Old Tractor Alternative Livestock Feeds

The magazine of modern homesteading

& Small Stock Journal Volume 97 • Number 2 March/April 2013

A New Normal: Aging on the Homestead

Tips for Buying an Old Tractor Alternative Livestock Feeds

Plus: • Improve your soil—with cows • Hybrid vs. heirloom seed • Syrup from unusual sources • Castrating young calves • Goatkeeping 101 and much, much, more inside... OFF-GRID2 LIVING

UNIQUE PROPANE FRIDGES As Unique as the lifestyle that inspired them

Unique Gas Products has been the North American off-grid appliance leader for over 50 years. We meet any family’s off-grid refrigeration needs - from the small Unique 3 that provides full versatility (3 way functionality - propane/110V/12V) to the largest certified propane fridge in the world, the Unique 18 (stay 2+ weeks at the cabin/cottage). Stainless/Black/White - Unique enables the off-grid lifestyle you choose.

www.UniqueOffGrid.com

OFF-GRID GAS RANGES | PROPANE FRIDGES | PORTABLE APPLIANCES | PROPANE FREEZERS | SOLAR FRIDGE/FREEZER

UGP Countryside Ad 03,04/13.indd 1 2012-12-20 7:00 PM Countryside & Small Stock Journal, March/April 2013 3 OFF-GRID LIVING NEW! The Fastest, Easiest Way EVER to HALT INVASIVE TREES!

C B A

UNIQUE PROPANE FRIDGES SEE IT INX ACTION: DRTreeChopper.com As Unique as the lifestyle THE PATENTED that inspired them DR® TreeChopper™ The only low-cost way to reclaim pastures, It’s like a pipe cutter for trees! meadows, fence lines, trails and fi re-breaks from You simply drive the TreeChopper™ into trees up invasive trees! to 4" thick. Circular discs slice through the trunk, while a rear trailing blade shears the stump fl ush • CUT HUNDREDS OF TREES PER HOUR while driving your ATV. to the ground. A. Forward Fixed Blades score the trunk and help • ELIMINATES RED CEDAR, MESQUITE, JUNIPER, and other guide the tree into the center, toward the Circular invasive trees that rob land of water and space, create allergens, Rotating Blades. and make fi re hazards. B. Circular Blades rotate as you accelerate through the trunk, cutting cleanly through the trunk from each side. • CUTS TREES UP TO 4" IN DIAMETER fl ush to the ground so there’s nothing to trip over or regrow. C. Trailing Blade Shears the stump smoothly from the back, eliminating any sharp, jagged stumps. Used by ranchers, the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, state and local agencies, conservation groups, hunting and snowmobile clubs throughout the country. Unique Gas Products has been the North American off-grid appliance leader for over 50 years. We meet 36 77635X ©2013 any family’s off-grid refrigeration needs - from the small Unique 3 that provides full versatility (3 way MONTH FINANCING functionality - propane/110V/12V) to the largest certified propane fridge in the world, the Unique 18 (stay AVAILABLE* Call for a FREE DVD and Catalog! 2+ weeks at the cabin/cottage). Stainless/Black/White - Unique enables the off-grid lifestyle you choose. TOLL FREE Contact us for a Unique dealer near you: 1-888-213-2332 1-877-427-2266 www.DRTreeChopper.com [email protected] * On Purchases of $400 or more with your Country Home Products/DR Power credit card made between 2/1/13 and 3/28/13. A $29 Promotion Fee may be charged. Equal Monthly Payments Required for 36 months. www.UniqueOffGrid.com * Offer applies only to single-receipt qualifying purchases. A promo fee will be charged and included in the promo purchase balance equal to $29 for purchases of $800 or more. No monthly interest will be charged on promo purchase balance (including related promo fee) and fi xed monthly payments are required equal to 2.78% of initial promo purchase amount until promo is paid in full. The fi xed monthly payment will be rounded up to the next highest whole dollar and may be higher than the minimum payment that would be required if the purchase was a non-promotional purchase. Regular account terms apply to non-promotional purchases. For new accounts: Purchase OFF-GRID GAS RANGES | PROPANE FRIDGES | PORTABLE APPLIANCES | PROPANE FREEZERS | SOLAR FRIDGE/FREEZER APR is 23.99%; Minimum Monthly interest Charge is $2. Existing cardholders should see their credit card agreement for their applicable terms. Subject to credit approval.

UGP Countryside Ad 03,04/13.indd 1 2012-12-20 7:00 PM 4

Our Philosophy It’s not a single idea, but many ideas and attitudes, including a rever- ence for nature and a preference for country life; a desire for maximum In this issue personal self-reliance and creative Vol. 97 No. 2, March/April 2013 leisure; a concern for family nurture and community cohesion; a belief What’s happening this month on your Countryside homestead… that the primary reward of work should be well-being rather than money; a certain nostalgia for the supposed simplicities of the past and Departments: an anxiety about the technological Country conversation...... 8 and bureaucratic complexities of the Coming events...... 26 present and the future; and a taste for the plain and functional. Growing Old in the New Normal Will Present Some Special Problems...... 28 Countryside reflects and supports the simple life, and calls its The garden: practitioners homesteaders. Gardening and Foraging With the Ancient Mimbres...... 32 Soil Health Can be Improved with Cattle...... 36

Hybrid vs. Heirloom Seeds...... 39 Co u n t r y s i d e & Sm a l l St o c k Jo u r n a l Tart & Tangy Rhubarb...... 43 Includes Small Stock Magazine Founded 1917 by Wallace Blair and Countryside Magazine The orchard: Founded 1969 by Jd Belanger

Grow Fruit Trees Without Spraying...... 45 Send your manuscript to: Co u n t r y s i d e Editorial (or [email protected]). The editors reserve the right to select and edit letters/articles/photos to be printed. The opinions and advice given here are not necessarily The homestead kitchen: those of the Publisher. Tapping into the Sweetest Resource...... 52 Publisher: Bart Smith Corncob “Maple” Syrup...... 53 Managing Editor: Anne-marie Belanger Ida 3 Delicious Uses for Elderberry Juice...... 54 Editorial assistants: Jerri Cook You Can Glean a Lot From Old-Fashioned Cookbooks...... 55 Elaine Belanger, Samantha Ingersoll Sustainability in the Kitchen...... 60 Fulfillment:Chris Barkley, Laura Ching, Ann Tom, Ellen Soper, Kelly Weiler The History of the Apron...... 62 Advertising office: 1-800-551-5691 Classified ads: Gary Christopherson: The livestock barn: [email protected] Display advertising: Alicia Komanec: From the Start: Keeping Baby Animals Healthy on the Homestead...... 64 [email protected] Meet the Kunekune...... 65 Printed in the U.S.A.

Co u n t r y s i d e & Sm a l l St o c k Jo u r n a l (ISSN 8750-7595; The cow barn: USPS 498-940) is published bi-monthly by Country- side Publications, Ltd., 145 Industrial Dr., Medford, Safely Castrating Calves...... 66 WI 54451. Periodicals postage paid at Medford, WI and additional mailing offices. ©2013 Countryside Publications, Ltd. Editorial office: 145 Industrial Dr., Medford, WI 54451. The goat barn: (715) 785-7979, [email protected]. Goats 101...... 69 Subscriptions (US funds): $18 per year; two years, $30: Countryside Subscriptions, 145 Industrial Dr., Medford, WI 54451. Feeds & feeding: POSTMASTER: “POSTMASTER: Send all UAA to CFS. (See DMM 707.4.12.5); NON- Grain Alternatives...... 71 POSTAL AND MILITARY FACILITIES: send Reap the Benefits of Added Roughage...... 78 address corrections to Countryside Subscrip- tions, 145 Industrial Dr., Medford, WI 54451. CountrysideHere’s &“almost Small Stock Journal, everything March/April 2013 you ever wanted to know”5 about self-reliant country living! Past issues of The very best in: • Gardening • Country Cooking • Animal Husbandry • Alternative Energy 20 • Food Preservation • Self-Reliance ...and much, much more! For only $30!

• Regular Price: $80 • Save over $50! • FREE Shipping* when you order today!

We’re clearing out the warehouse by offering substantial savings on the issues listed below. All contain an abundance of priceless country wisdom! Order today and we’ll even pay the shipping*! Over 2,320 pages of timeless info on homesteading, gardening and self-reliant country living in 1 whopping 10-pound package!

Nov/Dec 2003 Vol. 87/6 Sept/Oct 2006 Vol. 90/5 • Rearrange your chicken yard Sept/Oct 2008 Vol. 92/5 • Build a one-log hauler •The wonders of vinegar for fresh grazing • Bountiful harvests from a • A non-electric chick brooder • Build a solar food dryer $2 garden • Herbs for the holidays • Make apple cider Sept/Oct 2007 Vol. 91/5 • Get great eggs for little cash • Earthen Construction An • 26 tantalizing tomato recipes March/April 2005 Vol. 89/2 Nov/Dec 2006 Vol. 90/6 Alternative Building Option • Learn to carve a wooden bird • How to sell your crafts • Free & wild winter food Nov/Dec 2008 Vol. 92/6 • Start reloading your own • How to choose a grain mill • A tropical greenhouse: • Homestead finance,how ammo • Build a solar shower at 9,100 feet less can be more • Grow grapes in the north • No plug? No problem! Jan/Feb 2007 Vol. 91/1 Jan/Feb 2008 Vol. 92/1 Handy Cordless Tools July/August 2005 Vol. 89/4 •Be prepared with a • Build a cold frame or • Make a solar cooker wilderness survival kit Jan/Feb 2009 Vol. 93/1 hoop house • Build a cold frame from • Choose the right knife • Earn Extra Money in the • Shear your own sheep scraps • Minerals for your horse Country • Raise ducks and geese • 9 tips for buying used tractors • Winter Care for Your on pasture March/April 2007 Vol. 91/2 Livestock Nov/Dec 2005 Vol. 89/6 • Getting started with bees • Is windpower right for you? • Solar and wind options for • Stand-alone solar water pumping March/April 2009 Vol. 93/2 grid-tied homes • Raising rabbits step-by-step May/June 2008 Vol. 92/3 • Protect Tender Plants with • Build a fieldstone smoke- • The Integrated Homestead Part 1: A-Frames & Hoop Houses house May/June 2007 Vol. 91/3 Soil Fertility • Make wine at home • Start your own business • Feeding & care of your new • Solar hot water, options for • The lure of the Dutch Rabbit Honeybees every climate Jan/Feb 2006 Vol. 90/1 • Choose the best cow for your • Coping with today’s economy May/June 2009 Vol. 93/3 • Soil fertility and improvement homestead • Hard economic times? • A look at cordwood July/August 2008 Vol. 92/4 Actions speak louder than words construction July/August 2007 Vol. 91/4 • Tools for the integrated homestead • Swap your lawn for an • Growing and using thyme • The importance of biodiversity • The time is right for a family edible garden • Build your own small-scale in livestock production garden! • Standby generator systems: chicken plucker • Keep your bees healthy • Dry your bounty choosing a personal power plant

3YES! Send me the 20 Co u n t r y s i d e Back Issues listed above for only $30, shipping Check or Money Order included included on U.S. orders (*Call for foreign and Canada shipping prices). I understand this is a limited time offer and available only while supplies last! (Substitutions may be made.) Charge my Credit Card

Name Visa/MasterCard/Discover/AmEx (Circle One) Address______Card #______Exp______City______State______Zip______Phone number ______

Mail this form along with $30 to: Co u n t r y s i d e BI, 145 Industrial Dr., Medford, WI 54451 Or Call 800-551-5691 Today! 6

The machine shed: An Australian-Built Hay Press...... 80 Advice for Buying an Old Tractor...... 81

The woodlot: Sawdust in Your Veins?...... 84

Homestead politics: Raw Milk and the 4th Amendment: What you don’t know could destroy you...... 86

Country neighbors: I Must Be a Misfit...... 88 Ignorance is Not Bilss: My First Day as a Chicken Farmer...... 92 Mrs. Ford, the Anonymous Neighbor and the Naked Scarecrow...... 94 Growing Organic in Belize...... 96

Poor Will’s Co u n t r y s i d e Almanack...... 100 On the cover: Tending the homestead garden and After chores: livestock may deserve a second look as Being Content Right Where I Am…For Now...... 114 we age. See page 28 for more tips and ideas to use now, or later. Alternatives to expensive livestock hay and grains include rotating pastures and How can you fodder. Tips start on page 71. contact us?

Phone: 1-800-551-5691 (8:00-4:30 Central) 145 Industrial Dr., Medford, WI 54451 w w w .countrysidemag .c o m There are a lot of ways to Cu s t o m e r s e r v i c e / save money b o o k o r d e r s : and keep your [email protected] pantry sustainable. See Adv e rt i s i n g o f f i c e : page 60 for [email protected] money-saving ideas. Ed i t o r i a l o f f i c e : [email protected] Countryside & Small Stock Journal, March/April 2013 7 8

Country conversation & feedback

(Ed. note: Also check out Backwoods Solar. the cheap, however. They invest in $16K solar system See their ad on page 34.) high-quality materials and utilize paid for itself in As for the cold, we’re in zone 4, them to the fullest. The idea that and experience -30°F around January a parent would be looking for the six years and February. Understand that living cheapest, quickest or easiest way in an uninsulated tent during that to educate their children makes me Co u n t r y s i d e : This in answer to Duane time, I doubt we used ¼ the amount wonder if that parent is truly valu- Robert’s letter, pg. 10, Jan/Feb 2013 of wood he mentioned (23 cords)! ing the education at all. It is also the (regarding a $2,000 solar system): Also, in answer to Barbara Cody, primary reason that states and school We lived in a tent for three years pg. 22, we suggest contacting Arbico districts view homeschooling with while building our own log home, Organic (800-827-2847) for a free cata- such scorn. Truly a family-centered with use of horses, chainsaw and a log. They have five different products homeschool could be a tremendous broad axe. The actual building was that could be used against rodents educational opportunity for a stu- done by the two of us, and was not in a vehicle.— Linda & Keith Smith, dent, but it should not be viewed done quickly, so we understand cold Montana as another opportunity to bargain weather, no insulation, contending shop. Good quality educational ma- with hauling water, cutting firewood, Don’t skimp on terials are, unfortunately, expensive. and in general, living a pioneering To save money, perhaps a group of lifestyle. Eventually, through the your kids’ parents forming a coop situation and years, we drilled a well, lived in the sharing materials would be helpful. log house, and bought a solar electric education Beware of cast-off material, though. It system for $16,000 20 years ago. It paid Co u n t r y s i d e : I’ve been a reader of is often cast off because it is outdated for itself in six years or less, due to the your magazine since its beginning or poorly written. A good education fact we never paid for the power com- and thoroughly enjoy every aspect and approach to learning is one of the pany to bring in lines. Now the price of it—even those I don’t necessarily most valuable things you can give of panels, batteries, etc., is about half agree with. I read a short comment by your children so don’t cut corners. the price we paid 20 years ago. a reader in the Jan/Feb 2013 issue that — Marie Smith, California On the $2,000 solar system, at to- disturbed me, however. The reader/ day’s prices, you would get two pho- writer recommended a resource for New uses for old tovoltaic panels and maybe two AGM doing homeschool for free/cheap. car batteries and a charge controller— I’ve been a teacher and adminis- TP tubes to run LED lights (12 volt)—but no trator in a private Christian school inverter, meaning you’d have only 12 for 24 years, and have experience Co u n t r y s i d e : I wanted to share an idea volt DC power. That could run lights in public education, teacher educa- I have placed into practice—making and/or RV appliances for “12 volt tion and school accreditation. I have woodstove fire starters out of items only.” The inverter costs around $500, overseen homeschool situations and usually destined for the trash. which could run small appliances on helped to integrate homeschooled Taking toilet paper and/or paper AC current. All this is on the $2,000 students into “regular” school many, towel tubes cut into usable lengths, I budget scheme mentioned by Duane. I many times. With few exceptions, cut the TP tubes in half and the towel suggest the budget be raised to $8,000, most homeschooled children are not tubes into quarters. Stuff each loosely and then he’d have a system that can as academically prepared as their with dry, day-old newspaper, junk be lived with for years, and added to, schooled counterparts. I realize that mail (not the glossy paper), grocery if necessary. this goes contrary to many home- packaging, etc. Loose is the key to We’ve had good results and 20- school parents’ sensibilities, but there this. Then carefully melt old candles plus years of advice from these two is quite a bit of data available. (or light the end of a stubby candle) businesses: Oasis Montana Inc. (877- The most successful homeschool and drip some wax on the tubes that 627-4778), and Sunelco (888-786-3526). families do not do their school on have been placed on waxed paper REUSABLE CANNING LIDS Countryside & Small Stock Journal, March/April 2013 9 ® 9 or something that will protect your thirsty. They’re usually sold as rat or counter top. A little wax goes a long mouse bait, for under a dollar for a to order, call 877-747-2793 or visit way. Place the tubes near the wood- packet of about six ounces www.reusablecanninglids.com stove and use one to start kindling To use this stuff, you simply place for a fire. You can wrap the small sec- a small pile of pellets where they will tions of waxed tubes in a single piece see them and after they eat the pellets, of newspaper cut about two inches that other ingredient will give them long on each end, and twist the ends an insatiable desire to drink water, so it looks like a party popper—that but there being none in the vehicle, makes them easy to light. These work they will exit it to search for water. In great starting fires without having to the meanwhile, they die of the poison tend the kindling. — Kayte Drake before they can re-enter the vehicle— no dead mouse removal necessary. This method is also highly desir- Out, Out Damned able to rid your attic of mice, as they The Heart of the Homestead Adventure Mouse will go outside to die, rather than The Original Airtight Cookstove dying inside your attic or your walls Cook (apologies to Shakespeare) and then stink up your house. Bake Heat Your Home Co u n t r y s i d e : After reading about #2. Get physical Have running drying produce in an abandoned Almost all vehicles have what are Hot Water vehicle (Nov/Dec 2011) and then called “body vents,” holes usually ALL with Barbara Cody’s own comments (Jan/ in the underside of the body, which ONE StOVE! Feb 2013) about finding mice that allow water or moisture in the car to claimed her vehicle as their home, I evaporate. I claim that it’s more wish- For information write: Pioneer Stoves: offer the following, from experience, ful thinking than fact, but at any rate, 1055 Choncie Lee Rd. to aid them in ridding them of their they’re almost always there. Mice Caneyville, KY 42721 mouse problem. often use these body vents to gain or leave a message: 212-696-6820 I have had problems with mice access to the inside of your vehicle. entering my Toyota pickup truck dur- Okay, let’s cut to the chase—to ing the cold days of winter (although block access to the car through these cold days here in Mississippi, are body vents, you can either block them nothing like the cold days in other by putting a piece of steel such as a states.) Here’s what I find effective. I thick soup can lid or bottom to cover do it in three steps. But before doing the holes, bonded in place with Sonic- anything, remove any and all food Weld or J-B Stik (more on that later), and paper material from the vehicle. or you can preserve the original Once mice are inside a vehicle, they intent of the body vents by covering can do quite a bit of damage, espe- them with hardware cloth. cially if they chew up your vehicle Despite the name, hardware cloth registration, proof of insurance, that isn’t made of cloth, but steel wire. I picture of your kids that you have suggest you buy either one with re- only one copy of, or that small bit of ally small holes (1/4" x 1/4") and 23 emergency cash for use when you gauge wire, or that made of 19 gauge need to get gas, but forgot your credit wire with 1/2" x 1/2" holes. Perhaps card. Don’t return these items to the out of stoic determination to keep vehicle until all three steps below are these pests out, I prefer the smaller completed. opening variety. Either one is available from most hardware stores. I #1. Provide them with their bought a 10 ft. roll for less than $12. Very Last Meal. As for the Sonic-Weld or J-B Stik, There is on the market a mouse these are epoxy putty in a form poison that wasn’t available to our that is like Play-Doh. You pull off a grandparents. It’s in the form of a half-dollar size piece from the stick small pellet and contains the poison provided, aggressively knead it by Warfarin to kill them (the vermin, hand for a while, rolling it between not our grandparents) plus another your hands until it becomes totally ingredient that makes them very pliable, (and a bit warm), then you pgs 10 & 11 color

10 10 Lost time is never found again. — Benjamin Franklin roll it into the shape of what I would and especially not the mouse/rat poison. call a “very fat earthworm” and press Warfarin, when ingested, is a very effec- it onto the bottom of the vehicle in a tive anti-coagulant and when eaten, the circle around the vent. mouse or rat will bleed to death. Serious Make a couple of these rings consequences can occur if a child or adult around the vent with the epoxy, were to eat mouse poison containing then quickly press the pre-cut piece Warfarin. of hardware cloth firmly into the epoxy. Repeat with another couple I hope this aids anyone’s quest of applications of epoxy, this time to rid their vehicle of infestation by pressing it into the bottom side of the mice. — Wayne W. Moseley, Missis- piece of hardware cloth, to insure that this second application of epoxy is firmly pressed into the screen so that ? it meets the first batch. Co u n t r y s i d e : Most cars have two After an hour, it will harden up air conditioning/heating methods: like it was steel. It’s pretty miracu- outside air or recirculation. My lous stuff. Toyota technician says to select the recirculation option before shutting #3. Trapping any mice that are still down the engine to close the outside inside. vent opening. This should keep mice This is easier. Set three or four from making nests in fans and motors. small traps, baited with cheese and As soon as you start the car again, it after each success, keep re-setting should default to the outside air mode. the traps until you catch no more. I learned the hard and expensive In case they have gotten “savvy” way. — Ben to the purpose of the traps, you can set glue board mouse traps, such as Catchmaster glue boards made by ? AP&G Co., of Brooklyn, New York Co u n t r y s i d e : I saw in Auto Restorer (www.catchmaster.com) or Tomcat magazine, where the owner of a stor- glue boards made by Motomco, of age facility for restored automobiles We still Madison, Wisconsin (www.tomcat- uses dryer sheets to deter mice. He brand.com). I add a little incentive puts them inside on and under the make things. to the mice to venture onto the glue seats and tucked into the air vents. board, by putting a small chunk of Under the hood he stuffs them into cheese in the middle of the board, to any opening or narrow space where catch any remaining little “Einsteins.” a mouse might feel like nesting. He When a mouse sets foot onto a glue even stuffs them in the tail pipe. (He board, they’re stuck to it. Any at- says if he forgets to remove them, the tempts to free themselves from it will exhaust will simply blow the sheets only get more of the mouse stuck to out.) He uses a box per car for winter the board. storage. After these three steps, you should I suppose you could sew up some not have any more problems with net bags for under the hood to make mice in your vehicle, ever. recovery easier. — Bill Brandner, Washington Since 1925 we have helped For someone who is using a car to to preserve the traditions dehydrate produce, since the dehy- and techniques of Southern dration process requires substantial Debunking the appalachia, and have shared air movement, they also would need them with the world. Come to put hardware cloth over any open over-population enjoy making crafts and window in a secure manner. Regular good friends on 300 natural, plastic screening would present no myth draws critics scenic acres in western barrier at all to a mouse. north Carolina. Co u n t r y s i d e : In regard to Sean Lana- A word of caution: Do not allow han “Debunking the over-population John C. Campbell Folk SChool children or pets to come in contact with myth” published in Co u n t r y s i d e Jan/ folkschool.org 1-800-FOLK-SCH Feb 2013 issue. BraSStOwn nOrtH CarOLina either the mouse traps, sticky boards, pgs 10 & 11 color

Countryside & Small Stock Journal,11 March/April 2013 11 I’ve often said that people believe what they believe and, for many, there simply is no other view. This— I believe—is one of the major issues we face in a modern society. If we are divided and will not consider other views then we are lost. Like Mr. Lanahan I have had a wonderful easy life as a member of the world’s modern society, as an American. Having been given so much throughout our lives has predestined us to never conceive of anything different. A world where non-renewable resources are magi- cally renewed just in time through the magic of modern technology. A world where climate change is of no concern and certainly not caused by man’s use of “modern equipment [and] infrastructure.” A world that we (the world’s modern societies— Americans) “dominate” because we “have been created in God’s likeness.” Albert Einstein once said, “Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. …If we want to change the world, we Countryside Magazine Ad 2007 0710-1452 Oct 2007 have to change our thinking.” My take-away from this quote is that a mind that can change is a healthy intelligent mind. We should at home strive to be inquisitive. Absorb views ™ and opinions that differ from our own in nature no matter how embarrassed we are for them. With that in mind I pressed rom seaside getaways on past the first paragraph in Mr. Fto mountain retreats, Lanahan’s article. Reading his “fact” the Pacific Yurt goes and opinion, disguised as a fact-filled where you want to be. article completely countered my years of research in the “Limits to Call today for a brochure: Growth” field. You know, the “You 1.800.944.0240 can’t have infinite growth on a finite email: [email protected] planet” view? www.yurts.com Mr. Lanahan provides many statistics and many links, many U.S. governmental agencies, to back up his thesis. These, in total, are to argue his worldview; “The Earth, along with our fruitful domination, creativ- ity, our hard work and ingenuity, has been able to produce more than enough. Because we have been created in God’s likeness….” He continues, “We’ve actually created an over abundance of food.” No One Knows Yurts Like Pacific Yurts™ Excuse me? I’m trying to keep an World’s Leading Manufacturer Cottage Grove, Oregon WOOD GASIFICATION by: 12 Vapor-Fire 12Too many people miss the silver lining because they're expecting gold. — M. Setter • Up to 99.4% combustion efficient open mind to differing views, but I examining a differing view than • .45 grams/hour of emissions making it do tend to rely on reality based facts. his own and study up on Limits #1 in the world for add on and central Mr. Lanahan, are there not billions of to Growth, Climate Change, and furnaces. people on the Earth who go hungry perhaps keep up on current events— • Stainless Steel Electric Sauna Heaters - every day? His view is that all the you know like the Climate Change (wall mount & floor models) “under-developed world” needs caused drought that has drastically • Woodburning Sauna is “modern equipment, infrastruc- decreased crop harvest and impact- Stoves - (3 sizes) ture and experience.” Of course he ed food prices around the world. The Lamppa Manufacturing doesn’t offer any ideas for how to sheer thought that growth can go on Box 422 • Tower, MN • 55790 make this happen nor has he yet infinitely is absurd. Believing in that 800-358-2049 realized that it is this very “modern fantasy is counter-productive to the email: [email protected] www.lamppakuuma.com equipment [and] infrastructure” finite realities that always bat last in that has killed the “fruitfulness” of the game of life. The realities that we the Earth, especially in the under- have to face if we want to continue developed world. I refer to healthy civilized society. soil, clean air and water, and of In the last quarter of his article, course a stable climate in which to Mr. Lanahan predicts that even the sustain our societies. These have most die-hard doomer should be been replaced with an unsustainable smiling at that point because he has fossil fuel based food system, dead shown us the light, the many reasons soil dependent on more and more we can grow and expand forever. chemicals, and air and water becom- Personally, I’m laughing out loud. ing more toxic every day, all due to I started writing about Peak Oil the “modern equipment [and] infra- in 2005, the year ironically the recent structure” he seems to promote. IEA World Energy Outlook pub- Mr. Lanahan’s many statistics re- lished as the global peak of conven- mind me of a George Carlin routine I tional oil. Yes, the IEA has printed heard back in the 1970s. Remember, the words, “Peak Oil.” I do consider after the U.S. oil production peaked myself a doom and gloomer but not and we were becoming more depen- by choice. Not because I desire a dent on Middle East oil? Then there declining world. But rather because was an oil embargo. Well, George’s of reality. Try a taste of it sometime routine was on published verifiable as an example of your willingness tips to increase fuel mileage in our to know another’s view. — Nino G. cars. He ran down the list to the au- Cocchiarella dience one by one noting the tip and the reported percentage in fuel savings. Things like properly inflated ? tires can increase mileage by 5%. You get the idea. After reciting his Co u n t r y s i d e : With sadness and a bit of long list of published verifiable tips, anger, I read Energy, Economics, Peak he proudly said that he had done all Oil and Population by John Howe. Mr. of them! The problem he was now Howe seems to be parroting nothing having was he had to stop every few more than the precepts of Agenda 21, miles to let the gas flow out of his gas a U.N. scheme for world manage- Water Enjoy a new type tank because all the published verifi- ment. Mr. Howe describes a future of water pump: able tips added up to a 130% increase world of hopelessness, one in which Well easy drawing, in mileage! (Insert laugh.) renewable energy can’t possibly Done! high-volume water flow, and Okay, I’ve absorbed another work on a mass scale, where peak rugged stainless steel design. person’s view and have come to this oil and the decline thereof spells the Bison Pumps® are the answer to accessing conclusion. Mr. Lanahan must make end of “private” air travel, an era of your well anytime. Bison a good living, living and promoting over-population that demands mass Pumps® are easy to install and the status quo. Perhaps a cheerleader eugenics and forced sterilization of work right beside your electric pump in wells with static in the business development field. humans and more. What a bleak levels up to 200 feet Someone who fancies himself as a future he describes. deep. leader and teacher of, his interpreta- Could this really be true? How bisonpumps.com tion, God’s plan for us all. I would can we cope any other way but to 800-339-2601 suggest that Mr. Lanahan also try relinquish what’s left of human dig- Countryside & Small Stock Journal, March/April 2013 13 Advertisement Vinegar, Better than Prescription Drugs? Thousands of years ago ancient healers The 208-page Vinegar Anniversary of important vitamins and nutrients. trusted apple cider vinegar, and modern Book will amaze you with its over 1000 Join readers like L.S. of Monroe, research shows - vinegar truly is a wonder natural remedies, secrets, tonics and cure- N.C. who says “Thanks, this book is cure! alls for a healthier, happier life. You’ll wonderful. A real life saver for me!” In fact, apple cider vinegar’s biggest get easy recipes that mix vinegar with Find different ways to combine vinegar fans believe this golden liquid can help other common household items to help: with common foods like lemon juice, solve the most troublesome of human • Calm an upset stomach blueberries, onion, strawberries, garlic, afflictions. • Ease leg cramps honey, ginger and more to create recipes Since even the earliest of times a daily • Soothe sprained muscles to help improve health and quality of life. vinegar cocktail was used to help control • Control appetite to lose weight All new ideas to put vinegar to work appetite to lose weight and continue • Relieve coughs around the home to clean, disinfect and good health. • Banish nausea eliminate mold and mildew. Great for And now after years of continued • Arthritis pain those with allergies or asthma! research all across the globe, over 1000 • Make hiccups disappear Save money as you put Emily’s latest new vinegar super-remedies and tonics • Cool a sunburn discoveries to the test! are available in the brand new 208-page • Boost memory There’s even 365 additional tidbits Vinegar Anniversary Book by famed • Reduce sore throat pain to take you through the year beginning natural health author, Emily Thacker. • Relieve itchy skin with January’s winter snows through the Author of the very first book of its • Lower blood pressure & cholesterol dog-days of summer and into the golden kind since the 1950’s, Ms. Thacker • Eliminate bladder infections leaves of autumn. brings her unique wisdom, experience • Chase away a cold Yes that’s over 1000 tried-and-true and down-home flavor to this complete • Treat burns remedies and recipes in this handsome collection. • Reduce infection collector’s edition and it’s yours to enjoy From the Bible to Cleopatra to the • Aid digestion for 90-risk free days. That’s right, you fierce Samurai warriors of Japan, vinegar • Improve memory can read and benefit from all 208-pages has been documented as a powerful tonic • Soothe sore feet without obligation to keep it. to ensure strength, power and long life. • Treat blemishes & age spots To get your copy of the Vinegar In China, the health system that has • Remove corns & calluses Anniversary Book direct from the pub- been in place for thousands of years rec- • Replace many household cleaners lisher at the special introductory price of ognizes the value of vinegar. Traditional And that’s just the beginning of the $19.95 plus 3.98 shipping and handling Chinese Medicine (TCM) oversees the over 1000 new and improved hints and (total of $23.93, OH residents please add health of millions of Chinese – not with tips that you’ll get. 6.25% sales tax) simply do this: modern drugs – but with proven remedies Fifty years ago a daily dose of an Write “Vinegar Anniversary” on a that include vinegar. apple cider vinegar and honey tonic was piece of paper and mail it along with your Today’s research studies and scientific used to ease arthritis. During the last 30 check or money order payable to: James reports continue to praise the healing years or so, many wonder drugs have Direct Inc., Dept. VA2038, 500 S. Prospect powers of vinegar to maintain good replaced this time-tested home remedy. Ave., Box 980, Hartville, Ohio 44632. health and well being. Now vinegar, along with countless other You can charge to your VISA, Even Grandma knew that her old old-time tonics, have new supporters MasterCard, Discover or American Express remedies worked even if she wasn’t able including many medical professionals. by mail. Be sure to include your card to explain why. And scientific research The reason? Almost everybody has number, expiration date and signature. confirms this. experienced the negative side of some of Want to save even more? Do a favor For instance, Grandma said putting the powerful new drugs. for a relative or friend and order 2 diluted vinegar in the ears would ward Strep and Staph infections? Vinegar is books for only $30 postpaid. It’s such a off infections. The American Academy a powerful antiseptic and kills even these thoughtful gift. of Otolaryngology’s doctors – who dangerous bacteria on contact. Remember: It’s not available in book specialize in treating infections like Headaches will fade away with this stores at this time. And you’re protected swimmer’s ear – now recommend using simple vinegar concoction. by the publisher’s 90-Day Money Back a vinegar mixture as a preventative. Feel good and look good with these Guarantee. The Yale-New Haven hospital uses hair and skin-friendly vinegar remedies. SPECIAL BONUS - Act promptly vinegar as a hospital disinfectant. When You’ll learn when you should and and you’ll also receive The Very Best Old- after-surgery eye infections became a should not use vinegar. Time Remedies booklet absolutely FREE. problem, their Department of Bacteriology Can apple cider vinegar really do all It’s yours to keep just for previewing “The solved it with vinegar. this? The answer is yes because it is such Vinegar Anniversary Book.” Supplies are Food poisoning? Some doctors suggest a marvelous combination of tart good limited. Order today. ©2013 JDI VA149S that regular vinegar use can prevent it! taste, germ-killing acid and an assortment http://www.jamesdirect.com 14 14 The morning has gold in its mouth. — German proverb nity to elite intellectuals and global my laptop can run all day on a charge, politicians who employ nameless when not long ago my desktop PC bureaucrats to manage every single demanded hundreds of watts just to aspect of our miserable lives? sit there. Same for the Energy Star Let’s look at some crucial aspects appliances I use. In fact nationwide, Mr. Howe neglects. electrical power usage is down to Adapting to solar energy; Mr. levels it was years ago, just from in- Howe points out that solar energy, creasing efficiency, which of course wind power and essentially all re- means we don’t need to produce so newables don’t produce steady pow- much energy. Technology moves on. er output and generally need power Let me tell you why. storage of some kind. In particular he It’s because of another thing Mr. points out that the energy density of Howe mentioned. Human competi- lead acid batteries is low compared tion. He treats human competition to liquid fuels and that battery based as though it were a bad thing. Sure, motive and high demand stationary males probably compete, even with- power systems just can’t support our out knowing it, to procreate as much modern way of life. Batteries wear as possible. However competition out, we all know that. Let me point doesn’t end there, Mr. Howe also out that Mr. Howe didn’t mention correctly points out that humans nickel-iron batteries that almost nev- also compete for food, energy and er wear out. After a decade or two, resources. Let me add to that that we you just change the electrolyte, which also compete for wealth, recognition comes in a powder form, and keep on and any number of other things that going. It’s something a homeowner we perceive as advantages. We com- can do. Still, it’s true, nickel-iron pete for all of these things by trying batteries are a solution for stationary to out-perform others, by solving power of modest demands, particu- technological problems that might larly homes and remote locations, but bring great wealth, by producing this does represent a very big part of goods and services that others would our energy needs picture. want, thus increasing our personal Motive power still needs to be level of success. That’s part of the addressed. Have you heard of the human spirit. So long as we are left natural gas boom that is happening alone to become productive, we tend right now? I have because I live right to be productive; to understand what in the middle of the Marcellus shale problems we could solve to bring formation zone. So much new natu- ourselves success. Dare I say that’s ral gas has been discovered that in freedom, or double dare I say that’s compressed or liquefied form it can Capitalism? Has not the history of power our motive needs for centuries. this country shown us that freedom It can replace gas and diesel. Where of opportunity and freedom of action I live, so much gas has been brought created a technological boom unlike on-line that the producers have quit anything in history? What Mr. Howe drilling for a while… maybe years. suggests is an Orwellian world of He also fails to talk about the amaz- misery that is micro-managed by ing new work being done on battery a global bureaucracy of pinheads technology, nuclear power and the that are instructed by a few elite ever decreasing cost of solar while who naturally will live in a much efficiencies increase. higher standard than we the helpless Speaking of efficiency, we all masses. know how much better all things Suppose you don’t like the idea electrical have recently become in of a less than one birth per male sce- terms of efficiency. I’ve retrofitted nario. If, as Mr. Howe suggests you my entire home with LED bulbs for require, you refuse to get the man- instance, knocking nearly 1kWh off dated vasectomy? Well, how do the instantaneous power demand oppressive governments enforce from just lighting. Everything else every law they foist upon us? At the uses less power now than ever too, barrel of a gun, that’s how. Without 538GA_538GA 12/27/12 11:09 AM Page 1

ENJOYCountryside &THE Small Stock SIMPLE Journal, March/April LIFE... 2013 15

LEARN “DO-IT-YOURSELF” SKLLS. CHOOSE PENN FOSTER.

Happiness belongs to the self-sufficient. And in a matter of months you

can learn the “do-it-yourself” skills that you need to live a simpler, more PENN FOSTER CAREER SCHOOL Carpenter 925 Oak Street Caterer self-sufficient, homesteader lifestyle. Scranton, PA 18515-0700 Certified Wedding Planner www.PennFoster.edu Dog Obedience Trainer/Instructor CAREER DIPLOMA PROGRAMS Dressmaking & Design AFFORDABLE AND CONVENIENT. We offer 0% financing Health Floral Design Aromatherapy* Home Remodeling & Repair and customized payment plans. Certified Personal Trainer Hotel/Restaurant Management Child Day Care Interior Decorator Dental Assistant Landscaping Technology SUPPORTED. Expert instructors are just a phone call, Feeding the Family* Legal Secretary Fitness and Nutrition* Pet Grooming* Herbal Studies* Private Investigator message board, or email away. You can also interact Holistic Nutrition* Professional Locksmithing Homeopathy* Teacher Aide online with other students on the Penn Foster Community. Medical Administrative Assistant Travel and Tourism Specialist Medical Coding and Billing Wildlife & Forestry Conservation Medical Transcriptionist *Certificate Program ACCREDITED. Penn Foster Career School and Penn Foster College are Occupational Therapy Aide Optician PENN FOSTER COLLEGE Administrative Office accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education Pharmacy Technician 14300 N. Northsight Blvd., Suite 120 Physical Therapy Aide Scottsdale, AZ 85260 and Training Council (DETC). Penn Foster Career School and High Sports Nutrition* www.PennFosterCollege.edu Substance Abuse Counselor ASSOCIATE DEGREE PROGRAMS School are regionally accredited by the Commission on Secondary Veterinary Assistant Accounting Wellness* Business Management Finance & Business Computer Information Systems Schools of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. Bookkeeping Criminal Justice Home Inspector Early Childhood Education Penn Foster College is licensed by the Arizona State Board for Private Legal Transcriptionist Fashion Merchandising Paralegal Finance Postsecondary Education. Small Business Management Graphic Design High School Health Care Management Penn Foster High School Human Resources Management Technology Interior Design CHOOSE TO BE MORE TODAY! Computer Graphic Artist Marketing TUITION ASSISTANCE Computer Support Technician Paralegal Studies 1-800-572-1685 ext. 7355 Electronics Technician PC Maintenance Technology PLAN AVAILABLE! PC Maintenance and Repair Retail Management Call anytime, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Web Page Designer Veterinary Technician Other Exciting Programs Or visit www.PennFoster.edu 538GA Online enter ID# AV6S23T Bottom aeration is the first and most important thing to do with pond water. Bottom aeration helps to get rid of bottom gasses and de-stratifies water.

