. Rare Cotswold Sheep, Tony Kaminski, Reg- Emu. istrar,pOBox 441, manchester, mD 21102. AmERICAN EmuASSOCIATION, 510 West COTSWOLD410-374-4383.BRETION– madisonANKOLEWASt.,TuSOttawa,IINTERNAILTIONAL61350.REGISTR541-332-0675.Y, Becky Rare- Lundgren,22484W. 239Hill,KS66083-9306.Emu. ispurebredtrar,pOBwhite,oxblack441,&wmanhitechewithster,naturalmD colored21102. 913-592-4050. 410-374genes. -4383. ANKOLEWATuSIINTERNATIONALREGISTRY, Becky BARBADOSLundgren,22484BLACKBELLW. 239St.,YSSpringHEHill,Ep KSAS66083-9306.SOCIATION purebredFINNSHEEpwhite,BREEDERS’black &whiteASSOCIAwith naturalTION, coloredSecre- INTERNA913-592-4050TIONAL,.for American genes.tary,mary Tucker.pOBox 85, West Clarksville, NY &Barbados Blackbelly hair sheep. Gorgeous, exotic- 14786. 585-928-1721. BREEDERS’ ASSOCIATION, Secre- INTERNAregularlytwinTIONAL,unassisted.registryBredforforAmericansuperiormeatBlackbellyquality! tary,mary Tucker.pOBox 85, West Clarksville, NY Directory&Barbadosof breedersBlackbellyathairep. Gorgeous, exotic- 14786.HEARTLAND585-928-1721HIGHLAND.SOCIN, for free informationonHigh- CONTIregularlyNENtwinTAunassisted.LDORSETBredCLuBforsuperiorInc.,Debmeatra Hopquality!kins, land cattle call 417-345-0575 or email ExecutiveDirectory ofSecretary/Tbreeders atreasurer,pOBox 506, North HEARCATTLE AS- Scituate, RI02857.401-647-4676.Fax401-647-4679. SOCICheckATtheION,webpage,for free 417-345-0575Contactforor FRemailEE com>ExecutiveDorsetSecretary/Tsheep. reasurer,pOBox 506, North e. Scituate, RI02857.401-647-4676.Fax401-647-4679. Check the webpage, Contactfor FREE com> Dorset sheep. infornatmational package.

JULY/AUGUST 2017 || 95 Countryside :: ASSOCIATIONS CONTINuED

Jacob Sheep Breeders Association NORTH AmERICANROmANOV SHEEp AS- ST.CROIXHAIR SHEEp INTERNATIONAL Dedicated to conserving Jacob sheep SOCIATION, Don Kirts, Secretary,pOBox ASSOCIATION–“polledandwhitebreedstandardonly,” through registration and education. 1126, pataskala, OH 43062-1126. 740-927-3098. Secretary,16529 NW pauly Rd., portland, OR 97231. Discoverthis majestic, heritage breed! 503-629-5587. ountrysidewww.jsba.org :: associations continued C NORTH AmERICAN SHETLAND SHEEp- TEXEL SHEEpBREEDERSSOCIETY,2720 NAVAJO-CHuRROSHEEp ASSOCIATION, BREEDERSASSOCIATION (NASSA),“Cel- NE 25thAve, payette, ID 83661. 518-993-4983. 1029Zelinski Rd.,Goldendale, WA 98620. ebrating 25 yearsofService” Associated Reg- 509-773-3671.Countr TIONSistry pO BoxCONTINuED231, 305 Lincoln, Wamego, KS Large loin eyes and incredible muscle. 66547.785-456-8500. Faye Whitney,Executive Secretary,413-628-3279. uNITED HORNED HAIR SHEEp ASSOCIATION, JacNORobTH ASheepmERICANBBreABYDOLLeders AssoSOuTHDOWciatioNn NORTH AmERICANROmANOV SHEEp AS- INC.ST.C(uHHSA),ROIXHAIRAssociationSHEEpOfficeINTERandNARegistrar:TIONAL Dedicated to conserving Jacob sheep SOCIA 503-629-5587. wwwSouthd.jsba.orgown. Educational bi-annual newsletter, pOSm HORSE REGISTRY, firstAmerican breed, pO hornedhairsheepassociation.org> painted Desert, information, and breeder list. BoxNOR424,TH machias,AmERICANmE 04654.SHETLAND Old typeSAmorganSSOCIAhorseTIONs. (NASSA),“Cel- NewNE 25tmexicohAve,Dahl,payetmulti-hornedte, ID 83661.Hair and518-mouflon.993-4983. 1029Zelinski Rd.,Goldendale, WA 98620. ebrating 25 yearsofService” Associated Reg- 509-773-3671. istry pO Box 231, 305 Lincoln, Wamego, KS Large loin eyes and incredible muscle. 66547.785-456-8500. Faye Whitney,Executive Secretary,413-628-3279. uNITED HORNED HAIR SHEEp ASSOCIATION, NORTH AmERICANBABYDOLL SOuTHDOWN painted Desert, information, and breeder list. Box 424, machias, mE 04654. &COld typeLASSIFIEDSmorgan horses. ADVERTISINGNew mexicoINFORmADahl, multi-hornedTIONHair and mouflon.

Countryside Advertising information Countryside :: BREEDERS &CLASSIFIEDS ADVERTISING INFORmATION sePt/oCt 2017 deadline:June 23, 2017

Countryside Advertising information 1x -2x=$135 per inch,per issue displayBreeders/Classified sePt/oCt 2017 deadline:J3x -5unex=$125 23,per inch2017,per issue (1" &2"sizes) 6x=$115 per inch, per issue For acolor ad, add $50 per insertion 1x -2x=$135 per inch,per issue displayBreedeuse pictures,rs/Classifiedlogo and color! Free Ad design! 3x -5x=$125 per inch,per issue We(1"can&2help"sizes)set up your ad,quote an ad you already have running 6x=$115 per inch, per issue or answerany other questions. E-mail us at For acolor ad, add $50 per insertion csyuseclassifieds@pictures, logotds.netandor callcolor!1-71Free5-748Ad-1design!389 We can help set up your ad,quote an ad you already have running or answerany other questions. E-mail us at •Please type or print legibly and indicate the words you would like in bold or capital letters. [email protected] or call 1-715-748-1389 •Don’tforget to count your name, address, phone number and e-mail if it is part of your ad. E-mail addresses &websitesOr Varisiett wowwwords.w.countrysidemag.com •Please type or•2print0wordlegiblyminimum.and indicateAds underthe words20 wordsyou wouldwill belikecharingedbold$63.or capital letters. •Don’tforget to count your name, address, phone number and e-mail if it is part of your ad. E-mail addressesMAIL&websitesTOOr:Varisiett wowwwords.w.countrysidemag.com •20word minimum.CountrysideAds underBreeders/C20 wordslassifiedwill bes,charged $63. 145 Industrial Dr., Medford, WI 54451 MAIL TO: orCountrE-mail:[email protected]/Classifieds, www.CountrysideNetwork.com145 Industrial Dr•1.,-715-748-1389Medford, WI 54451•Fax: 1-715-785-7414 or E-mail: [email protected] 96 || www COUNTRYSIDE.CountrysideNetwork.com & SMALL STOCK JOURNAL •1-715-748-1389 •Fax: 1-715-785-7414 CLASSIFIEDSclassifieds:: COUNTR:: CountrysideYSIDE

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JULY/AUGUST 2017 || 97 CountrysideCLASSIFIEDS ::CONTINuED:: classifieds continuedCountryside

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98 || COUNTRYSIDE & SMALL STOCK JOURNAL