16Windmill Aeration16 for Your Pond 16 Also selling Electric aerators, superior force, government cannot Water Fountains and Pond Filters. Uses No Electricity enforce its dictates, so in an agenda 21 world of micro dwellings, food Great way to improve your pond!! and energy rations, forced sterilization and assigned work duties, all for • Your pond will take on J.L. Becker Co. the common good of course, there is a whole new look 15286 St. Rt. 67 no room left for individual freedom • Clearer water for Wapakoneta, OH 45895 of thought, choice or vocation. swimming, boating, and 888-905-3595 or 419-738-3450 Please remember that this coun- fishing www.aerationwindmills.com try was never built upon the concept • Reduces algae and [email protected] cleanses the water of equal outcomes for everyone. It • Helps prevent fish kills We accept was built upon the idea of equal opportunity for all. While we still try to perfect that concept, we can never waver from the understanding that Free-Range Chicken Gardens even with a perfect equality of opportunity, some will fail, some will How to Create a Beautiful, Chicken-Friendly Yard be hungry and some will die. But to By Jessi Bloom a larger extent most will succeed. Some will wildly succeed. That’s Many gardeners fear chickens will peck away at their landscape, and chicken lovers often shy away from gardening for the same reason. But you can the cost of personal freedom, but the keep chickens and have a beautiful garden, too! In this essential handbook, reward is so much more. award-winning garden designer Jessi Bloom covers everything a gardener With personal freedom, we all needs to know, including chicken-keeping basics, simple garden plans to have the blessings of introspec- get you started, tips on attractive fencing options, the best plants and plants tion, hard work, moral fortitude to avoid, and step-by-step instructions for getting your chicken garden up and running. For anyone who wants a fabulous garden where colorful chickens happily roam, Free-Range Chicken and a chance to move all of us, the Gardens is the guide that will bring the dream home to roost. 218 pages, $19.95 + s/h. entire human race ahead to a better COS313.qxd1-800-551-5691 12/26/12 10:55 • www.backyardpoultrymag.com AM Page 1 world. So if we want to give humanity the real opportunity, the best chance for survival, let the human spirit soar to discover solutions that solve problems. Refuse to surrender your dignity to those who would dictate our lives to us while living themselves in a whole other reality. — Name withheld ? Co u n t r y s i d e : Thanks for publishing “Energy, Economics, Peak Oil, and Population” by John Howe in the November/December 2012 issue. It is a fascinating, comprehensive overview of the state of our planet Earth and should provide ample food for thought for all readers. I look forward to the following articles in the series. I was particularly pleased to see the emphasis on human overpopulation, which, I believe, is truly the mother of all our difficulties. After reading many articles and letters in C&SSJ by people proudly describing families with four, five, six, or even more children, it was a welcome re- Countryside & Small Stock Journal, March/April 2013 17 lief to hear some reason rather than17 emotion. Truly, if we do not lower our population to a sustainable level soon, nothing else we do will set things right. Example: Procreation apologists frequently say that overpopulation isn’t the problem; overconsumption is. Of course, consumption depletes resources and damages ecosystems. So, say some miracle happens and humans on Earth somehow cut their per-capita consumption by 50 4 5/8” X 2 1/2” percent. If population continues to grow, eventually it will double and our total consumption will be right Don’t take it so hard ! back where it was. Control hard water scale without electricity, salt or chemicals. I consider myself fortunate to A SoPhTec system makes hard water act like soft water have been born without the pro- • Controls hardness, calcium scale and corrosion creation “gene” because it is much • Removes existing scale • Prevents lime scale buildup • Use less soaps & detergents • Maintenance & service free easier to do what I consider to be • Safe for soil, plant life & animals • Well or city water right. I have always been happy to SoPhTec is a cost- effective, environmentally- friendly alternative to a salt type softener. be childfree and I hope many, many 90 day money back guarantee & ten year warranty. others come to the same conclusion. As the members of the Volun- Total system cost for the home is $389 - shipping included (continental US) tary Human Extinction Movement To order or receive additional information: (VHEMT.org) say, “May we live Call Toll Free: 1-877-854-7638 long and die out.” — Jay Winslow, Or Write: MagneTec • 711 W.17th St Bldg. F-3, Costa Mesa, CA 92627 Rosendale, New York For more information or to order on line visit www.sophtecwatercond.com

? MagneTec ad for Countryside Your Cracking Heel, You might also like Which of my children is Athlete’s Foot & my newest book.... superfluous? Ugly NailThe Fungus font for MagneTec should Thisbe handy guide Can Be Gone!Challenge Extra Bold helps you compare Co u n t r y s i d e : Mr. Howe has some pharmaceutical good points in his article, “Energy, or Blarney Scaps SSK and alternative We Guarantee it! remedies for Economics, Peak Oil and Popula- nail fungus on tion” (Nov/Dec 2012), but there was fingernails & plenty in there that I didn’t agree toenails, as well with. That’s okay, I don’t need to as cracking heel and athlete’s foot, agree with everything in the article in including what order to appreciate the sound points actually works (and therein. But I hit the last straw when what doesn’t). he referred to “growing numbers of The Handy Guide to Nail Fungus, 40 pages a young, intelligent, yet “superfluous Order 1 box Nail Fungus Soak $ 95 population” (emphasis mine). I won- $1695 Postage included 8 Postage included der how many of my three children Or, order the book and 1 box of Nail he considers superfluous! Lucky for $ 90 $ our kids, their parents don’t consider Fungus Soak for 23 and save 2 them superfluous. We are raising them Questions? Long Creek Herbs on a farm so they know how to be Click on Q & A button, on the P.O. Box 127-CS self-sufficient, moral individuals who Nail Fungus page of our website Blue Eye, MO 65611 know how to love both God’s creation Major Credit Cards & PayPal Accepted and the people who live on it. Visit our website to see all of Jim Long’s books 417-779-5450 People are more than gas-hogging Mon - Fri, 8:00 - 5:00 Central time and herb products. drains on the planet. Why is it that when an animal is born, it’s consid- www.LongCreekHerbs.com 18 Men are made stronger on realization that the helping hand they need is at the end of their own arm. — Sidney J. Phil ered an asset, whereas when a child is the horrible state that previous and born, it’s a liability? Certainly there are Bees & water: current bee populations have found unproductive animals out there, but themselves in. The articles by Mc nearly everyone recognizes the ability Both are worthy of Sweeney and Gollerman offer sub- of animals to feed, clothe and work for stantial evidence which quite amply us. In a similar vein, a person is not a discussion eviscerates the “party line” parroted mere leech—this individual can work: Co u n t r y s i d e : As an appreciative sub- by M. Haldik. Co u n t r y s i d e ’s forum is bringing food, clothing and shelter scriber to Co u n t r y s i d e for quite some essential to further the cause of those forth from God’s creation. It’s true that time now, I believe the most recent who quite fortunately recognize and many people don’t know how to do Jan/Feb 2013 issue to have been espouse the fallacies promoted by the this anymore, but they can be taught, one of the most thought provoking, likes of Mr. Haldik and his ilk who and necessity is a great teacher. And informative and varied that I have harm many in myriad and sinister let’s not forget that every person is read. That said, I would like to offer ways. inherently valuable (regardless of how the following comments: In regards to the article “Debunk- much one “produces”), as each and Under the heading “apiary,” of ing the over-population myth,” Mr. every one is a child of God. said issue, two letters by Deborah Mc Sean Lanahan and his misguided Mr. Howe speaks of class warfare Sweeney and Mike Gollerman were brethren equipped to the hilt with and rationing. Well, I say—let the rich both well-written and quite telling “raw data” represent nothing more have their oil. We don’t need babysit- responses/rebuttals to the previ- than misguided sycophants who still ters in the form of rationing. When ously submitted article written by believe in the tooth fairy. Speaking the dollar collapses and oil runs out, Mr. Haldik. In that article Mr. Haldik of myths! we’ll all have to use our ingenuity to appears to be nothing less than a hack A man so steeped in numbers pull ourselves up by our bootstraps for those industrial interests that for as Mr. Lanahan quite mistakenly is, to survive. — Heather Stein, Steelville, the sake of profit and expediency exhibits blatantly that his perceived Missouri have been largely responsible for logic or lack thereof, presents a point of view disguised as logic so replete with fallacious assumptions as to be laughable. With absolutely no reference in his article to either drinking water

New 2 x 45 metzer ad 1 - 18 - 13 Countryside & Small Stock Journal, March/April 2013 19

Mantis Does It All! • Speed Weeds In Minutes • Tills New Garden Beds • Digs Planting Holes • And Much More… Precision Cultivator!

One Year RISK-FREE Trial Easy-to-Use Tiller! Busts Tough Sod! This 20 lb Wonder Will Cut Your Garden Chores…In-Half! Discover The Mantis Difference…In Your Own Garden! The Mantis Tiller is the lightest weight, easy-to-use gardening powerhouse that makes back-breaking hand tools…OBSOLETE! From sod busting a new garden, to weeding around delicate plants, or digging a hole for a new shrub…the Mantis can do it all! • Powerful enough for big gardens… • So lightweight that it’s a breeze • Power weeds the average nimble enough for small. to handle in the garden. garden in under 20 minutes! • Turns even tough, • Cuts through tough soil and roots FREE SHIPPING! hard clay soil into rich, like a chainsaw through wood! Plus Save $20 crumbly loam. • Create and maintain beautiful (on selected models). planting beds all season long. Call for complete details.

Call Toll-Free For Your FREE Catalog and DVD…TODAY!

Easy-to-Handle 1-888-240-4556 Dept. MT130317 Weighs Just…20 lbs YES! Please rush my FREE Catalog and DVD plus details on …and It’s All Muscle! your one year NO-RISK Trial, FREE Shipping, and $20 Savings (on selected models).

NAME ______

ADDRESS ______® We Make Gardening Easier ® CITY ______STATE ______ZIP ______www.mantistiller.com Mail to: Mantis, 1028 Street Rd, Dept. MT130317 Southampton, PA 18966 © 2012, Schiller Grounds Care, Inc. Countryside - Original 2009_Layout 1 11/6/2009 9:12 AM Page 1

The Original World 20 20There is no feast which does not come to an end. — Chinese proverb This is a must-have commentary about money and finances, which or wastewater, the premise of his when understood, will bring true article is baseless. Currently, the Planting changes = freedom from stress and worry. If this majority of the rivers, lakes, streams was understood and lived by every changes in human being on earth, the world and oceans of the world have been would be a very different place. And so horribly polluted through mis- honeybee health though that isn’t going to happen, use and poor stewardship that in you can personally free yourself from the USA alone close to 90% of the Co u n t r y s i d e : I’m a biodynamic/or- endless frantic striving and fear in a rivers and streams contain water world gone mad. ganic beekeeper with a sincere interest not considered safe for human con- in helping honeybees be as healthy as Order this transcription by Vernon Howard sumption. Our waste water systems today! Send only $5 (Shipping included) to: possible. I’m not a scientist but when New Life • PO Box 2230-AJ • Pine AZ 85544 discharge effluent so highly toxic I read the honeybee Colony Collapse nowadays, awash with complex www.anewlife.org Disease (CCD) article by Maurice chemical compounds in the form of Hladik, I immediately noticed the anti-depressants and untold myriad cherry-picking he did with studies Great Sausage Recipes other industrial and domestic chem- that bolster his view that CCD is not and Meat Curing icals that wastewater treatment is threatening the honey industry and horrendously complex, costly and that current agricultural practices By Rytek Kutas incomplete. Classic example: The Great Sausage Recipes are not involved in the bees’ demise. city of San Francisco uses the “out of and Meat Curing is the Rather than identifying and present- most comprehensive sight out of mind” treatment system ing management solutions to prob- book available on whereby partially treated sewage lems many beekeepers face with weak sausage making and is pumped far offshore via a huge bees or CCD, he attacks the idea that meat curing. It is easily outfall pipe which conveys this understood, contains a monoculture, GMOs and pesticides wide variety of toxic brew deep in the ocean where are innocent of harm. He says we are recipes, and is very efit just disappears, a kind of modern overreacting to the issue. fective in helping solve day magic. The long-term effects? I could not disagree more. common problems. 552 pages, $29.99 + s/h. Most probably disastrous! I wondered why he would say So, you bet, we can just keep such things so I googled him. He is 1-800-551-5691 populating the world with unabated www.countrysidemag.com a lecturer on the benefits of conven- vigor, as long as people believe that tional agriculture and completely radishes grow in bunches. Bring on discounts the validity of organic the babies. If there is a problem with agriculture. A posted article of his your drinking water, not to worry, shows he has laughably little grasp remember you can just go to the of true organic agriculture. www. local store and buy all you want in foodlogistics.com/article/10756649/ plastic containers. And with regards organic-or-conventional. His book, to the looming wastewater tsunami, Demystifying Food from Farm to Fork, not to worry. Just flush the old toilet, is largely a defense of conventional because as the old jingle told us, farming methods. “and away go your troubles down I’d like to offer a rebuttal of the the drain.” So narrow the vision, so three areas he says are not responsible poor the plan! for CCD. And Mr. Moseley, a great sug- gestion—a champion idea to have 1. Monocultures a “wanted” page(s). While I realize Monocultures are detrimental to it could easily get out of hand, I bees for a few reasons. First, mon- believe properly thought out and ocultures require bees be introduced administered, it could be a winner during the short term bloom period, for the readership and Co u n t r y s i d e . then packed up and moved on to The proverbial “win/win.” the next bloom. Bees subject to these Thank you for the opportunity methods suffer stresses stationary to voice my opinions. — Wm. Caleb hives don’t experience by being Pillsbury, Jr., Idaho moved hundreds or thousands of miles, plastic-wrapped, on trucks If you’d like to voice your opinion, in hot or cold weather, being out of write to Co u n t r y s i d e Editorial, 145 synch with normal bee seasons, and Industrial Dr., Medford, WI 54451 or exposed to pests and diseases intro- [email protected]. duced by other migratory hives in the Countryside & Small Stock Journal, March/April 2013 21 21 orchards with them. industry that benefits from saying A bigger problem though, is that so. This article www.naturalnews. these transported bees have access to com/025287.html states, “McDon- only one primary food source during ald’s research found that bees forag- the weeks they are on site. Just like ing near Bt crops did not gain the people, bees rely on a variety of food proper amount of weight, and failed sources to give them the nutrition to produce honey in their hives when they need for growth and to maintain they should have. Their non-Bt crop a healthy immune system. A 2010 counterparts, on the other hand, pro- study called “Diet Effects on Honey- duced more than double the amount bee Immunocompetence,” showed of honey they needed to survive the that multiple sources of pollen sig- winter.” nificantly increased the honeybees’ Adding to that, you can read ability to maintain a strong immune why Poland just banned Monsanto’s system and have better in-hive anti- GMO corn here: www.naturalnews. septic protection. The study shows com/036010_Poland_Monsanto_ that when bees ate of only one pollen GM_corn.html#ixzz2GI2ybxOq. source, as is common in monoculture “Poland’s decision to ban MON810 situations, their immune systems makes it the first nation to formally are weaker and they are less able to acknowledge that Monsanto’s GM defend their biosystems when chal- corn is definitively linked to CCD.” lenged. In early 2012 nine European coun- Another study, “Effects of Pollen tries (Belgium, Great Britain, Bul- Quality (Diversity) on Honey Bee garia, France, Germany, Ireland, and Physiology, Immunocompetence and Slovakia) blocked expansion of GM Colony Growth,” confirms that bees crops in Europe and France banned fed a single-source pollen had deficits Monsanto’s GMO corn MON810. when compared to bees fed diets with multiple pollen sources. 3. Pesticides Mr. Hladik says, “Honeybees like 2. GMOS to forage within only a one-mile ra- The King The GMO issue is two-fold. First dius of the hive. …(Beekeepers) can are the effects of the GMO pollen on avoid intensive agriculture if they Arthur Flour the bees. Second is the increased use wish…and if they have concerns 200th Anniversary Cookbook of pesticides that are used concur- about GMO corn, usually there is no By Brinna B. Sands rent with GMO seeds and how they need or purpose to place colonies affect bees. near a cornfield.” The pure joy of Even though the corporations Oh if it were only that simple. home baking is yours with this complete that make GMOs have stated that A study titled “Assessing the guide to the baking bees are not pollinators of corn, Routes and Levels of Exposure of arts. You can learn that’s a misrepresentation of what Honey Bees to Neonicotinoid Seed to make all sorts of really happens. Bees are not required Treatments in the Midwest” showed delicious and nutri- for corn to pollinate since corn is that corn seeds are routinely treated tious breads, pastries, wind-pollinated. That’s why corn is with these chemicals. During plant- pastas, and desserts. planted in closely-packed rows, so ing the chemicals rise into the atmo- This book will become your single lifelong reference to all of the traditional favorites the airborne pollen finds a settling sphere and settle onto other flowers as well as an inexhaustible trove of baking place on another corn plant. With nearby. Bees visiting dandelions out- ideas. About half of the recipes are new that pollination strategy, bees are not side a cornfield were found to have creations, and others date back to medieval needed. Yet, if bees live in the neigh- absorbed the seed treatment chemi- Britain. This book lets you stand beside your borhood, they readily collect corn cals and fungicides and also brought great-grandmother as she filled the kitchen pollen. Remember that GMO corn this into their hive via corn pollen with warmth and wonderful food. Contains has been inseminated with Bt which they collected. The study’s authors recipes for yeasted breads and rolls, cakes and crumbles, sourdough, whole wheat, pies kills corn borers by attacking their say, “These results have implications and pastries, fun for the young, and much digestive system. Unfortunately the for a wide range of large-scale annual more. 616 pages, $25.00 + s/h. Bt is also in the pollen and bees die cropping systems that utilize neoni- from eating the damaging Bt. cotinoid seed treatments.” Studies that say there is not dam- Another study points out that the Call 1-800-551-5691 age are, coincidentally, funded by the inert ingredients used in pesticides www.countrysidemag.com 25 22 22 are also having a detrimental effect on bees. “Pesticide Formulation Adjuvants May Impact Honey Bee Health,” reports that ”Bravo® formulation was at least 4X more toxic orally to adult honey bees than the active ingredient chlorothalonil, while Taktic® was about four times more toxic than amitraz. This indicates that ’inert’ ingredients can have crucial impacts on survival of both honey bee larvae and adults.” “Sub-Lethal Effects of Imidaclo- Secrets, Recipes and Know-How for Making prid Exposure on Honey Bee Queen Egg-Laying and Activity” demon- 115 Great-Tasting Wines strates that queens exposed to this chemical in amounts supposed to be The Home Winemaker’s Companion harmless were not unaffected. The queens’ egg-laying was disturbed at By Gene Spaziani and Ed Halloran even the most minute amounts. Yet Here are 115 delectable wine recipes to guide these chemicals are still legal and you through everything from making your very used throughout the U.S. first batch of kit wine to mastering advanced And then we have the clothiani- techniques for making wine from fresh grapes. din debacle which showed without 265 pages, $18.95 + s/h. question that bees are damaged by Bayer’s product, enough so that bee- Call 1-800-551-5691 to place your order. keepers throughout Europe sought a www.countrysidemag.com ban on it and have already done so in some countries including France, Germany and Italy. Lastly, here’s an interesting discussion of GMO Terminator Seeds that bring about an increase in the bee version of colon cancer. The writer makes a very interesting correlation with increases in human colon cancer that are worth considering: www. globalresearch.ca/death-of-the-bees- genetically-modified-crops-and-the- decline-of-bee-colonies-in-north- america/25950. These are not topics to be lightly dismissed as Mr. Hladik has done. These are serious questions with tremendously harmful implications that we need to have the courage and fortitude to address. — Jacqueline Freeman ? Co u n t r y s i d e : I would like to address some of the points on beekeeping and Colony Collapse Disorder mentioned by Mr. Maurice Hladik in his article in the Nov/Dec 2012 issue. I am a beekeeper and a member of both my Countryside & Small Stock Journal, March/April 2013 23 23 local club and the Missouri State Bee- pollination and the almond grow- keepers Association. I do not claim to ers planted vast numbers of trees be a scientist nor do I have a degree on the assumption that honeybees in entomology, but feel I must clear can be transported to the orchards up a few misconceptions that may when the trees are in bloom. If the arise in the minds of those who are honeybee is not there, for whatever Proclaimed by qualified design engineers to be the not familiar with beekeeping. reason, there will be no almonds and simplest, quietest, and the most practical grain mills in the world. Send $2 for flour sample and a color In his first paragraph, Mr. Hladik a multi-billion dollar business will catalog of grain mills and other related items to: states, “a little research has uncov- crash. Also, Mr. Hladik’s example of Since RETSEL Corporation ered some interesting facts….” As in monoculture crops is skewed at best. 1963 1567 E. Hwy 30, McCammon, Idaho 83250 the adage, “A little knowledge is a There are certainly more acres of any Tel:208-254-3737 www.RETSEL.com dangerous thing.” Mr. Hladik should given crop planted now than in the Grains at wholesale prices have done a lot more research to past. However, in that past, the acres come up with an intelligent, informa- were scattered all over the country in tive article instead of an elementary smaller farms and with other crops jumble of semi-facts that do nothing and varietal flora surrounding the to further the public knowledge of fields. The bees had a balanced diet, beekeeping, in general, or Colony so to speak, for the entire year. Now, Quality!! Collapse Disorder, specifically. there are hundreds or thousands of He states that bees are domesti- acres of one crop planted all in one Wood-fired Cookstoves cated. Bees never have been, aren’t huge unit. Since the bees only travel • Cook • Heat • Save $$ now, and in all probability, never up to three miles (not one as he stated Can heat up to 2,500 will be domesticated. Bees stay in and five if they are desperate), they square feet! the hives we provide only because it still only have one food supply and Call or Visit our website makes sense for them to do so at the that is only for the time the plant is for more information! time. If they determine their artificial in bloom. They do not receive the “tree” to be unacceptable in any way, balanced diet they require to be in 517-278-2214 they will leave. A bee doesn’t depend the best condition or for long term CSwww.kitchenqueenstoves.com 2011.qxp 4/4/2011 1:14 PM Page 1 on our help for their survival, they survival. can’t be trained to come when called, The problem with corn, and and they don’t get used to us or seek some other GMO crops, is not nec- SolexxTM puts greenhouses us out for protection. And they most essarily in the pesticides used on certainly do not give up their hard them. These pesticides are systemic in a whole new light earned bounty without a fight. If all and the seeds are coated with these the people on the planet disappeared chemicals before sale. The problem tomorrow, the bees wouldn’t even lies with the application procedures take notice and would go on doing used in planting the crop. There are what they have been doing for mil- two distinct problems that must be lennia, and do it very successfully addressed. The companies that make at that. the pesticides say that they are used Mr. Hladik mentions that most in “sub-lethal” doses and that any of the native bee population would honeybee coming in contact with the take over pollination duties if the plant will not receive a lethal dose honeybee were gone. For the most and die. I take them at their word on Eliminate shadows and boost plant growth part, that is correct. However, over this; however, one could make the • Solexx creates diffuse light – the optimal light for healthy plants the years some crop production has argument that you could take a pinch • Enjoy fresh, pesticide-free food from your been developed with the idea that of arsenic everyday and it probably own backyard farmers market bees will be transported around the wouldn’t kill you in two weeks which • Engineered to withstand mother nature country to pollinate various crops, happens to be the remaining life span • FREE greenhouse shipping (contiguous 48 states) • Huge selection of greenhouses and so growers have planted far more of of a summer bee, but I’m certainly not accessories these crops than the native bees could going to test that theory. ever hope to handle. Almonds are a The other problem is in the de- Call 1-800-825-1925 for a FREE catalog prime example. Like the honeybee, livery system of the seeds to the and panel sample. almonds are not native to North fields. When planting, the seeds are America. The almond tree is believed poured into farm equipment and

Advanced twin-wall to be native to the Middle East to flow out through spaced holes into greenhouse covering the Indus River region in Asia. They the ground. The pesticide coating on depend on the honeybee for their the seed tends to get sticky and clog www.GreenhouseCatalog.com 3740 CS Brooklake Rd NE • Salem, OR 97303 24 24 NEW! TIMELY! PROVOCATIVE! the equipment, so talc is added to And the only account of how capitalism,sippi democracy, and consumers keep the seeds from sticking together. form a system that entraps every one of us and controls our lives! When running through the equipment, the talc is so light it’s tossed A critique of capitalist democracy into the air from the seeds hitting each other and this, along with min- and a guide to understanding ute traces of the pesticide, is distrib- Enough! the New Normal uted all over the fields and blown by the wind into all surrounding woods, By Jerome D. Belanger fields, waterways and roadsides. So Founder of Co u n t r y s i d e the bees are not necessarily in contact You don’t have to follow the news close- with the pesticides from visiting the ly to be aware that these are tumultuous specific plants when they bloom or times. Every American should read this tassel, but when they visit any flora book to understand what has happened within hundreds of feet of the field. to the American Dream—and what the The bees then go back to the hive and New Frugality really means. Of all the continue doing what bees do. This changes in recent history, one that stands infects the hive with multiple bees out is how many ‘wants’ have now be- returning and adding continuous come ‘needs,’ and the dire consequenc- minute amounts of pesticide to the es that follow. For too many people their inside of the hive. The wax retains chief purpose is to produce and con- these chemicals and accumulates sume beyond all reason. The chaos af- them over time. This system may not fects everyone. ENOUGH! will help you kill the bees outright, but over time understand the mess from a homestead may create a toxic environment that perspective. 299 pages, $14.95 + s/h. could be disastrous for the future of the colony and its offspring. www.countrysidemag.com • 1-800-551-5691 Lastly, Mr. Hladik seems to think that beekeepers can regularly just pick up their hives and move them whenever and wherever they choose. Natural Beekeeping Unless you have hundreds of hives and the equipment to load and Organic Approaches to Modern Apiculture unload them, moving a beehive is neither easy nor advisable. Since the Ross Conrad brings together bees are locked on to their hive’s loca- the best “do no harm” strategies tion, you just can’t move them from for keeping honeybees healthy one side of your yard to the other. The and productive with nontoxic field bees will return to the location methods of controlling mites, the hive was in when they left. They eliminating American foul- will not find the new location and unless there happens to be another hive brood disease (without the use of nearby and they get incredibly lucky antibiotics), selective breeding and are let in, they will perish. There for naturally resistant bees, and is a difference between the commer- many other tips and techniques. cial and the non-commercial bee- Whether you are a novice look- keeper in the way bees are handled; ing to get started with bees, you cannot paint the entire industry an experienced apiculturist with the same broad brush. looking for ideas to develop an As he says, there may be a bit of integrated pest management ap- an overreaction to the issue of Colony proach, or someone who wants Collapse Disorder, but the spread of dubious, unbalanced and generalized to sell honey at a premium price, this is the book you’ve been waiting information does more of a disservice for. Foreword by Gary Paul Nabhan. 246 pages, $35.00 + s&h. to the public and beekeeping. Ongo- ing testing and analysis is definitely To o r d e r y o u r c o p y , c a l l t h e Co u n t r y s i d e Bo o k s t o r e called for, not the apathy that can result from bad or incomplete infor- 1-800-551-5691 • w w w .countrysidemag .c o m mation. — Kathy Murphy It’s easilyCountryside available &and Small inexpensive, Stock Journal, but it March/Aprilworks like crazy 2013 for hundreds of different ailments and problems…25 “Free Report Reveals What May Be Nature’s Most Powerful Health And Healing Substance!” HOMSON, IL — Recently, a brand • How to cure “Swimmer’s Ear” with vinegar • Relieve sore throats and laryngitis new report was published revealing and water… Page 20 • Provide relief from and protect against food Tthe remarkable properties of an often • A natural substance - in these types of vinegar - poisoning overlooked pantry staple. This report is titled… that helps reduce cholesterol… Page 20 • Detox the body so sinus, asthma and flu Vinegar Solutions: • How to supercharge vinegar’s natural healing sufferers can breathe easier How To Harness The Power Of properties… Page 21 • Banish acne, athlete’s foot, dandruff, rashes Nature’s Most Remarkable Healer • How vinegar helps ward off depression and shingles It’s a $19.95 value… and… like I said in the and other mental health issues… even very • Fight arthritis headline above, I am going to send it to you… serious ones like dementia… Pages 23-24 • Control and normalize blood pressure, ABSOLUTELY FREE! • Why hospitals are using vinegar as a cholesterol and bodyweight disinfectant… plus… an incredibly inexpensive Hi, my name is Mike Walters and I’m the editor • And much, much more at-home recipe for an effective vinegar-based, of one of the foremost leading websites in the world all-purpose spray cleaner… Pages 26-27 Vinegar truly is as close to a miracle health and for practical information on living and surviving in healing substance as you can get. And as soon as • What you can and cannot clean with hard times (economic and otherwise.) you read this report (it’s short and to the point), you vinegar. (Although vinegar is safe and In a minute, I’ll tell you why I am going to send will have all the knowledge and resources you need can clean almost anything, there are 5 this report to you… and… why I am going to send to take advantage of all its amazing benefits. exceptions. Ignore this advice at your own it to you for free. But first, let me reveal a small peril!)… Pages 28-33 This is insider information that every health- sample of all the vinegar tips, tricks and secrets you conscious American should have. will discover in it… • How to use vinegar in your garden as a natural pesticide and soil pH balancer… Pages 35-37 But why am I sending this report to you and why • How to preserve food with vinegar to help am I sending it to you absolutely free? ward off food poisoning and malnutrition… • A recipe for the aforementioned and It’s a simple, ethical incentive to get you to Page 7 shockingly-effective “Vinegar of Four Thieves.” (It wards off insects as effectively sign up for our fiercely independent weekly email • Three techniques - anyone can learn - that as it wards off disease.)... Pages 35-36 newsletter titled, “Off The Grid News.” Each issue essentially ensures a plentiful, safe and is crammed full of resources, analysis and advice • How to combat bugs in your home with super-nutritious food supply under almost any (all stuff you’ll never get from the mainstream vinegar… Page 36 conditions… Pages 8-9 media) for living and surviving today and in future • The Asian vinegar cure for colitis, dysentery • How to easily make your own vinegar from times when life may not be as easy... these 17 different foods. (This information and food poisoning! (Safe and effective, The newsletter is also free and you can is crucial in any off-the-grid or long-term they’ve used this type of vinegar for unsubscribe at any time if you wish. To get survival situation.)… Pages 39-44 thousands of years very successfully to treat your free “Vinegar Solutions” report and free these potentially deadly diseases)… Page 10 The amazing health benefits of vinegar have subscription to “Off The Grid News”… simply go • Why vinegar should be a staple in any first-aid kit. been known worldwide for thousands of years. For to: (It’s truly amazing how many emergency conditions example: In 400 B.C., Hippocrates, the Father of www.VinegarReport.com it can treat successfully!)… Pages 13-15 Medicine, used apple cider vinegar for its natural cleansing, healing and energizing health qualities. You can’t beat the price (FREE for download) • The fascinating tale of how the “Legend or if you’d like a print copy of this report mailed of Four Thieves Vinegar” allowed a group And proven vinegar remedies have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for more than 2,000 to you just send us $5.00 to cover shipping and of thieves to rob the sick and dead during handling… the Black Plague… without… infecting years. Its earliest recorded use goes back to 8 B.C. themselves… Page 18 Furthermore, even Western medicine has caught You can call in to place your order for the hard copy by calling... • How a daily dose of vinegar can ward off the on to the potential healing power of vinegar. One 800-219-7723 flu… and… even help prevent and treat tough study reported by the National Institutes of Health You can also send your check or money order diseases like cervical cancer! (It’s true. Experts showed that vinegar ingestion reduced the glucose to... from John Hopkins University School of response to a carbohydrate load in healthy adults Solutions From Science and in individuals with diabetes. Medicine developed a simple procedure using Department: CS124 vinegar that has been shown to significantly In his book “Apple Cider Vinegar: Miracle reduce cervical cancer.)… Page 17 Health System,” Paul Bragg - considered the Father 2200 IL Route 84 P.O. Box 518 • Quick relief vinegar solutions for coughs, of the Health Movement in America - says apple sore throats, congestion and other symptoms cider vinegar helps: Thomson, IL 61285 (even nausea and vomiting) associated with • Remove artery plaque and toxins in the body P.S. Get your copy of Vinegar Solutions today. You’ll colds and the flu… Pages 19-20 • Fight infections, germs, viruses, bacteria and mold be amazed by what this simple substance can do. 26 26 The best bet is to bet on yourself. — Arnold Glasow and that last frost can take up until Texas greenhorn the beginning of April. How do I prolong my garden harvest when needs your advice I plant so late? I had considered purchasing the materials to make a Co u n t r y s i d e : I’m currently working cold frame, but the paying off debt on becoming more self-sufficient in is really taking priority right now. Murray McMurray terms of paying off debt and growing Est. 1917 Every time I start seeds indoors, the as much of my own food as possible. seedlings never flourish enough to I stumbled upon this magazine a few be transplanted outdoors. And what years back and I can honestly say about fertilizers—anything natural my only regret is that I didn’t have a out there for grass? Anything natural subscription years ago. Anyway, I’m out there that I can use to kill weeds as green as a greenhorn can get, so I but not harm my daffodils? have a lot of basic questions. I’m having difficulty with my I live in the High Plains in West compost. It’s always a very dry heat Texas and we’ve been in a drought for here in West Texas and keeping my what feels like forever. I have tried the compost just moist enough to cook usual methods of rainwater catching is very difficult. I had a bug problem with some success. My question is last year because of it. It doesn’t re- about winter water gathering—is it ally smell—and I can see a tiny bit of possible, in freezing temperatures, actual compost, but I don’t want the to save snow/sleet/rain for the flies, rolly pollys, and I even saw a spring? roach when I went to turn it. What I could also use some advice on can I do to speed up the decomposi- general gardening. Here, we know tion process and lose the critters? that the last frost has come once the Also, I am very interested in learn- mesquite tree starts to sprout leaves, Snorkel_SD133A:Countryside 10/24/12 9:37 AM Page 1 ing how to cook with acorns. I have a couple of oak trees, which gave their first crop this past fall. I know that flour can be made from them, and that the Native Americans made a “mush.” Does anyone have instructions on how to prepare and cook them? I am also interested in learning how to cook with marigolds and roses. I remember reading that a tea can be made from roses—but I don’t know how. Beautiful hand selected Western Red Cedar, Finally, on dry canning—can sug- still water and crackling fire...all you need ars be canned? I’m worried about dry to enjoy a relaxing soak, under the stars. canning my teas—will the heat in the Choose wood-fired simplicity at half the oven sap the antioxidants? price of plastic spas or digital fingertip I’m not a big fan of trusting the In- control gas or electric heat.The moonlit sky and peaceful relaxation are free. ternet for answering all my questions; • No Plumbing, No Power Bills! I’d rather talk to a human being who’s • Jets available for wood heat tubs actually done what I’m asking. And • Digital control gas/electric 30 Years the conversation is always informa- heated systems available too. Made in tive and amusing. Keep up the good USA! work, and thank you! — Antonette On Sale Now! Dorado; [email protected] Ask about Special Freight Offer. Wood Fire Heating Cost $0 Under Water! with wood fire! Call Toll Free UNDERWATER • Many of your lawn “weeds” are Woodstove edible—dandelions and plantain, to 1- 800-962-6208 heats water mention two. (Of course you don’t want www.snorkel.com AMAZINGLY to injest them if the neighbors are using fast! pesticides!) Dept. SD133A • Tea from rose hips is easy to make. Countryside & Small Stock Journal,27 March/April 2013 27 Snip off the rose hips (the red berries), place in a canning jar or heat-proof container. Pour boiling water over the hips, and cover to preserve the steam and essential oils. Steep for 15-20 minutes. Store leftovers in the refrigerator. They’re full of vitamin C, with a somewhat mild citrusy flavor. • Some people have canned sugar, with great success. • Acorns can be used for flour, but we’ll touch on that in another issue, as the process is somewhat complicated and too long to go into here.

Strawbales needed for home building in Oklahoma

Co u n t r y s i d e : Does anyone know where I can find free or really cheap straw bales or a sponsor? My brother and I inherited 20 acres. On August 30, 2011, we lost everything due to a wildfire set by a neighbor. We had no insurance—they don’t insure 30-year-old trailers, barns full of three generations of antiques, never mind the boats, vehicles, RVs, and my painting equipment. I was a new custom home painter (retired), my brother was a framer. Now it’s Pure Survival Water all gone. But my passion in life is to rescue animals, and that sad day I was forced to leave my animals to die—43 out of 50. Today I have replaced my brother’s home with another old trailer, as he is unable to work due to his health. I, on the other hand, am in a pull-behind trailer. I have lost all faith in the fire department, so there’s no need to build anything close to the street. I was less than 50 feet from the street when the fire happened, and they did not even pull on the land. Not one drop of water for our land. Worried about having safe, fresh water in the event I want to build with straw bales, a of a power outage or natural disaster? solar roof, and wind turbines, off the grid. If anyone has ideas that would The Waterwise 1600 Non-Electric Distiller will save the day. help, knows where I can find bales of any kind, or can hook me up with Purity made simple! like-minded folk in Oklahoma who up to 16 gallons a day of pure, steam distilled H2O have info. I thank you for your time virtually any heat source use indoors or outside and please, pray for all the wildfire   victims. — Lori J. Turner; turner6000@ ($1500 Value) Ext 721 gmail.com FREE Report 800-874-9028 PO Box 494000 Leesburg FL 34749 • www.waterwise.com/cty 28 Everything comes to him who hustles while he waits. —Thomas Alva Edison Growing Old in the New Normal Will Present Some Special Problems

By J. D. Be l a n g e r steading and aging based on personal to Homesteader’s Handbook to Raising Ed i t o r Em e r i t u s experience. Small Livestock (Rodale Press, 1974, now available as a reprint from Do- omesteading—providing as 1. Plan ahead, but expect the ver), I pointed out that raising small many of your own needs as unexpected. stock was something you can enjoy Hpossible—has always made 2. Use your head, not your back. all your life. sense for retirees as well as the un- 3. Know that goals, ideas and ide- “When I was in grade school, employed. A garden, a few chickens, als change along with muscle tone, some of my best friends were pi- and some rabbits or goats give people vigor and ambition. geons. I still raise them, I enjoy their without paying jobs something to do 4. Think about financial plan- beauty, their personalities, their grace and puts food on the table. ning like a homesteader. of flight. And one day I hope to be The problem is, homesteading 5. Find something to be passion- like the old man who sold me my involves work—and we get old. ate about. first good birds: my life’s work done, Several years ago Co u n t r y s i d e ’s sitting in the shade of a vine-covered “Question of the Month” asked read- Some people do die young, but white loft, still thrilling at my birds— ers how they were going to cope with many others live to complain that, a little bit of me—winging their way homestead chores as they aged. The “had I known I was going to live this to the clouds.” most common answer was an opti- long, I would have taken better care When I retired 26 years later I mistic “the same way I do now, only of myself!” Part of that care involves did indeed have several breeds of more slowly!” planning. pigeons… and chickens, and guineas, They were only partially right. Much planning is financial: ac- and golden pheasants, and ring-neck Young people have a tough time en- cumulating savings, and hopefully doves, and cockatiels… visioning themselves aging. deriving at least a modest income …and hypersensitivity pneumonitis, I vividly recall the moment I first from them; insurance considerations; also variously called “pigeon lovers’ realized I was old. I was helping a son paying off the mortgage and having disease,” “chicken lovers’ disease” and son-in-law re-roof our house. I the homestead in place. This includes or simply “bird breeders’ disease.” wasn’t keeping up with the younger having the tools essential for your When a lung biopsy went awry I was guys, and my back and knees were level of self-sufficiency, and the hospitalized for two weeks with a aching. I was halfway up the ladder knowledge, skills and experience to lung that collapsed several times, and with an 80-pound bundle of shingles use them profitably. This could mean when I returned home, all the birds on my shoulder when I paused to a small garden and a freezer, or the were gone: Diane saw to it that not think: “When I was a Marine I ran whole kit and kaboodle—garden and a feather remained. I needed a new up and down hills all day carrying tools, canning equipment, root cellar, retirement hobby. an 80-pound pack plus a 9.5-pound greenhouse, chicken coop, goat facili- I have heard similar stories of M1 rifle. What the heck is wrong with ties, and all the essential peripherals. plans gone sour: a fellow who was me now?” These obviously must be addressed going to spend his retirement as a Then it hit me: that was 40 years long before your retirement party. woodworker found he was allergic to ago! Will you heat with wood? If so, sawdust; a goat lady couldn’t handle I climbed up to the roof, dumped what happens when you can no the herd by herself after her husband that bundle, climbed back down the longer lift a chainsaw, fell a tree or died; plans were drastically changed ladder, and never went up again. swing a splitting maul? What about after a house burned down or a sub- Many more years have passed butchering? Making hay? division or new highway swamped since then, so from the perspective While planning is important, a homestead, and more than a few of an old guy who was once young, don’t think it’s etched in stone. people develop medical problems here are a few observations on home- For example, in the introduction that keep them from doing virtu- Countryside & Small Stock Journal, March/April 2013 29

Growing older on the homestead presents its own challenges. ally anything physical. A tornado, If you’re young you probably don’t give a thought about running down flood or hurricane can change plans. to the basement root cellar for an onion or one more potato while making Anticipating all the possibilities is supper. But when stairs present a real challenge you’ll soon learn to gather impossible, but we must be prepared everything you’ll be needing for a meal, or even the entire day, and bring it for them, if only psychologically. all up in one trip. Maybe you’ll grow vegetables in containers, or use one of the heavy Use your head mulching systems to avoid tilling a garden. Raised beds are widely recog- Number two, using your head not nized as being beneficial to disabled people of all degrees and ages. Growing your back, obviously makes sense for peas, beans, and cucumbers on trellises makes harvesting much easier on everyone, but it’s essential for older the back. folks. Bales of hay, buckets of water, Yellow beans are easier for sight-impaired gardeners to pick than green lumber and logs, all seem to increase ones, which can be hard to distinguish against green leaves. Speaking of that, in weight as we add on years. We prepare for trying to make out the info on a seed packet or the instructions learn to appreciate leverage, the in- on a container of pesticide when you’re outside and your glasses are in the clined plane, the wheel, even more house. than before. And most importantly, That drip irrigation system you’ve always wanted makes even more sense we learn to be careful and to avoid when lugging hoses becomes impossible. If an irrigation system isn’t in the risks that we might have ignored retirement budget, you might have to settle for a smaller watering can… that when younger. is, if you’re able to make more trips. However, one of the best uses of Various forms of arthritis are common as we age. In some cases, tools with the head is to ask whether a specific longer or padded handles might be called for. We want to avoid over-reaching. task needs to be done at all. Many, we Paths must be level and not slippery, and perhaps wheelchair accessible. If often decide, are not. you have never used kneepads, now might be the time to start… or you might Between these extremes are nu- prefer a seat of some kind, even if only an overturned 5-gallon bucket. merous examples of how merely tak- Warm-up exercises have become almost a fad: some of us have scoffed at ing a few moments to think through the folly of exercising to get ready for… exercising! But as our muscles turn a situation or to assess a problem can to mush and we creak in joints we weren’t even aware we had and garden- result in using brainpower to coming starts to feel like more than just light exercise, maybe a little stretching pensate for muscle power. beforehand is a good thing after all. 30 I don’t deserve this, but then again, I have arthritis and I don’t deseve that either. — Jack Benny, accepting an award Everything changes, including easy: the 200 quarts of tomatoes we over the chores we have outgrown. canned each summer for a growing And because we have to compensate change, itself family would be ludicrous now, and them in cash, we worry more about Be prepared for changes—in your- everything else also decreases pro- money. self, both mental and physical, and portionately. in the outside world. Of these, the What’s not so obvious is that ap- Life-altering changes changes in your own ideas might be petites change with age: we eat less, the most surprising. and differently. Raising a pig doesn’t and money Some of the most significant Most of us anticipate growing make much sense when two people life-altering changes today involve weaker with age, although it can still can share one pork chop. This is one money. Total self-sufficiency is im- take us by surprise (as in my roofing aspect of aging that’s a plus: we don’t possible. So is living without money. story). If we have spent a lifetime eat- have to do as much because we need Dedicated homesteaders push the ing properly, getting plenty of physi- less. envelope on both as far as they can. cal exercise and living sensibly, we Then there are attitudes toward Few people today collect pensions tend to think of ourselves like those self-sufficiency. When I was a young and for years, many of us were certain 70-year-olds who still run marathons and fanatical homesteader a crop we’d never collect Social Security or swim the English Channel, and failure was catastrophic, and even either. The only other options were we’re surprised when we realize that shortages were life-changing. Buying to work until the very end, or to save ain’t gonna happen to us. Very few potatoes was verboten. If we ran out of enough to survive old age. have such lucky genes. I knew mak- potatoes before the new crop came in So you saved a nickel here, a dime ing firewood would become more we ate Jerusalem artichokes, or beans, there, which became a few dollars, difficult, but I never expected that or homemade pasta instead. and after many years, a respectable even the small chainsaw, formerly Not many people are that fanati- retirement kitty. Invested in stocks, used just for brushing, would get so cal at any stage of their lives. But now, or even CDs, it could be expected heavy! even for us, the prohibition against to provide a comfortable income, at Similarly, we might not be able to buying spuds isn’t nearly as strong least by homestead standards. imagine ourselves living without our (although the store-bought ones are Unless, of course, the Dow beloved chickens, or goats or horses. so inferior there’s not much incentive Jones Industrial Average goes from My bird experience was unusual; either), and again, we really don’t 14,164.53 to 6,547, as it did from Oct. not so with the goats. As a young man need very many anyway. 9, 2007, to March of ’09, and wipes out I was certain I’d be milking at least one The ideals of independence and your gains as well as a good chunk goat until the day I died. I loved goats, doing for ourselves—of self-suffi- of principal. And unless the interest I loved working with and consuming ciency—fade with age. When it’s im- rates on certificates of deposit go from their products, they were entertaining possible to continue to be superman the long-term average of 5.4% to the pets and friends as well as providers, or superwoman, we have to accept 2012 rate of 0.03%. At that rate, even and except for a few chores such as reality. If we simply can’t hack it, we a million dollars in savings returns barn cleaning, they didn’t involve have to consider the options. “Aging a paltry $300 a year. Or put it under much strenuous labor. gracefully” means knowing when it’s your mattress and watch inflation But there came a time when we time to give up certain activities and eat it. didn’t drink much milk any more and doing so without bitterness. And then there’s a good chance making cheese for two elderly people In the olden days when two or your home isn’t worth nearly as became more bother than it was three generations of a family lived much as it was a few years ago, fur- worth. Yogurt is a no-fuss product, and worked together this was less of a ther devastating your net worth. and we still consume that regularly, problem. When you progressed from In other words, even careful plan- but not enough to warrant keeping diapers to knickers to long pants to ning and doing everything “right” has even one decent goat. hobbling with a cane you were part been no guarantee of a prosperous re- And I’ll admit it: we reach a stage of a team. Only the job description tirement in recent years. Heaven only in life when crawling out of bed to do changed with each stage of life. By the knows what might be “right” for the chores every single day, regardless time an old man was confined to his next generation, but clearly, being of the weather or aches and pains or rocker and wearing a shawl, maybe debt-free and possessing at least the anything else, loses its attraction. the job was nothing more than shell- basic tools for self-sufficiency (and Some changes are obvious and ing hickory nuts, crocheting afghans the skills and experience needed to and telling stories, but it was a job, as use them profitably) provides more important in its way as the work of security than a stash of cash. Know- the younger family members. ing how to transform raw wheat into Now the job description still bread, a dollar’s worth of seeds into changes, but instead of family, we $50 worth of vegetables, and having have to rely on outsiders to take Countryside & Small Stock Journal, March/April 2013 31 the ability to create a free meal by to learn and grow, and ideally, share foraging for wild foods—these are all our enthusiasm with like-minded up-to-the-minute 21st century survival folks, is one of the best tonics for old techniques, despite what the majority age. I have learned from experience of Americans think. (Most of them that merely joining an organization would consider purchasing $50 worth isn’t enough. To get the most benefit of wheat berries ridiculous, but think you have to volunteer, get involved, nothing of a $300 or $400-a-month bill become part of the inner circle. for the family’s four cell phones.) After my unfortunate bird expe- Those who have already retired rience I turned to bonsai, which led have few choices. Some have gone to an interest in conifers, and the back to work, even in their 70s and American Conifer Society. Now I’m a 80s. Nearly all have had to rein in their technical editor of their magazine and spending, regardless of how meager editor of the Central Region newslet- that was even before the crash. Living ter, I’ve developed a slide presenta- with as little cash as possible—one of you consider that even those living tion for garden groups, and I tend a the foundations of homesteading— in poverty today have more than the collection of more than a hundred can be anticipated in retirement. richest royalty of yore, it’s apparent dwarf, rare and unusual conifers. Serious homesteading—that is, that wealth and lifestyle are largely Do I miss the chickens and goats, providing as many of your own needs a matter of relativity; much of it’s in the eggs and milk? Of course! But as possible, including food, shelter, your head. conifers are a trade-off: I’ll probably clothing and entertainment—is the This being the case, maybe the miss them too, someday. That’s life. solution to many money shortage most important aspect of homestead- Besides, I still have birds, right problems for people who are unem- ing isn’t physical self-sufficiency: it’s outside my window. We have scads of ployed, or under-employed, as well as psychological self-reliance. We don’t finches and chickadees, and families retired. It’s the equivalent of creating wait for or expect others to fulfill of blue jays, cardinals, and mourning your own employment. But it only our needs, we don’t base our needs doves, among many others. A pileat- works if it’s handled like real employ- or wants on advertising or tv shows ed woodpecker has been a regular ment, not just an expensive hobby. This or what the neighbors have or think, at the suet feeder recently, and Bo- means you must have at least the basic and we adapt to whatever nature hemian waxwings and grouse have tools in place before you actually need hands us. been entertaining us while enjoying them, and you must have the skills the fruits and berries remaining on and experience to use them profitably. Be passionate our trees and shrubs. This is no time for those beginners’ And then there’s the passion. I’ve Resourceful homesteaders will mistakes resulting in $40 tomatoes observed that those who have a rea- always find a way to not only survive, and $5 eggs. son for getting out of bed in the morn- but to enjoy life, at any age. Fortunately, real homesteaders ing and have something they can There was something else I wanted have plenty of practice at frugality, as really sink their teeth into are much to share, but it slipped my mind… do many younger people today, home- happier and healthier than those who Oh well, it’ll come to me later. steaders or not, thanks to the Crash of do little or nothing and don’t enjoy ’08. The homestead advantage is that even that. Crossword puzzles and tv J.D. Belanger, who is proud of we can see what’s really important just don’t fill the void. having written this article without and what is useless. We know there This might be one of the major once referring to “senior citizens” or are alternatives to the financial plan- benefits of homesteading. A garden, “golden agers,” founded Co u n t r y s i d e ners’ advice concerning stocks and and certainly small livestock, can magazine in 1969… when back-to- bonds and bank savings. (Don’t just keep a person happily occupied well the-land hippies were saying ”never gripe about the average Wall Streeter into old age. Such activities allow us trust anyone over 30.” He was 31. taking home $362,950 last year: refuse to learn something new every day, His most recent book is En o u g h ! A to support them with any of your which is also important. For many, critique of capitalist democracy and hard-earned pennies. Invest in your that’s enough, but the possibilities a guide to understanding the New homestead, and yourself.) are unlimited. Normal, available from the Coun- At any age, homesteaders realize Whether volunteering at the Sal- tryside Book Store. that the best things in life are free. We vation Army or on a citizen commit- know how to make do or do without. tee, becoming involved in a plant or We know how to appreciate what we historical society, cooking or baking have, in any amount, and we recog- or wine-making, taking a college nize that no matter how little we have, course or learning a new skill, finding someone else has even less. When something where we can continue 32 Acorns were good till bread was found. — Unknown The garden:

Gardening and Foraging with the ancient Mimbres

he large cobbles are scattered along the margins of an empty rectangular area on the ground; they do Tnot seem to belong to this part of the desert scrub. A solitary Velvet Mesquite tree stands sentinel over the plain like a palace guard protecting an entrance into time. Lithic cores and debitage litter the ground; a unifacial hoe here, an obsidian cutting tool there, intermingled with A broken grinding corrugated red, and black on white vessel-shaped pot- stone (metate) used to grind flour, dates tery chards. One can imagine a woman kneeling beneath back to 1130 A.D. a thatched ramada, facing the metate now lying before me, mano in hand, grinding the mesquite pods that will manent structures. No, this seemed more the work of a transform into flour for the evening family meal. sedentary people, an agrarian people. With this limited Our family home was not the first on this land. Long knowledge at hand, I contacted an archaeologist with the ago a people that we know today as the Mimbres foraged, (now closed) San Simon research project. hunted, and farmed on the alluvial plain east of Cave Mrs. Kris Dobschuetz, a Registered Professional Ar- Creek canyon in southeast Arizona. When they abruptly chaeologist (RPA), visited and documented the features left around 1130A.D., a litany of physical evidence was all of the site in April of 2007. She described the site as solely that remained to document their existence. Yet artifacts Mimbres, as opposed to being occupied by other cultures are a valuable legacy that leads to greater understanding as well, based upon the pottery and lithic debris as well of the anthropological characteristics and environment as the construction of the building that she referred to as within which a people lived, and just as a coin has two a “field house.” In her estimation, the site had been oc- sides, so do legacies. One side contains the data and the cupied between approximately 970 A.D. and 1130 A.D. other the interpretation of that data. Additionally, all with the peak occupancy between 1060 A.D. and 1110 historical human events hold the promise of making us A.D. Armed with this newfound information, I began more knowledgeable if we are willing to closely observe to perform research of my own to discover more about the habitat, ask questions, and apply the revealed insight this culture. What I discovered influenced how we tend to modern usage. That is the wisdom that I have sought to our own garden and how we forage the natural plant while attempting to live a modern Mimbres’ lifestyle. life that surrounds us. When my wife and I first purchased the vacant Three invariable conditions influenced Mimbres’ land that we now call our second home, we had noticed agricultural decision making: Wind, soil, and water. A the cobble piles that seemed to form a building shape. millennium ago there were seeps and artesian springs Initially I disregarded them as the remains of a cowboy along the desert floor due to a high static subterranean line shack from the recent past. However, upon closer water level. The Mimbres built their homes and farmed inspection there were clues that left that theory in doubt. the land close to these water sources. Those seeps, how- One would have expected to find cans, glass fragments, ever, no longer exist due to the significantly receded water and tack debris lying about the surrounding area. Instead table. The other two constants though, remain as much we found an abundance of pottery chards. I had long of a concern today as during the Mimbres’ time. Arroyos, known that this was the land of the Chiricahua Apache, or dry-washes, are deeply cut watercourses that act as although it seemed unlikely that a nomadic tribe such natural wind breaks and storm drains. Furthermore, they as they would expend the time and energy to build per- provide the greatest mineral nutrient content and soil Countryside & Small Stock Journal, March/April 2013 33 loam for growing. By planting within these arroyos and the swales adjacent to them, ancient farmers obtained the essential requirements needed to grow beans, squash, and maize while also mitigating damage from the merciless wind. From the Mim- bres’ wisdom we have, with but few changes, adapted these techniques to use in our current garden. The biggest changes are that we currently use well water and have realized much greater success growing root crops rather than the surface crop staples of our predecessors. Additionally, we add manure from a neighbor’s horse rescue ranch as an amendment to increase the organic matter in the The author found remnants of a fieldhouse dating back over 1,000 years on his soil. This latter addition is necessary new homestead in Arizona. due to serious overgrazing of the cious eating machines out in droves. During our initial year of planting they area’s native grasslands during the ate every single leaf off of our Tepary bean crop. It was very disappointing. late 19th century. There are two things that play in our favor, however. The first is that the Problems have arisen over the hoppers growth spurt coincides with the summer monsoon downtime and, years with our adaptation of the secondarily, the grasshoppers are natural cannibals. I discovered this latter Mimbres’ design. Perhaps the big- phenomenon by reading an Audubon insect book and then observing the gest has to do with location. While varmint behavior. Subsequently, I deployed the trial and error technique and planting in an arroyo has advantag- yanked a leg off of one and threw it in a jar. Within an hour several other es, it also has some disadvantages. hoppers were in the jar happily munching away on the disabled, nearly dead Arroyos, as previously mentioned, one. The jar also served the additional purpose of trapping and killing the are nature’s way of siphoning off newcomers, which, in turn, prompted more hoppers to jump in to feast on excess moisture during storms, how- the newly dead…perpetual killing, so to speak. We now have 25-30 empty ever, when too much water comes glass pickle jars standing just outside the garden perimeter and, at the first down the stream at once it causes sight of the critters, I disable 25-30 and throw one into each jar. My educated flash flooding. Flash flooding scours guess is that the Mimbres developed pottery with a decreasing diameter neck watercourses and uproots all plant and used them in the same manner as we use our pickle jars. life from dry washes. Fortunately, In addition to subsistence farming, necessity dictated that the Mimbres the heaviest rains only occur dur- forage the desert flora for sustenance as well. Two desert plants, the velvet ing the summer monsoon season, mesquite tree and the soaptree yucca, were the most useful to the Mimbres which lasts from Independence Day and grow in abundance on the local range. Another useful plant is the devil’s to Labor day. We have adapted to claw. Eaten primarily as a snack, the seed of this plant is high in protein, taste- this inconvenience by planting two less, and teeth shatteringly hard, although it can also be ground and added crop rotations per year; the first goes to mesquite meal to increase protein content. Wild rhubarb is yet another in between March 1-15 and is har- example of a useful forage plant. It is an early spring herb that when ground vested as late as we dare before July to powder can be used as an anti-inflammatory agent on surface wounds 4. The second seeding is commenced and burns. At this point however, I will concentrate on describing the two on August 15-30 and harvested by primary foraged staples of the Mimbres. November 30, allowing the arroyo Velvet mesquite (Prosopis velutina), a member of the pea family, pro- to remain fallow during the period vided an easily obtained source of protein from the beans that grow on its between plantings. This technique branches. When the pods were ripe in early summer, the Mimbres would has, for the most part, worked ef- collect them continuously for weeks. At the same time, others would grind fectively for us. The Mimbres, in all the beans on a “metate” into meal from which were made thin, tortilla-like likelihood, used a double cropping breads. Mesquite bean has a rather sweet taste, makes excellent flour, and method similar to this. stores well. I have experienced the grinding process using a modern mortar The second problem has to do and pestle, and learned that it is a time-consuming, tedious process that with insects, specifically the Lubber requires an abundance of physical effort. It is no wonder that anthropologists (or Horse Lubber) grasshopper. The consider foragers to be 33% more aerobically fit than farmers. Additionally, first summer rain brings these vora- mesquite wood is an excellent source of firewood with even the roots being 34 Nostalgia is a seductive liar. — George W. Ball Left: Preparing the ever, I believe this is best done by master craftsmen plot with lots of rather than laymen. Catastrophic failure of bowstrings organic material. can cause blindness and other physical damage. Below: All of the As you may have already surmised, life during the hard work pays Mimbres’ time involved a great deal of hard manual off with a decent labor. This was a time before metallurgy, before animal harvest. power, and before medicine. Garden plots were turned with a hand-held stone hoe. Water was carried in pots to individual plants during dry periods. Insects were used for this purpose. squashed by hand. Animals were hunted with an atlatl or The soaptree yucca (Yucca elata) is useful in three ways. rudimentary bow and arrow. Flint knapping, grain grind- The root is high in saponins and can be harvested—again, ing, hauling water, pottery making, and weaving were with great difficulty—dried, ground to a powder, and used daily chores. Yet some problems encountered in the past as soap. I recently made a batch and tried to imagine how are similar to those we experience today. The Mimbres the ancients might have made and used it. I found that it arrived in Cave Creek canyon because the Mimbres River is far easier to obtain the roots from immature plants than valley, where the civilization originated, had reached from well-established ones. The digging process, using its maximum carrying capacity for the population that stone tools, is quite laborious (it‘s nearly the same using already existed. In order to survive, various small groups shovels and axes). After I dehydrated the roots I ground left to explore the more marginal, but less populated, agri- them in a mortar to a fine powder. When done I placed it cultural areas within a week’s walking distance. This plan near a sink, wetted my hands, and dipped them into the was fruitful for many years; however marginal areas are yucca powder. The marginal for a rea- result is a slightly son. There are un- foamy, gritty soap predictable times that seems to work of drought, wild- more by abrasion fires, and depreda- than by emulsifica- tions from neigh- tion. boring societies. The yucca stalk, Some individuals, which grows anew although harbor- yearly, is the most ing key skills to easily friction-com- group survival, busted wood after became homesick balsa. A fire-starting and returned to apparatus can be their former vil- made by splitting lages, others died a one-foot long sec- from accidents and tion into three piec- disease. Why the es, setting one aside, Mimbres eventu- and tying the other ally failed to over- two together (spaced apart by two thin rocks) with yucca come these obstacles is a mystery to archaeologists. rope. Dried grass or other easily combustible material Nonetheless, the skills that they employed to survive can then be placed in the crack between the two stalks. have taught future generations vital tactics for living in The third stalk is then held perpendicular to the other a harsh environment. two and drawn back and forth with pressure, creating Today there remain a few wilderness survival experts friction and eventually a spark that will ignite the dried who recognize and embrace the wisdom in reviving and grass. employing the base skills of our ancestors. For most main- Yucca leaves can be collected and used in basket stream Americans it will continue to be, in Robert Frost’s weaving, rope making, and sewing garments. After the words, “The road not taken.” Yet, for those individuals leaves are collected they are soaked in water to loosen who acknowledge the risk yet seek the reward in a hard- (or rot away) the outer layer. The inner fibers are then earned, physically fit, and self-sufficient lifestyle, it will stripped away, dried, and braided into rope of different be the one, “…that has made all the difference.” diameters. The rope had several uses; it was used to lash poles together when constructing “ramadas,” for attach- David Stanton is a retired postman from Arizona. He has ing projectile points to spears, and for litters (or other lived in the Sonoran desert most of his life and enjoys following carrying devices) used to make work more efficient. I his curiosity wherever it leads. Currently he and his wife are have also read that some archers consider the braided carving a homestead out of the northern Chihuahuan desert material strong enough to be used for bowstrings, how- and applying wilderness skills honed over a lifetime. Countryside & Small Stock Journal, March/April 2013 35 DR® POWER GRADER 36 MONTH FINANCING AVAILABLE*

Tows behind your ATV or Lawn Tractor! Turn a Rough Driveway into A SMOOTH RIDE. POWER ACTUATOR This powerful actuator raises and lowers the scarifying teeth to match the grading conditions. There’s no POWER ACTUATOR need for hydraulics or a 3-point hitch. A wireless remote Up / Down Controller allows for push-button operation, right from the seat of your towing vehicle. LEVELING BLADE The heavy steel leveling blade remains CARBIDE-TIPPED at a uniform height during the grading process and distributes SCARIFYING TEETH loosened material evenly over the graded surface. CARBIDE-TIPPED SCARIFYING TEETH The scarifying teeth cut into the Unpaved roads with potholes, road surface to loosen materials for redistribution. We graded over 100 ruts and washboard - are a fact miles of compacted, rock-hard limestone roads with no visible wear on the carbide-tipped teeth. This same material is used on well drilling bits and of country life. excavating equipment. It will last through the toughest grading projects Put a DR POWER GRADER to work CURVED SIDE RAILS CURVED SIDE RAILS A patent-pending design, the unique shape of the side rails allows the leveling blade to remain at a uniform height and your bumpy ride is over. even when raising and lowering the scarifying teeth. Tows easily behind your riding WIRELESS REMOTE CONTROL This controller transmits a radio signal to a receiver on the actuator, enabling you to adjust the height of the mower, ATV, UTV or tractor. scarifying teeth with the touch of a button. There’s no connecting It’s driveway maintenance cable. The controller is so light (just 1 oz.), you can wear it on a lanyard WIRELESS REMOTE (included) around your neck for easy access. made easy! CONTROL 77634X ©2013 Call for a FREE DVD and Catalog! TOLL FREE 888-213-2332 www.DRpowergrader.com

The garden: Soil Health Can be Improved with Cattle

By He a t h e r Sm i t h Th o m a s that adds organic matter to the soil,” getting more organic material into the he says. soil keeps it productive and gives the any of our crop and pasture “If there are just a few cattle in a other small pastures a chance to fully lands have been depleted of larger area, they walk around and regrow before you use them again. Msoil nutrients, due to con- eat their favorite plants and leave “If you want to start improving tinuous cropping or grazing without the rest, and overgraze the favorite your soils, the first thing you should adding organic matter back into the plants. The idea is to move them do is get a good soil test, then you’ll soil. Malcolm Beck, who has a farm from pasture to pasture in a hurry,” know what micronutrients are miss- near Selma, Texas and consults with he says. Then they also leave a lot ing, and you won’t be just guessing, farmers about soil health, says that of manure and urine in each small or wasting your money on fertilizer learning about holistic management area, which serves as nutrients for you don’t need,” he says. has helped many farmers and ranch- the soil. The important thing for the health ers regain productivity on their land, “I’ve learned to listen to old- of soil is a proper population of mi- without expensive inputs of inorganic timers. They rotated livestock with crobes, including bacteria and fungi. fertilizers. crops, to keep the soil fertile and If there is some soil litter (old grass, “They divide their farm or ranch more productive for the next crops,” etc.) there will also be certain fungi, into smaller pastures and crowd the says Beck. which are instrumental in restoring cattle together, rotating through the “Today I mostly work with gar- soil health because they feed on dead pastures. When cattle are crowded deners and some farmers. Allan organic matter. “This breakdown of together, they graze competitively, Savory came up with the idea of organic matter, plus the bodies of and eat on every plant. They also intensive rotational grazing, and it the fungi when they die, adds more trample what’s left, creating litter works.” The trampling effect and to the soil, along with the nutrients pg 37 color

Countryside & Small Stock Journal, March/April 2013 37 38 The past is a guidepost, not a hitchingpost. — L. Thomas Holdcroft the fungi collected,” “That Hu- says Beck. bam clover root “Many plants goes down six to have a deeper root eight feet, bring- system than most ing minerals up grasses. This is why to the top of the I like to use legumes ground. All the in a pasture. When biomass on top I came to my pres- of the ground, ent farm, at Bracken, when the clo- Texas (near Selma, v e r p l a n t i s east of San Antonio) tromped down the soil was com- and decays, is pletely worn out and feeding the mi- it wouldn’t grow crobes and the anything but bit- earthworms,” terweeds and stick- he says. ers—pioneer plants “In nature, that come in to help “I’ve learned to listen to old-timers. They native plants cover bare land have a way to when nothing else rotated livestock with crops…” ensure their sur- grows,” he says. vival. The seeds “I wrote to Douglas King Seed best legume would be Hubam clover at the top of the seed head will be Company to see what I should plant (a white-flowered sweet clover). I got slightly coated with a shellac-like and they said I needed a good soil test the scarified seeds—scratched-up coating. Farther down the seed head, so they could look at it. When they seeds—so they would all germinate the heavier the coating is. The seeds at saw my soil test they told me I needed and grow. They also gave me an in- the bottom, with the thickest coating, a legume—and that for my area the oculant to put on the seed, to help the won’t sprout unless environmental plants make nitrogen nodules to fix conditions are perfect for them— nitrogen from the air,” he says. microbial activity, weather, moisture, Eliminate weeding forever! “That clover didn’t quit growing etc. This way, Nature never puts all of until it got eight feet tall. I hired a her eggs in one basket,” he explains. Mulch It! guy to come with his brand new John Some of the seeds won’t germinate A Practical Guide to Using Mulch Deere combine to harvest the clover and sprout right away, but they will in the Garden and Landscape seed. He took a look at my crop and still be there on the ground waiting. They may sprout next year or 10 years By St u Ca m p b e l l said he couldn’t go in there because it would just plug up his machine. So from now, or later. It may be many Mulch protects the soil, I offered to follow him in my pickup years before those sprout, ensuring minimizes weeds, con- survival of that species of plant. tributes to plant health, and clean out his machine every time encourages earthworms, it got choked up, and I’d back up the “It took a few years to get my soil reduces water needs, flywheel for him. So that’s what we in good shape on my place, then I and cuts down on the did, and he’d never seen that much went into truck farming. I had some gardener’s labor. In seed come off a place before. I stored good help, and we made some mon- Mulch It! you'll find a it in a shed with a concrete floor, and ey, but it’s lots of work. I kept the soil complete guide to the people came from everywhere to healthy and fertile by rotating. I’d do relative cost, appear- buy my clover seed. That’s the most 30 rows of cash crop plants, 30 rows ance, insulation value, thickness, weed control, money I ever made farming.” of cover crop, 30 rows of cash crop, water penetration, moisture retention, and rate etc., and then rotate those the next of decomposition of more that 50 mulching ma- A college professor came out to his terials. Learn how and when to mulch and find place and documented the height of year. This way I always had a patch out which material is right for a specific purpose. the clover. “Then he told me this was getting ready, instead of planting the From landscaping to vegetable gardening to the last time I could grow a clover whole thing to cash crop or cover flower gardening to flower gardening to planting crop that big, on that piece of land. crop. I made more money by doing it trees and shrubs, mulch can help you increase He didn’t know why, but said that’s in strips across the field, and the rea- your property value and create a beautiful, pro- what the old-timers had told him. son I did 30 rows was because that’s fessional-looking landscape. 120 pages, $11.95 But I thought I could grow it again how far my sprinklers reached,” says + s&h. Call Countryside Bookstore: like that, and found out the professor Beck. This is exactly like doing rota- was correct. I never did have that tall tion grazing with cattle, but doing it 1-800-551-5691 a crop again,” says Beck. with crops instead. Countryside & Small Stock Journal, March/April 2013 39 The garden: Hybrid vs. Heirloom Seeds Heirloom Varieties of Basic Garden Fare

By Je a n Sm i t h loom cultivars is to use the definition genetically modified tomatoes avail- w w w .t h e g a r d e n g a t e f a r m .c o m of the word “heirloom” in its truest able for commercial or home use, it is sense. Under this interpretation, a generally agreed that no genetically am a diehard for heirloom plants, true heirloom is a cultivar that has modified organisms (GMOs) can be and I save most of my own seeds been nurtured, selected, and handed considered heirloom cultivars. An- Ifor our farm. I thought now would down from one family member to other important point of discussion be a good time to give a lesson on the another for many generations. is that without the ongoing growing basic differences between hybrid and Additionally, there is another and storage of heirloom plants, the heirloom seeds. We’ll look at specific seed companies and the government definitions and then I will give my will control all seed distribution. own personal feelings on the two, as Most, if not all, hybrid plants, if well as some of my favorite varieties regrown, will not be the same as the along with some resources! original hybrid plant, thus ensuring First, let’s look at the definitions the dependency on seed distributors of heirloom and hybrid. To see a for future crops. (Information gath- very informative video, go to www. ered from: http://en.wikipedia.org/ gardenguilds.com. wiki/Heirloom_plant.)

Heirloom seeds Hybrid seeds The definition and use of the Information taken from www. word “heirloom” to describe plants gardenguilds.com is fiercely debated. Overview: A hybrid plant is a One school of thought places an cross between two or more unrelated age or date point on the cultivars. For category of cultivars that could be inbred plants. Hybridization has instance, one school says the cultivar classified as “commercial heirlooms,” brought huge improvements, includ- must be over 100 years old, others cultivars that were introduced many ing more vigorous plants, improved say 50 years, and others prefer the generations ago and were of such disease resistance, earlier maturity, date of 1945, which marks the end of merit that they have been saved, more uniform growth and increased World War II and roughly the begin- maintained and handed down—even yield. ning of widespread hybrid use by if the seed company has gone out of growers and seed companies. Many business or otherwise dropped the F1 Hybrids gardeners consider 1951 to be the lat- line. Additionally, many old commer- Seed saved from the first cross- est year a plant can have originated cial releases have actually been fam- pollination of two unrelated open- and still be called an heirloom, since ily heirlooms that a seed company pollinated plants is called F1 hybrid that year marked the widespread in- obtained and introduced. seed. (F1 stands for Familial 1.) Each troduction of hybrid varieties. It was Regardless of a person’s specific of the parents contributes attributes in the 1970s that hybrid seeds began interpretation, most authorities agree that, when combined, produce an to proliferate in the commercial seed that heirlooms, by definition, must be improved type of plant. trade. Some heirloom plants are open-pollinated. They may also be much older, some being apparently open-pollinated varieties that were Hybrid vigor pre-historic. bred and stabilized using classic A frequent characteristic of F1 hy- Another way of defining heir- breeding practices. While there are no brids is much-increased vigor. This How to Store Your 40 Time is a sandpile we run our fingers in. — Carl Sandburg 40 Home-Grown Produce can take the form of faster growth to Canning, Pickling, Jamming, maturity, larger root and top growth, and increased productivity. The and So Much More gains from what is called heterosis By John and Val Harrison greatly exceed the sum of what the Did your tomato plant parent plants might be expected to produce twice as many produce. Despite recent advances tomatoes as you’d in the understanding of plant ge- planned? Grow too netics, there is still no agreement much cabbage? Har- among scientists about what causes vest too many blue- heterosis. berries? If so, here is practical advice on how Disease resistance to bottle, dry, freeze, and even salt home-grown fruits and vege- Like other living things, plants tables. Discover extra storage space in your are vulnerable to a range of diseases home or learn how to convert a shed or that can cause disappointment in garage to store your tasty products. Learn a home garden and huge financial how to make chutneys from fruit; pickles losses in agriculture. One trait that from cucumbers; and ciders, jams, and is constantly sought in plant hy- even ketchup from your garden! There is bridization is resistance—or at least even advice on drying foods, with instruc- tolerance—of diseases that can af- tions on how to store them in oil as well as fect productivity. In seed catalogs, ways to freeze and blanch your fruits and vegetables. 186 pages, $12.95 resistance is noted in an abbreviation parent plant. The seed from F1 hy- after the plant variety name. For brid plants, called F2 hybrids, will example, “Arbason F1 Hybrid, FW not produce a copy of the parent. Call 1-800-551-5691 (races 0, 1), VW, TMV” means that Instead, the F2 plant will exhibit www.countrysidemag.com this tomato has resistance to fusar- “break-up” in the form of random ium wilt races 0 and 1, verticillium characteristics from either parent or wilt and tomato mosaic virus. possibly an even earlier trait. What Live a better life, this means is that F1 hybrid seed Uniform growth has to be created from scratch every with the While the taste and appearance year by laboriously hand-crossing Have More Plan of open-pollinated and heirloom the parent plants. This helps to plants are highly valued, the size explain why hybrid seed can be so The Have-More and growth rate of fruit and leafy expensive. Plan, a 60-year- parts can vary widely. Hybridiza- Read more: Definition of Hybrid old homestead tion can stabilize growth factors, so Plants: Garden Guides, www.garden- classic, this is the the grower can harvest much more guides.com/88581-definition-hy- book that en- uniform produce. brid-plants.html#ixzz2FArRRPem couraged thousands to go “back Maturity and yield ell, that is all the “formal” to the land” to In agriculture, the ability to pro- Wstuff. Now on to the basics. find a better life duce a crop early in the season has Heirlooms, in my opinion, and I after the Great considerable marketing advantages. believe most who grow them, will Depression and World War II. Charming The first corn, the first tomatoes, and testify to overwhelmingly better “old fashioned” illustrations and quaint the first strawberries always com- flavor. Honestly it’s not even just wisdom that will help you make a small mand higher prices. Hybrids can better, most of you who have eaten cash income into the best and happiest be created to achieve this, as well a grocery store tomato and then a living any family could want. Let it guide as higher yield, although it is often fresh tomato know the difference. you into the 21st century with its histori- true that this extra-early produce What most consumers don’t know cal perspective and homestead ideas that does not have the full taste of later is that those perfectly shaped toma- are as valuable today as they were 60 varieties. toes in the grocery store were picked years ago! 70 pages, $9.95 + $3.50 s&h. rock hard green, packed and put in (WI res. add 5.5% tax.) Later generations the back of a semi and then gassed The seed of open-pollinated or to ripen on “the road.” That is why Call the heirloom plants can be saved, and they are flavorless! Think about it… Countryside Bookstore today! when sown will produce plants why do you think they intention- 1-800-551-5691 that are essentially identical to the ally say “Vine Ripened” on the little Countryside & Small Stock Journal, March/April 2013 41 tomatoes on “the vine?” They have Leaf, Jericho, Forellenschulus, Rubin’s Romaine, Butter Crunch, Lolla Rossa, to tell you, because they know the May Queen, Paris Island Cos, Rouge D’Hiver others weren’t. Hybridization has been utilized Radishes: for making veggies travel-worthy. White Icicle, Purple Plum, French Breakfast, Cherry Belle, Black Spanish, For example, Brandywine tomatoes Pink Beauty have extremely thin skins, therefore making them terrible “travelers.” Winter squash: As a market grower, I do not grow Walthams Butternut, acorn, Sweet Dumpling, Delicata, spaghetti, Green Brandywines for market because or Orange Buttercup they will crack and split before they get to market, thereby making them Summer squash: unsellable, although I love them for Round De Nice, Fordhook Zucchini, Prolific Straightneck, Patty Pan, my home garden and canning. Starburst Uniformity in shape and size is also a must for grocery stores, not so Carrots: for market tables. I love to put several Cosmic Purple, Lunar White, Amarillo, Atomic Red, Chantenay Red Core, different sized and colored heirloom Danvers Long tomatoes in a quart container—it is simply beautiful. Cucumbers: What some people also don’t re- Lemon, Marketmore 76, Boston Pickling alize is that there is a big difference between a hybrid and a GMO seed. Companion Planting Tips This is where scientists have actually inserted a gene from another species Roses Love Garlic into a vegetable. For example, putting Companion Planting and Other Secrets of Flowers a fish gene in a tomato… Yes they By Louise Riotte really do, and they say they have Companion planting is simply planning your garden to take ad- really good reasons for it. GMOs vantage of the natural friendships between plants. In Roses Love are not what I am going to get into Garlic - here though, because that is a really , you’ll discover how flowers help or hinder nearby veg etables and other flowers. Let Louise Riotte introduce you to hun- lengthy topic in its own right. You dreds of flowers and all their friends (and enemies, too)!249 pages, $14.95 can do your own research, but please understand; most vegetable seeds are not GMO. GMO crops are focused on To order call 1-800-551-5691 crops such as corn, soy and alfalfa. www.countrysidemag.com Here are some of my personal favorite heirloom varieties for home gardening: Herbal Remedy Gardens

Tomatoes: 38 Plans for Your Beefsteak: Pineapple, Brandy- Health and Well-Being wine- all colors, Paul Robeson, Dr. Whyche’s, Hillbilly By Dorie Byers Romas: Super Italian Paste, Plum Even if you've never gardened before, Lemon, Roman Candle, all the Icicles, you can care for yourself and your family us- Striped Roman Salad types: Green and Red Zebra, ing time-tested herbal remedies harvested Woodle Orange, Rose De Berne, Stu- from your own medicinal herb garden. pice, White Tomesol Customize a garden to suit your space Cherry and grapes: Reisentraube, and your specific health needs with more than 35 illustrated plans for easy to- Violet Jasper, Blondkopchen, Red & maintain container and backyard gardens. Gardens included are cold and flu, White Current, Chocolate Cherry, decongestant, headache relief, healthy heart, woman's care and rejuvenation. Sungold, Yellow Pear 19 pages, $16.95 + tax and shipping.

Lettuces: Call: 1-800-551-5691 or visit • www.countrysidemag.com Rein’s De Glace, Merriville de Countryside Bookstore, Four Seasons, Grandpa’s, Red Oak 145 Industrial Dr., Medford, WI 54451 42 The future is much like the present, only longer. — Dan Quisenberry Eggplant: Rosa Bianca, Black Beauty, Purple Long, Thai Long

Sweet Corn: For most home gardeners, it is hard to move away from the hybrids because of the Super Sweet genes that have been introduced in them, but if you want to try an heirloom, Golden Bantam is a very good one.

Peppers: Sweet: Jimmy Nardello—my personal favorite—long, sweet frying pepper, Red & Golden Marconi, Purple Beauty, Sweet Chocolate, Hot: Early Jalapeno, Anaheim, Hungarian Hot Wax

Peas: Mammoth Melting Sugar, Sugar Snap, Lincoln Cabbage: Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss carrots Chard: Late Flat Dutch, Early Jersey and onion with oil to coat. Spread Rainbow, Fordhook, Golden Wakefield, Henderson’s Charleston veggies in a single layer in a shallow Wakefield, Perfection Drumhead baking pan. Roast for 20 minutes or Spinach: Savoy, Mammoth Red Rock until tender. Bloomsdale Longstanding, New In a large saucepan combine roast- Zealand, Merlo Nero Broccoli: ed vegetables, broth, and paprika. Calabrese, Waltham 29, Green Bring to boiling. Cool slightly. Beets: Sprouting Transfer half the vegetable mix- Detroit Dark Red, Early Wonder, ture at a time to a blender or food Chioggia, Golden Detroit, Crosby’s Cauliflower: processor. Blend or process until Egyptian, Cylindra, Bulls Blood Purple of Sicily, Giant of Naples, smooth. Return mixture to saucepan. Snowball Self Blanching Add lemon juice. Heat through. Sea- Beans: son with salt and pepper. String: Blue Lake Bush, Con- Resources: tender Here are a few of my favorite seed Poached Beets Wax: Golden Wax catalogs to order from: 3/4 cup apple juice Roma: *Roma, Dragon Tongue, Baker Creek Heirloom Seed, 1/2 cup water Purple Podded Pole www.rareseed.com 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar 2-1/2 pounds beets, peeled and cut Fedco Seeds, www.fedco.com into bite size pieces Make Your Own High-Performance, Johnny’s Selected Seeds, www. Salt and pepper Sun-Powered Food Dehydrator johnnyseeds.com Honey Seed Savers Exchange, www. 1 tablespoon snipped fresh parsley seedsaversexchange.com The Solar Food Dryer In a large saucepan combine 1/2 By Eb e n Fo d o r Here are a couple recipes—enjoy! cup of the apple juice, the water, and Solar food drying is the brown sugar. Bring to boiling, stirring healthy, sustainable way to pre- to dissolve sugar. Add beets. Return serve high-quality, locally grown Roasted Carrot Soup foods. Included are complete 6-8 medium carrots, cleaned and to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, cov- step-by-step plans for building a scrubbed, cut into 1-inch pieces ered, about 45 minutes or until beets high-performance, low-cost solar 1 cup coarsely chopped onion are tender and can be pierced with a food dryer from readily available materials; solar 1 tablespoon olive oil fork, stirring occasionally. Drain. energy design concepts; food drying tips and 2 14.5-ounce cans chicken broth 2. Transfer beets to serving bowl. recipes; resources, references, solar charts and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika more. 119 pages, $15.95 + s/h. Sprinkle remaining juice over beets. 1 teaspoon lemon juice Call the Countryside Bookstore: Season to taste with salt & pepper. If Salt and black pepper 1-800-551-5691 desired, drizzle with honey. Countryside & Small Stock Journal, March/April 2013 43 The garden: If you are adventurous and have no use for the divisions you make in the fall, you can keep them for forcing indoors. After digging the roots in the fall, put them in a box filled with peat moss or sawdust. Store in a dark place in the cellar. In January, Tart & soak the peat moss or sawdust with water. Keep the box cool and dark. In a few days, the rhubarb will send Ta n g y out little stalks. They look a little like asparagus shoots, because they have no leaves. They taste great! Rhubarb Thaw some frozen strawberries, mix in the rhubarb shoots, and make a tangy strawberry-rhubarb pie. Roots that are forced indoors will not pro- By Te r e s a Fl o r a Rhubarb can be divided in the spring duce well if planted outdoors in the Ka n s a s or fall. Use the shovel to cut the old spring. root into pieces with two or three buds ver much of North America at the top. Plants that are divided in While rhubarb is relatively free spring is welcomed with the the fall should be heavily mulched of insect and disease problems, there Otart and tangy taste of fresh for winter protection. Plant in well- are a few that should be mentioned. rhubarb. Rhubarb is one of the easiest drained, fertile soil. Set roots in holes Crown rot is a disease for which there and most rewarding perennials, with six inches deep and two feet apart, is no cure. The plant begins to yellow few disease or insect pests. It is techni- with crowns just below the surface. If and then collapses. Dig and burn cally a vegetable; however, it is used as you live in an area with hot, dry sum- the roots, being careful not to scatter a versatile fruit. For this reason, early mers such as we have here in central infected soil. Do not plant rhubarb settlers called it “pie plant.” Kansas, you can plant rhubarb where back into the same location. The earliest records of this easy-to- it will get partial shade. You must live Anthracnose attacks all parts of grow perennial date from about 2700 in an area where the ground freezes to the plant above the ground. Examine B.C. The Chinese used it for medicinal a depth of several inches in the winter stalks for watery spots which enlarge purposes then (and still do). It was in order to grow rhubarb. as the disease progresses, Leaves will much later that rhubarb was intro- wilt and die. As soon as you spot duced into Europe. Records show cul- Rhubarb should be harvested the disease, apply a fixed copper or tivation at Padua, Italy around 1608. only lightly the second and third sulfur-based fungicide every seven to Twenty-five years later, seeds were years, until the roots are well estab- 10 days. Do not harvest for three to obtained for planting in England. It lished. An established patch will four weeks after application. was the 1770s before it was definitely often last 25 years or more. Rhubarb Leaf spot has symptoms similar to recorded as a food there, used for stalks should be pulled instead of cut. anthracnose. Spots first appear water- making tarts and pies. A gardener Cutting encourages insect and dis- soaked and then grow in size and in Maine got rhubarb from Europe ease problems. Use only the stalk as take on a brownish or purplish-gray about 1800 and introduced it to market food. Rhubarb leaves contain oxalic color. It cannot be cured. Plants af- gardeners in Massachusetts. In 1822, acid, which is poisonous. Never use fected by leaf spot should be removed it was generally grown and marketed them for food. (Ed. note: Don’t feed the and destroyed. in Massachusetts. It was listed in an leaves to animals, either.) Plants with verticillium wilt are American seed catalog in 1828. As the Top dress with a heavy applica- often affected early in the season with pioneers moved westward, rhubarb tion of organic matter in either early yellow leaves. The beginning of this went with them. “Pie plant” was easy spring or late fall. Organic matter disease is often mistaken for a nutri- to move and quicker to establish in a applied over the hills during early ent deficiency. Then as the disease new location than fruit trees. spring hastens growth by forcing the progresses, the yellowed leaves wilt McDonald, Valentine, and Victoria plant. Remove seed stalks as soon as and the edges and veins of the leaves are popular varieties today. However, they appear to prevent them from die. Remove and destroy plants. a friend or relative who has rhubarb draining the plant. You can expect Rhubarb curculio is a 1/2 to 3/4- will probably be glad to divide theirs a yield of three to five pounds per inch long yellowish beetle with a with you. Hills should be divided ev- plant. If established plants receive sucking snout. They bore holes and ery three to four years. Slender stalks plenty of moisture, they can be har- lay eggs in the stalk and cause black show a need for division or feeding. vested until late summer. spots to appear. Hand pick them off pg 44 color

44 Tomorrow is the only day in the year that appeals to a lazy man.— Jimmy Lyons as sprays do not seem to control the. the stems and cut in one-inch pieces. 1 box strawberry Jell-O Destroying dockweed near rhubarb Freeze the pieces on baking sheets 1 white cake mix (homemade, may be helpful in controlling cur- or shallow pans. After the pieces are preferably) culios. frozen, they should be packed into 1 cup water 1 stick butter, melted Leaves of plants affected by spider airtight containers or plastic bags. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease mites become yellow and dry, or have The advantage of this method is that 9 x 13 cake pan. Place rhubarb in pale yellow spots caused by mites you can remove the exact amount pan. Sprinkle with sugar and Jell-O. sucking chlorophyll out of the leaves. that the recipe calls for. Rhubarb may Sprinkle cake mix evenly over top. They also inject toxins into the leaves, also be sugar packed by mixing one Pour water and melted butter over which discolor and distort them. cup of sugar with four or five cups cake mix. Bake for approximately When you suspect this problem, look of rhubarb. Let stand until sugar is 1 hour. Serve with ice cream or at the undersides of the leaves. If you dissolved. Pack into containers leav- whipped cream. see what appears to be a tiny red, ing 1/2-inch headspace. Freeze. An- brown, or black speck of dirt, touch other method is to syrup pack. Place Rhubarb Drink it. If it moves, it’s most likely a mite. rhubarb into containers. Cover with In a 4 qt. pot, fill half full of rhu- Spray plants with a forceful spray of cold, 40% or 50%syrup. Leave 1/2- barb and fill up with water. Bring to water three times, every other day, inch headspace. To make 40% syrup, a boil. Let stand ½ hour, drain. This to knock mites off. If that doesn’t do dissolve 3 cups sugar in 4 cups water. can be canned. To make drink: the job, spray the undersides of leaves To make 50% syrup, use 4 cups sugar with insecticidal soap at least three to 4 cups water. 1 small can frozen lemonade times at five to seven day intervals. Rhubarb can also be canned. Wash 1 small can frozen orange juice Plants infected with whitefly and cut into 1/2 to 1-inch pieces. Add 2 qts. rhubarb juice appear to have dandruff falling 1/2 to 1 cup sugar for each quart. Let 3-1/2 qts. water off when shook. The plants will be stand until juicy—about 3 or 4 hours. 1 pkg. raspberry Kool-Aid weak. The leaves turn yellow and die. Bring to a boil slowly in a covered 2 cups sugar Honeydew from whiteflies drops on pan. Pack into clean jars. Adjust lids. Mix all together. Add ice cubes. stalks and encourages fungal growth. Process them (pints or quarts) in boil- As a result, stalks are undersized and ing water bath for 10 minutes. Rhu- Rhubarb Refrigerator Dessert poorly colored. Spray with insecti- barb can be used in a variety of ways Filling: cidal soap every two or three days from refreshing drinks to marmalade 1 cup sugar for two weeks. As a last resort, spray to Jell-O to pies. 3 tablespoons cornstarch with pyrethrum two times, three or 1/2 cup water 4 cups chopped rhubarb four days apart. ere are some recipes to get you These pests are uncommon in started. I’m sure you will soon H Crust: rhubarb and unlikely to cause you find your own favorites. The first one is my personal favorite—it’s quick 2 cups graham cracker crumbs trouble. Soon you will be having an 1/2 cup butter (or margarine) abundance of rhubarb. Any surplus and easy! that you are unable to use now may Topping: be frozen or canned for future use. Rhubarb Crisp 1 cup whipped cream 4 cups diced rhubarb There are several successful methods 1-1/2 cup miniature marshmallows 1 cup granulated sugar of freezing rhubarb. I like to wash 1/4 cup sugar 1 pkg. vanilla pudding

Filling: Stir sugar and cornstarch The Apple Grower together. Stir in water. Add rhubarb. A guide for the Organic Orchardist Boil until thick. Set aside to cool. Crust: Combine graham cracker By Michael Phillips crumbs and melted butter. Reserve ¼ This new edition of wide acclaim, delves deep into the cup for garnish on top. Press remain- mysteries of growing good fruit with minimal inputs. der of crumbs against sides and bot- Cutting-edge topics include the use of kaolin clay against tom of 9-inch square baking dish. curculio and borers and creating a diverse and healthy Topping: Spread rhubarb mix- orchard ecosystem through understory management. ture over crust. Top with sweetened 320 pages, $40.00 + s&h. whipped cream combined with marshmallows. Prepare pudding according To order visit our website at to package directions. Spread over www.countrysidemag.com top. Sprinkle with reserved graham Or call 1-800-551-5691 cracker crumbs and refrigerate. Countryside & Small Stock Journal, March/April 2013 45 Also, you want to talk with local The orchard: growers, but more importantly than knowing their choices in apple varieties, you need to know if their trees are healthy and what they are doing to keep them so. If growers within a GROWING mile include a commercial grower or two, plus family plots that spray, then you could be in trouble. In fact, you could be in trouble even if they FRUIT TREES do not spray, and there are a few apple trees close by left to fend for themselves since proper houseclean- WITHOUT SPRAYING ing activities are necessary to avoid problems. However, each situation has a different set of environmental By Mi k e Ge l l e r m a n country is sprayed. Apples are prob- circumstances; weather and the types Po r t Wi n g , Wi s c o n s i n ably the most sprayed fruit of them of insects inhabiting your area will all, with several applications during also result in varying outcomes. How hen I was a boy living in the the growing season, both to prevent you respond to the set of local con- suburbs of a large Midwest- disease and to destroy some of the ditions will help to determine your Wern city, I joined the other various insects that feed off the fruit, results. Obviously, you can always kids in my family at pestering our their leaves or the trees themselves. grow some apple trees even under parents to plant some fruit trees. So Because no one will probably ever the worst of conditions by enclosing they planted two apple trees in our identify a smoking gun to connect each apple with a small sandwich- backyard and after a few years we this kind of spraying with illness, sized plastic bag shortly after the fruit were excited at the prospects when since chemical exposure comes at us has set with one corner removed to a small number of apples appeared. from all directions, the best we can release water; thinning out the fruit They were splendid, the handful of do is try to limit our exposure. It is so that there is no more than a single apples that ripened that autumn from possible to grow the most delicious apple remaining on a branch every the first blossoms. Unfortunately, by apples you have ever tasted right eight inches or so, with about 30-40 the following year the trees devel- outside your back door if you are leaves for each apple. Hopefully, you oped problems and my parents told willing to do a few things in order will not be in this situation where you us the fruit was inedible. I do not to challenge the status quo. Are you have to deal with problems created know if it was serious apple scab or thinking about planting a few apple by other growers, but instead you an insect infestation, but my father trees? How about growing them are a pioneer-setting grower break- was never inclined to spray the trees without poisoning the air, the water, ing some new ground by develop- with poison, not wanting to spend the soil or yourself? What follows is a ing your trees in relative isolation. the time or involve himself in this way out of the chemical-induced fog Isolation could be the radius of a enterprise when he was absorbed in for growing healthful apple trees. half-mile. trying to earn a living for his family. If there are other apple trees in It was a sorry day when those trees Local Environment your surroundings then you should were removed. First before you put a single seed- not have to worry about soil condi- A lot has happened since then, ling into the ground you need to do tions similar to your own. However, when store-bought apples were a bit of research to learn about the apple trees do not like to get their mostly Red Delicious grown in the USDA Hardiness Zones, and to find feet wet so planting in a wet soil with state of Washington. I remember out what varieties of apple trees can poor drainage is not recommended. those apples looked great, but were be grown in your zone. Climatic con- usually soft and did not taste very ditions, which are in a period of flux Apple Varieties good. Although my family always these days, determine what apple Dwarf trees seem all the rage these had apples in the house, we never ate varieties are possible for your area. days, so that this can be a problem many of those soft apples that could For example, if you live in a zone when trying to find standard apple not compete with candy and other 4 using an updated map, you will varieties where growth or vigor is not sugar enhanced sweets. What we want to choose trees that are suitable stunted by the root stock. If you want kids and my parents did not realize, for zone 4, and buy from nurseries to avoid problems with dwarf trees is that those apple trees were sprayed growing apple varieties acclimated that may require staking them their during the growing season. for a zone 4, or for whatever your entire lives with the necessity of keep- Most of the fruit grown in this zone turns out to be. ing the area under the drip line free 46 & 47 color

46 Without hope men are only half alive. With hope they dream and think and work. — Charles Sawyer from vegetation, then standard trees This gorgeous morsel is a Pink Pear- are the better choice. If you desire to main apple. Harry Burton has planted have shorter but vigorous trees, then over 300 trees (150 connoisseur apple pruning standard apple trees will varieties) on his Salt Spring Island, accomplish the same intended result British Columbia nursery. For more information about his nursery, visit: but with trees that should live years www.applelusciocus.com. Contact longer. Planting a few dwarf trees Apple Luscious Organic Orchard, 110 will not provide enough apples to Heidi Place, Salt Spring Island, BC, make growing them worth the effort, Canada V8K 1W5. (Believe it or not, especially if browsing deer and active this is about zone 8!) kids are present. In choosing apple trees, you have for colder weather while also taking a choice of an early ripening apple advantage of spring rains. Trees need versus a later ripening variety. De- extra attention with additional water pending on the particular cultivar, provided that first year so they can of course, earlier ripening apples become established. generally do not store as long as later Trees arriving by mail will be bare ripening ones. Because insect and dis- rooted, but they have a better chance ease problems can affect the various scab, fire blight, and cedar apple rust. of survival for many reasons includ- cultivars differently with the timing Because this information is usually ing the fact that these nurseries will of their activity a factor, by planting not available on fruit trees sold in stand behind their trees and those more than a minimum of three apple big box stores, ordering from nurs- nurseries that graft their own trees trees with the decision to plant a few eries by catalog or online is a better generally produce better quality trees early ripening and few later ripening way of buying trees. The earlier the because not only do they know what trees, problems can be minimized. order and arrival in the spring the they are doing, they can answer ques- Also, some varieties have been de- sooner your trees can be put into the tions about their trees. With store- veloped that are resistant to some of ground and the longer time they will fronts that buy from suppliers, buyers the common disease problems, apple have to grow, preparing themselves may end up picking from a grab-bag

36 THE EASIER WAY MONTH TO TRIM AND MOW! FINANCING AVAILABLE* The original, patented DR® TRIMMER/MOWER is both a precision trimmer and a powerful mower!

TRIM within a whisker of houses, trees and fences. Big wheels make it easy for anyone to control precisely! MOW WITHOUT FEAR of hitting rocks or hidden obstacles, because there’s no blade to bend or dull. GUARANTEED NOT TO TANGLE even in thick, waist- high ﬁ eld grass and weeds — thanks to its patented No-Wrap © 2013 Trimmer Head. Plus, there’s no enclosed deck to clog, as with ordinary mowers.

CUT UP TO 3"-THICK BRUSH with optional,

NEW! Models available starting at $349

* For details please call or visit online. Limited time offer. 77638X Call for a FREE DVD & Catalog! TOLL FREE 1-888-213-2332 Self-Propelled Model Available! www.DRtrimmer.com 46 & 47 color

Countryside & Small Stock Journal, March/April 2013 47

For the Serious Gardener…

36 MONTH FINANCING AVAILABLE* DR® ROTO-HOG™ POWER TILLER Perfect for preparing vegetable gardens of any size, landscaping projects, and food plots.

FAR FASTER & EASIER to use than hard-to-handle, walk-behind tillers. TILL A 3-FOOT SWATH with each pass – twice the width of most walk-behind tillers! CREATE PERFECT SEEDBEDS with the smooth and deep-tilling action of 24 steel bolo tines. PLUS! The DR® ROTO-HOG™ Power Tiller does all the work of breaking The Perfect and loosening hardpacked soil without the strain and struggle Companion that comes with walk-behind tillers. Cultivator. Because you tow it, 100% of the machine’s power goes directly to The ROTO-HOG™ the tines. As the tines spin, they chop and churn tough soil into Mini Tiller is great a soft, loose mix that’s ideal for planting. In record time a 3-foot for cultivating. wide path is tilled to perfection. And it happens fast and effort- lessly, while you ride in comfort. 77632X © 2013 Call for a FREE DVD and Catalog! TOLL FREE 888-213-2332 www.DRrototiller.com

Tapping into the Sweetest Resource: Getting More Than Just Syrup From Sugar Maples

By Je f f DeBe l l i s

or those of us lucky enough to live within the range of the sugar maple tree (acer saccharum), Fwe value it mainly for two things: its red and yellow leaves are both the first and most vibrant colors of the fall; and, it is the source of the decadent syrup that turns pancakes and waffles into the ultimate comfort food breakfast. Sugar maples grow throughout the northeast, the Great Lakes area, and the southern Appalachians. Each spring, gallons of sap flow through these trees as they awake from the dormant winter. Making syrup is the most common use of the sap, but it is also the most time, labor, and energy intensive. To produce one gallon of maple syrup, it takes about forty gallons of sap. Boiling down this much sap with a gas or electric stove will make it about as costly as buying it from the store. Fortunately, there are simpler ways to utilize this nectar of the woodlands without hours of labor and gallons of fuel. Fresh maple sap can easily be used in place of water to brew delicious seasonal coffee, tea, or even beer. Maple sap flows in late winter and early spring, when temperatures are above freezing during the day and below freezing at night. Depending on altitude, latitude, and seasonal fluctuations, this could be anytime between February and April. The first step in collecting sap is identifying the It’s always a lot easier to figure out which tree is a sugar maple when the leaves are attached. But if they aren't, trees. Sugar maples are most easily identified by the check on the ground for fallen leaves near the trunk. distinct shape of their leaves (prominently displayed on the Canadian flag). Since sap flows when the trees already marked the trees that you’ll use. Identifying are devoid of leaves, identification is best done in trees in winter is a bit more difficult. The most reliable advance. Take a walk into the woods this summer or method is to identify the tree by its buds, which can fall with a field guide and a roll of flagging. When also be done using a field guide. Another approach is it’s time to tap at the end of the winter, you will have to identify the tree by its bark—which looks very simi- Countryside & Small Stock Journal, March/April 2013 53 lar to other types for the remain- of maple trees. der of the boil. Once you think When it comes you have identi- time to fill fied the tree by its your carboy bark, take a look or bucket with on the ground— cold water, use there may be some the pre-boiled leaves left that sap instead. give a hint as to You will not what type of tree use any water you’re looking at. at all. The true test will Follow come when you your recipe’s tap the tree. You don’t need an instructions To collect the elaborate setup to boil for fermenting maple syrup—you can sap, you will need and lager- use the kitchen stove. a store bought tap Photo by Sanjay Suchak ing the brew. with a short length When bottling of plastic tub- day arrives, ing which leads into a clean milk jug tied around the maple syrup should be used in place of priming sugar. tree. Drill a hole into the tree at chest height, just large For a five-gallon batch of beer, use 2/3 cup of syrup. enough to fit the tap. Be sure not to tap into anything This can be store bought or made at home by boiling smaller than 10 inches in diameter—smaller trees need down about seven quarts of sap. If you do choose to all of the sap that they have and tapping into them make your own syrup, do it before bottling day and could damage the tree. You can place two taps in a 20- store it in the refrigerator. inch diameter tree, three in a 30-inch diameter tree, and Maple coffee in the morning, maple tea in the so forth, without doing any harm. afternoon, and maple beer in the evening. The sap that There isn’t a more satisfying way to start a morn- flows through a sugar maple each spring brings the ing than pulling on boots warm from the woodstove tree back from the long, placid winter and energizes it and walking out into the winter sunlight to check your for a new season of growth. Why not let it do the same taps. The amount of sap that each tree will produce can for you? vary considerably, but it will usually be enough for a cup of coffee or tea. Boil a pint or two of sap and pour it over fresh coffee grounds in your French press or a Corncob tea bag. The result is a hot beverage with the slightest hint of crisp maple sweetness. The sap will keep for a “Maple” Syrup week or two in a refrigerator or in a cold room of the Co u n t r y s i d e : In 1913 my grand- house. After that, the sugar begins to ferment. father came to Texas by rail via Of course, fermentation isn’t always bad. Ferment- Kansas City. He stayed over- ing maple sap can be used to brew a sweet and heavy night there and at breakfast cold weather beer. A malty beer, such as a bock, works pancakes were served with best to present the maple flavor. Bock extract kits are “maple” syrup. He was told available from homebrew supply companies, such as it was corncob syrup, but he maintained it was maple, Northern Brewer Homebrew Supply (www.north- like he grew up eating in Pennsylvania. He died in 1946 ernbrewer.com). (Ed. note: Also check out our long-time still believing it to be maple syrup. advertiser, E.C. Kraus; www.eckraus.com.) If you are more I am now 96 and seeking the recipe for corn cob experienced (or adventurous) with brewing, you can syrup. All assistance will be appreciated. — Charles H. forego the kit and use one of the numerous recipes that Gettys, Texas can be found online. The modifications are simple. To be safe, make sure Cover one dozen large, clean corn cobs with you have six gallons of maple sap ready to go on brew- water; boil one to two hours. Drain off the water ing day. Before you begin brewing, bring three gallons and strain it (there should be 1 pint of it). Add two of the sap to a boil in order to kill any bacteria, then pounds of brown sugar to this and boil to desired put it somewhere cold and let it chill. This will be used thickness. later. Now go back to your recipe. The first step should — From Nebraska Pioneer Cookbook by Kay Graber, c. 1974. Read more at: www.food.com/recipe/corn-cob-syrup- tell you to boil about 2.5 gallons of water. Instead of 349814?oc=linkback. water, use the fresh sap. Continue following the recipe 54Imitation can acquire pretty much everything but the power which created the thing imitated. — Henry S. Haskins Ingredients: 3 pounds elderberries, destemmed and rinsed Delicious Uses for 4 cups sugar 1. Pour the elderberries into a large Elderberry Juice pot and mash them thoroughly with a 3 potato masher. 2. Turn the heat on medium high, and bring the elderberries to a boil, Co u n t r y s i d e : I would like to know how to make elderberry syrup. I have stirring often. access to a lot of elderberries and love to eat them, but those seeds cause 3. Use a food mill to extract as some colon problems for me. If anyone has the know-how, I would like to much juice as you can from the ber- hear from them. ries. I read your magazines from cover to cover several times and keep all 4. Pour the juice through a fine of the issues. Next to the Bible, this is about all I read and keep for further mesh sieve to catch any stray seeds reading. — Richard E. Sipe, Sycamore, Ohio or pulp. 5. Clean the pot and return it to the stove. Return the juice to the Elderberry Syrup clean pot and add an equal volume of sugar, approximately 4 cups. By Ni c o l e Ri n g g o l d • Wa s h i n g t o n 6. Bring the juice and sugar to a w w w .l i v e i n a r t .o r g /2012/09/e l d e r b e r r y -s y r u p -r e c i p e .h t m l boil until it froths. Turn off the heat and pour into clean glass jars. arvest approximately half of a paper grocery bag full of ber- 7. Unless you plan on eating this Hries. It’ll take about an hour to destem them, but that part is syrup immediately, can the syrup in a crucial since the stems are toxic. One reader suggested destem- hot water bath for 10 minutes. Allow ming the berries with a fork rather than picking them off by hand. the jars to seal, and let stand until the lids pop. Woodstove Cookery At Home ba on the Range Here are two more ways to use By Ja n e Co o p e r elderberry juice, from Carla Emery’s Encyclopedia of Country Living. A wood cookstove, for me? Sure, if you like delicious food, want to save money, and believe that a stove should do more than cook food. But isn’t it difficult to use? There are some techniques to learn, Elderberry Jelly and they’re described in this book. You’ll learn how to buy a stove, Remove large stems from el- new or used, how to set it up, how to fuel it for various uses, how to derberries. Place about 3-1/2 lbs. ripe keep it clean and in peak operating condition. And how to cook on it? Yes, a lot about berries in a large pan. Crush, cover with that. And dozens of recipes, with emphasis on the cooking best adapted to the kitchen water, and cook on low heat for about range—baking bread that tastes as good as it smells, cooking stews that gain goodness in 15 minutes. Strain to get the juice. hours on the back of the stove, roasting meats. Mouthwatering dishes that would make For each 3-1/2 cups juice (you can even Grandma envious. And you know how Grandma used to cook! 176 pages, $12.95 stretch it with apple juice), add 1/2 cup Call www.countrysidemag.com fresh lemon juice (strained). Combine 1-800-551-5691 * juices and heat. Add 7-1/2 cups sugar and boil, stirring constantly. Add 1 package powdered fruit pectin and boil hard for 1 minute. Take off heat. Skim Simple Recipes for Tinctures, The Herbal Home off foam, pour into hot, clear jars. Cover Teas, Salves, Tonics, and Syrups with paraffin immediately, or put lids Remedy Book on and process in boiling water bath By Joyce A. Wardwell 5 minutes. Using simple recipes and generations of herbal healing wisdom, Joyce Wardwell will teach you how to: Gather, dry, store, Elderberry Tea and blend 25 common herbs; Make and use teas, tinctures, oils, Use 4 cups fresh ripe berries and salves, syrups, and lozenges; Build your own herbal medicine 2 cups water. Stir, mash well and strain, cabinet. 176 pages, $14.95 squeezing to get all the juice you can. Freeze or can. To make tea, let simmer Call 1-800-551-5691 or visit us at for a bit and sweeten with honey. Di- www.countrysidemag.com to place your order lute to taste. Countryside & Small Stock Journal, March/April 2013 55 The homestead kitchen: You Can Glean a Lot From Old-Fashioned Cookbooks

By St e ph e n D. Sh e a r e r at the local small town grocery store. Mi s s o u r i Once a month I do my main grocery shopping in the nearby large town. n today’s world, it really doesn’t (It is not yet big enough to be called matter where we live—city or a city.) Icountry. What really matters is I shop very carefully because my what all of us have to deal with to be monthly disability check has to last able to get by and enjoy our lives. A me. I have had to learn how to really major part of our every day concern stretch things and to shop very, very is money. How can it not be? carefully. This can be a real balancing A large part of the money each of act, because going to another store to us spends is for food. No matter what save a few cents on something will else may or may not be going on in very often be lost in fuel expense. our lives, we must eat to live. Some So preparation and planning of us eat simply to fuel ourselves and helps me to create the “list.” It takes some of us eat because it is a pure all month to make the shopping list pleasure. But all of us have to have and many items get struck off the that essential fuel inside of us to carry list before ever embarking on the on with all the other things that make monthly safari. Many “wants” gets up our lives. removed in favor of “needs.” This magazine and others of the The economy and my very iso- genre have been teaching all of us on when and how to harvest. You lated location have forced me to be for many years how to grow/pro- will find a bewildering variety of exceptionally careful about what I duce our own food. With not a lot of storage methods from root cellars to buy and consume. My health also research, you can find out how to uti- canning to freezing and drying. You contributes to the discussion. lize even the most cramped, uneven, will also find a bewildering variety I have learned how to completely unforgiving space to grow food, in of recipes, some that you are fairly ignore those things that are unhealthy sometimes surprising amounts. certain were never really meant to be for me. I no longer bother with pre- You can find techniques for grow- eaten by man. pared pastries and desserts, not that ing that would never have occurred And that is just fruits and veg- I ever really had a jones for them, but to you. You have access to unbeliev- etables. You can find almost the same I did have them around. No chips or able varieties of seeds for fruits and amount of information for meat salty snacks, no candy, none of the vegetables from all over the world. —meat of just about every variety. so-called “comfort foods.” You will get instructions on how to All of this activity and all these I no longer buy canned veggies plant those seeds so precise that you different methods and ideas will help by the case. I generally keep only will even know in what phase of the you to save money. Sometimes, you enough to tide me over between the moon to plant. can save a lot of money. end of fresh availability and the next Specific planting schedules and But not for people like me. paycheck. Besides, most of those layouts are available for everything I am old and beat up, handi- canned vegetables have way too from a newly created pasture in the capped, and have no desire to become much salt in them. virgin woods in Minnesota to a post- a late life farmer. I am not alone, there Canned prepared food like the age stamp balcony on the 47th floor in are many like me. Even though I am Italian dishes, Chinese dishes, Mexi- downtown New York. now living in rural America, I do can dishes, canned meats and the like You will find exact instructions much of my harvesting and hunting are rarely seen in my house. They 56 56If God wanted us to be brave, why did he give us legs? — Marvin Kitman are just too expensive and once you always been able to find a treasure start really reading the labels, the trove of really good reading, some- convenience they offer is more than times for the excellent cost of just offset by the sometimes strange carrying them off so the owners ingredients. don’t have to mess with them. I just about never buy brand Frequently I would get back name anything. After years of hands- home after one of my book expe- on experience with these things, the ditions with a trunk full of books, house brand is almost always as books of every description. Usually, good as the name brand, and is I would only want a few of them to always significantly less expensive. keep, but that meant I could go to the Sometimes the taste suffers, but even used bookstore and trade in the ones that is only sometimes, and the judi- I did not want for those that I did. cious use of spices and seasonings In my younger days, these trade-ins can doctor any dish. often included cookbooks. Some things in the canned line I never really paid much atten- can’t easily be done at home, like my tion to them. I wanted my adventure all-time favorite, pork and beans. Do and woodworking books and any you know what the beans in pork other title that caught my fleeting, and beans are? They are just navy youthful eye. I never kept one cook- PLANTING A beans, or as they are sometimes book. Not one. known as, great northern beans and Now, I can’t get enough of them. sometimes white beans. What makes But not just any cookbook, no, I pork and beans special is how they want the old ones, the older the are cooked and the seasonings. better. There are many cookbooks GARDEN? We use products like these because that I have been fortunate enough we no longer take the time to cook, to acquire in my advanced years that to prepare. We want the quick conve- harken back to my parents’, grand- nience. We want instant gratification. parents’ and great-grandparents’ We can help! High prices and strange, non-natural time. This puts the material I am ingredients are what we pay for that trying to gather back almost a hun- convenience and gratification. In dred years! recent years the buying public has The kinds of recipes you can Just like the Maine garden rebelled against artificial ingredients gather this way are very interest- hod/basket, Lehman's has and this has resulted in the “natural ing. At the very least they give you been providing gardeners foods” movement for which we are a glimpse into the home life of your with non-electric, practical allowed to pay even more. ancestors. Frequently you run across tools, appliances and books Well, not this old cripple. I re- terms or measures that are unfamil- for over 55 years. fuse to pay extra to some company iar, but the miracle of the Internet for leaving something out of their helps to figure them out quickly. product. I refuse to pay extra for the You are sitting there right now Lehman’s quick convenience. These days, if I saying to yourself, “Well, how does On the Square in Kidron, Ohio don’t want to pay that extra price, that save me money?” Good ques- Lehmans.com I don’t really need that particular tion. I think I may have an answer Ph: 1-877-438-5346 product. for you. Today we all tend to save But wait a minute! I really do like everywhere we can, usually subcon- For a FREE copy of the catalog and some of that stuff! I am just cheap sciously. We don’t even think about special e-mail offers, mail to: and refuse to pay for it. So what is it. We see two items on the shelf, Lehman’s, Dept. 2KYH, 289 Kurzen Rd. North, the solution? the same product, but two differ- Dalton, OH 44618 Believe it or not, there really is ent brands. You like both of them, a solution. It has been right under but one is a few cents less than the Name: our noses all along, we just haven’t other. Automatically, you grab the Address: seen it. cheaper one. Let me back up a step here. I am There is not much I can give a reader, a voracious reader. Because you there. What I can give you is Zip: books cost so much, I have always more pennies saved that in the long haunted used bookstores, yard sales, run can be significant. Here is an E-mail: flea markets and dusty attics. I have example. Countryside & Small Stock Journal, March/April 2013 57 Recently I was browsing through really don’t like bread that can be stitutes and how to use them. a small flea market. I was waiting used as bowling balls. But it keeps Okay, now you still want to know for someone, so to occupy myself I coming back to saving time and ev- how this is saving you money. It will just started looking around. In the eryone knows that time is money. save money for you the same way course of my browsing, I spotted a So we have to balance. This little it did for our ancestors. It just takes little pamphlet. It was printed black pamphlet came from an era where you getting used to using alterna- ink on cheap paper. According to the bread machine was labeled tive, healthy ingredients and bud- the little tag attached, this was one “Mom” or “wife” or another worthy geting your time. That is where the pamphlet in a series of four. After real savings come in. Our ancestors some digging, I found the second did these kinds of activities without pamphlet, but not the last two. even thinking about them, much like They were printed and distrib- brushing your teeth now. You don’t uted by a company named Rumford think a lot about it, you just do it. located in Providence, Rhode Island. Once you get yourself trained to They sold baking powder and had a use these very simple recipes, once program where you received cards you get your timing down, you will in the product. When you got one probably never buy a loaf of bread of these cards, you could mail it to again. I can guarantee you from my the company and they would mail own experience that the bread you whichever of the pamphlets you bake for yourself is the very best asked for back to you. bread in the world. Especially those The four pamphlets were labeled first dozen or so loaves that everyone “Good Breads,” Meat Substitutes,” else declares are mistakes. “Left-Overs,” and “Salads.” I have You will get better, they tell you, the first two. personage. They were smart people it just takes practice. Of course, they Let me delve briefly into “Good and they had to stretch their dollars are saying this around mouthfuls of Breads.” Today there is no lack of just as hard as we do. This pamphlet bread that they didn’t have to bake bread recipes, no lack of “artisan” teaches me some of those things they or buy! breads and no lack of so-called did to stretch that dollar just a little This is just one example. These knowledgeable people telling you bit more. two little pamphlets are not teach- which breads are good for you and The very first paragraph in the ing me how to bake or cook. They which ones are bad. They will go so pamphlet cautions the reader to be are teaching me to reestablish and far as to debate with you “Franken very careful in their measurements. reorder my priorities. wheat” and “low gluten” and a half It tells you what is meant by a level So how much do you save? It dozen other esoteric subjects that cupful and the proper way to get it. depends entirely on you. It is very actually have very little to do with It gives you a number of these little easy to keep buying and consuming the bread you like to eat. gems. It then goes on to tell you how convenience and unknown ingre- Why do you like to eat any par- to substitute sour milk or buttermilk dients. It can be difficult to change ticular type of bread? Because you for plain, fresh milk and the adjust- those habits you grew up with. I like how it tastes. That particular ments you need to make to your know, I have done it and deal with type of bread suits the purpose for recipe so that it comes out right. it every day. which you want it. For instance, Then it goes on to briefly discuss So I buy those obscure cookbooks you may really like corned beef on your oven and how to use it most ef- and pamphlets whenever I find them. pumpernickel, but I will bet that ficiently. This might not be quite as Just like the other cookbook I want to you would extremely dislike pum- important now with our high-tech tell you about. pernickel French toast. So we like ovens, but it is still a relevant topic. There is a company in Freeport, particular breads for particular uses The pamphlet then goes on to Illinois that is still doing business and tastes. give you the “Foundation Recipe well after their 100th birthday. I found But in line with trying to save For Bread.” This is the base recipe a handout that they distributed so money, many of us are doing our that every other recipe in the book long ago that no one at the company best to make our own bread. Unfor- is based on. remembers when! Their name is Mc- tunately, today’s life doesn’t neces- The next paragraph discusses Ness and I heartily recommend that sarily allow you the time to make wheat flour substitutes. Did you you look them up on the web. bread. The modern solution? Bread know you can substitute soya bean In this particular pamphlet, titled machines! flour for wheat flour? I didn’t, not “Recipes From Around The World,” I won’t speak for anyone else, but until I read this pamphlet. they feature a lady by the name of I don’t like what comes out of bread It then goes on to give you a list Mrs. Edith Moore, a champion cake machines. Maybe it’s just me, but I of recipes using these different sub- baker. Of course, she attributes her Make Natural, 58 58 Skin-Nourishing Soap success to using exclusively McNess baking products. She goes on at great By Ca s e y Ma k e l a length about the techniques she uses Learn the time-honored secrets of making moisturizing, to be so successful. She tells you that skin-nourishing soaps with a major secret to her success is to sift milk! Create this sought-after her finely ground cake flour no less soap at home using the spe- than six times before adding other cialized yet simple techniques ingredients. Six times! Casey Makela has developed in more than 15 years of soap-making. 107 pages, $12.95 I have yet to find this delightful + s/h. Call the Countryside Bookstore at: lady in my online research, but I will. She apparently won hundreds, if not thousands of first place ribbons at 1-800-551-5691 fairs all over the country. She must know what she is talking about. What makes her especially interesting in this article is that she is included in this wonderful little cookbook. While we do get the benefits of Edith’s experience, the main thing she passes on to us is what we discussed previously. We learn how to change our point of view. We learn that “convenience” isn’t necessarily convenient. These recipes that actually do come from all over the world are the kind of foods that regular people eat, the stuff of the average family, no Ball® Complete matter what country you come from. There are recipes from Hungary and Book of from China and many other points in between. Home Preserving What I have been driving at is that 400 Delicious and Creative Recipes for Today many of the old ways will benefit you Ed i t e d b y Ju d i Ki n g r y a n d La u r e n De v i n e and help you save money over the Ball® Home Canning Products are the gold long haul. I am trying to show you that we all have to change our basic standard in home preserving supplies. way of thinking, that we really need ® Now the experts at Ball have written a to pay attention to those little things, book destined to become they all add up. the “bible” of home preserving. I paid 50¢ each for the Rumford pamphlets and $2.50 for the McNess As nutrition and food quality has become more important, home canning and pamphlet. They taught me how to preserving has increased in popularity for the benefits it offers: gain control of save far more than the $3.50 I spent. the ingredients, including organic fruits and vegetables; preserve foods at their They are helping me to develop a freshest point to lock in nutrition; store-bought brands cannot match the won- different point of view, one that we derful flavor of homemade; only a few hours are needed to put up a batch of all need to have. jam or relish; and home preserves make a great personal gift any time of year. I will keep buying these wonder- These 400 innovative and enticing recipes include everything from salsas and ful little treasures and I hope you do savory sauces to pickling, chutneys, relishes and of course, jams, jellies, and as well. I find them to be a fascinating fruit spreads. Includes comprehensive directions on safe canning and preserv- glimpse into a time past. I like learning methods plus lists of required equipment and utensils. Specific instructions ing about what my ancestors did and Ball® Complete for first-timers and handy tips for the experienced make the why. I can see and experience what Book of Home Preserving a valuable addition to any kitchen library. 448 pages, they did with what they had. $22.95 + s/h. There is much for all of us to Call 1-800-551-5691 to order your copy! learn if we just look around and then choose to recognize what we see. ~ Countryside Bookstore ~ Bon appétit! 145 Industrial Dr., Medford, WI 54451 Countryside & Small Stock Journal, March/April 2013 59

You’re the Mother Hen Now Baby chicks’ ﬁrst weeks are stressful, but these are lucky birds. They have you…and Manna Pro! Nurture your new arrivals and keep them healthy and vibrant with Manna Pro Medicated Chick Starter and Life-Lytes® electrolyte supplement.

Life-Lytes Electrolyte Medicated Chick Starter Supplement · Helps prevent disease · Electrolytes & vitamins · 18% protein for optimal weight gain · Easy-to-use—just add to water · Complete vitamin & mineral nutrition · Helps strengthen and protect chicks in ﬁrst few weeks

Chick Care Chick Care Guide & Coupons! Guide free Visit http://info.mannapro.com/CountrysideChickSavings for $1 o our Medicated or Non-Medicated starter feed, $2 o Life-Lytes™ supplement, plus a multi-page Chick Care Guide!

Back Yard Poultry Bleed: 8 3/4" x 11 1/4" Trim: 8 1/4" x 10 7/8" Live area: 7 3/4" x 10 3/8" 60 I love the challenge of starting at zero every day and seeing how much I can accomplish. — Martha Stewart The homestead kitchen: use them on sale items. Last week tuna was on sale for 88¢. I bought a dozen cans at a savings of about 41¢ per can. If you can’t find a sale item this week, put the money in a separate spot and spend it when you find what you need. You will need to study a little and become aware of the current prices. I buy as much as I can from the bulk food stores and even there it is cheaper if I buy in larger quantities. Since I have learned to oven can my dry foods, such as flour and cereals, storage is no problem. My local supermarket seems to put baking ingredients on sale for a couple of weeks in the fall. Then I try to get a year’s supply, even if it takes several trips because of coupon limitations. I try to keep two of the special items that you use in an emergency, when there does not seem to be anything else, like salmon, Spam or dried beef. Then when I have to open one, I put it on the list of sale items to watch for and replace when it Sustainability in the Kitchen is cheaper. I work within three blocks of the supermarket, so the extra gas use is minimal. By Sh i r l e y Be n s o n I home can and dehydrate everything I can get my Br u c e , Wi s c o n s i n hands on that I think we will use in the next year, or lon- any people are now interested in some form of ger. I do have a freezer that is usually full, but if the power sustainability. Whether they are waiting for a should go off for more than three days, that is not going to worldwide disaster or one of lesser scope people be available for the long haul. areM trying to be more prepared for emergencies. As a farm Date every article you store, keep a black marker handy, wife and mother who grew up during the Depression, I and rotate them. Always use the oldest first. Use your cel- have always subscribed to a “be prepared” theory. Maybe lar “fruit room” like a pantry, not just a place for autumn it’s a major disaster where the income is destroyed, such storage. Make use of it all year long, adding new items as the loss of a job or something minor like unexpected as they are used. You will find canning jars are a small company, I have always been more comfortable with just investment when you use them over and over, as soon as being ready. they are empty. Like most people in later years, I took the easy way Learn how to pressure can, oven can, or dehydrate your and after moving off the farm with no huge garden or foods. Shop local farms, farmers markets, or just swap what chicken coop, I went to the store. There were always a you have with friends and neighbors for what they have few extra things in the cupboard, but mostly I shopped in surplus. Get a good food preservation book, Ball Blue by the week. Book of Preserving being one of the best, and follow their The last couple of years, with all the talk of the end advice. You will find it is very simple and easy, just time of the world as we know it, I have decided to go back to consuming, but so is working out for wages, and usually basics and live a little more like Grandma did. There is not early so pleasant. Do not be afraid of your pressure great security in being able to go to the basement for a can canner; follow the directions and there will be no problems. or jar instead of running to the store. I began to notice the Make yourself two rules and follow them religiously: No savings immediately, as each time you go to the store you children in the kitchen when you are canning, and never get what you went after and then several items that you leave the kitchen when the pressure gauge is on the canner. really don’t need. Everything from meat to dessert is can-able. The first thing you need to do is to plan well. You Try it. You will be hooked in no time. It becomes second need a good, preferably cool, dark space for your storage. nature to watch for sales on storable things and soon you Shelves built under the basement steps work well, using an will be automatically going to the cellar for things to eat old-fashioned term, I call mine the “fruit” room. They do instead of those impulse trips to the store. not need to be fancy; good used boards will make strong I have no great plans for surviving a worldwide atomic shelves. Be sure they are well braced as cans and bottles disaster, or worse, I am not sure I would want to. But if can be heavy. economic cutbacks force me out of work, I can survive a None of us can afford to go out and stock our cellar few weeks or months until I find a new job or things settle with all the items we should have on hand, so the thing back to normal. If an unsettled solar event puts the power to do is set your priorities. Go through your cupboard and off for a couple of weeks or longer, we will eat. If we are decide what is absolutely necessary. Then set aside a little so lucky that nothing bad happens, I have learned how to extra from your budget to buy an extra item or two each save a great deal of time, money, and energy at the very time you shop. Watch your sales and buy extra staples as least, and I have all the convenience of a supermarket right they go on sale. Save any coupons you might have and there under the basement stairs. Countryside & Small Stock Journal, March/April 2013 61

For Purina Nutritionist Dr. Mikelle Roeder, a healthy chicken is just as important as a delicious egg. That’s why she makes sure Purina feed gives your chicks what they need to grow into healthy birds. And as they start laying eggs, Purina provides all the nutrients needed for strong shells and rich golden yolks. So when it comes to choosing between the chicken and the egg, choose both with Purina.

Start your flock off right at MyPurinaFlock.com. 62 Let others praise ancient times; I am glad I was born in these. — Ovid (81 B.C.) The History of the Apron

By Sh i r l e y Ke l l y Gl a d e Pa r k , Co l o r a d o

he time of the pioneers spanned most of the late 1800s to 1900s. TIndividuals ventured west to live and trap years before the land belonged to the United States. During the time of the pioneers, most clothing was sewn by hand, as few people could afford to buy clothing in a store, and in many places, stores were too far away to easily reach. Pioneer women and girls wore long dresses with long sleeves year- round. A female always wore the most important item, the apron. There are many stories of how pioneer women used their aprons for survival in desperate circumstances as they made their long journey west through scorching plains and the icy cold snow of many mountain passes. Aprons were used for shelter, warmth, comfort and security. One diary tells of a woman who after crossing a river with her young child, used her apron to cradle her tiny baby in a tree to keep him safe and secure while she went back across the river to gather her other children, hence the “strong apron ties.” The principal use of Grandma’s apron was to protect the dress un- derneath, because she only had a few, and it was easier to wash aprons than dresses. They used less material, it served as a potholder for remov- ing hot pans from the oven, and it was wonderful for drying children’s tears. From the chicken coop, the apron was used for carrying eggs, fussy chicks and sometimes half-hatched and those old aprons wiped many a perspiring brow when bending over eggs to be finished in a warm oven. a hot wood stove. From the garden, it carried all sorts of vegetables. After When company came, those aprons the peas had been shelled, it carried out the hulls. In the fall, the apron was were ideal hiding places for shy kids used to bring in the apples that had fallen from the trees. When unexpected Countryside & Small Stock Journal,63 March/AprilPreserve 2013 it Yourself! 63

More Than 250 easy and enjoyable recipes! Preserving Food Without Freezing or Canning

Fo r w a r d b y De b o r a h Ma d i s o n

Typical books about preserving garden produce nearly always assume that modern “kitchen gardeners” will boil or freeze their vegetables and fruits. Yet here is a book that goes back to the future—celebrating traditional but little-known French techniques for storing and preserving edibles in ways that maximize flavor and nutrition. Translated into English, and with a new foreword by Deborah Madison, this book deliberately ignores freezing and high-temperature canning in favor of methods that are superior because they are less costly and more energy-efficient using salt, oil, sugar, alcohol, vinegar, cold storage, fermentation, and more. Preserv- ing Food Without Freezing or Canning offers more than 250 easy and en- company drove up the road, it was joyable recipes featuring locally grown and minimally refined ingredients. surprising how much furniture that It is an essential guide for those who seek healthy food for a healthy world. old apron could dust in a matter of 197 pages, $25.00 + S&H seconds! There was no waste back then; when the feed sacks were empty, the fabric was used for quilts and aprons. Small Batches and Simple Techniques In fact, when the apron had seen its Preserving Made Easy day and was ready to be tossed, the Small Batches and Simple Techniques best part was cut out and used for quilts. El l i e Ti p p & Ma r g a r e t Ho w a r d In the 1920s and 30s aprons followed the silhouette of the dress— long, with no waistline. By the 1940s Preserving Made Easy is the perfect book for to- aprons gained a cinched waistline, day’s busy cooks who still want to prepare and enjoy the and were often gaily trimmed with homemade goodness of fresh fruits and vegetables. These rickrack, buttons, and pockets of recipes were selected for their delicious taste and because contrasting color. they are easy to prepare. Thoroughly tested and perfected, Today, vintage aprons can be each recipe offers something special--a new twist on an found in antique stores, flea markets old favorite, a new way to mix and match flavors and tips and sometimes in Grandma’s attic. to make the whole process easier and more fun. Patterns to make reproductions of The authors offer delectable recipes for jams, these classics are readily available in jellies, conserves, pickles, relishes, chutneys, salsas, craft and sewing stores and on the mustards, marinades, flavored oils and more. Everything you need tode- Internet. With the availability of the light family and friends is here. Using this book will ensure that your fam- pioneer-look patterns and fabrics on ily has only the best and freshest ingredients carefully prepared for their the market today, it is very easy to needs. Preserving Made Easy is ideal for first-time users who will ben- replicate the aprons from long ago efit from the step-by-step introductions, and for experienced cooks who and bring them into today’s society are just looking for that extra twist that will make the batch memorable. to teach our children the uses of the 286 pages, $9.99 + S&H apron. I would like to thank The Museum of To order call Western Colorado (Lloyd Files) for photos 1-800-551-5691 of the ladies in the fruit packing plant or see Bookstore on page 77 in Palisade, Colorado around 1910, and Patti Londre for some of the text. or visit www.countrysidemag.com 64 If you can’t accept losing, you can’t win. — Vince Lombardi From the Start: Keeping Baby Animals Healthy on the Homestead

By Ke i t h Lo r i a that he nurses soon to get the colos- no shelter; the goats and pigs must trum that will jumpstart his immune have a place to get out of the wind here’s nothing quite like seeing system and to make sure that he has and rain. Address parasites in an or- a newborn animal on the farm, his first bowel movement without ganized manner, either with a sched- Tbut as adorable as they are, they problems. ule or strategic program, whichever are also at risk. When any livestock is “After these first few items are you and your vet agree on for the born, the first few weeks, days, or even addressed after foaling, most of the animals that you have.” hours can be the most important of a care of the foal is all in making sure Joseph Schallberger and his wife baby farm animal’s life, as it is here, that the dam is getting all that she Susan (who is a veterinary radiolo- when birth complications or disease needs. Aside from the feed and hay, gist) raise polled Shorthorn cattle and can strike. she should also have access to fresh Suffolk sheep on their Whispering An animal’s first milk (colostrum) clean water and a good mineral, pref- Hills Farm in Dallas, Oregon. is vital. Studies have shown calves erably loose,” he says. “Worming is a For lambs or calves, the first two that consume enough colostrum are big part of keeping them healthy as weeks of life is a very important time more likely to live past their first well, the mare initially and the foal to keep them healthy, Schallberger, birthday, and even some adult prob- as it gets older.” DVM, Ph.D, says. lems can be traced to not getting ap- Sargent says that even before “Proper vaccination of the mother propriate amounts of colostrum. you ever have any problems with before parturition gives the newborn Levon and Lynn Sargent, own- an animal, get to know two or three a head start on life. Initial disinfec- ers of L&L Mini-Farm in Henagar, veterinarians in the area just to talk tion of the navel cord and colostrum Alabama, currently raise AMHA with them and let them know what within the first four hours of life registered miniature horses, ADGA animals you have and how many. are paramount, he says. “Protection registered Nigerian Dwarf goats, With any animal, you should from the elements (cold, wind, rain, AGHA registered American Guinea try to observe them daily, so that snow) will reduce the chances of hy- Hogs, a KuneKune boar hog (see you know when one is not acting pothermia and hypoglycemia. Once sidebar), NABSSAR registered Baby- normally. Small indicators like not the young animal has gotten through doll Southdown Sheep and a small coming to eat as quickly, not eating the first 48 hours of life and is able to herd of crossbred miniature cattle. as much, droopy ears, a runny nose, regulate its body temperature then The most dangerous times for a or a hanging head, can alert you to a adequate nutrition and a clean envi- foal is that first day of life, getting it problem that you need to address. If ronment become most important.” up and nursing, and getting the cord you notice that one is not behaving This involves monitoring the dipped. normally, consult with a vet. Most animal for any signs of distress on “To have healthy young foals, will give you a few recommendations a continuing basis and intervening make sure that the mare is healthy over the phone or advise if symptoms quickly at any sign of a problem. during her pregnancy. She should are severe enough for a visit. “For lambs or calves, the two- be getting a good feed, quality hay “Make sure that the essentials week to two-month timeframe is im- with no mold or dust, and be kept off of good feed and pasture or hay, fresh portant, but generally is not as risky fescue for the last trimester,” Mr. Sar- clean water, a good mineral for that as the first two weeks for the health gent says. “When foaling time comes species; sheep shouldn’t get goat or of the animal,” Schallberger says. and the little one hits the ground, you horse mineral, it has too much cop- “The biggest dangers for illness re- want to dip the navel cord in Betadine per, and shelter if needed are avail- volve around nutrition and parasites. to prevent bacteria from entering his able,” Sargent says. “Some animals Both can suppress a young animal’s system through it. If this is not done won’t have to have as much shelter immune system and/or upset its they can get navel ill or joint ill.” as the others. The cows, horses and digestive system. The consequence Next, observation is key to ensure sheep seem to do okay with little or can be life threatening disease and Countryside & Small Stock Journal, March/April 2013 65 general un-thriftiness.” As an example, if a calf or lamb has symptoms of a respiratory problem (depression, hyperventilation, nasal discharge, coughing and fever) the initial step should be to place the animal in a dry/wind-free environment. Calling in a veterinarian to ascertain the etiology and serious- ness of the problem is the best choice for the animal. “This is particularly important with respiratory problems because permanent lung damage is the likely outcome in an improperly diagnosed and treated animal,” Schallberger says. “This scenario produces a chronic poor doer even if the animal survives.” Meet the Kunekune Proper vaccination with quality vaccines, good parasite control, and KuneKune pigs are rare, small, heritage pigs known to be multi-purpose. adequate nutrition will eliminate 95- Kunes are commonly raised for their ability to graze without damage to pasture 98 percent of any problems. and to glean without harm to orchards or vineyards. They do not tend to root, Walter Jeffries, owner of Sugar roam, or challenge fences. Kunes are completely unique in their ability to “fat- Mountain Farm, LLC in Orange, Ver- ten” on grass alone or with very little in the way of supplementation. Sometimes mont understands the importance of called “little pioneer pigs,” KuneKune pigs make great meat pigs for the small keeping baby animals healthy. The farm, hobby farmer, or as part of any sustainable farming enterprise. Being farm raises sheep, chickens, ducks, incomparably placid and gentle, Kunekune pigs have become popular by those geese, dogs, ferrets and pigs, which who wish to keep a small pig or two in the yard. They are not recommended “bring home the bacon as our main as a house pet. KuneKune pigs are not “miniature” pigs. The breed was developed by the farm product.” Maori people of New Zealand and has remained unimproved, maintaining its Keeping baby pigs healthy de- small size. All pigs are small without human intervention. This type of human pends on the season. intervention always results in large, early maturing, fast growing pigs, which “In the warm months our piglets is the opposite of the Kunekune pig breed. are born out on pasture, nurse on their mothers for about six to eight “There is a growing enthusiasm for the Kune Kune (pronounced ”coo-nee, weeks and learn to graze grasses, coo-nee”). New Zealand was home to the last of the breed although the breed clovers and other forages. We also is not indigenous to that country. Kept by the Moari people, no one is really feed them whey from making cheese sure where Kunes originated from and there are several theories as to how they got to New Zealand. Nearly extinct in the 1970s, Michael Willis and John to give them extra protein,” he says. Simister bought up the last 18 KuneKunes and began striving to preserve the “They eat pasture, whey and veggies, breed. With their expertise, the Kune population grew. They arrived in Britain many of which we grow in different in 1992 when it was decided, in case disease occurred in their home country, that seasons of the warm months.” another population should be established elsewhere. The British KuneKune During weaning, Jeffries and his Pig Society was set up in 1993. In 1995 Katie Rigby of Kansas imported the first nine-year-old daughter spend time KuneKunes into the United States directly from New Zealand with the assis- socializing the piglets so that they tance of members of the New Zealand KuneKune Association and approval by get to know people and the livestock the Elders of the Maori people. (To learn more about the Rigby imports please guardian herding dogs that care for visit www.AmericanKuneKuneBreeders.com.) Not until 2005 did Jim and Lori Enright of USA KuneKunes import the first KunesKunes from Great Britain. them. The Enrights have been instrumental in promoting the breed in this country In the winter they need plenty of and are the first breeders to freely sell breeding stock to others. Mr. and Mrs. hay to replace the pasture. They get Enright are the co-founders of the official breed registry in the United States, shelter from the wind in three-sided American KuneKune Breeders Association, of which we are Regional Coordina- sheds and live on winter paddocks tors.” — Alana Schoffstal, Black Valley Farm up on the snow pack. Piglets don’t get much in the For more information, visit Black Valley Farm, Everett, Pennsylvania at way of illness because the fresh air www.blackvalleyfarm.com/the-kune-kune-breed. To subscribe to the American keeps them very healthy. Occasion- Kunekune Breeders Association’s Quarterly Newsletter, visit the site above, or call the office at 406-599-9797. ally a piglet is not thriving in which 66 Man’s best support is a very dear friend. — Cicero case the family will bring it closer in and keep it in a hospice to be able to The cow barn: monitor it and make sure it’s getting sufficient food and water. Diane and Dr. Drew Spisak have been breeding quality working Ak- Safely bash dogs and Babydoll Southdown sheep at Sheepfields Farm, Wellsville, Kansas for more than 25 years. According to Diane Spisak, the Castrating most important steps for keeping sheep healthy when the young are bonding with their mother, are good nutrition, and necessary vaccina- Calves tions and deworming, as parasites and poor nutrition are the biggest worries. By He a t h e r Sm i t h Th o m a s The biggest threat to the animals is often not disease but rather preda- he best age and method for castrating a bull calf may vary, depending tors, which is why some farms keep on your situation. Some stockmen feel that a calf should be allowed livestock guardian herding dogs to Tto grow all summer before being castrated, since calves grow faster protect them. as bulls. The hormones of the young bull enable him to gain weight more Mary Tucker, owner of Lighthouse quickly than a steer of the same age. But on the other hand, steers may pro- Farm in West Clarksville, New York, duce better quality beef, if you intend to sell or butcher the animal for beef. raises three breeds of sheep, chickens, Some people also have a preference regarding whether a knife or a “rub- LGD Great Pyrenees and a working ber band” is the best way to castrate. Whichever method is used, the animal farm collie. must be adequately restrained for castration. “I believe that keeping baby ani- It is true that young bulls grow a little faster than steers, due to hormonal mals healthy is a combination of influences on growth. It is also true that the meat from steers is sometimes proper nutrition of the mother while better quality. Steer meat is less apt to be dark colored and tough due to stress she is pregnant, good nutrition of the and excitement at the time of butchering, since steers tend to be more docile lambs after birth, vaccinations, min- and calm than bulls. erals and vitamins for your region,” Any bull calf that is not destined to become a herd sire should be castrated. Tucker says. “Depending on season of Longhorn breeders who are trying to produce animals with spectacular horns birth, dangers could be weather such prefer to castrate any bull calf they don’t intend to keep for breeding, since as cold or rain, which could lead to the steers grow the longest horns. hypothermia, getting separated from Most stockmen castrate bull calves early in life. The procedure is not only the momma ewe, or another ewe try- much easier on calves when they are small, but steers are easier to handle ing to take a lamb. Also, aspiration of and work with than young bulls as they grow up. Steers are less aggressive, birthing fluid, which can cause pneu- and much safer to be around. As the calf grows up, he’ll be less apt to try to monia, or bacteria that they pick up get through fences and go find other cattle, if he is a steer. while tasting as they learn.” The simplest and most humane way to castrate, and with less risk of infec- If an animal does get sick, one tion or extensive bleeding, is to put a “rubber band” (elastrator ring) on the should note all the symptoms that calf when he are not normal such as temperature, is a day or droopiness, or weakness. A good re- so old. This source book, Tucker says, is Lambing can be done Problems, by Laura Lawson. a n y t i m e “Know your animals when they during the are healthy. Spend time with them, first weeks watching them and how they act, eat, of life. These spend their time,” Tucker says. “That strong rub- way, when one becomes ill, you can b e r r i n g s see it and sense the difference. That c a n b e may make all the difference in the purchased world as some illnesses work really cheaply at fast (such as Clostridium perfringes a farm sup- types, salmonella, etc.).” ply store or Countryside & Small Stock Journal, March/April 2013 67 veterinary clinic. The ring is about the size and shape of Cheerios cereal. The tool to apply the rubber ring has four small prongs upon which you place the ring. The tool spreads and stretches the ring when you squeeze the handles, so it can be placed over the testicles and situated above them. This can be readily accomplished with a small calf simply by placing him on the ground on his side, having someone hold his head and front legs so he can’t get up. Kneeling behind him so he can’t kick you with his hind legs, hold the scrotum with one hand and place the ring over it, using the stretching tool. Always make sure both testicles are in the scrotum before situating the ring. Pull them down as far as possible so they are completely below the ring when it is released. If the calf is tense, or trying to kick, he may pull one or both testicles back up out of your grasp. He must be relaxed. The tight ring cuts off circulation to the scrotum. The calf feels some numbing discomfort for a short while, and then no pain at all. Tissue below the constricting ring dies from The easiest way to castrate a calf is to use an elastrator ring during the first week lack of blood, the scrotal sac and its of life. Try to keep him as calm as possible, and make sure both testicles are in the scrotum before applying the band, or you’ve only done half the job. contents wither and dry up, falling off after a few weeks—leaving a small raw spot that soon heals. Surgical castration with a knife can be done at any age, but this, too, is much easier on a calf when done young, while testicles are small. Re- moving the small testicles of a baby calf is not nearly as risky for blood loss or infection as it would be after he is older, with larger testicles and more blood supply. A slit is made in the scrotum with a clean, sharp knife. Each testicle is worked out through the slit and person holds the head and front legs and the other holds the hind legs so the removed with the knife. There is less calf cannot kick the person doing the castrating. A large calf is more safely bleeding if you scrape the knife back held with ropes, or restrained on a calf table (a small tilting chute). and forth on the cord attachment to If restraining him with ropes, you need a rope around his head and one sever it, rather than making a straight front leg so the calf will not choke and also so he cannot get up, or a halter on cut. A scraped and torn blood vessel the head, and both front feet secured with another rope, and a rope around tends to shrink up and close off more both hind legs with a half hitch so he can’t kick out of it. The ropes should readily than a vessel cut straight be securely tied or dallied around a fence post or some other sturdy object across. so the large calf will be completely restrained—stretched out on the ground The procedure is easiest when on his side. the calf is lying on his side. A small While the calf is thus restrained, this is also a good time to give him any calf can be held by two people; one needed vaccinations, or put in an ear tag or brand him. 68 WORLD’S 1ST Self-Feeding Chipper For Homeowners Just load a DR® RAPID-FEED™ CHIPPER, step back, and watch it chip branches up to 5 ½" thick! SELF-FEEDING saves time and charged chips in a container or cart.

energy. Most branches can be ™ dropped into the hopper and will PRO-SPEC CHIPPER KNIFE is self-feed, instead of you having to made of forged alloy tool steel, mak- force-feed them. ing it exceptionally strong with an excellent edge-holding ability. OVERSIZED HOPPER accepts limbs with side branches — even CHIP BRANCHES UP TO 5-1/2" small trees — with less time spent pruning. TRACTOR OWNERS! 3-Point Hitch, tractor- TOP-DISCHARGING is standard on mounted models also all models, for easily collecting dis- available. 77636X © 2013

Massive 55 lbs. Call for a FREE DVD and Catalog! Solid-Steel TOLL Flywheel FREE 888-213-2332 www.DRchipper.com WORLD’S FASTEST ONE LOG, SPLITTER! ONE SECOND. NEW Lower-Priced Models!

THE NEW DR® RapidFire™ Log Splitter slices through logs up to six times faster than ordinary log splitters. The key is rugged and proven technology inspired by America’s industrial heyday. The DR® RapidFire™ Splitter replaces hydraulics with a belt-drive rack and pinion system and two massive cast iron ﬂ ywheels. Now We’ve replaced you can split dense hardwood logs up to 30" in diameter in record time— hydraulics knotty pieces, too. SPLIT UP TO ONE CORD IN ONE HOUR...cord after cord, with two hefty cast iron ﬂ ywheels that generate season after season. massive splitting force. 77637X © 2013 Call for a FREE DVD and Catalog! OUTSPLITS A 34-TON! TOLL Watch the video online. FREE 888-213-2332 www.drpower.com/splitoff www.DRlogsplitters.com

On Purchases of $400 or more with your Country Home Products/DR Power credit card MONTHLY made between 2/1/13 and 3/28/13. A $29 Promotion Fee may be charged. Equal Monthly *36 Payments Required for 36 months. INTEREST MONTHS NO * Offer applies only to single-receipt qualifying purchases. A promo fee will be charged and included in the promo purchase balance equal to $29 for purchases of $800 or more. No monthly interest will be charged on promo purchase balance (including related promo fee) and ﬁ xed monthly payments are required equal to 2.78% of initial promo purchase amount until promo is paid in full. The ﬁ xed monthly payment will be rounded up to the next highest whole dollar and may be higher than the minimum payment that would be required if the purchase was a non-promotional purchase. Regular account terms apply to non-promotional purchases. For new accounts: Purchase APR is 23.99%; Minimum Monthly interest Charge is $2. Existing cardholders should see their credit card agreement for their applicable terms. Subject to credit approval. Countryside & Small Stock Journal, March/April 2013 69 The goat barn: weather is yucky, the herd “queen” has the ability to keep other goats from getting under shelter. Also, wind will blow snow and rain into the open side. I personally do not like run in sheds for these reasons. I prefer a full four-sided structure. On a cold winter night when the wind is whip- ping and piling the snow against the Goats 101 walls, it is better to be able to close them up in the barn. The other advantage to a four-sided structure is that you can leave a door open con- By Mi r i a h Re y n o l d s (Ed. note: Grades can be recorded with nected to their paddock. This allows Id a h o the American Dairy Goat Association if them to choose whether they want they meet the proper criteria. They are to go inside or stay out, very similar f you are considering getting dairy then referred to as Recorded Grades.) to a run in. In addition, a barn of- goats this spring, go for it! Goats are As far as which sex to get, unless fers safety from predators. The open Iincredible creatures that bring end- you are going to breed does at your front of a run in shed allows preda- less enjoyment (and entertainment) to farm, do not get a buck (an intact tors to see “what’s on the menu” a any family farm. I’d like to share some breeding male). A buck will not be lot clearer and with less deterrents of the basics about dairy goats. pleasant (odor-wise) to be around than a full barn. A barn is also nice because you can make a place to store Which goat to get? much of the year, will cost money to feed year round and will need feed/hay and possibly a place to put Deciding what sex and breed separate housing from the does. All of goat to get is one of the biggest for a short breeding season in the fall. decisions you will make as a new It’s cheaper in the long run to take goat owner. To help narrow down a doe to a buck on another farm for the search, decide what your goat’s breeding. purpose will be. Milk, show, packing, A doe is a female. She can be bred, cart pulling, a horse companion, 4-H produce milk and be shown for 4-H project, or just as a pet—each purpose clubs or at fairs. A doe is the most di- has different breeds and a gender verse sex. If you would prefer a more that does better at certain tasks. The even-tempered animal, a wether is breed of goat that is best suited for the way to go. A wether is a castrated you depends on what characteristics male. They are awesome as pets, you prefer. Just like when buying a taught to pull carts, or in goat pack- Experiment Milking vehicle, a Chevy and Ford owner will ing. Wethers normally can be shown tell you what they believe is the best at 4-H shows in the wether class, as Zebu Cattle truck based on what they like about well as fitting and showmanship. They might be a great low each make. The American Dairy Goat Now that you have the breed and maintenance family milk cow. Association (ADGA) recognizes eight sex of your goat picked out, let’s talk breeds of dairy goats: Alpine, Saanen, about the essentials. Co u n t r y s i d e : I am doing an ex- Toggenburg, La Mancha, Oberhasli, periment thanks to your maga- Nigerian Dwarf, Nubian, and Sable Housing zine. The article in Vol.96 No.4, Saanen. Mixes or crosses of these “Never put the goat before the pg. 62) shared a photo of me breeds are known as grades. Don’t barn!” In other words, make sure you with my Mini Zebu. I never real- be afraid of cross breeds—they tend have a barn that is suitable for goats ized Zebu were related to Vechur to be hardier and just as awesome as before you bring them home. Wind cattle. Vechur cattle are known a purebred. Most of the time grades and precipitation are two things that as the world’s tiniest dairy cow. are less expensive than a purebreds. goats don’t like. At the first drop (Vol.96,No.3,Pg.67) This year Personally, my favorite grades are of rain they will head for shelter. A when my Zebu cow has a calf I the Saanen/Alpine crosses. You get three-sided barn/shed is also known will milk her and let you know the the spunkiness of an Alpine with the as a run in shed—there is no front to outcome. My cow is super sweet kind-hearted, heavy milk production the structure. These will work if you and cooperative so it should be fun of a Saanen. A word of advice—get live in a warmer area or if you just and delicious. — Andrea Parson two goats, not just one—they are herd don’t want a full-sided barn. The first animals and do not like to be alone. downside to a run in is that when the pgs 70 & 71 color

$4.95 U.S. Dairy Goat Journal Vol. 86 No. 1, January/February, 2008 Goat Dairies Thrive 70 in New York, Maryland, 70 Arriving at one goal is the starting point to another. — John Dewey Don’t miss Texas, & Mexico Latte Da Dairy Wins Cheese the milking stand. Housing is very another great A w a r d s important to a goat’s wellbeing and M a k e a C h e e s e P r e s s issue of... Plus: health. Always fix drafts and leaks in • Visit Jekuthiel Dairy • Start Kids Out Right • Parasite Priority And much more inside! 1 whichever structure you choose. Dairy Goat Journal Fencing 145 Industrial Dr., “If it doesn’t hold water, it won’t Medford, WI 54451 hold a goat!” My mother can be www.dairygoatjournal.com thanked for that statement. It’s true. Goats are escape artists, and if there $21 for one year (6 issues) is even the slightest way out, they or $35 for two years. will find it. Whether it be a low sag in the wire or a feed bucket too close to the fence, they will escape. Over my years of trying to find “goat-proof fencing,” the one I have had the most success with is made by Red Brand and has 4" x 4" squares welded-wire and stands roughly five-feet tall. With sturdy metal T-posts, this fence has Miriah holds one of her Saanen kids. withstood many goats and I would definitely recommend it. (Tip: When I would recommend reading more putting up the fence, pull it tight, as on this subject. over time it will begin to sag from And finally, minerals. Offer your goats leaning and climbing on it.) goats free choice minerals and salt. You do not need a lot of land to have Their bodies are remarkable at stor- goats. They do not need a pasture to ing nutrients and only taking what graze on, although that is a bonus. they need. As far as how to feed your Goats are browsers, not grazers. They goats, I would suggest feeding them would rather be up on the rocks and individually. When goats are fed in the trees than eating a field of grass grain from a trough, the herd boss like sheep. When fencing in an area, usually gets more than the others. make sure to remove any poisonous By feeding separately in a milking plants. stand, you can monitor how much Feed they are eating and adjust their diet according to their condition (preg- Goats love to eat! Because they nant, milking, dry, etc.). are ruminants and have a four-cham- Goats are incredible animals that bered stomach, they can consume have so much personality and love a lot. Other than having plenty of to share. I hope that you go out and fresh, clean water, hay is the most get goats, and cherish every moment important part of a goat’s diet. Al- you spend with them! most all of the goat’s energy comes from fiber. Offer hay free choice out Resources of a hayrack. Keeping the rack filled American Dairy Goat Associa- with good quality hay will not only tion, www.adga.org. keep the goat’s hunger satisfied, Dairy Goat Journal, 145 Industrial but keep them out of trouble. Goats Dr., Medford, WI 54451; 800-551- are very picky, and I’ve found that 5691; www.DairyGoatJournal.com. if hay touches the ground, they will not eat it. Keep that in mind when Recommended reading you are designing your hay feeder. Storey’s Guide to Raising Dairy (Also keep them from jumping into Goats (see add on page 72) and Rais- the hayrack or on hay bales and ing Goats for Dummies, by Cheryl soiling it.) Grain is going to be an- K. Smith. These titles and more other part of your goat’s diet. The are available from the Countryside type and amount of feed will vary Bookstore, 1-800-551-5691 or www. depending on the sex and purpose. countrysidemag.com. pgs 70 & 71 color

Countryside & Small Stock Journal, March/April 2013 71

Feeds & feeding: Grain alternatives

By Fa y e Co r b e t t The goats wouldn’t eat it when it got doesn’t get eradicated. This helped, No r t h Ca r o l i n a too mature, and I had to pay someone but wasn’t enough. Then I read to come in and mow it. Definitely not about raising black soldier flies, hen grain prices started sustainable. This is what ultimately with a hanging container to hold the going up, and especially evolved. vegetable scraps and cow manure. It Wthe organic grains I had I put down boards in the chicken works great in summer, but winters always used, I started looking at pen (I have four runs, three of which were a little slim. I started adding alternatives. What could I feed my are covered to keep out varmints), vetch, clover and sweet peas to the chickens? The dairy goats? And I and I rotate them on these, planting planting mix so they could get a wanted cows to rotate pastures with, behind the chickens after they are little more protein in winter. I picked to clean up parasites from other spe- moved, so they always have some- up acorns and cracked a few every cies and also to make butter or to put thing green to eat. The roly-poly bugs day with the hammer, actually just meat in the freezer. I had surplus pas- love the boards, so do earthworms smashed them with the hammer, and ture going to waste and it was highly and termites. I flip over one each they love those. I still have to feed a productive, with lots of calcium/ day, making sure I don’t turn them bit of grain in the winter, but I planted phosphorous and trace minerals on it. over too fast, so the bug population oats/wheat in the run and keep them 72 The greater the difficulty, the more glory in surmounting it. — Epicurus they need the chlorophyll due to bad weather and snow on the ground. I also feed them treats of kale or collards, which I have to cover with row cover cloth as the cold winters kill it. The cows like the taller grass and I got a Dexter heifer, as they are a good dual-purpose breed for milk/meat and as draft animals. They are very docile, a small breed and extremely good at converting roughage to milk and meat. They eat a lot of weeds that other breeds of cows either won’t eat or can’t digest. They don’t really need grain. I’m raising grass-fed beef only. Unfortunately, the Jersey steer I was raising for the freezer has turned into Goats browse in the woodland area during pasture rotation. a real pet, and licks me and follows out long enough so they have some ticular is high in protein and calcium, me around everywhere when he sees grain pickings in the winter. Somehow and probably about equal to alfalfa me. I call him by name, T-Bone, and the squirrels find a way through the hay, which I can barely afford anyway. he comes loping over. I just can’t eat 2 x 4 welded wire and get most of it. I started collecting mulberry trees and him, so may use him as a draft ani- (However, a dead squirrel hung in planting them outside their pasture, mal. He will let you do anything to the run repels other squirrels.) They but close enough so the branches him, including hang over his back. also eat table scraps and I have lots of would hang over the fence and they That was a little glitch in the plans for those, as I’m using whole vegetables could “prune” them. I started drying farm self-sufficiency. Or maybe not, out of the garden or butternut squash green leaves on any kind of rack I maybe he’ll plow one of the paddocks and sweet potatoes stored for winter could come up with and saving them and I’ll plant corn. I use the heirloom use. They get the peelings and seeds in huge bags I sewed out of bolts of flint corn for meal to make bread, feed from the squash. Sometimes they get cheap and very porous fabric. These the chickens, and strip off the still the whey left over from making cheese were stored in the barn along with the green leaves after the ears are fully if I don’t have another more important purchased hay. I bought a scythe and formed, to dry for forage. The dried use for it. I only have six laying hens started cutting some hay by hand, to stalks are cut into lengths to use for and a few bantams for setting on eggs, save on the total feed bill. I only have fireplace kindling. Or they are com- so it isn’t a big flock. If I had more, I a few goats, so I don’t need a huge posted, as they are great for chopping would pasture them with the cows amount anyway. to use as mulch as they increase the and use chicken tractors. The pasture is green here (North fungal hyphae, improving the health A few years ago one of my Nubian Carolina mountain area) most of the of the soil in the garden. goats had the body type of a Boer, year. There are two small paddocks Overall, my feed bill dropped by but great udder attachment, plenty and four larger pastures of about a over 75%, which was pretty impres- of milk and pretty good letdown. half-acre each, and the woodland sive. My workload decreased too. She was always fat and stocky, even area, which is considerably larger, Now I have animals that are forag- when I reduced her grain. She was for the goats’ rotation. I stockpiled ing more and I don’t have to make also worm resistant and so was every pastures by keeping one or two lots repeated trips out to feed grain and kid she had, so I started selling off all of about a half-acre each out of rota- hay daily. I did cut down the goat the rest and keeping only her kids. I’m tion starting in August, so the grass herd, as the animals I have now are building a high-production animal and chicory could grow a foot high. more productive so I don’t need as that can forage well without a lot of It is a mix of lespedeza, clovers, many. additional feed. vetch, plantain, dandelion, chicory For the first time I made a tiny The goats usually go up in the (makes milk production go way up), profit on the farm and I expect that woods in the mornings while the annual ryegrass, Timothy, Kentucky to grow exponentially as the cows dew is still on the pasture grass, and bluegrass and some fescue, which mature and I have breeding stock or when it dries off they come down and I don’t like, but I inherited it and it hopefully, beef to sell. My real profit eat pasture. I let them forage in the just won’t go away. It does stay green though, is the satisfaction of living woods for acorns in the fall, and in all winter. on the land, which I dearly love, sur- summer for the leaves on the maple, In winter I sometimes make small rounded by animals I also love and sweetgum, slippery elm, sourwood, buckets of oat and wheat sprouts for reaping the reward of all that wonder- and mulberry trees. Mulberry in par- them when I have extra grain and ful, healthy food. Countryside & Small Stock Journal, March/April 2013 73 “Quick! Call 911!” I shouted to my wife as the ﬁ re headed towards our barn.

I had been an idiot. If you’ve burned with a It was early spring, but there was still snow on the steel drum, you know the ground so I thought it was safe to burn some paper and problems: brush. What I didn’t realize was that the top of the tall grass was dry. The fi re decided to travel across the top • Poor circulation won’t allow of the grass and head...straight towards my barn! debris to burn completely. Never again would I burn without a barrel, I swore, • FLying embers can ignite as my neighbors gathered to watch the fi re department surrounding combustibles (like bail me out (and save most of my barn). barns and houses). That was years ago, and true to my word, I got a • Drums are heavy to move. 55-gallon drum and used it to dispose of my household burnables and other yard trash and debris. But I hated • Eventually, the drum will rust. how hard it was to get a fi re started in a barrel and,

once started, how burning material would fl y out the ™ top. Plus, a rusty barrel is a real eyesore. Introducing the Portable Burn-Cage ! Recently, I had a small mountain of sensitive fi nan- Now You Can Eliminate Your Combustible Yard cial material to get rid of, and I didn’t want to stuff it in trash bags and haul it to the dump. There were credit and Household Waste Easily and Safely! card numbers, social security numbers—lots of stuff • Cleaner more effi cient fi res. Perforated lid and sidewalls maximize that an identity thief could have a fi eld day with. airfl ow and trap burning embers. High burn temperatures (in So I stuffed it into my rusty burn barrel, set a match excess of 1600°F) mean thorough incineration with less residue, to it, and...nada. The thing just sat there and smol- less smoke, and less ash. dered. And when I tried to dump it out and start again, • Lightweight, portable and folds for easy storage. I had a real mess on my hands. The wind was carrying • Plenty of Room. 1,100 cubic inches MORE than a 55-gallon drum. away small bits of paper with sensitive numbers on it. • Easy to Setup. Easy to Operate. Just open up box and attach 4 Boy, was I teed off at myself for being so stupid. base pieces with 8 pieces of Stainless Steel hardware. I was complaining to a friend about my combus- • Peace of Mind. The Portable Burn-Cage™ is the safest way to tible problems when he asked me if I knew about The dispose of your household combustibles. Burn-Cage™. Well, within a week I had one delivered to my driveway, and you should see this thing! It’s made of industrial stainless steel—the kind they use to build Stainless Steel furnaces—and looks like it could hold a small gorilla. ™ I quickly stuffed it with paper, branches, leaves, Portable Burn-Cage boxes of old receipts, sawdust ... you name it. I put the Old Leaves and lid on and then lit some of the paper. Branches Whoosh! That thing ignited like an inferno and Up in Flames! pulverized the contents into a fi ne ash. There was nothing left. Best of all, nothing escaped. The lid kept Sensitive Financial all the ash from fl ying, and the four duck-like feet kept Documents the cage from tipping over. And I never felt as if the Gone Forever! fi re could escape and spread. It was always under tight control, even when the wind picked up. Burnable When I was done, I simply folded it up fl at, and Household Waste Sayonara! hung it in my shed. I can’t recommend The Burn-Cage™ highly enough! — Josh M., Norwich, VT

™ SPECIAL OFFER Use the phone Order The Burn-Cage Today! number or URL at TOLL for Countryside Readers: FREE 1-800-929-8169 $ left to save $70 SAVE 70! off List Price! www.DRpower.com/CYS DR Power Equipment, 75 Meigs Road, Vergennes, VT 05491 74 Countryside Bookstore

NEW BOOKS • NEW BOOKS • NEW BOOKS • NEW BOOKS • NEW BOOKS Reinventing The Hatching & Brooding Chicken Coop Your Own Chicks 14 Original Designs with Step-by-Step Building Instructions Chickens, Turkeys, Ducks, Geese, Guinea Fowl

Ma t t h e w Wo l p e & Ke v i n McEl r o y Ga i l Da m e r o w Backyard chickens meet con- If you want to incubate, hatch, and temporary design! Matthew brood chicks yourself, rather than Wolpe and Kevin McElroy give buying them from a hatchery, this is you 14 complete building plans the guide you need. Poultry author- for chicken coops that range ity Gail Damerow explains exactly from the purely functional to the how to hatch healthy baby chickens, outrageously fabulous. One has ducklings, goslings, turkey poults, and a water-capturing roof; one is a guinea keets, addressing everything great example of mid-century from selecting a breed and choosing modern architecture; and an- the best incubator to ensuring proper other has a built-in composting system. Some designs are set-up and sanitary conditions, understanding embryo de- suitable for beginning builders, and some are challenging velopment, and feeding and caring for newborn chicks in a enough for experts. Complete step-by-step building plans brooder. This is an indispensable reference for any poultry are accompanied by full-color photographs and detailed raiser, whether you want to hatch three eggs or one hundred. construction illustrations. 192 pages, $19.95 240 pages, $24.95

Homegrown Herbs The Herbal Home A Complete Guide to Growing, Using & Remedy Book Enjoying More Than 100 Herb Simple Recipes for Tinctures, Teas, Salves, Tonics, and Syrups Ta m m i Ha r t u n g Jo y c e A. Wa r d w e l l This is the definitive guide to planting, growing, harvesting, and using Using simple recipes and generations of 101 popular herbs. A step-by-step herbal healing wisdom, Joyce Wardwell will primer for gardeners of every level, teach you how to: Gather, dry, store, and it includes in-depth information on blend 25 common herbs; Make and use teas, seed selection; planting; maintenance tinctures, oils, salves, syrups, and lozenges; and care; harvesting; drying; and Build your own herbal medicine cabinet. uses in the kitchen, home pharmacy, 176 pages, $14.95 crafting, and body care. Sensational four-color photographs by Saxon Holt bring the information to life. With renowned herbal- ist Tammi Hartung as a guide, readers will discover that Herbal Remedy Gardens growing their own herbs is one of the easiest ways possible 38 Plans for Your Helath and Well-Being to bring more beauty, flavor, and health to everyday life. Do r i e By e r s 255 pages, $19.95 Even if you've never gardened before, you can care for yourself and your family using time-tested herbal reme- To request a book catalog with a complete dies harvested from your own medici- listing of all books available please write to: nal herb garden. Customize a garden Bookstore Catalog Request, to suit your space and your specific 145 Industrial Dr., Medford, WI 54451 health needs with more than 35 illustrated plans for easy to-maintain or call 1-800-551-5691 container and backyard gardens. Gardens included are cold www.countrysidemag.com and flu, decongestant, headache relief, healthy heart, woman's care and rejuvenation. 219 pages, $16.95 Countryside & SmallCountryside Stock Journal, March/April 2013 Bookstore 75 How to Build Your Own Let it Rot NEW BOOKS • NEW BOOKS • NEW BOOKS • NEW BOOKS • NEW BOOKS Greenhouse The Gardener’s Guide to Composting Ro g e r Ma r sh a l l St u Ca m p b e l l From the simplest cold frame to the This is the book that helped spark the most elaborate freestanding tropical composting movement and taught gar- paradise, there is a greenhouse plan in deners everywhere how to recycle waste this collection to suit every gardener’s materials to create useful, soil-nourishing needs. Roger Marshall guides you compost. This updated edition features through all the style options, the prac- instructions for starting and maintaining tical considerations of choosing mate- a composting system, building compost rials and a site, and every step of the bins, barrels and tumblers, and more. building process, from foundation to 160 pages, $12.95 glazing. Includes many diagrams and charts to make your project easier. 255 pages, $24.95 Mulch It! THE GARDENER’S A-Z A Practical Guide to Using Mulch in the Garden and Landscape

GUIDE TO GROWING St u Ca m p b e l l ORGANIC FOOD Eliminate weeding forever! Mulch pro- TANYA L. K. DENCKLA tects the soil, minimizes weeds, contributes to plant health, encourages earth- Grow over 765 varieties of vegetables, worms, reduces water needs, and cuts herbs, fruits and nuts, while controlling down on the gardener's labor. In Mulch pests and diseases organically. Includes It! you'll find a complete guide to the rel- easy-to-read charts and graphs for improv- 2 ative cost, appearance, insulation value, ing any type of soil/water/nutrient/disease thickness, weed control, water penetra- or pest problem for each individual plant, tion, moisture retention, and rate of de- along with the best varieties to grow in your composition of more that 50 mulching area. Includes suggested reading list, seed materials, such as: Bark and wood chips, and nursery sources, and hardiness zone maps. A great resource oyster shells, Pine needles, Plastic, Stones, geotextiles, Paper. for any gardener—all in one volume! 485 pages, $24.95 and cocoa hulls. Learn how and when to mulch and find out which material Secrets of Plant is right for a specific purpose. From landscaping to vegetable gardening to flower gardening to flower gardening to planting Propagation trees and shrubs, mulch can help you increase your property Starting Your Own Flowers, Vegetables, Fruits, value and create a beautiful, professional-looking landscape. Berries, Shrubs, Trees and Houseplants 120 pages, $12.95 Le w i s Hi l l Plant propagation? That's starting your own flowers and vegetables, inside and Tips for the Lazy Gardener out. It's raising shrubs and trees for your Li n d a Ti l g n e r property, creating your own orchard— even growing many houseplants from What's a lazy gardener? Anyone who en- one. Here are just a few of the results joys the pleasures of gardening but doesn't you can expect: want to be chained to their garden—in • Raise the best tomato plants other words, all of us! In this delightful • Grow your own Christmas tree but oh-so-practical book, Linda Tilgner • Offer the finest of gifts—houseplants offers hundreds of timesaving tips and • Avoid buying expensive shrubs, start your own routines to produce better vegetables and • Plant those hard-to-find flowers, perennials and annuals, at herbs with less work and more pleasure. little or no cost. You'll find ideas and instructions for plan- You don’t need a greenhouse or costly equipment. ning gardens, building soil, sowing and You can do a lot with a couple of fluorescent bulbs. Try transplanting, beating weeds and pests, and harvesting -- all plant propagation. You’ll be amazed at your results. designed to reduce maintenance and make gardening more 168 pages, $19.95 leisurely and enjoyable. 128 pages, $12.95

76 COUNTRYSIDE BOOKSTORE The Fruit Gardener’s Bible Small-Scale A Complete Guide to Growing Livestock Farming Fruits and Nuts in the Home Garden Ca r o l Ek a r i u s Le o n a r d Pe r r y & Le w i s Hi l l A natural, organic, grass-based ap- Bring the mouth-watering deliciousness proach to livestock management for of fresh fruit into your garden. From healthier animals, reduced feed and small fruits like strawberries, raspber- healthcare costs, and maximum profit- ries, and blueberries to orchard fruits, ability. Through case studies of success- such as apples, pears, peaches, cherries, ful farmers, nitty-gritty details on every and a variety of nuts, The Fruit Gar- facet of livestock farming, and fascinat- dener’s Bible shows backyard gardeners ing insights for working with nature in- how to successfully grow organic fruit at stead of against it, you'll learn to make home. This book covers absolutely ev- your farm thrive. 217 pages, $18.95 erything you need to know, from choosing the best varieties to planting, pruning, protecting from wildlife, and harvesting a bountiful crop. 319 pages, $24.95 The Backyard Homestead Guide to Raising Farm Animals The Vegetable Gardener’s Ga i l Da m e r o w Container Bible Imagine a weekend breakfast featur- How to Grow a Bounty of Food in Pots, Tubs ing eggs, bacon, and honey from your and Other Containers own chickens, pigs, and bees. Or a holiday meal with your own heritage- Ed w a r d C. Sm i t h breed turkey as the main attraction. By growing vegetables in containers, even With The Backyard Homestead Guide novice gardeners can reap a bounty of or- to Raising Farm Animals, even urban ganic food in very small spaces. Anyone and suburban residents can success- can harvest tomatoes on a patio, produce fully raise chickens, ducks, geese, tur- a pumpkin in a planter, or grow broccoli keys, rabbits, goats, sheep, cows, pigs, on a balcony—it’s easy! Ed Smith shows and honey bees. It’s easier than you think, and it can be done you how to choose the right plants, se- on small plots of land. This essential guide covers everything lect containers and tools, care for plants from selecting the right breeds to producing delicious fresh throughout the growing season, control milk, cheese, honey, eggs, and meat. Whether you want to be pests without chemicals, and much more. more self-sufficient, save money, or just enjoy safer, healthier, He even includes plans for small-space container gardens that are more delicious animal products, you’ll find all the informa- perfect for urban and suburban gardeners. 163 pages, $19.95 tion you need in The Backyard Homestead Guide to Raising Farm Animals. 360 pages, $24.95 Mini Farming Self Sufficiency on 1/4 Acre The Merck Veterinary Manual Br e t t L. Ma r k h a m 10th Edition Mini Farming describes a holistic approach to small-area farming that will The Merck Veterinary Manual is the show you how to produce 85 percent most comprehensive, reliable reference of an average family’s food on just for veterinary professionals. Trusted for a quarter acre—and earn $10,000 in more than 50 years, this reference now cash annually while spending less features hundreds of full-color images, than half the time that an ordinary job including illustrations, photomicrographs, and radiographic, ultrasonographic, and would require. Even if you have never been a farmer or a gardener, this book endoscopic images. In addition, this book has covers everything you need to know to been updated to reflect the latest advances in get started: buying and saving seeds, starting seedlings, estab- veterinary medicine. This new edition offers com- lishing raised beds, soil fertility practices, composting, pest prehensive coverage of exotic and laboratory ani- and disease problems, crop rotation, farm planning, and much mals and an extensively revised zoonoses reference more. Because self-sufficiency is the objective, subjects such table. The section on behavior has been thoroughly as raising backyard chickens and home canning are also cov- revised, and includes the most current information on ered. Materials, tools, and techniques are detailed with photo- diagnosing and treating behavioral disorders in dogs, cats, graphs, tables, diagrams, and illustrations. 227 pages, $16.95 and other domestic animals. 945 pages, $60.00

Countryside & COUNTRYSIDESmall Stock Journal, March/April 2013 BOOKSTORE 77 Maple Syrup Cookbook Backyard Sugarin’ 100 Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Third Edition, Revised and Expanded

Ke n Ha e d r i ch Ri n k Ma n n Make every meal maple. No other sweetener This little book swept maple sugarin' buffs off delivers the clean, distinct flavor and subtle their feet when it first appeared and is still the bouquet of real maple syrup. Of course it’s top-selling guide to the craft after nearly 30 perfect on pancakes, but farm cooks have years in print. Like the previous editions, this known for centuries that adding maple syrup one tells you how you can make maple syrup is also the best way to put a sweet spin on right in your own backyard without having to meat, fish, fowl, and vegetables. Try starters such as Orange build a sap house or buy buckets, holding tanks, evaporators Maple Chicken Wings and Maple Creamy Fondue. Entrées: and other expensive paraphernalia. Provides detailed "how-to" Hot & Spicy Shrimp Kabobs and Maple Vinegar Roasted Pork. information, and makes some new and noteworthy revelations- Baked goods: Maple Cream Scones and Winter Squash Spoon- including tips sugarers across the country have shared with the bread. And, of course, desserts: Tawny Maple Cheesecake, author. From buying equipment to tapping your own trees to Maple Ginger Ice Cream, and the classic Sugar on Snow. Plus boiling the sap, this is the classic, best-selling guide to making maple beverages, butters, and relishes. 137 pages, $10.95 maple syrup. 96 pages, $10.95 Feel free to use another sheet of paper, or call 1-800-551-5691 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.: Expiration: Signature: Phone: Mail your order to: Countryside Bookstore, 145 Industrial Dr., Medford, WI 54451 Or call 1-800-551-5691 • www.countrysidemag.com 78 Judge each day not by its harvest, but by the seeds you plant. — Unknown Feeds & feeding:

Reap the Benefits of Added Roughage

By Kl a i r e Br u c e into cubes. Sun cured alfalfa cubes are Beet pulp is extremely high in fiber, Mi s s o u r i made from cut alfalfa that has been making it a good grass hay substitute. dried in the field. After it has been The pulp is also easily digestible and t’s no secret that drought has cured, the alfalfa is taken to a process- low on dust—an ideal choice for caused a hay shortage in many ing plant, where it is chopped and older animals, or animals with COPD Iparts of the country. So what can cubed. Because the alfalfa particles (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary concerned livestock owners do to en- in the cubes are still quite large, they Disease). Many feed companies add sure that their farm animals are getting can be used as a hay replacement for molasses to the shredded or pelleted enough fodder to keep their digestive livestock when a grass hay supply is beet pulp, in order to make it more systems working properly? Added limited. Bock suggests feeding mul- palatable to picky farm critters. roughage could be the answer. tiple small meals throughout the day The dictionary definition of rough- if the cubes are replacing hay in an Silage age is: The coarse indigestible contents of animal’s diet. There is some debate Silage is fermented fodder with food or fodder, which provide bulk to the over whether cubes should be fed high moisture content. It is made diet and promote normal bowel function. dry, or soaked. It usually depends from grass crops such as corn, oats, “Roughage helps keep the digestive on the animal—a cow or a horse or sorghum. Silage is created by system in tune with the way God might be perfectly happy eating the cutting green vegetation with 50- made it,” said Dallas Bock, Midwest cubes dry, whereas a chicken may 60% moisture content and placing Regional Sales Manager of Standlee prefer the cubes soaked and mixed it in a silo or a large heap covered Hay Company. Roughage comes in with corn. One of the advantages of with plastic. The vegetation is then many forms—alfalfa cubes, shredded feeding alfalfa cubes is that there is allowed to ferment. The fermenta- or pelleted beet pulp, and silage, to very little waste—you can feed the tion process begins about 48 hours name a few. Each type has different exact amount needed. A good rule of after the silage is packed in or piled nutritional value and different feed- thumb is one pound of cubes is equal up—it takes roughly two weeks to ing requirements. Wondering what to one pound of hay. complete the process. Silage can to add to your critter’s roughage be fed to ruminants such as sheep, repertoire? Here are some choices to Beet Pulp cattle and goats—it is sometimes get you started. Beet pulp is a low sugar, high used as a winter feed when pasture fiber feed that is created by the sugar is unavailable. Alfalfa Cubes beet industry. Once sugar beets have Alfalfa cubes are made up of been processed to extract the sugar, Brans dried, chopped and compressed the ”waste product,” known as beet Bran is a rich fiber source that con- alfalfa hay. There are two different pulp is left over. The pulp is then tains significant amounts of vitamins, kinds of alfalfa cubes—dehydrated packaged and sold in feed stores, in proteins, starches and essential fatty and sun cured. Dehydrated cubes are either shredded or pelleted form. It is acids. This healthy, nutrient-packed made by cutting early stage alfalfa highly recommended that beet pulp milling by-product is considered to and letting it partially dry, making be soaked prior to feeding—because be a “superfood” for both humans it wilted. The wilted alfalfa is then the pulp swells when mixed with liq- and livestock. Bran is milled from gathered, chopped, dehydrated in uid, it is usually easier for an animal cereal grains such as rice, millet, a processing plant and compressed to digest if it has already been soaked. barley, wheat, oats and corn. Rice and Countryside & Small Stock Journal, March/April 2013 79 wheat bran are especially popular as an equine feed; they both have a high nutritional value without the negative Fresh, Healthy Livestock Feed Everyday side effects of grain (high sugar con- with Hydroponic Fodder Systems tent, overeating, a “hot” horse, etc.). Bran is a superb choice to put weight on a thin horse. Rice bran often comes in a pelleted form, while wheat bran is finely ground and mixed with hot water to make a warm porridge or “mash.” Feeding bran mash can also encourage a difficult horse to drink more water, plus it is noted for its laxative properties.

Sprouted Grains Sprouted grains are one of the best roughage options available. A grain sprouting operation can be as simple as a few buckets and a strainer, or as complex as a hydroponics system. Growing hydroponic fodder is gaining in popularity largely due to the poten- Regardless of the set-up, sprouted tial savings on feed costs, decreased land availability for grazing, unpredictable grain makes a great feed. Virtually weather conditions reducing the nutritional potential of livestock forages and the any sort of grain can be sprouted: rising costs of grain. Hydroponic fodder is sprouted grain produced specifically for barley, oats, rye and wheat, to name a livestock consumption. Types of sprouts typically grown for fodder include alfalfa, few. The grain is soaked in water for barley, oats, clover, ryegrass and wheat. Hydroponically grown fodder has been six to eight hours, and then drained. common for years in Australia, Canada and Europe, It is then spread in shallow trays or and is now a developing trend for feeding livestock in the United States. buckets and allowed to grow for six to In the simplest terms, hydroponics is growing eight days. The grain must be rinsed plants without soil. There are many types of hy- daily in order to keep it clean and free droponic systems, but all have similar advantag- of mold or harmful bacteria. Sixty to es, including no need for pesticides or herbicides, seventy-five degrees Fahrenheit is high yields in a limited space and up to 90% less water required compared to soil production. the optimal growing temperature for By growing fodder in a hydroponic forage sys- sprouts—but they can still be grown tem, you can save over 50% on feed costs, while in temperatures warmer or cooler producing highly palatable feed. For example, one pound of dry barley seed can than this with careful maintenance. produce more than seven pounds of fodder. Fodder that is grown hydroponi- Day six is typically the best day to cally has a digestibility averaging 75–80%; the digestibility of field-grown, dried forages can be as little as 30%. The nutritional content of the fodder will depend feed the sprouts—this is when the on the seed. Based on the system and seed type, fodder can be ready to har- protein content is normally the high- vest in as little as seven days. est. Sprouting grain can cause the amount of protein in the grain itself The Benefits of Fodder to increase up to 50%—not to mention Adding fodder to the daily diet of farm animals will increase all-around physi- making the grain more palatable for cal wellbeing. Because fodder is highly digestible, it will result in higher energy levels and improved performance, while minimizing feed costs. Feeding fodder farm critters. The sprouts can be fed to to livestock will result in heat cycles that are more consistent and higher fertility all livestock—chickens, horses, goats, rates. During times of heat stress, feeding fodder will stimulate the appetite, keep- pigs and cattle can all benefit from this ing animals full and healthy. Since fodder is fed soon after it is produced, it will not great feed source. Sprouted grain can get moldy or dusty like traditional hay, resulting in improved respiratory health. be fed as supplemental roughage or, In addition to improving the health of their animals, farmers will reap higher yields and save considerably on feed and energy costs when using fodder as depending on the amount of work you a feed supplement. Fodder systems typically utilize low energy and water con- are willing to put into it, can replace sumption, can be grown year long, as long as the system is located in a climate- hay completely. controlled environment. Because hydroponic systems do not require large foot- Roughage is an essential part of prints, a field’s worth of food can be produced in a building, barn, greenhouse a farm animal’s diet. With the right or basement. Also, since all of the fodder produced, including the seed mat, is edible, waste and spoilage are virtually eliminated. amount of research and experimenta- tion, you can keep your critters well For more information, contact FarmTek, 1-800-327-6835 ext. 1267 or visit fed and happy—with or without www.FarmTek.com/ADCTS for more information. hay. 80 The joyfulness of a man prolongeth his days. — The Bible, Psalms The machine shed: An Australian-Built Hay Press

By Ro b Da n i e l s , Bo u l d e r c o m b e Qu e e n s l a n d The hay is cut by hand, then loaded on the bed of an old pickup. Rob also built Au s t r a l i a the small tractor in the photo, above right.

I have made about 150 bales a year for the last 11 years, with no problems. am an avid reader of Co u n t r y s i d e and owner of a hobby farm in I also built the small tractor in the photos. Australia. I try to be self-sufficient The hay is cut with an Allen scythe and raked into rows by hand, then I loaded into the trailer with a grass fork. and I needed to bale hay, so I decided to build a hay press. Being a retired boilermaker, I decided to build one. After a week, I had sketched plans to produce bales to suit my 7' x 4' tractor trailer that fits four bales neatly in the bottom of it. I built a frame out of one-inch rolled hollow section square steel and lined it with timber, leaving slots to enable tying the bale. The piston is of the same construction and the leverage is worked out with three pin holes at different levels on the pressure lever. With the long pin in the bottom hole, you are at full com- The author built this small hay baler on his Australian homestead. The hay is pression and the bale is finished and pushed into the box and packed with the handle/lever (bottom right). When tied off, the front opened, and the bale the bale is the desired size, the door is open (bottom left) and the bale emerges pushed out by the piston. (above). Countryside & Small Stock Journal, March/April 2013 81 The machine shed:

Thinking About Buying An Old Tractor For Your Homestead?

By Ke n Jo h n s o n then settle into the seat. Some of the even on hilly terrain. Wa u p a c a , Wi s c o n s i n old mechanically operated cultivators could also be attached onto the back Fords and Fergusons were the ver the past 40 years or so, I end of the tractor, so for the operator first farm tractors to offer hydraulic have owned a few old trac- to climb into the seat it could be a three-point hitch. This innovation Otors and liked most of them. little treacherous. quickly attracted the attention of trac- When I was a teenager, I helped local The point of all this is: There are tor manufacturers all over the world. farmers with fieldwork, including quite a few of these old tractors still Especially during the 1950s, manu- harvest and sometimes, to my delight, out there if you are interested, and facturers followed farmer demands I got to drive their tractors. One of they were so well built, many of for bigger, heavier tractors and an my uncles was an Allis Chalmers fan, them still work. Most of them have easier way to turn the front wheels. WD series. My dad was an Oliver fan gasoline engines manufactured in the Power steering made tractors much during the late 1940s and early 1950s. day when gasoline had lead in it, and more agile for the tight turns at the Both brands, Allis and Oliver, were if you want to stay original, a lead or fencerow, and especially when an end row crop versions with rear wheels lead substitute additive should be loader was in operation. End loaders that could be adjusted for wider or added to non-leaded gas if you don’t are not just for scooping up manure narrower rows of corn or other row want to risk ruining the engine. One or dirt; they are also very handy crops. The front tires were smaller and additional note is tire sizes. for moving other heavy objects and positioned close together under the pushing snow around. It is hard for front. Such a tractor could straddle Tractor tires designed for row me to imagine a farmer of any size two rows of corn with wheels be- crop tractors were not very wide, but not wanting a loader. tween the rows and with a cultivator they were tall because corn grows If you want to raise a row crop attachment it could dig out the weeds tall, and during the pre-herbicide and don’t want to use herbicides, you around the corn. During those days, days, helping row crops get a jump may want to consider one of these old corn rows were still 36 to 42 inches on weeds was a very important job row crop tractors with a cultivator apart, because that was about the of cultivators. The smaller, compact attachment. Row crop tractors come width a horse needed to walk between Ford and Ferguson tractors had full both tricycle-style and wide front. them. During the “old days,” Iowa complements of soil altering attach- There are the squatty, utility types, corn was planted in “hills,” so corn ments, including cultivators, but with regular row crop with taller tires, rows could be cultivated both north their smaller 28-inch wheels and low and the more rare high crop models. I and south, as well as east and west. profile, cultivating corn over a foot prefer a wide front because my land is No herbicide needed. The early tractor tall could be injurious to the crop. hilly. I do not raise row crops because tires were only eight to 10 inches wide, These smaller size tractors were and they require a special array of tilling, so corn rows didn’t have to be so far are handy for a lot of other chores, but planting and harvesting equipment apart, and more corn could be planted they are also limited by their weight that I can’t justify on 29 acres. I like for higher yields per acre. Sometime of some 2,400 pounds. By putting simple, although farming is never during the 1950s planting corn in hills some weights on the rear wheels “simple” even on a small scale. Hob- (a process called “checking”), was and/or fluid in the rear tires, these by farmers do it for the lifestyle, not abandoned for just drilling corn into little tractors become little bear-cats. for money. A farmer with 20 acres of rows. Cultivating corn or other row If you weigh down the back, you apple trees, strawberries, asparagus crops like potatoes, was a major occu- should also weigh down the front, or or grapes could conceivably make a pation for old tractors. The cultivator you may risk upending while pulling pile of money, but oh the work, and was mounted on one or both sides of something heavy or even going up a it’s no longer a hobby! the tractor so the operator could keep steep grade. Weigh down the front, a close eye on the corn so as not to dig and steering can become a problem. Depending on what kind of out the wrong plants. For a man to These utility-style tractors also have farming you want to do helps deter- get on the tractor he had to mount it adjustable wheels and wide front mine what kind of tractor you need. If from the rear by stepping up on the wheels adjustable to track with the you want livestock on your farm, you draw bar, up again onto the rear axle, rear wheels, so they are quite stable, will probably need something to haul 82 & 83 color/bind-in (with 59)

82 All I can say about life is, Oh God, enjoy it! — Bob Newhart Ferguson tractors and that was side entry to the driver’s seat. During the 1950s mounting the tractor from the rear was pretty much passed out in favor of mounting from one or both sides, which is much more convenient. To make it happen, the steering wheel had to be pushed forward a foot or two and the seat also had a step or two in front of the rear wheels, JI Case John Deere B completed the transition. How the operator (you) climb onto the driver’s seat may help determine your choice of tractor. I kind of liked my uncle’s Allis Chalmers WD45, a rear mount tractor that had a foot clutch used to shift gears and a shift-on-the-go hand clutch with a high, neutral and low position. The hand clutch did not affect the PTO or hydraulics in effect making the PTO independent. Many Allis Chalmers CA Oliver 770 tractor manufacturers have some version of this handy feature. The WD45 manure in, a two-wheeled trailer or a manure spreader. A farm of less than also has hand brakes, one for each 100 acres and a “simple” operation only requires a farm tractor with about side, and when working properly you 30 horsepower. I mean a real farm tractor, and not a sub-compact garden could to a 360 degree turn (spin) on tractor. The later Ford model N (1950s) tractors may suffice. They and their the same wheel lugs! Pre 1960 John Ferguson counterparts are very popular among today’s hobby farmers and Deere two cylinder tractors, some that is reflected in their comparative prices. I see them listed here and there Case and older Minneapolis Molines for $2,500, give or take. If restored, they may be another $1,000 or more. As have had clutches. It is not hard get- long as we have a workable economy, these tractors should actually increase ting used to a hand clutch. in value as time goes on. Old farm equipment is often pretty fully depreci- The old mount from the rear trac- ated, and if you keep it in good shape, you shouldn’t lose much or anything tors are now considered to be classic if you decide to sell it. Trading old equipment is a different story. Often your antiques. Any tractor over 30-years- competition, especially at auctions, is the scrap iron dealer. They don’t like old may be considered antique. There to be bid against, but to me, old farm machinery is pieces of engineering art, are collectors all over the country especially when cleaned up, fixed up, and painted. Putting an old piece of who harbor a special passion for old equipment back to work has its own rewards. farm equipment, especially old trac- There are lots of older, serviceable tractors available and parts to keep them tors. Like them, you may find your- going. If you need a part, chances are you can find it, but you may want to self favoring one or another. Some haggle over the price if the part is used. Many new or refurbished parts are prefer red, some yellow, some green, also available for American or British made tractors at various dealers in every and some orange. In my opinion, I state. Farm and Fleet, Fleet Farm, and Tractor Supply stores stock an array think collecting and fixing up old of American tractor parts. Ordering parts online is very easy, even for most machinery is a great hobby as long as European made farm tractors like Fiat, Zetor, or Long. I use: www.davistrac- it is also treated as an investment that tor.com for my tractor parts. Some later model U.S. tractors (1980s on) are can be recovered if needed. Occasion- rebadged foreign tractors. Still others have foreign engines. You will find Fiat ally there have been sales or auctions three and four cylinder diesel engines in 1970s model Allis Chalmers, Oliver, of collections. I like old machinery, Minneapolis Moline, White and Hesston tractors. From what I’ve read, these especially tractors, but my interest are very good tractors. I currently own one tractor, a 1966 Massey Ferguson is mainly for practical purposes. I 150. It has a 40 horsepower, three-cylinder diesel engine. It is a wide front row want to actually use them on my crop (the wheels are adjustable), but it is also the lower profile model with hobby farm. So my personal interest 28-inch rear wheels. It has a three-point and power steering, and weighs over is somewhat limited to tractors that 5,000 lbs. It is plenty big for my needs, but the three-cylinder diesel is very cost $5,000 or less, tractors with 25 to efficient. If you can find a diesel in your size and price range that would be 45 horsepower. I prefer a side mount my recommendation. If you settle on a gas engine, which is fine, find out if and row crop. It looks as though new it’s a lead-free model or not so you know which fuel to use in it. tractor manufacturers have conclud- Farm tractor manufacturers took another innovative idea for Ford and ed that hobby farms want utility style 82 & 83 color/bind-in (with 59)

Countryside & Small Stock Journal, March/April 2013 83 guson: 130 and 140 series, 150, 235 • Minneapolis Moline: 335, 445, 2 Star, 4 Star, Jet Star (series), *G350, *G450 • Oliver: *1255, *1265, *1355, *1365 • White: 2-50, *1270 * (Have Fiat diesel engines)

Following are some popular foreign manufactured tractors you might consider: Farmall H • Fordson: Dextra, Major Diesel Minneapolis Moline U • David Brown: 885 • Deutz: 3006, tractors. Look at advertisements in hobby farm-type magazines. 4006, 5506, 4506 If you use old machinery you will probably appreciate a building in which to work on it. Tools may include: hand wrenches, floor jacks or other lifts, This is a sampling of old tractors air compressor, pressure washer, an electric welder, possibly a cutting torch. that I found available on craigslist, Repair manuals are available for most old tractors, and if you need the services TractorHouse.com, and newspapers, of a tractor mechanic, you can probably find one in your local phone book. all under $5,000. If you really get the bug, you may invest in a pickup or van and a 16-foot Some photos of old rear mount trailer capable of hauling your machinery. Trailer rentals are available and tractors mentioned above are pic- your local farm machinery dealer can haul your equipment, too. Depending tured at left. All of them have wide on how much buying, selling and moving machinery you do, a tandem axle front versions, but not as many are flat bed trailer may be in your future. It’s all part of the fun! available. These were found at Lake- I have personally owned a number of old tractors and have operated a side Implement, Harrisville, Wiscon- dozen or more doing various tasks for neighbors. Following is a list of suit- sin, and most of them are priced at able old tractors for farms with up to 100 acres. less than $2,000. • Allis Chalmers: WD, WD45, B, C • JI Case: VAC, SC •Farmall: B, C, H, For more information about farm 200 and 300 series • John Deere: A, B, 40, 50, 60, 420, 520, 620 • Massey Fer- tractors, try www.tractordata.com. 84 It’s almost more important how a person takes his fate than what it is. — Wilhelm von Humboldt The woodlot: Sawdust in your veins? with laminated greenhouse arches to capture more heat and speed lumber drying. The shed should be longer to facilitate piling boards, as the easiest way to stack lumber is to push it into piles as the saw is returned from cutting through the log. I can do this for boards up to 10 feet long, but longer pieces must go in the other direction and be piled outside. To keep logs clean, I usually bring them to the mill with a log arch that keeps them free of the ground (Photo 2); any dirt is brushed off with a long-handled barbecue brush. When sawing resinous wood, I run a mixture of water (windshield washer fluid in winter) and Pine-Sol from the lube tank to keep the blade and band wheels from getting gummed up. Handling logs and stacking lumber is all grunt work, so production is low. Photo 1: A view of the mill sawing a pine log. When sawing resinous woods, the I prefer turning logs to get a square white tank on the left feeds a mixture of water (windshield washer in winter) center section that can then be sawn and detergent to the blade to cut the sap. into boards, but for maximum widths By Be n Ho f f m a n more. It is amazing how many of or unusual grain I often saw them these mills have been manufactured through-and-through. And on logs atisfying a 30-year wish for and the number of people who are that are too large to turn I must saw a portable bandsaw mill, I actively engaged in custom sawing them through-and-through. Sawing Sfinally bought one to saw the or sawing lumber for sale. Used mills pine dimension lumber—2 x 4s, 2 occasional log from firewood trees are available, but the prices are not x 6s, timbers and boards—is much into cabinet stock for my shop. Poor cheap. faster than cutting hardwoods for trees cut for firewood often have a My mill is a Homesteader (Photo grade. Occasionally I saw 4 x 6 and short section of high-quality furniture 1) manufactured by Hudson Forest 6 x 6 cants to be re-sawn as needed wood. Commercial mills will not saw Equipment in Barneveld, New York, for 2 x 4s or 2 x 6s. Working alone, I logs shorter than eight feet, but I have the least expensive mill I could find. average two logs an hour. cut sections as short as four feet. Our At $2,495, with no frills, it requires My 16-foot track will handle 14- bed is made from a cull butternut me to push it through the logs and foot logs and there is no waste from tree that was cut for firewood, but it has the same 6.5 HP B&S engine the mill. Sawdust goes to two neigh- the crooked, seven-foot butt log was as my lawn mower, but can saw logs bors for chicken bedding. Slabs (the saved for shop lumber. The headboard up to 21 inches in diameter. Many barky first cut) are stacked outside in shape was designed around a crook mills are trailer-mounted, but mine cutting cribs, cut into 16-inch lengths in the main stem. is permanently set up in a 12-foot by and piled in storage racks (Photo 3) When portable band mills first 30-foot pole building originally de- for wood stoves in my shop, base- became popular, many people used signed as an equipment shed. It faces ment and kitchen. When a log is sawn them to saw logs for log homes, then south to capture solar heat in winter through-and-through, both edges of sold them for a reasonable price. No and I plan to extend the south side the board are irregular and have bark. Countryside & Small Stock Journal, March/April 2013 85 To produce square-edged boards, they must be stacked on edge on the track and one edge sawn at a time. Edgings also go into firewood. The knotty cores of many logs go into 4 x 4s for construction and landscape timbers. I have sawn a surprising amount and variety of material for friends, ranging from cabinet lumber to gates to timbers for raised garden beds. Some of the products are: • White pine, hemlock, spruce, white cedar, larch, white ash, black cherry, elm and black locust lumber • Ash, elm, cherry and locust squares for turning in a lathe for table legs • Wide elm planks for furniture stock Photo 2: A view of the south side of the mill with a pine log being delivered to the • High quality pine for shelving log deck with a small tractor and a log arch. Keeping logs off the ground, free of and furniture dirt, prolongs blade life. These two logs were both from dead trees. Despite an inch or two of rotten sapwood on the outside, the heart is sound and worth sawing. • Cedar boards for birdhouses, gates and fences in one for several years, a major help that enables me to produce a variety • Cedar and locust posts for to me in learning to saw and process of custom lumber and timber sizes gates. lumber has been Gene Wengert, “The for homestead needs for others as • Softwood dimension lumber (2 Wood Doctor,” a regular contributor well as myself. x 4, 2 x 6) for construction to Independent Sawmill and Woodlot Magazine. You can also access Gene’s knowledge at www.woodweb.com. Make the Most of Although I have done produc- All in all, the Homesteader is an af- tion studies on sawmills and worked fordable and extremely useful tool Your Woodlands A Landowner’s Guide to Managing Your Woods How to Maintain a Small Acreage for Long-Term Health, Biodiversity, and High-Quality Timber Production

By An n La r k i n Ha n s e n , Mi k e Se v e r s e n , & De n n i s L. Wa t e r m a n Whether you own a few acres of woodland or many, A Landowner’s Guide to Managing Your Woods will help you become an active and effective steward of your forest. Beginning with an explanation of the natural processes governing forest development, the authors present active steps you can take to guide your woodland toward a state of health and beauty and sustainably produce one of the world’s greatest renewable resources— wood. 297 pages, $19.95 + s/h. Photo 3: Slabs and edgings are cut to length in the cutting crib on the right, then stacked to dry in the storage rack at left. They make nice kindling for my wood Call 1-800-551-5691 stoves. www.countrysidemag.com 86 Many persons of high intelligence have notoriously poor judgement. — Sidney J. Harris Homestead politics: Raw Milk and the 4th Amendment: What you don’t know could destroy you

By Je r r i Co o k out the requirement that the govern- his latest drug-related conviction, Co u n t r y s i d e St a f f ment have probable cause to search was on his way back to prison for 11 your property on May 16, 2011. Okay, years, even though the police had no was talking with another small- “threw it out” may be over-broad. warrant and weren’t looking for him scale organic dairy producer They actually trimmed it down. The or his companions. In the confused recently. For the sake of his law of the land is no longer probable moments when the police had lost anonymity,I I’ll call him George. He’s cause. It’s a much lower bar of rea- sight of the suspect, they picked the considering diverting 10 gallons of sonable suspicion. wrong door. While they didn’t get the milk each week from his bulk tank guy they wanted, they did get King, to sell to some of his CSA customers. Meet Hollis Deshaun King, the and that was good enough. It’s only an additional $60 a week, unluckiest guy on the planet. Not but the recession hit his family hard. only is Mr. King unlucky, he’s not At this point, George became Sixty dollars a week will ease some all that bright either. On October animated. “Oh, there’s no way. Not of the financial strain. 13, 2005, King and two friends were a chance. No court is going to let that Have you ever had to tell some- hanging out in King’s apartment happen.” He was practically glowing one that their brilliant idea is actually smoking marijuana, which was just with vindication when I told him that a bad idea? I tried to talk him out of plain ignorant when you consider the Kentucky Supreme Court agreed it, pointing to numerous raids on raw that Mr. King had just been released with him. They flat out said that what milk sellers by law enforcement at the from prison a few weeks earlier, happened to Hollis King was a gross behest of state and federal agencies. where he had served time for a drug- violation of the Fourth Amendment, The stakes are just too high for those related conviction. which provides: The right of the people who live in states where the sale of Just outside of the apartment to be secure in their persons, houses, raw milk is illegal. complex where Mr. King and his papers, and effects, against unreason- George assured me that he under- friends were indulging their addic- able searches and seizures, shall not be stood the risks, and as for those un- tions, a drug bust was going down. violated, and no warrants shall issue, fortunate souls who had been caught Lexington police officers were chas- but upon probable cause, supported by in raids, he’s convinced they were ing a suspect on foot. The suspect oath or affirmation, and particularly victims of their own poor planning. entered the breezeway of the apart- describing the place to be searched, and “I’m not going to make the same ment complex and promptly disap- the persons or things to be seized. mistakes they did. It’s that simple. peared. One officer was close enough Clearly, the language of the Fourth We trust our CSA members. They’ve behind the suspect that he glimpsed Amendment protects against govern- been with us for years.” a door slam when the guy ducked ment intrusions like the one Hollis The members of his CSA under- into an apartment on the right. He King got himself caught up in. The stand how hard the government radioed the other officers who were police must have probable cause to works against small producers, and only seconds behind him that the get a warrant, and they can’t enter all have agreed that only 10 families suspect was in the apartment to the without one, right? Wrong. will know. “As long as no one tells right. So, summoning all of their After losing their case in the anyone else, there’s really no risk of hot-pursuit expertise, they chose the Kentucky courts, the prosecution ap- us getting raided. The police can’t apartment on the left, King’s door, pealed to the Supreme Court of the raid you if they don’t have probable because they smelled marijuana in United States. The Supreme Court cause. They don’t have probable the breezeway. held that the key issue was reason- cause if they don’t even know it’s Several officers began pounding ableness. Now, what could be more happening.” I couldn’t believe what on King’s door demanding he open it. unreasonable than the police busting I was hearing. King and his pals just about jumped down your door because they’ve For all of you enterprising home- out of their skin. As they were trying made a mistake? steaders who think as my fellow desperately to get rid of the marijua- In a stunning 8-1 ruling, the Court dairy producer does, I’ve got some na, the police came through the door. held that the Fourth Amendment bad news. The Supreme Court threw King, who was already on parole for doesn’t apply if the police have a Countryside & Small Stock Journal, March/April 2013 87 reasonable suspicion that someone booby prize when they choose the than dirt when the criminal court sys- is actively destroying evidence. In wrong door. I have a feeling we’ll be tem is done with you. Find another such a scenario, where time is work- seeing other cases like this because way to make some extra cash. ing against the police, they can come of the Court’s short-sighted ruling. It’s no use crying over spilled through the door after knocking and Let’s hope it doesn’t involve my milk, even if it is raw and nutritious. announcing that they’re coming in. friend George, or anyone else trying And if your raw milk accidently spills In King’s case, the Court reasoned to make some honest money from down the drain, stifle those tears. that even though the police didn’t their homestead herd. Being a de- If law enforcement hears you sob- know of King’s presence in the build- fendant in a criminal prosecution is bing while your raw milk is spilling, ing and didn’t suspect that he was an expensive proposition, especially they’ll assume you’re destroying evi- the person they were chasing, it was when you consider that the reason dence. You could have a house full of reasonable for them to believe that for the clandestine efforts is to raise guests with guns— and no warrant. the people behind the door on the some extra cash. Like I told George, The case is Kentucky v. King, 131 S. left were destroying evidence of a if you’re broke now, you’ll be poorer Ct. 1849 (2011). crime. If the police had delayed, the evidence would be lost forever. In a blistering dissent, Justice Ginsberg, wrote:

The Court today arms the police with a way routinely to dishonor the Fourth Amendment’s warrant requirement in drug cases. In lieu of presenting their evidence to a neutral magistrate, police officers may now knock, listen, then break the door down, nevermind that they had ample time to obtain a warrant. I dissent from the Court’s reduction of the Fourth Amendment’s force.

As I was delivering the bad news to George, he was quick to point out the obvious. “But I’m not selling drugs. It’s just raw milk.” It doesn’t matter what the illegal substance is. While it seems like an important distinction, it’s not. Illegal is illegal. That’s the only distinction that matters. As I calmly explained to my now royally ticked-off friend, the risk people take when they sell raw milk or other illegal foods isn’t that someone they trust will inform law enforcement. The biggest risk is that law enforcement may become suspi- cious and show up to check it out. All they have to do is pound on the door, yell their identification, and listen. If it sounds like someone is pouring the evidence down a drain or gulping it down, the police are coming through What is it? the door to stop it. Co u n t r y s i d e : I like to buy old tools and recently bought this piece of The Court dropped the ball here. equipment, but we don’t know what it is. Does anyone know? — Phil Law enforcement cannot be allowed Roth, Muskegon, Michigan If you know what this is or what it was used for, send your reply to csyedito- to play a souped-up version of Let’s [email protected] or Co u n t r y s i d e Editorial, 145 Industrial Dr., Medford, WI 54451. Make a Deal, happily accepting the 88 A man wrapped up in himself makes a very small bundle. — Benjamin Franklin to pass the cookies and donuts. After Country neighbors: church, I have to turn a blind eye (and nose) to the hot dogs everyone is so gleefully nibbling on (a youth group fund raiser), accompanied by a I Must Be a Misfit soda, but of course. And I can’t even think about going to a potluck. So I’m guessing I would appear to be rather

By Ly n n e t t e it’s that college degree that’s getting anti-social. Ca l i f o r n i a in the way! Speaking of anti-social, I can’t be Like I said, looks aren’t every- the only one who is dumfounded by aybe it’s just me, but I don’t thing, but health sure is. And with no the people—all ages, sizes, creeds and seem to fit in any more. insurance, I try hard to keep every- incomes—who walk around like ro- MNot that I ever really did, I thing in its place. I didn’t know how bots, staring at their iPods/iPads/iP- guess. good I had it back when I had full hones/idon’tknowwhatyoucallem… I’ve always been bigger and taller coverage, about 12 years ago. Those everyone trying to be “connected,” than most—even men—and for a were the days! So now I watch what I but being more disconnected from girl who enjoys feeling feminine, let eat very carefully, and is that ever the authentic human relationships than me tell you that gets pretty rough. hardest thing to do. There’s just food ever before. Isn’t that the strangest Kind of cuts down the rate of “pos- everywhere in this culture. You can’t thing you’ve ever heard? Go back sibilities,” if you know what I mean. escape it, and most of what passes just a few short years—if someone It actually goes down to near zero, for “food” isn’t going to help your were to step out of the 1950s, or even unless you’re okay being taller than health one bit. Your taste buds will be the 1980s—and into our world today, your man. (Me? I like the extra-large thrilled, but your gizzard will rebel… what would they think? Here’s what Hoss Cartwright type, myself.) Hey, eventually. Trust me, I know! I’ve been thinking: “What’s wrong I come from good Viking stock, what Seems to me food has almost with us?” can I say? But don’t think I’m one of become an idol. We love it, adore it, Things are spinning faster and those tall skinny rails; I’m what they talk about it, can’t get enough of it, faster and lil’ old-fashioned-stick-in- call “full figured.” (No offense to can’t have meetings without it, dream the-mud-what-planet-are-you-from Skinny Rails!) I supposed I shouldn’t about it, watch it for hours on tv (so me is getting behind-er and behind-er feel too bad, though. Must be better they tell me), have contests to see all the time. And for sure I don’t fit in than “partially figured.” But looks who can make the most outlandish because I am one of the few people in aren’t everything, of course. The creation of it, or put the most calories the universe, apparently, who doesn’t closer I get to AARP membership, I into it…maybe that’s why I don’t fit. own a cell phone or an i-anything. In try to keep intact the few looks that I try to stay away from all of it, say fact, my home phone still has a cord I still have, and yet at the same time “no thank you” a lot, focus on my attached to it. Gasp! not worry about what gravity and fruits and veggies, and usually say no You know, I really should call time are quickly stealing from me to meat, which really puts me on the the phone company and ask them to (not an easy feat…the worry part, I outside. (I’m not a PETA sympathizer, make sure that someone with AARP mean. Well, actually, both!) Maybe I just feel a plant-based diet is better membership calls me—I’ve learned that’s another reason I don’t fit in for my health.) from experience that a strong consti- any more. You might think I’d be safe in a tution is required to hear my answers I guess I’m what they call “Over church. Nope, not around here any- to their questions about upgrading the Hill.” I don’t remember climbing way. When I enter the lobby, I have cell phone, cable tv and Internet. any hill, and I don’t feel like I’m having a rip roarin’ time sliding down the other side of it, but I must look like I finally made over the “hill” because no one seems to want to hire me. I have a teaching job that I enjoy, but it’s been cut to less than half time and it just doesn’t stretch to pay those ever-present bills. I have never in my life had a hard time finding work. Not to sound boastful, but if I applied for a job, I usually got it. I’ve been looking for a part-time job for three years with no success whatsoever. Maybe Countryside & Small Stock Journal, March/April 2013 89 When I inform them—ever so gently, not kid ourselves—these conservative church, which is chang- of course—that I have not one of these, things do become part of ing and molding to the culture rather well, let’s just say it gets pretty quiet our lives!) Isn’t that just than asking us to mold ourselves to on the other end of the line. Come to common sense? God. I don’t want to be judgmental of think of it (I really hate to admit this) Most people I know others, but I do think there’s just a gen- that would be a pretty handy time to eagerly accept the next eral lack of respect everywhere these use what they call Skype…I’d love to thing that comes along, just because days. (Or is this only what “church” see the rep’s face and hear the con- it’s new or “better” or progress, never looks like in California?) versation around the coffee pot and considering for one moment how it If you’ve read this far, you deserve croissants. I suppose someone has to might affect their home and work life, a gold star. If anyone feels like me, or provide their entertainment for the time, their thoughts and attitudes, knows of a place I could move to that day, and it might as well be me. relationships or health, etc. I think I might fit me, where I could live a life No doubt this is another reason could be pretty happy living a near- of purpose and generosity rather than I can’t land a job. Everything, and I Amish lifestyle. Of course, I’d want just survival, I’d love to year from mean everything, is going hi-tech. I to find some like-minded people to you, because I wonder if there really haven’t kept up, and what’s more, I share it with me, but that isn’t likely is such a place. Send me a good old- don’t want to keep up. I dearly love to happen here in beautiful, sunny, fashioned letter, or write something to teaching, but even that is being taken expensive, liberal California. Co u n t r y s i d e that we all can read. I’d over by more and more technology, I love living the country life on my love to hear how you’re keeping life and you have to wonder how much little farm, doing the best I can, but it sane and simple in these crazy times. longer a real live human teacher isn’t much fun alone. And the older I And thanks to all who share their joys will even be needed. Most teachers I get, the harder it is to do everything and struggles, or maybe just a smile, know teach because they like people that I need (and want) to do. The to encourage me month after month. and want to help them and interact world is getting crazier by the day, it Some of you are very gifted writers— with them and see their faces light seems to me. I don’t even fit in at my such a joy to spend my time with! up when they gain understanding or grasp a new idea. Those priceless moments can’t happen via “online Country & Cottage Water Systems education.” Learning is so much A Complete Out-of-the-City Guide to On-Site Water and Sewage Systems, more than just acquiring informa- Including Pumps, Plumbing, Water Purification and Alternative Toilets tion. The entire state of education saddens me greatly, especially here in By Ma x Bu r n s California. I know you didn’t ask for my opinion, but we need to get back This indispensable guide will save those who live to basics. But I’m afraid there is no or spend their leisure time in rural areas time, going back now. Who could survive money and headaches. Packed with solid, easy- to-understand advice—and clear, detailed illustra- without a cell phone? tions—Country and Cottage Water Systems takes I don’t live in a cave, really I the mystery out of rural water systems and their don’t. I try to keep up with what’s components. Whether planning a new system or happening out there (for the most updating, expanding or fixing an existing one, part!). I just don’t want to get caught the ideas, the know-how and the solutions are all up in it. (Have you ever stopped to here. The book includes tips for do-it-yourselfers, think that perhaps the Internet has and guidance for those hiring a professional, on a quite the prophetic name—the web?) variety of topics, including: Methods for testing I so admire some of the people who water; Making water safe to drink; Choosing the right pump; Dealing with environmental issues share their stories with Co u n t r y s i d e , and legal concerns; Planning a system’s connections; Types of wells and how to dig a those who are living “off grid” or new one or revitalize an old one; Understanding and installing waste systems; Trouble- farming with horses, homeschooling shooting septic systems; How to reduce a septic system’s footprint; The pros and cons their children, or living and working of alternative toilets; How to build an outhouse; Getting rid of gray water; How to keep together as a purposeful community. pipes from freezing in winter; How to winterize a seasonal water system for easy spring I must say, I have the highest admi- start-up. From getting water in to getting waste out, Country and Cottage Water Systems ration for the Amish people. I don’t helps ensure clean, safe water for country and cottage dwellers, as well as hassle-free know any Amish personally and I and environmentally responsible waste disposal. Hardcover Spiral-Bound, 181 pages, don’t have extensive knowledge of $39.95 + s/h. their culture, but I understand that they carefully consider a new idea Call the Countryside Bookstore or contraption before they allow it to 1-800-551-5691 become part of their lives. (And let’s or visit: www.countrysidemag.com 90 The DR® POWERWAGON is a Self- Propelled EASY

6.75 HP PRO Model shown here. HAULER Sized and Priced for Home Owners! HARVESTS FIREWOOD directly from woodlots...moves stone for walls...compost and mulch for gardening...feed and manure...building supplies...anything heavy and awkward! GOES ALMOST ANYWHERE – payload is OVER the big, powered wheels...the more weight you carry (up to 800 lbs!) the better your traction! Powers over rocks and roots, up 36 hills...even through soft, wet soil! MONTH FINANCING EASY TO USE! Rear caster wheel and AVAILABLE* differential drive for easy turning...4 speeds, reverse, dump-bed, hand brake all included. ELECTRIC-START and powered dump options available. AFFORDABLE – a fraction of the price of riding haulers! 77633X © 2013 Call for a FREE DVD and Catalog! TOLL FREE 888-213-2332 www.DRpowerwagon.com

My First Day as a Chicken Farmer

By Am a n d a He p w o r t h end, I think I had 15 birds. I was look- grab the head feathers and did a type ing at the cash in my purse and start- of dance on their back. The victim of ne day I was thumbing ed pulling out my checkbook when this menacing crime would be mak- through the local newspaper the woman said, “Don’t worry, you ing quite a racket over this intrusive Owhen I spied an ad for laying can have them for free.” They were display of attention. I scolded them hens. Growing up in a subdivision, I in a hurry to get to their son’s soccer a few times and told them if they was never allowed to have any live- game, plus she likely knew she had did not knock it off that I was going stock. When I was a little girl I had given me quite a few cockerels. I was to have to kill one of them because dreamed of becoming a veterinarian, over the moon. My first chickens! I was afraid they were going to kill but life had different plans for me. A quick trip to the store for some each other. Chickens? How difficult could it be poultry supplies and I was on my way I had never killed anything before to raise a couple of chickens? home. I had purchased some press-in in my whole life, but if they weren’t At the time I had a four-year-old fence stakes and two-foot tall poultry going to play nice I had to do some- daughter and an infant. I thought the wire. After all, I just needed to keep thing. Besides, my husband was not idea of collecting fresh chicken eggs the chickens from walking around the thrilled at my new “pets” and taking was neat. When I was younger I had yard. Simple as pie, right? care of this problem would show him visited a farm with my friend Becky. Within one hour of dusk I had that I could handle the responsibility Her relatives had chickens and I re- realized I had made some errors. of raising livestock. called fondly checking their nests for The chickens were roosting on the It did not take long, but one of eggs. I only spent the one weekend at edge of the fence and bending those “larger combed” chickens their house, but it had started a little it over something terrible. I did it again. That was it! I had fire burning within me. had given them a doghouse, enough. I went ”I want to do that again,” I said why wouldn’t they want to go rummaging out loud as I went for the phone to inside of a doghouse to sleep? through my see if the woman had any chickens Lesson learned very quickly— left. I wanted my children to have that chickens love to roost. same experience I did as a child. The next day I was in great After confirming they were avail- shock and awe when low and hus- able, I headed off to town to pick up behold, there on the ground, lay band’s my new feathered friends. To me a a beautiful white chicken egg. I tool shed chicken was just a chicken. Roosters? squealed with delight over my to look for some- Cockerels? Hens? Pullets? I had no first chicken egg. I sat there for thing with which idea what those terms really meant. a few hours just staring at my to kill that mean chicken. The woman had a lot of White Leg- beautiful flock. I had no idea that this horns. For $5 a bird I thought I was I figured out really quick chicken was a cockerel. getting a great deal. They were young which chickens were mean. I I could not find my and just starting to lay. The woman noticed they had taller combs on husband’s small axe, kept saying to me “How about this the tops of their heads. It was really but I found his long, one? Does it look like a rooster?” I getting on my nerves the way they heavy splitting maul. kept saying, “I have no idea.” In the would jump up on other chickens, I could not raise it Countryside & Small Stock Journal, March/April 2013 93 Have you hugged 93 above my head very well, but it I puffed up my chest and let him your chicken today? would do the job. How would I know I took care of a mean chicken Ba c k y a r d Po u l t r y restrain that poor chicken though? that was harming my girls. At that is the only publi- My husband had some pink tape very moment one of those other mean cation in America that would do the job. He worked chickens did it again. I crumbled. I that celebrates the as a land surveyor and had lots of felt so deflated and defeated at that whole chicken (and other fowl)—for pink ribbon that is used for marking moment. their beauty, their lathe on boundary lines. That should I looked at my husband at that interest, their service hold the chicken while I do the “dirty moment and with tears in my eyes I to humanity as well work.” I hog-tied the chicken’s legs said, “But there is something wrong as gastronomically. Ba c k y a r d Po u l t r y sa- and then an extra wrap around the with more of them. I don’t know what lutes the whole chicken in all their wondrous wings so he could not fly. Then I is wrong.” forms and colors. Yes, it covers breeds, hous- stepped on the body ever so gently He looked at me with a degree of ing and management—everything you’d to keep the bird in place. amusement. He looked at the chick- expect to find in a professionally-produced magazine dedicated to poultry, and more! Wooooosh! The soft ground and ens and then looked back at me. He my dull axe was no match for that smacked his lips like he wanted to Chickens, waterfowl, turkeys, guineas... bird who now had a wounded neck. say something, but yet he could not If you have a small flock, intend to pur- Blood started gushing everywhere chase one, or ever dreamed of having believe his wife’s ignorance. some birds grace your backyard, don’t and I started screaming myself, and “Honey” he said, “they are just miss this offer! moved back which released the hog- mating” $21 for one year (6 issues) tied bird to do that which chickens What? Could I have been so or $35 for two years. do in the early stages of death. It ignorant? It did not occur to me wanted to flap and flap. With the what mating between chickens Backyard Poultry legs tied though, it was more of a flap might look like. After all, who 145 Industrial Dr. and hop. The flapping wings made thinks about mating first thing after Medford, WI 54451 the blood droplets become ever more receiving new animals? Perhaps I www.backyardpoultrymag.com air borne. I stood there in complete had thought it was more of a mutual 800-551-5691 shock as the blood splattered all thing, like cats or dogs. But chicken over my body. Wide eyed, I stood mating looked more like some sort there, wondering. What did I just of rape. In my mind it had to have Storey’s Illustrated Guide to do and what am I supposed to do been some sort of vicious attack next? I tried to grab the bird, which by demon-possessed chickens, but Poultry Breeds was now flicking sand as well as the alas, he was right. I felt like such a By Ca r o l Ek a r i u s blood everywhere. I took it over to a fool on one hand, but yet relieved stump and finished it off. on the other hand because it meant I was a failure. I knew it. Here my chickens were normal. I was with a dead chicken and no It has been a decade since those idea what in the world I was sup- first lessons. It can be frustrating and posed to do next. It looked like a financially draining to try to raise crime scene from CSI. Ashamed, I poultry. Each egg is like a little pat on walked over to our dog and gave the back that says “thank you” and a her the lifeless body. I went over little “high five” from the girls that Gorgeous, full-color photographs to the porch and sat down to do tell me that I have finally learned of more than 128 birds bring this book some pondering. Did I really just how to do it right. They thank me to life. This definitive guide to North kill something? I took comfort in and I thank them in return for their American barnyard and wild fowl knowing that my other chickens faithfulness in filling my frying pan includes a brief history of each breed, were now safe from that big mean each morning. My experiences have detailed descriptions of identifying chicken. That comfort was short resembled nothing like the stories I characteristics and colorful photogra- lived. I heard a commotion coming would read about in poultry books phy that celebrates the birds’ quirky from my chicken area and what or websites dedicated to teaching personalities and charming good did I see? Another chicken was newbie poultry owners. From the looks. If it’s fowl facts and photos doing it! How did I buy possessed, birds that pooped on my shoulders you want, you’ll find them all here. mean chickens? I sobbed a little when I walked under their roosts at 278 pages, $24.95 + S&H and about that time, my husband night to the piles of warm chicken came home. poop that found themselves between To place your order call “What in the world happened to my toes when I walked outside you?” he asked as he looked at me barefoot, it has been priceless ad- Countryside Bookstore very confused and a little worried. venture. 1-800-551-5691 94 Choices are the hinges of destiny. — Edwin Markham Country neighbors: Mrs. Ford, the Anonymous Neighbor and the Naked Scarecrow

By Je r r i Co o k what my eyes were looking at—an talent. Maybe she was talking to the Co u n t r y s i d e St a f f A+! I was brought back to reality by whole class, but somehow, I felt she the shrill pleadings of the girl next meant the dialogue for me alone. y step-father was in the Army to me, Michelle Smiley, the kid I had When she was finished, she looked in the late 1960s. I grew up borrowed the piece of paper from on straight at me. “Always write what Min the olive drab world of the bus the day before. “Mrs. Ford, you see in your head,” she said at military bases in what was then West Mrs. Ford,” she was waving her hand point blank range. Forty-three-years Germany. My family lived in military wildly in the air. later, I still think she was talking just quarters in Kitzingen. Children of This irritated the teacher, who to me. military personnel went to school at gruffly told Michelle to quiet down, As I grew, I lost interest in many Larson Barracks, a 20-minute ride on or she would have to stand in the things, mini-skirts, Donny Osmond, an Army-issued school bus (painted hallway. For a split second, I thought and roller skating to name a few, but olive drab, of course). The school I was saved. Not so. “But Mrs. Ford,” I never lost interest in writing; it grew was in an old WWII-era block build- protested Michelle with all the angst with me, keeping pace as I spurted, ing, painted the same shade of gray of an eight-year-old who only got a then stalled, and finally stumbled as all the other block structures that C on her very neat paper, “I saw Jerri into maturity. I started writing about housed the day-to-day operations of do hers on the bus!” The gig was up. life in rural America back in the early the military. It was in that dull place There was a paddle in my immediate 1990s, inspired by a wayward thun- that my imagination began to glow, future. der shower, an anonymous neighbor and I first knew I was a writer. But at that dark moment, Mrs. and a naked scarecrow. One Monday morning, after a Ford did something that changed my Earlier that pastoral spring day, weekend filled with kick ball and life. It was a profound moment, and the kids and I had stripped off all of freeze tag, I remembered the home- even as an eight-year-old, I under- the clothes the scarecrow had been work that the teacher had assigned. stood that Mrs. Ford had given me wearing the year before. As simple as As the school bus lumbered down the a wonderful gift. Without acknowl- this task may seem, it was made con- autobahn, I pulled out my pencil, bor- edging the protests of my classmate, siderably more difficult by the family rowed a piece of paper from another she went to the front of the room and of garter snakes that had taken up kid and frantically started writing my began talking in grown-up language residence in the scarecrow’s stuffing. short story. about intelligence, imagination, and Before the undressing could begin, Writing on an Army-issued bus the beating had to commence. traveling down the autobahn is hard Armed with a barn broom and a enough, but the metal lunchbox I couple of pitchforks, the kids took was writing on made things much turns whacking and poking the worse. The pencil slipped with every scarecrow. I stood by with a flat, bump in the road, causing the pencil rusty shovel, ready to wallop any to break through the paper. By the garter snake that tried to wriggle time we got to Larson Barracks, I its way up anyone’s pant leg. After had finished my story. I took my seat a couple of good, hard wallops and and was ready when Mrs. Ford asked sharp pokes, the snakes began their everyone to pass their papers to the alarmed escape. front of their row for collection. Mine Once we were sure the snakes wasn’t pretty, but it was there. were gone, we stripped the remaining The next day, we got our papers rags from the scarecrow, leaving only back. A silence descended on me. I a feed-sack head and wooden cross. could hear myself breathing in slow- The kids abandoned their imple- motion as my body tried to adjust to ments of extermination at the foot of Countryside & Small Stock Journal, March/April 2013 95 the defrocked scarecrow and headed into the house for a late-afternoon Family album: snack. After all the stomping and screaming, I needed some serious quiet time, so I headed down the driveway to watch a rambling spring storm rolling in from the south. I was lost in the gathering storm clouds, when I noticed a green minivan coming up the hill. It was the neighbor who lived at the bottom of our dead end road. I had seen them move in a few years earlier, but we had never formally met. Rural communities being what they are, I knew all about the newcomers before the ink was dry on their mortgage papers. Our neighbor told me they were members of the Pentecostal church in town. He couldn’t quite remember their names, and I didn’t Co u n t r y s i d e : This photo was too cute to keep to ourselves. Even the youngest inquire further. member of our family can’t wait to grab Co u n t r y s i d e out of the mailbox and I always waved when I saw hide somewhere to look at the pictures of animals. Her name is Cora Jane. — them drive by—a nameless neigh- Erin & John Connolly, Illinois bor wave. For a couple of years, the lady in the minivan waved back, and country maiden, an angel, a farmer paths. If it weren’t for their inspira- that was the sum of our interaction; and countless other personae. When tion, I would not be who I am today. but this time it was different. I was my oldest daughter graduated from Thank you Mrs. Ford and Marta, in mid-anonymous wave when the high school my mother-in-law made wherever you are. van stopped right in front of me. a fabulous purple robe, and our The thick dust from the gravel road scarecrow matriculated all summer hung in the growing humidity of the long. Small-Scale approaching storm, surrounding the People who know me would tell Grain Raising minivan in a pale cloud. The driver’s you that there couldn’t be two more side door opened, and out stepped different people on the planet than An Organic Guide to Growing, Processing a young, reserved woman smiling this woman in her denim frock and and Using Nutritious Whole Grains for Home Gardeners and Local Farmers tentatively. Her long, deep-brown myself. We were from different social hair was pulled into a heavy, tight and economic backgrounds. We were By Ge n e Lo g s d o n braid that fell over her right shoul- at different stages in our lives. Yet, More and more people are there we were talking like age-old seeking out locally grown der, coming to rest at her waist. She foods, including those they wore a simple denim frock, no doubt friends on the side of a gravel road, grow themselves, yet one of hand-made. the impending summer storm com- the main stumbling blocks “Hi,” she hesitated and her shy pletely forgotten. has been finding local sources smile faltered. “I’m Marta. We were When the rumbling of the ap- for grains. In this revised edi- proaching storm broke into our con- tion of his classic book, Gene wondering what your scarecrow is Logsdon proves that anyone going to be this time,” she said. “The versation, we said goodbye and ran who has access to a large garden or small farm girls look forward to seeing what it for cover. As I was heading for the can (and should) think outside the agribusiness is each year.” I glanced towards the house, I decided I would write in my box and learn to grow healthy whole grains or minivan, where the oldest girl, whose journal about my neighbor and the beans alongside their fruits and vegetables. scarecrow that brought us together. Logsdon succinctly covers all the basics, from hair was also in a long braid, had planting and dealing with pests, weeds and dis- wriggled out of her car seat. She had I’ve been writing about life in rural eases to harvesting, processing, storing and us- the back window halfway down, and America ever since. ing whole grains. There are even a few recipes with her little face pressed into the I think about Mrs. Ford and Marta sprinkled throughout, along with more than a opening she yelled, “Your scarecrow often, especially in those low mo- little wit and wisdom. 308 Pages, $29.95 + s/h. is naked,” then collapsed back into ments when I doubt myself and the To Place Your Order Call her car seat in a fit of giggles. words won’t come. I think about the Over the years, our scarecrow two women who passed quickly from 1-800-551-5691 has stood watch in the garden as a my life, disappearing down their own www.countrysidemag.com 96 You don’t live in a world all your own. Your brothers are here, too. — Albert Schweitzer Country neighbors: roof, has a compost toilet on board, and cooks inside with a propane burn- er. Except for his computer and his social interactions with the villagers, Growing his life is as simple as was Thoreau’s. Several blocks from his boat Rod Organic in Belize has a garden/teaching compound on a quarter of an acre. Here he maintains an organic garden not only for his By Ke n t Ry l a n d e r produce relatively little of what they own use, but also to demonstrate to eat. Illegal transport of food from the villagers how to grow their own horeau considered his year at neighboring Mexico, where food is produce. He grows okra, tomatoes, Walden Pond an “experiment,” much less expensive, is rampant and cucumbers and other vegetables in Twhich is how many of us regard not always covert. our attempts to explore new methods Four years ago of producing food and living more Rod returned to simply. Along these lines, a fascinating San Antonio, six experiment—not unlike Thoreau’s in years after his spirit—is underway in San Antonio Peace Corps as- Rio Hondo, Belize. The architect for signment in that this project is Rod Rylander, a 74-year- village had ter- old former Peace Corps volunteer. minated. He has San Antonio is an economically committed his

raised beds built with discarded tires that are stacked and filled with dirt. These are placed in a row to make a low fence that marks the boundary of the compound. Within the compound he planted papaya, mango, and other regional plants that do not have to be highly fertilized or protected from insects. Because most of the 60+ inches of rainfall in this part of Belize is lost to the river, he dug a pond in the center of the compound to show how water can be saved for the dry season. The compound also contains a large shed that houses a coop for ducks and geese and an area for public Volunteers from around the world help teach people new skills, like sewing. classes. Here he demonstrates to the depressed and rather remote village retirement years to helping San An- villagers how the concept of integrat- of about 60 families. It is located on tonio’s residents improve their qual- ed agriculture can be applied to small a narrow island that was formed be- ity of life, and he believes he is doing livestock, fowl, plants, and fish. cause the Rio Hondo—the boundary this more effectively as a Belizean Rod is teaching the villagers the between Belize and Mexico—forks, resident than he did as a Peace Corps basics of organic gardening and is then reunites several miles down- volunteer. encouraging them to include more stream. About half of this corner of Rod lives at the edge of town in a vegetables in their diet. As in many Belize is farmland, mostly sugarcane houseboat docked on the Rio Hondo. parts of Belize, a typical meal consists fields, and the other half is forest. Un- He designed the boat and a local car- of rice, beans, and meat—all three like the highly productive Mennonite penter built it from native timber. It usually fried or cooked in fat. These agrarian communities a few miles has electricity, but no running water. are eaten with bread or tortillas and away, the inhabitants of San Antonio Rod collects drinking water from the far too many soft drinks. Many of the Countryside & Small Stock Journal,97 March/April 2013 Warning: 97 “This book is not what you’re expecting.”

That’s the first sentence in the latest book on country living from Co u n t r y s i d e magazine’s founding editor Jerome D. Belanger. But then, what would you expect from a book titled Th e Co m p l e t e Id i o t ’s Gu i d e t o Se l f -Su f f i c i e n t Li v i n g ! By Jd Be l a n g e r Above all, do NOT expect a rehash of all the old ideas about homesteading and country living. Yes, you’ll find plenty of good advice on gardening and country cooking, raising small livestock, and shelter, energy and foraging, in this 400 page guide. But simple living takes on an entirely new meaning when it includes understanding your carbon and water footprints, the slow food movement, Every day kids clamber into the re- the small house movement, the Maker movement, and more than passing modeled school bus to read. reference to the effects of compound interest and the Great Recession. Self-sufficiency for individuals is impossible. At the same time, villagers are overweight and a large self-sufficiency for Planet Earth is absolutely essential. This might be the first number have diabetes. book to provide an up-to-date analysis of the economic and ecological Encouraging children to read realities facing both individuals and the Earth in 2010, from the stand- and to become computer literate is point of the experienced homesteader, and to suggest some possible another of Rod’s goals. Every day answers. (Hint: The Establishment won’t like the proposed outcomes, but will students visit him in his boat to learn anyone have a choice?) about computers or to read books he Wide-ranging, lively, thought-provoking, humorous, sometimes and his friends have brought from controversial — and yet incorporating plenty of practical how-to informa- the States. He purchased a large, tion on self-sufficient living — this book is a must-read for anyone who is discarded school bus for $500, gutted concerned about their future and the survival of the planet. it, and placed it in the compound. He The Co m p l e t e Id i o t ’s Gu i d e ® t o Se l f -Su f f ici e n t Li v i n g has the mak- transformed the front part of the bus ings of a long-lived, influential classic. But don’t wait to get your copy. into a small library and a computer center where he teaches the villagers Or d e r Yo u r Co p y To d a y ! how to use computers. He converted the back into a small apartment where a volunteer can live at no cost while ® working a few hours a day in the 3 Yes! send me ______copies of Th e Co m p l e t e Id i o t ’s Gu i d e library and computer center. To Se l f -Su f f ici e n t Li v i n g for only $18.95 each plus $4 shipping Since early 2011, volunteers from & handling. ($22.95). several countries (see http://www. Name:______workaway.info/) have participated in Rod’s project. In addition to teaching Address:______organic gardening, they offer weav- City, State, Zip ______ing and sewing classes to women in the village who want to expand Payment enclosed Charge my credit card their craft skills and business op- Visa/MC #______Exp.______portunities. Across the river Rod cleared sever- Mail to: Countryside Bookstore al acres of secondary forest and shrub 145 Industrial Drive • Medford, WI 54451 to develop a seed bank and forestry nursery for plant species beneficial to Or order toll free: 800-551-5691 98 The only true happiness comes from squandering ourselves for a purpose. — William Cowper CLEAR OVERGROWN PROPERTY FAST!

NEW Lower-Priced Models! ® wildlife. His objective is to raise the The Tow-Behind DR FIELD and BRUSH level of environmental awareness and MOWER attaches to your ATV or lawn participation in San Antonio, especially among the children. (On satellite tractor to mow ﬁ elds while you ride! view, this area can be seen as the only cleared area immediately across the CLEAR OVERGROWN LAND FAST with a hefty 44"-wide cut! river from San Antonio.) MOW WEEDS, BRUSH, even 2"-thick saplings — Rod will probably realize most of with up to 17 HP of V-Twin power! his goals. He has established an envi- able rapport among the children. As OUTRIGGER™ TOW BAR enables cutting 100% outside the he walks daily through the village, path of towing vehicle to mow along fences, hedge rows, and under children greet him affectionately trees. You can drive over cleared land, while mowing to the side! with, “Hi, Mr. Rod.” After chatting DRIVE IN THE CLEAR with them about their school day Rod REMOTE CONTROL lets you start and stop the engine, adjust — with Mower offset brings up other topics, including the the throttle, and engage or disengage the blade — all from your tow- Left or Right! importance of learning and of preserving vehicle! Connections are fully shielded from vegetation. ing the environment. ™ The product of Thoreau’s experi- PRO-TEK BLADES absorb shocks if they hit a stump or root, Powerful Self-Propelled ment was a book, Walden. The result protecting the spindle and engine. Brush Mowers also of Rod’s experiment is a robust, per- available! PATENT-PENDING VERSA-HITCH™ provides easy attach- sonally financed educational project ment and adjustment to virtually any ATV or riding mower. aimed at the villagers. He hopes to

change the villagers’ lifestyle in a 77627X © 2013 positive way by demonstrating how they can grow and consume their own vegetables; and how their children, Call now for a FREE DVD & Catalog! if they eat more sensibly, read more MONTHLY TOLL books, become computer literate, *36 FREE INTEREST MONTHS* 1-888-213-2332 and respect the environment, can NO www.DRfi eldbrush.com look forward to a brighter and more fulfilling future. Persons, including potential vol- * On Purchases of $400 or more with your Country Home Products/DR Power credit card made between 2/1/13 and 3/28/13. A $29 unteers, who are interested in corre- Promotion Fee may be charged. Equal Monthly Payments Required for 36 months. sponding with Rod about this project * Offer applies only to single-receipt qualifying purchases. A promo fee will be charged and included in the promo purchase balance equal to $29 for purchases of $800 or more. No monthly interest will be charged on promo purchase balance (including related promo fee) and fi xed monthly payments are required equal to 2.78% of initial promo may contact him at rarylander@ purchase amount until promo is paid in full. The fi xed monthly payment will be rounded up to the next highest whole dollar and may be higher than the minimum payment that yahoo.com. would be required if the purchase was a non-promotional purchase. Regular account terms apply to non-promotional purchases. For new accounts: Purchase APR is 23.99%; Minimum Monthly interest Charge is $2. Existing cardholders should see their credit card agreement for their applicable terms. Subject to credit approval. Countryside & Small Stock Journal, March/April 2013 99 CLEAR OVERGROWN PROPERTY FAST!

NEW Lower-Priced Models! The Tow-Behind DR® FIELD and BRUSH MOWER attaches to your ATV or lawn tractor to mow ﬁ elds while you ride! CLEAR OVERGROWN LAND FAST with a hefty 44"-wide cut!

MOW WEEDS, BRUSH, even 2"-thick saplings — with up to 17 HP of V-Twin power!

OUTRIGGER™ TOW BAR enables cutting 100% outside the path of towing vehicle to mow along fences, hedge rows, and under trees. You can drive over cleared land, while mowing to the side! DRIVE IN THE CLEAR REMOTE CONTROL lets you start and stop the engine, adjust — with Mower offset the throttle, and engage or disengage the blade — all from your tow- Left or Right! ing vehicle! Connections are fully shielded from vegetation.

PRO-TEK™ BLADES absorb shocks if they hit a stump or root, Powerful Self-Propelled protecting the spindle and engine. Brush Mowers also available! PATENT-PENDING VERSA-HITCH™ provides easy attachment and adjustment to virtually any ATV or riding mower. 77627X © 2013

Call now for a FREE DVD & Catalog! MONTHLY TOLL *36 FREE INTEREST MONTHS* 1-888-213-2332 NO www.DRﬁ eldbrush.com

* On Purchases of $400 or more with your Country Home Products/DR Power credit card made between 2/1/13 and 3/28/13. A $29 Promotion Fee may be charged. Equal Monthly Payments Required for 36 months. * Offer applies only to single-receipt qualifying purchases. A promo fee will be charged and included in the promo purchase balance equal to $29 for purchases of $800 or more. No monthly interest will be charged on promo purchase balance (including related promo fee) and ﬁ xed monthly payments are required equal to 2.78% of initial promo purchase amount until promo is paid in full. The ﬁ xed monthly payment will be rounded up to the next highest whole dollar and may be higher than the minimum payment that would be required if the purchase was a non-promotional purchase. Regular account terms apply to non-promotional purchases. For new accounts: Purchase APR is 23.99%; Minimum Monthly interest Charge is $2. Existing cardholders should see their credit card agreement for their applicable terms. Subject to credit approval. 100 You are the one who must choose your place. — James Lane Allen The Sun’s Progress come to a close. Milk-fed lambs In the Southeast, the morning below 60 pounds are favored for the gains half an hour this month, the Passover market. Poor Will’s sun coming up around a quarter March 31: Roman Easter: Save past six by April Fool’s Day. Sunset your newly weaned, milk-fed lambs, Countryside slowly moves later in the day, adding weighing about 25 to 45 pounds and another fifteen minutes to the fifteen not older than three months, for this it gained in February. market. Light-colored meat is best, a In the Pacific Northwest, the day sign of the suckling animal. Lambs Almanack now lengthens more than twice as weighing less than 20 pounds or quickly as it does near the Gulf of more than 50 pounds may not bring ~ for ~ Mexico. The morning increases by a the best price. Orthodox Easter comes full hour during March, and sunset on May 5 this year, about five weeks comes up to three-quarters of an after Roman Easter. Early & Middle hour later. In the Midwest and the Northeast, the gains are similar. And Meteorology & Peak Activity even though the day lengthens at Times for Livestock, Fish, Game Spring of 2013 different rates at different locations and Dieters throughout the country, equinox is Major March weather systems are By W. L. Fe l k e r still equinox on March 20 at 6:02 a.m. due to cross the Mississippi River on (EST) and brings equal day and night March 2, 5 (usually the most severe The very beginning is perhaps the best part everywhere in North America—just front of the month), 9 (ordinarily fol- of a garden. Now the breeze feels as soft and as the sun comes into Aries. lowed by quite mild temperatures), sweet as it used to be on the first spring day 14, 19 (frequently the second-coldest that I could go barefoot. The whistle of a Daylight Savings Time front of March), 24 (often followed by cardinal comes from far off through the hazy Set clocks ahead one hour at 2:00 the best weather so far in the year), air.The sun, riding higher in the sky, arouses a.m. on Sunday, March 10. and 29. New Moon on March 11 and not only the buds and seeds but also the full moon on the 27th are likely to dormant hopes of the gardener.The memory The Planets bring frost to southern gardens, and of past mistakes and failure has been washed Venus lies in Aquarius, lost in increased chances of storms across out by winter rain. This year the garden will the daylight throughout the year’s the North. be the best ever. third month. Mars, in Pisces, comes Fish, game, livestock and people — Harlan Hubbard, Payne Hollow up after sunrise and precedes Jupiter tend to feed more and are more active in Taurus low in the west near sun- as the barometer is falling one to three down. Saturn still moves across the days before weather systems arrive. The Ephemeris for March The Phases of the Lenten pre-dawn southern sky throughout Fishing and hunting are often most March in Libra. rewarding and dieting is most frus- Rose Moon and the Maple trating near these dates at midday Blossom Moon The Stars when the moon is new, in the after- When the maple trees flower, After dark, Leo and bright Regu- noon and evening when the moon is then the best of sap tapping time is lus lie overhead, forecasting daf- in its first quarter, at night when the over, and Early Spring is blending to fodils. Arcturus is rising in the east, moon is full and in its third quarter, Middle Spring. The first major wave and when that star is above you at in the morning when the moon is in of wildflowers arrives beneath the 10:00 p.m., tulips will be blossoming. its fourth quarter: maple flowers: bloodroot, twinleaf, Behind Arcturus comes the Corona hepatica, violet cress and spring Borealis, the corn planting star group. Key to the Nation’s Weather beauties. Then come all the crocus At morning chore time, the Sum- The typical March temperature and the daffodils. mer Triangle, outrider of July, fills at average elevations along the 40th the eastern half of the sky, and the Parallel, the average of the high of March: Milky Way of harvest time follows 48 and the low of 29, is 39 degrees. 4th: The Lenten Rose Moon enters close behind. Using the following chart based on its final quarter at 4:53 p.m. weather statistics from around the 11th: The Maple Blossom Moon is A Calendar of Holidays and country, one can calculate approxi- new at 2:51 p.m. Special Occasions for Gardeners, mate temperatures in other locations 19th: The moon enters its second Ranchers & Homesteaders close to the cities listed. For example, quarter at 12:27 p.m. March 25 (sunset) to April 1: with the base of 39 you can estimate 27th: The moon is full at 4:27 Passover: The Jewish market typi- normal temperatures in Minneapolis a.m. cally is best after religious holidays by subtracting 11 degrees from the Countryside & Small Stock Journal, March/April 2013 101 base average. Or add 13 degrees to maples, pussy willows, flowering find the likely conditions in Atlanta The Planets crabs and cherries. during the month. Venus in Aries is not visible to April 1st: 10; 10th: 50; 15th: 100; Fairbanks, AK -25 the naked eye as it follows the sun 20th: 150; 25: 200; 30: 400 Minneapolis, MN -11 throughout the month. Mars remains Cheyenne, WY -6 in Pisces, disappearing below the Estimated Mold Count Portland, ME -6 western horizon before dark. Jupiter (On a scale of 0 - 7,000 grains per Des Moines, IA -3 is the evening star, still in Taurus. Sat- cubic meter) Chicago, IL -3 urn in Virgo rises at dusk and moves April 1st: 1,300; 10th: 1,700; 20th: Average along the across the night sky, visible in the far 1,800; 30th: 2,100 40th parallel: 39 west near sunrise. New York +2 Meteorology St. Louis, MO +4 The Stars Seven major cold fronts move Washington DC +6 You should be able to plant all across the nation in April. Snow is Atlanta , GA +13 your corn as the small constellation, possible in northern areas with the New Orleans, LA +22 Corvus, lies along the southern hori- arrival of the first three fronts. Aver- Miami , FL +32 zon in the evening. If you can’t find age dates for the weather systems Corvus, look straight up above you: to reach the Mississippi: April 2, 6, The Ephemeris for April the Big Dipper is due south of Polaris, 11, 16, 21, 24, and 28. Although the The Phases of the Maple its deepest intrusion into the center intensity of the high-pressure sys- Blossom Moon and the of the heavens. Far to the east, Vega tems moderates after the 22nd, be is rising. Far to the west, Sirius, the alert for frost at least two days after Apple Blossom Moon great Dog Star is setting. each system pushes through your As middle spring deepens, more area. New moon on the 10th and full and more trees come into flower: A Calendar of Holidays and moon on the 25th are expected to the box elders, the plums, the ashes Special Occasions intensify the weather systems that and the pears. Forsythia flowers in April 13-15, 2013: New Year’s Day move across the country near those the hedgerows, and the great violet for immigrants from Cambodia, Thai- dates. In general, most precipitation and dandelion bloom begins just as land and Laos. usually occurs during the first two apple trees blossom. By the time all weeks of the month. that happens in the North, petal fall The Allergy Index Estimated will be underway throughout the Pollen Count Key to the Nation’s Weather southern states. (On a scale of 0-700 grains per The typical April temperature at cubic meter) average elevations along the 40th April: Allergy season comes to the whole Parallel, the average of the high of 2: The moon enters its final quar- nation with the last front of March. 61°F and the low of 41°F, is 51°F. ter at 11:37 p.m. During the weeks ahead, trees are in Using the following chart based 10: The Apple Blossom Moon is full flower throughout the Central on weather statistics from around new at 4:35 a.m. Plains, the Northeast, the Northwest the country, one can calculate the 18: The moon enters its second and the Rocky Mountains. In the approximate temperatures in other phase at 7:31 a.m. southeastern coastal plains, all the locations close to the cities listed. 25: The moon is full at 2:57 p.m. grasses are blooming. Pollen from For example, with the base of 51 you whatever is blossoming to the west can estimate normal temperatures in The Sun’s Progress of you will arrive at your homestead Cheyenne, Wyoming by subtracting Each garden in the United States every two to three days. Cold fronts 7 degrees from the base average. Or begins with the same 12-hours of bring northern allergens to southern add 9 degrees to find out the likely daylight during the third week of areas. Low pressure in advance of the conditions in Los Angeles during March, but as April advances, north- cold fronts brings up allergens from the month. ern locations receive their longer day the South. more quickly than southern loca- The following estimates are based Cheyenne -7 tions. April gives Florida less than on average counts across the central Minneapolis -5 an hour extra daylight this month, states. Although each village and Boston -5 but it adds almost 1-1/2 hours to the farm will have different pollution Chicago -4 Northeast and Northwest, and about levels, a clear rise is visible in the Des Moines -1 70 minutes to the Midwest. On April amount of pollen and mold in the air New York -1 20, Cross-Quarter Day (the halfway in most parts of the country through- Average along the mark between equinox and solstice), out April. 40th parallel: 51 the Sun Enters Taurus. Major pollen source: box elders, Washington DC +3 102 How far would Moses have gone if he had taken a poll in Egypt? — Harry S. Truman Seattle +4 April 1st: 6:20 5:10 week of March is the average time for St. Louis +5 7th: 6:10 4:50 prairie dogs to start back to work in Louisville +7 15th: 5:58 4:00 the fields. Watch out for new places Los Angeles +9 20th: 5:50 3:55 for your horses to break a leg. Atlanta +10 May 1st: 5:36 3:45 5: The day before the March 5 New Orleans +18 June 1st: 5:09 3:40 cold front arrives is typically the Miami +22 July 1st: 5:10 4:00 wettest day of the month, with rain July 10th: Robins continue to com- or snow likely 70 percent of all the Frostwatch municate with one another through- years. Across the South and Border Between April 1 and June 1, up to out the remainder of the summer and States, this high can be accompanied a dozen frosts occur at lower eleva- fall with chirps, peeps, whinnies, and by thunderstorms or tornadoes. Once tions along the 40th Parallel during a long, full-throated songs; however, the March 5 front moves through, typical year. Of course, in some years, their early morning mating chorus expect steady winds and brisk tem- frosts end with March. Normally, ends by the middle of July peratures followed by sun. however, the approximate chances 6: By the end of the first week for frost follow a regular and steadily The Almanack Daybook of March, farmers along the Pacific declining trajectory through the end Match this daybook with notes coast typically begin planting their of May. Add 10 percent to the figures about events you observe in your spring barley. below for each 100 miles north of the own habitat. Comparing the items 7: Throughout most of the nation, 40th Parallel (or for each 500 feet of listed here with similar occurrences the first week of March coincides with elevation above 1,000 feet along that or practices where you live, you soil testing and the addition of fertil- parallel). Subtract 10 percent for each should be able to fine tune your sense izer to pastures. The fertilizer should 100 miles south of the 40th Parallel. of real time, add things of interest and be applied at least two weeks before April lst: 98%; 10th: 90%; 20th: importance to you, and create your you let your livestock graze. 75%; 30th: 50% own daybook. 8: Early spring is vaccination time for horses: They should have their The Shooting Stars March tetanus and influenza shots if they The Lyrid Meteors move across 1: In the North, frost-seed the pas- didn’t have them in the fall. Dark the sky between April 19 and 25, with tures where the ground is still freez- moon time (now) is favored for vac- the best viewing on Monday, April ing and thawing on a regular basis. cinations by lunar lore. 22. The meteors will appear near the If you have fruit trees, complete your 9: March’s third cold front signals Summer Triangle, especially in Lyra, spraying with dormant oil before an increased likelihood of storms al- across the southeastern sky. The wax- temperatures get any warmer and most everywhere in the country, and ing moon is expected to make it a buds break dormancy. Mites, scale, this weather system is accompanied little more difficult to see the Lyrids and aphid eggs will mature quickly by floods and tornadoes more often this year. when the temperatures climb above than any other front during the first 60°F. The insects will be more easily three weeks of the month. New moon An Unofficial Schedule for controlled by dormant oil spray the on the 11th is expected to intensify the The Robin Chorus closer they are to hatching. Spray effects of this front, both for precipita- when the temperature is expected to tion and for severe temperatures. The timetable below lists the ap- stay above 40 for 24 hours. 10: Daylight Savings Time begins proximate time of the morning for 2: When the outside temperature today. Transition your livestock and robins to begin singing along the 40th reaches 55 degrees open beehives for your family to the new feeding and parallel. If you get up early in the a quick inspection. Check for eggs in workday schedule. Be especially dark and listen closely, you will hear the cells; if you find eggs, you can be careful commuting to work: accidents them in the distance, their steady, pretty sure that the queen is alive. typically rise when time changes blended calls filling the high trees. In 3: As the last front of February occur. locations where sunrise occurs earlier moves towards New England, mild 11: When pussy willows emerge or later than shown below, the birds temperatures occur more often than all the way, that is a sign that maple will sing earlier or later accordingly. any time during the first three weeks syrup time is just about over for the of March. Chances for highs above year and that red-winged blackbirds Day Sunrise Robin Chorus 60 surge along the 40th Parallel. Skies have staked out their territories. (EST) Begins (EST) often clear with the passage of the 12: Southern and Border State gar- March 10th: 6:55 6:15 March 3 high, but then they darken deners can seed tobacco as the moon 15th: 6:47 6:10 quickly as low pressure anticipates waxes through this relatively favor- 21st: 6:37 5:50 the March 5 front with showers or able weather window. It’s a great 25th: 6:31 5:30 snow. lunar time for setting out pansies, 28th: 6:26 5:20 4: Across the Plains States, the first cabbages, kale, collards and Brussels Countryside & Small Stock Journal, March/April 2013 103 sprouts, and for seeding lettuce and spinach, too, throughout the lower two-thirds of the United States. Do-It-Yourself 13: In more northerly states, it never hurts to put a few corn and to- Become More Self-Sufficient mato seeds directly into the ground in the middle of March. You never know when the spring will develop into the The Have-More Plan warmest on record. If you make a few By Ed a n d Ca r o l y n Ro b i n s o n feet of experimental plantings every The 50-year-old Homestead Classic! This is the book few days, you will probably be the that encouraged thousands to go “back to the land” to one with the earliest of everything. find a better life after the Great Depression and World War II. Now let it guide you into the 21st century with Cold frames, of course, give early its historical perspective and homestead ideas that are March seedings a much better chance as valuable today as they were 50 years ago! 72 pag- for survival. es, $9.95 + s/h. 14: The March 14 cold front is usually uneventful, compared to the equinox front to come. It is often accompanied by brighter skies for a day or so before it moves toward the Atlantic to make way for the Handy Farm Devices and How to Make Them much stronger and more disruptive weather system of March 19. By Ro l f e Co b l e i g h 15: Be sure the baby chicks don’t Dating from the Golden Age of American Farming, this get chilled in the March winds. Keep volume is both a tribute to days gone by and a resource for up winter precautions until both the present day homeowners, farmers, and ranchers striving to- season and the birds have matured ward greater self-sufficiency. Here you will find hundreds a bit. of clever ways to transform those odds and ends that might 16: In the North, you may be able seem like junk into very useful gadgets and tools, from a to get your potatoes and peas plant- treadmill that can power a dairy separator and churn, to a drinking fountain for chickens. Other devices include a ed on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17. rig for moving large trees; a self-feeder for bees; a hand Throughout the Deep South, this date garden cultivator; and gates that lift over snowdrifts. It’s signals the start of planting sweet full of useful illustrations and includes a whole section of corn and corn for grain. In Texas and tried-and-true tips. 304 pages, $9.95 + s/h. Arizona, farmers put in cotton. 17: As pasture season spreads toward the Canadian border, be sure Homemade Contrivances baking soda is on hand for bloat in and How to Make Them sheep and goats. And consider cull- 1001 Labor-Saving Devices for Farm, Garden, Dairy and Workshop ing before you put your animals out The traditional American devices contained in this in- to pasture. triguing compilation date from an era long before milking 18: Wild onions and garlic, some machines, pesticide sprayers, and industrial hay balers. of the earliest plants of the year, create Yet the simple inventions described for doing everything a special March flavor to your goat’s from managing young bulls to protecting drain outlets milk. That flavor is already causing can be just as useful for today’s farmer as they were for the homesteaders of over a century ago. Discover how to problems in Alabama. make such items as a movable nest for hens, a ribless boat, 19: The cold front that arrives a contraption to extricate a mired animal, a farm cart with within a day or two of equinox is adjustable racks for larger loads, a wire fence tightener, a one of the last wintry fronts in the fruit picker, a grindstone set and frame, and much more. South, and in the central portion of This book is a boon for the rancher, farmer, or anyone the country, it marks the end of the who loves the rural life. 621 pages, $14.95 + s/h. worst of the weather systems of the first half of the year. Expect frost with To Place An Order Call Countryside Bookstore: this high deep into the Carolinas, and precipitation all across the land, with 1-800-551-5691 the greatest likelihood for thunder Or See Bookstore Order Form on Page 74. and lightning since the end of last www.countrysidemag.com summer. 104 Somehow we learn who we really are and then live with that decision. — Eleanor Roosevelt 20: It’s time to move your Febru- many people feel that they should 200 Easy Homemade ary kids to twice-a-day feeding in- be replaced. stead of three or four times a day, time 28: As you cut your asparagus, Cheese Recipes to introduce grain and free-choice check the strawberries: they should From Cheddar & Brie To Butter & Yogurt hay. It’s time to wean the January be blossoming when the asparagus kids, too. Slowly replace their milk stalks reach a foot in height. By Debra Amrein-Boyes with grain, free choice hay and water. 29: The last weather system of Now it’s easy to make Reduce high energy winter feeds to early spring introduces tornado sea- artisanal-quality cheeses the rest of your herd as the weather son to the nation’s midsection, and in your kitchen, using just warms up. the likelihood of a thunderstorm is this book and a few easy- 21: In western states and the six times greater this week than it was to-find cheesemaking lower Midwest, farmers are planting last week. As this front moves east, supplies. Illustrated, step- by-step instructions cut spring oats and barley when soil and a significant chance for a high in the out all guesswork about weather conditions permit. 80s occurs for the first time this year tools and techniques. A 22: In the relatively calm weather in the Lower Midwest. whopping 13 recipes call for sheep’s of March’s last week, begin your 30: Spring rains can be bad news milk only; two call for sheep or goat; one calls regular worming of livestock in or- for hooves. Check your animals for sheep and goat milk. The author—a top regularly. Canadian artisanal cheese maker—tells how der to reduce parasite egg counts. to make the most of her recipes using sheep’s Take fecal samples after kidding and 31: Caulk or put up new trim milk. Practically all well-known cheeses are lambing, and before the spring gets around the house. Openings need to in this book. This book also has easy recipes too far along; do annual vaccinations be closed because yellow jackets and for yogurt (including Greek-style and Bul- and blood work too. Castrate, tat- carpenter bees come back to the same garian), kefir, butter, buttermilk and some too, dehorn the kids, and check their nesting sites year after year. great recipes using homemade dairy items. 304 pages, $24.95 + S&H hooves while you’re at it. And it’s an especially good idea to castrate and April To order visit our website at dehorn relatively early in the season, 1: Don’t forget your boar in all the www.countrysidemag.com before fly and screw-worm time. spring activities. Is he getting enough vitamin E and selenium? If not, he or call 1-800-551-5691 23: Morel mushroom season has started throughout the South. Fol- may not be the breeder that you need low the fungi north throughout the throughout the coming months. weeks ahead for up to six weeks of 2: The April 2 high-pressure sys- Crafting Log fine eating. tem initiates an eleven-day period 24: The March 24 cold front, like of unsettled weather, which brings Homes Solar Style the March 14 weather system, is often an increased chance of tornadoes in mild, and it is followed by some of the South and spring storms to the the driest and brightest days so far North. Rain typically precedes this in the year front, and flurries or even major ac- 25: When you see bumblebees and cumulation of snow follow it, making carpenter bees working in the flowers, the 3rd through the 5th some of the then you know it’s time for termites wettest and most turbulent days of to swarm. And white cabbage but- the month’s first half. Although highs terflies in your back yard announce above 60 degrees become common in that bass and sunfish are moving to most of the nation during this period, By Re x A. Ew i n g & LaVo n n e Ew i n g spawn in shallow waters. frost continues to strike tender veg- 26: Spring can be a “dying time” etables about one night in four north A down-to-earth guide to building solar- of the Border States. powered log homes, complete with how-to for your rabbits, often because of illustrations and photos plus enlightening pro- stress from exposure to rapid changes 3: After the first April front arrives, files of log home owners across the country. in the weather. Continue to provide farmers and gardeners throughout Follow the authors’ journey of handcrafting adequate shelter at colder times, the central areas of the United States an off-the-grid log home in the Colorado and plenty of ventilation when heat typically plant their sweet corn and Rockies and discover how renewable energy builds up. Hay also seems to help their head lettuce. This is also the is a perfect match for modern log home living, rabbits deal with change. time to seed the last of your bedding from small weekend cabins to expansive year- 27: Spring is a good time to give plants throughout the country. round homes. 255 pages, $25.00 + s/h. your chickens a quick check-up. 4: Don’t forget to put in medici- To order visit our website at Inspect the vent, examine the keel nal herbs: plant lavender, marjoram, www.countrysidemag.com and beak for sores, cut toenails, and rosemary, sage and thyme to increase clear the nostrils. Also take a look the milk yield of your does and ewes. or call 1-800-551-5691 at the waterers. If they have rust, Marjoram and rosemary will sweeten Countryside & Small Stock Journal, March/April 2013 105 105 the taste of your milk and add a mea- chance of snow below the 40th Paral- sure of health to both the ewe and lel rapidly decreases until it becomes doe that produces it and the person only one in 100 by April 20. who drinks it! 12: Throughout the country, the 5: April is a fine time to plant late normal average air temperature rises summer and autumn grasses and at the rate of about one degree every legumes in order to extend your graz- three days once the April 11th front ing season. And remember to seed the passes through. And highs above 60 cabbages: they promote good diges- degrees occur three times more often tion in your livestock and in you. in the country between the 12th and 6: As the April 6 front approaches, the 30th than between the 1st and the the chances for frost briefly diminish, 11th. Besides all that, the field and gar- and the likelihood of highs in the 70s den day is increasing at an average or 80s increases dramatically across rate of two minutes per day. the country. Precipitation, however, 13: Mid-April is a fine time to often puts a stop to field and garden clean out the litter in the chicken coop planting. After the front passes east, and make it look like spring is really the possibility of damage to flowering coming. You might put out some lime fruit trees increases in the Appala- on the floor to help with odors. This chians. Early daffodils are sometimes is also a good time to spread diato- frozen by this front and the next. maceous earth to help keep mites and 7: Look for morel mushrooms lice in check. Change the straw in the all along the 40th Parallel when May nesting boxes, too. apples push out from the ground and 14: Now spring grains are seeded cowslip buds in the swamp. That’s along the Canadian border, the rest when leaves come out on skunk cab- of the cotton in southern states, soy- bage. And when you see the high can- beans in Mississippi, sugar beets in opy budding and greening, listen for the Midwest. wild turkeys to be gobbling. Keep an 15: Throughout the East, the mid- eye on tulips in the garden; they tell dle of April is sweet Cicely blooming you about the turkeys, too, and they time. Transplant some to your pasture also tell you that you’d better mow in order to increase your milk yield. the lawn before it gets too long. And don’t forget to sprout or set new 8: Spawning time has begun for parsley for the yard and garden. Then bullheads, catfish, crappies, pan keep track of your increasing milk fish, bass and many other varieties yield when you feed your does and of fish. ewes fresh parsley every day. 9: When ticks and mosquitoes 16: After the mid-April cold front, appear, the morel season is about a major increase in the average daily over, and the last frost is no more amount of sunlight often occurs: a than four weeks away. And when the rise from early April’s 50/50 chance clovers bloom, flea season has begun for sun or clouds up to a brighter for pets and livestock, and flies take 70 percent chance for clear to partly over the barn. cloudy conditions. Chances for highs 10: Today is new moon day, a in the 80s continue to climb across perfect lunar time to put in as many the nation’s center, reaching the flowers and vegetables as you can. same frequency as in mid-October Throughout most of the country, by April 18. seeds started in flats now should sur- 17: Be alert for a change in odor vive without protection if placed in in the barn that might be related to the garden over the next five weeks. disease. Disinfect the area as desired, 11: After the April 11 high-pres- and maybe put a little lime around to sure system crosses the country, keep down the odors; then start going several dry days often follow in its after the flies. wake. All things being equal, this is 18: When you see the first mon- the period during which you should arch butterflies in your garden, and try to finish all your Middle-Spring the iris start to bud, that’s the time to planting. And from now on, the go out to the fields looking for army 106 Decide on what you think is right, and stick to it. — George Eliot worms, slugs, corn borers, flea beetles and leaf hoppers. and relatively long periods of stable 19: Putting animal skins to use might be one more way to diversify your weather encourage the advent of full homestead operation. When an animal is butchered or dies, think about tan- spring growth. However, the second ning the hide yourself or sending it to a tanner. major tornado period of April begins 20: The canopy of leaves closes rapidly now, with maples and box elders now, lasting in most years until the coming in. Sometimes the sun gets ahead of the size of your leaves, however, 27th. bringing sunburn or overheating to livestock ordinarily “safe” in the shade 22: Be sure you continue to weigh during the summer. Along the Gulf coast, the trees already offer full protec- your young livestock in order to tion; in the green pastures of the Border States and along the Canadian border, monitor the appropriateness of your however, animals may still get more sunshine than you bargain for. feeding program. If problems exist, 21: Chances for an afternoon high in the 70s or 80s jump from last week’s the scale may be the first instrument average of 20 percent way up to 40 percent, and from this point forward, the to show it. And among the records number of frosts in any given seven days declines by nearly two percent per for all your goats should be a tem- 24 hours. After this front moves to the Atlantic, chances for snow decline perature history. Since each goat’s below ten percent in almost the entire country (a notable exception: higher “normal” temperature may be a little elevations in the West). The steady advance of the year’s cold waves slows, different, an individualized temperature biography is a good way of being able to detect abnormalities and infections. 23: Watch for mold in feed supplies as the weather turns warmer and more humid. 24: After this front passes, chances for frost virtually disappear in the South, and become relatively in- significant throughout much of the North. Chances improve for field and garden planting after the April 24th cool front; three days of dry and sunny weather are the rule. 25: Seed all the rest of your flowers and vegetables in flats or directly in the garden. Throughout the South, farmers can even plant tender pea- nuts. 26: The older you get (they say), the more important color becomes in your life. If you are one of those people who are getting a little older all the time, you may find that perennial and annual flowers are even more necessary than vegetables and fruits! Add flow3r seeds and plants to your spring planting. 27: Rains will soon end along the West Coast, time for fence and building maintenance all at once. Not to mention, birthing, weaning and transition to pasture. 28: In advance of the first cool front of late spring, highs in the 90s become possible as far north as Chi- cago; the chances for a high in the 80s pass the 20 percent mark at lower elevations along the 40th Parallel, and chances for a high above 70s degrees are now 50/50 or better for the first time this year. Countryside & Small Stock Journal, March/April 2013 107 107 29: When possible, move your of Orangeville, Pennsylvania. The livestock when the weather is cool names of other winners will appear and dry in order to reduce shrinkage in subsequent columns. If you have and stress related problems. Move- not received your prize yet, please ment after the passage of a cold front contact me at the address below. usually provides more pleasant and more stable weather than transport- Answers to the January–February ing prior to the arrival of a front, Sckrambler when dropping barometric pressure SGPI: PIGS makes animals a little more skittish. WATCOHC: CHOCTAW The stability of high pressure can EBINAIR: IBERIAN ERIHSRETSECOULG: GLOUCESTER- make worming and clipping feet a SHIRE OLD SPOT bit less traumatic too. MATHTROW: TAMWORTH 30: As the year’s fifth month be- UORDC: DUROC gins, haying gets underway across ERD TTLEAW: RED WATTLE the South. Transition your livestock OCALEBM: LACOMBE slowly from last year’s old hay to this UIEANG GHO: GUINEA HOG year’s fresh hay. RACEALND: LANDRACE HSKROERIY: YORKSHIRE Lunar feeding patterns for people SHIREBERKE: BERKSHIRE AELRG ETWHI: LARGE WHITE and beasts FTOOMUEL: MULEFOOT The following weekly key to lu- EERHDRFO: HEREFORD nar position shows when the moon PMAHRIHSE: HAMPSHIRE is above the continental United DNALOP INCHA: POLAND CHINA States, and therefore the period dur- DASLEDBACK: SADDLEBACK ing which all creatures are typically STREEHC WHTIE: CHESTER WHITE most active. The second-most-active STOPDTE: SPOTTED times occur when the moon is below the earth. Fishing and hunting may The March-April Sckrambler be more successful, and livestock, ANIR ZILBDRAZ children and other family members NOWS NUEDTHR may be slightly friskier with the ESETL RUHRCIENA NTROF OAODNRT moon overhead. WTHREEA GFO AUSTRTS ILHA Date: Moon Above; Moon Below BOMINSUTARTS ULALQS March: UUUMCSL GINNTHLIG 1–4: Midnight to Dawn; Afternoons UUUIOMCNLSBM RRCSUI 5–11: Mornings; Evenings RETEMORAB DGNSUO 12–19: Afternoons; Midnight to Dawn 20–27: Evenings; Mornings March 27–April 2: If you are the 2nd, the 12th, the Midnight to Dawn; Afternoons 45th, the 78th, the 104th or the 155th 3–10: Mornings; Evenings person to return your correct Sck- 11–18: Afternoons; Midnight to Dawn rambler solutions by my deadline 19–25: Evenings; Mornings of February 25 to Poor Will, P.O. Box 26–30: Midnight to Dawn; Afternoons 431, Yellow Springs, OH 45387, you will win $5. There should be no typos Winners of the January–February in this puzzle, and no typo prize will Sckrambler be awarded. If you happen to find a A total of 11 readers responded typo, however, you may simply skip to the January-February challenge, that word without penalty. Send your and a prize of $5 was promised to entries by regular mail (postcards the 1st, the 11th, the 44th, the 77th, preferred) to Poor Will at P.O. Box the 100th and the 150th person to 431, Yellow Springs, OH 45387. The return your correct Sckrambler solu- names of any winners whose cor- tions by my deadline. The 1st correct rect responses are received after my respondent was Geoffry Hallstead deadline to Co u n t r y s i d e will appear of Canandaigua, New York, and the th in a later issue. 11 respondent was Ruth Whitenight Copyright 2013 – W. L. Felker 108 Reach over 300,000 people Countryside’s for just $60/year! Breeders Directory See details on page 102.

Irish Pure- Whistling Ducks, Wood Ducks, Mallard Alpacas/Llamas Dexter cattle. Perfect dual purpose bred Komondor—livestock/premise Ducks. Swans: White Mute, Australian homestead breed. guardians. Black, Trumpeter, Whooper, Black Necked. Quail: Northern Bobwhite, Colorado Indiana Oklahoma Jumbo Bobwhite, Texas A & M, Val- JEFFERSON FARMS NATURAL FI- FINE LINE FARM, Mike & Linda AMERICAN WORKING FARMCOLLIES ley, Gambel, Blue Scale, Mountain, BERS–Two locations: 8950 W Jefferson Wehner, 6624 N. 800 W., Madison, IN ASSOCIATION, Elaine Reynolds, HC 1 Mearns. Partridge: Chukar, Hungarian. Ave., Denver, CO 80235, 303-870-3056 47250. 812-873-0012. Lowline Angus. Multipurpose Farm Mutant. Ornamental Pheasants: Red KIRTLEY FAMILY FARMS, Kev- Golden, Yellow Golden, Blue Eared, net> Alpacas & Paco-Vicuñas. Special- in & Christy Kirtley, 22100 Cam- Standard & Border Collies, Shet- Brown Eared, Lady Amherst, Silver, mack Rd., Noblesville, IN 46062. Timminicks Tragopans. Wild Turkeys: izing in Paco-Vicuña luxury fibers. land Sheepdogs and Kelpies. 317-407-8001. HEAVENS LITTLE ACRES, Marshall & Jana Hager, 5716 N. State Hwy. 97, PEARSON POND RANCH & LLAMA Lowline Angus. Genetics for Grass-fed Sand Springs, OK 74063. 918-245- Goats CO., 242 Llama Lane, Ellijay, GA 30540. Beef, Fullblood and Percentage Lowline 1291. Akbash Over 150 lla- Angus cattle, embryos and semen. LGD, raised with Nubian dairy goats. mas to chose from–Traditional–Surries. Alabama Kansas Tennessee LNL MINIFARM, Levon & Lynn Sargent, Ohio LA DORADA, Elizabeth Lundgren, 663 Hulsey Rd., Henagar, AL 35978. CASTLEROCK’S SPECIAL ASSIST- LOFTY PINE FARM, Deb Yeagle, D.V.M., 22484 W. 239 St., Spring Hill, 256-657-6545. Ankole-Watusi cattle. farmerstel.com> ADGA Nigerian Dwarf guardian, service dogs. Cindy Choate, ymail.com> Llamas, Suri & Huacaya goats, AMHA miniature horses & AGHA UNDERHILL FARMS, Lynn & Karen Memphis, Tennessee. 901-553-9401. American Guinea hogs. alpacas-starting $300, fleece, judge. Kaufman, 187 21st Ave., Mound- Wensleydale, Teeswater sheep. ridge, KS 67107. 620-345-8415. Texas WITCH HAZEL DAIRY, Hazel McGuf- underhillfarms.com> Belgian Blue ATASCOSA ALPACAS & CAPYBARAS, Cattle. West Virginia fin, PO Box 622, Vernon , AZ 85940. Bill Schuchman, Atascosa County, 928-358-0741. Huacaya alpacas. All stock com> Nubians BOHATY’S BRITISH WHITES, Wal- WV 25063. 304-765-5453. Maremma/ ARI registered, available, start-up spe- ter & Nancy Bohaty, 1371 42nd Pyrenees Crossbred. Neutured & vac- cials. Also Capybaras. California Rd., Bellwood, NE 68624. 402- cinated. Sold as working pairs only. HYONAHILL, Ruth McCormick, 24900 367-4741. Started pairs $500 / Experienced pairs West Virginia Skyland Rd., Los Gatos, CA 95033. Registered $700. Pups available occasionally, $150 GLORY B FARM, Barry & Bar- British White cattle. each. Buyback guaranteed. 408-353-1017. bara Bales, Ballard, WestVirginia. Registered Oberhasli dairy goats. 304-573-1526. Ohio Beautiful, quiet, delicious milk. Send for color brochure. HYONAHILL ALERT! RIVERVIEW FARM, Fonnie Thom- Equine Award winning alpaca breeding stock Defective answering machine. If you an, Crown City, OH. 740-256- & products. called in the last few months and did 1724. Miniature Jerseys–semen Ohio not get an answer please try again. See available. Also miniature horses. STRASSERHUTEN FARMS, Robert my ad above. Bullfrogs & Corinne Strasser, 4318 Hattrick Rd., Rootstown, OH 44272-9770. 330- Indiana Oregon Idaho 325-7608. CU AT LIL’ RED BARN, Margot Cassel, WHISPERING HILLS FARM, Joe RANA RANCH BULLFROGS, PO Box 7501 N. Nebo Rd., Muncie, IN 47304. Schallberger, DVM, PhD & Sue Irish Dexter cattle, miniature donkeys. 1043, Twin Falls, ID 83303-1043. 208- 765-730-0145. com> Dallas, OR 97338. 503-704-2408. American Bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana). Nigerian Dwarfs. Deep soothing music on your pond. Game Birds Purpose bred bullfrogs-healthy, hardy Iowa Polled Shorthorns. Fast growing D & E DAIRY GOATS, 2977 Linn Buchan- and prolific. Free info sheet. grass-fed Shorthorn genetics. Also Minnesota an Rd., Coggon, IA 52218. 319-350-5819. Suffolk sheep. OAKWOOD GAME FARM, INC., PO Alpine, Capybaras Box 274, Princeton, MN 55371. 800- Saanen & LaMancha. Selling 200 Texas 328-6647. head annually. Texas AAVALON FARM, Sharon & George We sell day-old pheasant and chukar Adams, 1059 AnCR 468, Palestine, TX partridge chicks and eggs. Ask about Massachusetts CAPYBARAS, We have them, adults, 75803. 903-549-2036. healthy, free range, non-stressed ani- and chicks. Lowe, PO Box 722, Assonet, MA Belted Galloways. Semen available. mals. Also Huacaya alpacas. Bill Schuch- 02702. 508-644-5088. HOUSTON RUN GAMEBIRDS, Steven homestead.com> Nigerian Dwarf, Wisconsin Stoltzfus, 606 White Horse Rd., Gap, Tennessee Fainting. J.E. TOSTENSON, James Tostenson, PA 17527. 717-468-9240. Bobwhite and Cattle W925 County Rd. H, Fremont, WI Coturnix quail, pheasants & chukars. Ohio 54940. 920-538-2716. Unique Jerseys, Specializing in flight conditioned birds. VALLEY BROOK ALPINES, David & cows milk on grass alone, bulls outcross Illinois Call for more information. Lydia Howe, 40554 Shepherd Rd., on most U.S. Jerseys. Caldwell, OH 43724. 740-509-0043. CUNNIGNHAM HOMESTEAD, Wesley Wisconsin Cunningham, 26622 109th Ave. W., French Alpine. ADGA Registered, Illinois City, IL 61259. 309-791-0023. PURELY POULTRY, PO Box 466, Dogs CAE Free. Irish Dexter cattle. Fremont, WI 54940. 800-216-9917. GOSHEN KENNELS, Paul Han- Kansas Oklahoma sen, 10246 S. Wilson Rd., Mt. ORIGINAL HAUS, Mike Strodtman, 758 ndian Red Junglefowl, Guineas, Pea- CIMARRON VALLEY RANCH, D. Miller, Carroll, IL 61053. 815-947-2108. CR 29, Bucklin, KS 67834. 620-826-5526. cocks. Ducks: Mandarin, Ringed Teal, RR 1, Box 30, Cleveland, OK 74020. Countryside & Small Stock Journal, March/April 2013 109

918-694-9281. Nigerian Dwarf goats, cana, Silver Phoenix. Bantam: Black Old Dexter cattle. English. Modern Games: Brown Red, California Kansas Birchen, Red Pyle and Black Breasted HEAVENS LITTLE ACRES, Marshall UNDERHILL FARMS, Lynn & Karen METZER FARMS, 26000C Old Stage Red. Silver Penciled Rock, Red Naked & Jana Hager, 5716 N. State Hwy. 97, Kaufman, 187 21st Ave., Moundridge, Rd., Gonzales, CA 93926. Year-round Neck, White Naked Neck, S.C. Rhode Sand Springs, OK 74063. 918-245- KS 67107. 620-345-8415. Akbash underhillfarms.com> Large Black hogs. metzerfarms.com> Ducklings: Pekin, Ancona. R.C. Rhode Island Red, Quail Rouen, Khaki Campbell, Golden 300 Belgium, R.C. White Leghorn. White Pennsylvania Michigan Egg Layer, Blue Swedish, Buff, Cayuga, Crested Black Polish, Bearded White, GOATSVILLE ACRES, Marilyn Ryan, HORTON FARMS, Robert & Christine Mallard, Welsh Harlequin, White Crested Bearded Golden Polish, Bearded Buff 15 Carbondale Rd., Waymart, PA Horton, 11650 Remick Rd., Blanchard, & Runners (Black, Chocolate, Blue, Laced Polish, Wheaton Ameraucana, 18472. 570-488-5369. Hogs. Chinese, Brown Chinese, Toulouse, Cochins: Birchen, Partridge, Buff, Purebred Mini Nubians. Dewlap Toulouse, African, Canada, Buff, Golden Laced, and White; Dark Brahma, Tufted Buff, Sebastopol, Pilgrim, Crested Buff Brahma, Salmon Faverolle, Black Texas Miniature Cattle Roman. Ringneck pheasants, French Langshan, Black Frizzle, White Frizzle, TIERRA SECA FARMS, Sandra Pearl guineas, Wild turkeys. Bearded White Silkie, Bearded Mille Moerbe, 531 Ham Ln., Uvalde, TX Arizona Fleur. Geese: Canadian, Egyptian. 78801. 830-278-6419. CHICKEN SCRATCH POULTRY, and Chocolate. Turkeys: Narragansett, Prescott, Arizona. 928-925-6886. Nigerian Dwarf goats. Larry & Angela McEwen, RR3 Box 44, Black, Bourbon Red, Slate, Wild Turkeys, Registered: mini McLeansboro, IL 62859. 618-643-5602. Royal Palm, Beltsville White Turkeys, Jersey cattle, Nubian goats, Heritage Wisconsin Coronation Sussex, Light Sus- Missouri Season Treder, N6476 Cty. Rd. N, Colorado Princeton, WI 54968. 920-229-4930. sex, Lavender Orpington, Black Copper CACKLE HATCHERY, PO Box 529, TWO SHOES RANCH. Registered Marans, Blue Copper Marans, Blue Lebanon, MO 65536. 417-532-4581. Miniature Herefords. Bill & Dona Shue, Laced Red Wyandotte, Welsummers, 824-0105. [email protected] Goats. Perfect milking goats for your Rumpless Araucana, Olive Egger. Fancy chicks, ducks, geese, turkeys, http://2shoesranch.com small farm. bantams, guineas, pheasants, quail, Iowa Pennsylvania chukar. Free color catalog. COUNTY LINE HATCHERY, 2977 Linn Hogs WELSH MOUNTAIN FARM, Amos T. Buchanan Rd., Coggon, IA 52218. 319- Oklahoma Ebersol, 590 Red Hill Rd., Narvon, 350-9130. Rare and fancy peafowl, guineas, Smith, PO Box 747, Wewoka, OK Cattle. chickens, ducks, turkeys, geese, ban- THE ROCKING ROBIN RANCH, 74884. 405-257-1236. Registered: Miniature Horses net> Black & White Pied, Blue & White poultry assortment available. Heritage KuneKune pigs, mini Jersey Pied, Chocolate and White Muscovies, cattle, Nubian goats & Bulldogges. Pekins, Swedish, Anconas, White Mal- Wisconsin Minnesota lards, Grey Mallards, Khaki Campbells, Arkansas TRAILS END STABLE, Shirley JOHNSON’S WATERFOWL, 36882 White Runners, Crested, Golden Cas- 160th Ave. NE, Middle River, MN 56737. cades, Black East Indies, White, Grey FARMERS HEREFORD HOGS, Kreuscher, W8897 Apple Ave., Med- 218-222-3556. Grey, Buff & White Africans, American Buff and Egyptian Goslings; Ash Flat, AR 72513. 870-322-8423. AMHA-AMHR Miniature Horses. Grey Pomeranians, Sebastopol geese, Guinea Keets; White & Black Silkies; Registered Hereford hogs. Rouen, Silver Appleyard, Pekin, White & Standard White Cornish, Blue & Buff Orpingtons, Blue Old English, Red Pyle Idaho Miniature Pigs Black Crested, Saxony, Black Cayuga, Black & Blue Magpies, Campbells, Pen- Old English, Indian Red Jungle Fowl, IDAHO PASTURE PIGS, Gary & Shelly ciled, White, Blue, Black, Grey (Mallard), Reds, Australorps, Brahmas, Amer- Washington Farris, PO Box 765, Rigby, ID 83442. and Emory Penciled Runners, White, aucanas, White Leghorns and Barred 208-716-1733. Idaho Pasture Pigs–A smaller, Longview, WA 98632. 360-609-1971. Turkeys; Pharoah Coturnix Quail. friendlier, pasture based meat pig for Raising URCH/TURNLUND POULTRY, 2142 your farm. quality mini pigs for your family. NW 47 Ave., Owatonna, MN 55060- Wisconsin 1071. 507-451-6782. Large fowl: Wyan- PURELY POULTRY, PO Box 466, Missouri dottes: White, Golden Laced, Buff, Black, Fremont, WI 54940. 800-216-9917. CROWLEY’S RIDGE MINIATURE Miniature Sheep Silver Penciled, Partridge, & Columbian; 300 varieties: chick- Rd. 337, Advance, MO 63730. Kansas Island Red, R.C. Rhode Island Red, ens, bantams, ducks, geese, turkeys, Black Giant, White Giant. Dominiques, 573-421-2365. Exotic KuneKune pigs SHEEPFIELDS, Diane Spisak, guineas, peafowl, swans, pheasants, or- Buckeyes and Rhode Island White, namental pheasants, chukars and quail. and rare Red Wattle hogs. Farm pets Wellsville, KS. 785-883-4811. Dark Brahma, Cochins: Black, Blue, and quality breeding stock. Docile White, Buff & Partridge; Black Langshan, grazing. Babydoll Southdown Miniature White Langshan. S.C. Leghorns: Buff, Sheep sheep, Akbash Dogs, Polish bantam HEREFORD HOGS, Steven Dab- Black, Dark Brown, Silver & White; chickens. ney, 7415 High Point Dr., Raymond- R.C. Leghorns: Light Brown, Black & Colorado ville, MO 65555. 417-457-6703. White; White Faced Black Spanish, R.C. DESERT WEYR, Ken & Oogie McGuire, Registered Pigeons Mottled Ancona. Black Astralop. White 16870 Garvin Mesa Rd., Paonia, Hereford hogs–gilts & boars available. Crested Black Polish, Bearded and Non- CO 81428. 970-527-3573. Black Welsh Mountain sheep. MEADOWLARK FARM, Larry Rauert, CEDAR MIST LOFT, Mike Owen, Faverolle, Welsummers, Silver Camp- 4767 N. Quandt Rd., Grand Island, 601A Acklin Gap Rd., Con- ine, Golden Campine, Lakenvelder, Sil- THISTLEDOWN FARM, Dawn Driskill, NE 68801. 308-381-1518. [email protected]> Registered Hamburg, Bearded White Polish, Golden Located Hereford hogs. Boars, gilts, feeder pigs, Rare breeds of pigeons & fowl. USPS Spangled Hamburg. Black Sumatra, in Western Colorado. British Soay & multi-bloodlines. approved live bird shipping boxes. Black Breasted Red Cubalaya, White Primitive Shetland. Idaho FISHER TEXELS, W. Eugene & Niki Finnsheep. Breeding stock in white or Fisher,110 2275 N. Grays Creek Rd., In- colors, selected for build, health, mater- Associations dian Valley, ID 83632. 208-256-4426. nal ability & fleece quality. Dorset and crosses available. Livestock Guardian AMERICAN BLACK WELSH MOUN- Building a Registry of Distinction, Texel. TAIN SHEEP ASSOCIATION, Eugenie McGuire, Sec./Treas., PO Box 534, one genotype at a time. Turn your purple Indiana Ohio Paonia, CO 81428-0534. FINE LINE FARM, Mike & Linda Wehner, MIDWEST HIGHLAND CATTLE 6624 N. 800 W., Madison, IN 47250. 812- 5990 Beecher Rd., Granville, OH 43023. 740-927-3098. Reg. 1201 W Main St., Suite 2, Ottawa, IL Club Lambs Hampshire/Suffolk cross. org> Friendly, hardy cattle. Excel- Romanov, Horned Dorset & Miniature 61350. 541-332-0675. Emu. Michigan photos and regional breeders go to: SANDHILL MIST, Ken & Elizabeth AMERICAN HIGHLAND CATTLE Oregon Rosenow, 725 West Free Soil Rd., ASSOCIATON, Historic City Hall, 22 S. Free Soil, MI 49411. 231-464-5466. WHISPERING HILLS FARM, Joe Schall- 4th Ave., Ste. 201, Brighton, CO 80601- NATIONAL CVM CONSERVANCY, INC., Icelandic. DVM, 6515 Kurtz Rd., Dallas, OR 97338. highlandcattleusa.org> Benefits of High- THE LAVENDER FLEECE, Laurie Ball- Suf- land Genetics: Enhance Beef Quality; org> CVM/Romeldale. The rarest of the Gisch, 3826 N. Eastman Rd., Midland, MI folks. Fast growing, grass-fed Suffolk Infuse Grass Genetics; Increase Brows- rare breeds of sheep in the U.S. today. 48642. 989-832-4908. Icelandic, Leicester Long ASSOCIATION, 1029 Zelinski Rd., wool. Also Icelandic Sheepdogs. Pennsylvania AMERICAN MINIATURE HORSE Goldendale, WA 98620. 509-773- MARUSHKA FARMS, Marie Minnich, 3671. THE WHITE BARN FARM, Kim & 252 Frosty Valley Rd., Danville, PA 17821. ASSOCIATION (AMHA), Pam Pruitt, Reg- istration Supervisor, 5601 South Interstate Irv Preston, 10080 S. Wyman Rd., 570-490-4759. com> CVM/Romeldale and Icelandic. SOUTHDOWN SHEEP ASSOCIA- amha.org> CVM/ TION AND REGISTRY (NABSSAR). TRIMBUR FARM FINNSHEEP, Heidi Romeldale. Breeding stock/fleece. AMERICAN MINIATURE JERSEY Protecting, preserving, and promoting Trimbur, 58 Bitting Rd., Alburtis, PA 18011. ASSOCIATION & REGISTRY, LLC., the Babydoll Southdown. Educational Missouri 610-845-3607. < [email protected]> Hwy. 20, Crawford, NE 69339. 308- and breeder list. ASSOCIATION, Randy Wehner, 12 Finnsheep: quality breeding stock selected 665-1431. NABSSAR Registry: 641-942-6402. Morningside Ln., Long Lane, MO 65590. for temperament, conformation, fertility, 417-345-1515. Katahdin Hair Sheep. REGISTRY, Becky Lundgren, 22484 Box 916, Marshfield, WI 54449. Why shear when all you want is meat? W. 239 St., Spring Hil, KS 66083-9306. 715-254-4989. Bulldogs, curs, Missouri Katahdins are hardy, good Various 913-592-4050. puggles, Alaskan huskies & more. mothers and excel on forage. Wisconsin NORTH AMERICAN ROMANOV New York BARBADOS BLACKBELLY SHEEP WOOLY WOOD RANCH, Roger & ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONAL, SHEEP ASSOCIATION, Don Kirts, LIGHTHOUSE FARM, Mary Bonnie Feist, Amery, Wisconsin. 715- registry for American Blackbelly & Bar- Secretary, PO Box 1126, Pataskala, OH & Herb Tucker, PO Box 85 West 268-2456. bados Blackbelly hair sheep. Carol El- 43062-1126. 740-927-3098. 1721. down sheep & Kiko goats. CO 81006 Directory of breeders at No shearing, (NASSA), P.O. Box 51, 222 Main economical, addictive meat quality. Breeders Directory Form St., Milo, IA 50166. 641-942-6402. Next Deadline: March 1, 2013 CONTINENTAL DORSET CLUB, Debra Hopkins, Exec. Sec./Treas., OLDE ENGLISH “BABYDOLL” PO Box 506, North Scituate, RI 02857. Classification: SOUTHDOWN SHEEP REGISTRY, 401-647-4676. Fax 401-647-4679. established by Mr. Robert Mock in 1991. Dorset sheep. Your Farm Name: Contact Vicki Stowell, PO Box 1307, Graham, WA 98338. 253-548-8815. A Your Name: FINNSHEEP BREEDERS’ ASSO- special breed for small acreage farmers. CIATION, 6861 Old Pipestone Rd., Docile, easy care, organic weeders. Address: Eau Claire, MI 49111. 269-461- Stable prices and demand. Now in the 22nd year of the restoration project. 4101. National breeders list and information City, State, Zip: on website: SOCIATION, for free information on High- E-mail: land cattle call 417-345-0575 or email POSM HORSE REGISTRY, first American breed, PO Box 424, Machias, Check the webpage, Website: highlandcattleassociation.org> Old type Morgan horses.

Breed(s): ICELANDIC SHEEP BREEDERS TEXEL SHEEP BREEDERS SO- OF NORTH AMERICA (ISBONA), CIETY, 2275 N. Grays Creek Rd., Additional Words $2 each per year: Membership Secretary, 253 North St., Indian Valley, ID 83632. 570-869-2692. Mechanic Falls, ME 04256. 207-740- texels.org> Large loin eyes and incredible muscle. UNITED HORNED HAIR SHEEP Directory listing (6 issues): $60.00 INTERNATIONAL FINNSHEEP REG- ISTRY, Deb Olschefski, Secretary, ASSOCIATION, INC. (UHHSA), As- Additional words ($2 each): 3937 Ridgewood Rd., York, PA 17406. sociation Office and Registrar: PO Box 161, New Lebanon, OH 45345, 717-586-2117. 937-430-1768. Painted Desert, 145 Industrial Dr., Medford, WI 54451 ISTRY, Got purple? Don’t let your Texas Dall, Black Hawaiian, Corsican, 1-800-551-5691 • Fax 715-785-7414 Dexters be black-listed. 800-831-9910. Desert Sand and Mouflon. www.countrysidemag.com • [email protected] Countryside & SmallCountryside Stock Journal, March/April 2013 Classifieds 111 Buy, sell, trade • Equip your homestead • Promote your business Just $3/word: 10 word minimum. May/June 2013 deadline: March 1, 2013

Hydraulic Jack Repair Manual and Old mountain farm man needs family to GRASSHOPPER TRAP Chemi- Catalog, $15. Hydraulic Parts Sup- Alternative Energy take over. You need agricultural land, cal free, safe for organic gardens. ply, PO Box 97C, Sawyer, KS 67134. some buildings. A machinist, welder, $19.95 plus shipping. 402-880-1957. 620-594-2247. mechanic, 18 wheel driver, I have exten- LARGE GAS REFRIGERATORS. sive manual machine, grinding, sharp- 12, 15, 18, 19 & 21 cubic foot pro- ening, welding, fabrication, hydraulic, Dried Foods BCS PTO–Chipper quick hitch. pane refrigerators. 15, 18 & 22 cubic wood shops. Tractors, implements, $900 cash. St. Paul, Minnesota, foot freezers. 800-898-0552. Ervin’s irrigation equipment, more. At least 651-645-4975. Cabinet Shop, 220 N. Cty. Rd. 425 E., 12 almost complete businesses here 15% DISCOUNT! Premium Dehydrated Arcola, IL 61910. to augment farm income. Main cost, & Freeze Dried products from an Award moving equipment. Have a 40’ x 60’ Winning Company. Mention or enter Gas Lamps DIAMOND GAS REFRIGERATORS: COUNTRYSIDE. Call 1-800-696-1395 5 sizes to choose from. 10 cu., 13 cu., quonset and a 5 ton overhead crane on or order online: www.harmonyhouse BRIGHT GAS CABIN LAMPS, One 15 cu., 17 cu., & 19 cu. Call TODAY ground here. Backhoe, tracked bucket foods.com. Order now! lamp lights an entire room! Stainless for FREE brochures! Lehman’s 888- loader, sheepsfoot to put in foundations, Steel Construction, Low Maintenance, 332-5534. generators. Call 831-475-3973 or write Drake and Drake, 6701 Oakridge Rd., Employment Variable Brightness. Midstate Lamp HEAT YOUR HOME, COOK, BAKE Aptos, CA 95003. 866-450-5267. AND HAVE RUNNING HOT WATER LIVE RENT-FREE, worldwide! The all from one stove! The original North Caretaker Gazette, 830-755-2300. Greenhouses American made airtight cookstove. Candles Subscriptions: Pioneer Stoves, 1055 Choncie Lee Rd., $29.95/year. Caneyville, KY 42721. 212-696-6820. SUNBEAM CANDLES 1 0 0 % Tough Greenhouse Plastics, Pond Please mention that you saw this ad natural beeswax candles Liners. Resists hailstones. Samples. Box in Countryside. made with SOLAR POWER! Equine 42, Neche, ND 58265. 204-327-5540. Solar Powered Freezer. Solar and freezer kits for do-it-yourselfers. HARNESS SADDLERY CATALOG. St. Extend Your Growing Season 3-4 Freezers are designed for off grid. Caskets Paul Saddlery, 953 W. 7th St., St. Paul, Months! More pleasure and profit with MN 55102. 651-222-5616. easy to assemble greenhouse kits start- Very energy efficient. 260-499-4972. Solar Freeze. Pine or Hardwoods, very nice, starting at $349. No special tools or skills required. Expandable to any length, ing at $500. www.tlccaskets.com Fencing 48 VOLT LED BULBS, also 12, 24,120 417-668-0032. quality built, quick shipments. Free Volt. Up to 2400 Lumens BRIGHT and catalog. Call today! Hoop House, PO efficient. LED Grow Lamps, 12-24-120 Free fence guide/catalog: High- Box 2430, Mashpee, MA 02649. 1-800- Volt. FREE color catalog. Wholesale/ Cheesemaking tensile, electric netting, portable 760-5192. Retail. Central Lighting, 2092 CR 1800 fence supplies. 1-800-536-2683. E., Arthur, IL 61911. 217-543-3294. Over 275 cheese making supplies for Health 1-888-475-9697. Visa/MC. A division commercial, farmstead, artisan and of Tools Plus. home. Featuring 80 plastic cheese Free molds, 19 kits, 67+cultures/ ripening ANCIENT BIBLICAL HEALING SCI- ENCE Wise Men gave baby Jesus Beekeeping mixes & molds, calf or vegetarian rennet, and more! Website: cheesec- FREE BOOKS/DVDS. Soon govern- Frankincense & Myrrh. Reports reveal onnection.net 206-307-7224. E-mail: ment will enforce the “Mark” of the beast two powerful immune builders. Free FREE BEEKEEPING CATALOG— [email protected] as Church and State unite! Let Bible re- “Missing Link” Tape. Call 1-888-506- Factory direct wholesale prices. veal. The Bible Says, P.O.B. 99, Lenoir 2460. Produce delicious honey, garden and City, TN 37771. 1-888-211-1715. Growths, warts, moles, malignancies. St., Hamilton, IL 62341. 888-922-1293. 100% Organic Herbs for Healing. $25.00 per quart plus ship- Gardening TIGER-X Products, PO Box 3602, ping, 99999 Quality 25ppm. Everett, WA 98213. 1-800-909-4553. www.tlcsilver.com, 417- 668-0032. Books $15 SOIL TESTING, ORGANIC FER- TILIZERS AND FEED SUPPLEMENTS Herbs Crafts/Supplies including Re-Vita fertilizers, rock FREE BOOKLETS: Life, phosphate, greensand, kelp, fish, Immortality, Soul, Pollution Crisis, and diatomaceous earth. Insect HERBALCOM bulk herbs, spices, TANDY LEATHER’S 172-page Buyer’s supplements. Quality at best prices. Judgment Day, Restitution, Sam- controls. Free catalog. Ohio Earth Guide of leather, saddle and tack Free freight. Save at or 888-649-3931 for Free istries (CM), 1156 St. Matthews Hartville, OH 44632. 330-877-9356. leathercrafters and farm or ranch is Catalog. Rd., Chester Springs, PA 19425. free. Tandy Leather Factory, Dept. CSY, 1900 SE Loop 820, Ft Worth, TX 76140. FREE copy of the Essiac Handbook. NEPTUNE’S HARVEST ORGANIC FREE BOOKLET provides a clear Pro About the famous Ojibway herbal heal- FERTILIZERS: Commercially proven. ing remedy. Call 1-888-568-3036 or and Con assessment of Jehovah’s Outperforms chemicals. Wholesale/ Witnesses teachings. Write Bible write to PO Box 1182, Crestone, CO Dairy Goats Retail/Farm. Free catalogs. 800-259- 81131-1182. Standard (CM), 1156 St. Matthews 4769. Rd., Chester Springs, PA 19425. Stevia, bulk herbs, spices, pure Saanans–Does & dry yearlings. Good Grillo direct drive, walk-behind equip- essential oils, herbal teas, dehy- bloodlines, family pets. Rochester, ment for gardening, farming, property drated vegetables, tinctures, stevia Minnesota. 507- 281-0347. Business Opportunities maintenance. FREE INFORMATION. plants. Free catalog. 800-753-9904. Gingerich’s. 765-395-7816. Do It Yourself $36,000 IN BACKYARD Grow- www.dripworks.com Save water time ing flowers, garlic, herbs, mush- and money with DRIP IRRIGATION. NO HOMESTEAD SHOULD BE WITH- rooms, landscaping plants. SMARTPOST™ by PostSav- FREE CATALOG. Shop online, watch OUT COMFREY. 10 ROOT CUTTINGS er USA. Call 1-888-519-5746. How-to Videos. 800-522-3747. $15.95. FREE SHIPPING. BRUCE 112 Classified Advertising

BURDGE, PO BOX 10, JETERSVILLE, Free details. Country Connections, or Cabin. New Off-Grid technol- and rubber liners. Free catalog and VA 23083. PO Box 408, Superior, NE 68978. ogy. Free professional installation. No samples. 800-522-3747. www.powerstationflex.com. POND SUPPLIES: Live gamefish for coffee. The Spice Shack, 11334 Page stocking. Large selection of pond and Rd., Grabill, IN 46741. 260-615-9634 FREE BIBLE Correspondence Course: water garden supplies. Free color non-denominational. Write: 83 Gilbert Periodicals catalog! Stoney Creek, Inc., Grant, Leather Goods Rd., Gouverneur, NY 13642. MI. 800-448-3873. Toy Marbles, remember the scale techniques. Organic/sustainable CUSTOM LEATHER, knife sheaths, fun! Several sizes and colors. ag methods that work. “Acres U.S.A.”, belts, wallets. Jedco Leather, 806-856- $29/year (12 issues). Free sample & Poultry 5251. catalog of 100s of books. 800-355-5313. THE MIDNIGHT CRY has sounded. Mealworms by the Pound—Bluebirds, The angel of REVELATION 14:6 has Chickens, Turkeys, & Ducks all love Livestock come. Free literature. 800-752-1507. FREE SAMPLE EDITION for livestock our dried and live mealworms. producers. “Stockman Grass Farmer mealwormsbythepound.com> Magazine”, PO Box 2300-C, Ridgeland, How To Not Go Broke Ranching– FREE CD’s and booklets: “Why we or 888-400-9018. Things I learned the hard way in fifty live after death”, “The Search for Truth” MS 39158-2300. 800-748-9808. source for Egg Cartons. Free Shipping. profitable ranching and other informa- Jones Road, Vestal, NY 13850. 1-888- or tion at www.waltdavisranch.com 205-7307 or Pest Control 888-902-2272. Dental plans–travel–pet supplies– Music & Instruments meds. Free shipping. www.petranch. RATAWAY FRAGRANCE Our “14th Quail & Gamebird Supply—Incuba- storenvy.com, 979-481-2245. year!”—Effective natural odor control tors, Flight Pen Netting, Nipple Water- ers, Gamebird Coops, Predator Control, ACCORDIONS, CONCERTI- deterrant against rats, mice, squirrels, and more. or NAS, BUTTON BOXES, ROLAND RAWLEIGH PRODUCTS. Free bro- etc. Protects wiring, vehicles, home, 888-633-9309. REEDLESS ACCORDIANS–New, chure, send large SASE to: BEM, businesses, farm machinery. $25 10782 Baygall Ln., Silsbee, TX makes a gallon, includes shipping. used, buy, trade, repair, catalogs RIDGWAY’S 90th YEAR. Chicks, 77656. Send check to Rataway.com, 2114 S. $5. Castiglione, Box 40CTS, War- ducklings, turkeys, guineas, game- Rice Rd., Ojai, CA 93023 or visit 805-646-2177. meals in 15-20 minutes. Save money and supplies. Visa/MasterCard. Free on groceries / earn money. 70% Gluten catalog. Ridgway Hatchery, Box 306, Of Interest To All Free, No GMO’s Pet Supplies LaRue 7, OH 43332. 800-323-3825.

WANT TO PURCHASE minerals and Published Author seeks retirement Dog, cat, bird furniture. Pet meds. Free Free catalog. Baby chicks, ducks, other oil/gas interests. Send details to: income writing memoirs. $10/ page. shipping. www.petranch.storenvy.com, geese, turkeys, gamebirds, Canadian PO Box 13557, Denver, CO 80201. 979-481-2245. Honkers, Wood ducks. Eggs to incuba- 530-375-7880. tors. Books/supplies. 800-720-1134. PIANO TUNING PAYS. Learn with Ponds Stromberg’s 4, PO Box 400, Pine River, American School home-study course. Off-Grid MN 56474-0400. www.everliner.com POND LINERS MEET SINGLES throughout rural AFFORDABLE SOLAR BACK UP and pond care products for large and FREE CATALOG—Chicks, tur- America. Confidential, reputable. POWER For Your Home, Office small ponds. Reinforced polyethylene keys, ducklings, goslings, guineas,

Classified Advertising Form • Next Deadline: March 1, 2013

Your Name: Address: City, State, Zip: Classification: E-mail: Ad:

Number of words _____ x $3 = $______Please type or print legibly and indicate the words you would Words in all CAPITALS _____x 25¢ = $______like in bold or capital letters. • Don’t forget to count your name, Words in bold _____x 25¢ = $______address, phone number and e-mail if it is part of your ad. • 10 word minimum. Ads under 10 words will be charged $30. X No. of issues you want your ad to run: ____=$______Payment enclosed (U.S. funds): $______

• Call for multiple issue discounts • Feel free to use a separate sheet of paper

Mail to: Countryside Classifieds, 145 Industrial Dr., Medford, WI 54451 • 800-551-5691 Fax: 1-715-785-7414 • [email protected] Countryside & Small Stock Journal, March/April 2013 113

gamebirds, bantams, equipment. herbs, tobaccos, medicinal plants, Free access to thousands of ar- Hoffman Hatchery, Box 129C, old-fashioned flowers, perennials. ticles, photos and technical info, Wool Carding Gratz, PA 17030. 717-365-3694. Free catalog. Hudson Seeds, Box plus our popular discussion forums. 337, La Honda, CA 94020-0337. F I N G E R L A K E S W O O L E N MILL. Custom cleaning, carding EGG CARTONS & POULTRY SUP- and spinning of wool and exotics. PLIES DISCOUNTED. 1-888-852-5340 Chobie’s Gold Tobacco Seeds, Wanted or 1000+/pack, growing instructions ; 315- 497-1542; Fax 315-497-9189. included. $3 delivered or 2/$5. Cho- AUTOGRAPHS, BANNERS, POLITI- POULTRY PLUCKING is easy and bie Shedwell, PO Box 22, Chel- CAL PINS, leathers, baseball cards, BROTHER DRUMCARDER featuring affordable with The Featherman au- sea, MI 48118. 734-433-9900. sports memorabilia wanted. Highest high quality wood and construction tomatic plucker. Pluck farm poultry or prices paid. Write: Stan Block, 128 with adjustable drums. Many models game birds spanking clean in seconds Cynthia Rd., Newton, MA 02159. available for working with all types of while you watch. or call Sheep fiber. Free shipping in the U.S. $320 1-503- 660-684-6035. Wildlife Feeders 480-4047. Mention “Countryside” for Katahdin ewe lambs & ewes 2 to 6 Colored & White Meat Broilers, layer $10 discount. years old due to lamb in April & May. chicks, turkeys, lots more. Free cata- Feed Squirrels—Enjoy America’s 937-466-2151. Most Exciting Backyard Entertain- log. Myers Poultry Farm, 966 Ragers Worms Hill Rd., South Fork, PA 15956. 814-539- ers! Squirrel Feeders, Food & More. 7026. Soap “Raising Earthworms for Profit”Illus - FREE COLOR BROCHURE. Muscovy trated, 128-page manual for successful Ducklings, Heritage Bronze Turkeys, GOAT MILK SOAPS handcrafted Wireless Power Control growing, selling—$12. “Earthworm Reds, Orpingtons, Australorps, Am- with organic base oils. Mail & phone Buyer’s Guide”—$8. Both $15. Re- eraucanas, Barred Rocks. Country orders welcome. Contact Shanna at www.controlight.com quest free brochure describing all our Hatchery, Box 747, Wewoka, OK Simple Soaps For Simple Folks: 507- Wirelessly control lighting or equip- books. Shields Publications, PO Box 74884. Telephone: 405-257-1236. 923-8843 or com> for details. 500 feet away. Affordable with simple wormbooks.com> 715-479-4810. installation—“a handymans’ delight”. DUCKLINGS, GOSLINGS, GUINEAS, Survival Gear Fingertip control. Instantly gives you: Bedrun Redworms–5,000/$42, 35+ breeds. Minimum shipment two day Money Back Guarantee plus Two 10,000/$65, 20,000/$118, 50,000/$280. birds, Nationwide shipping. Year www.CampingSurvival.com 5% Year Warranty. See www.controlight. Postpaid-Fishing, Composting, Gar- round hatching. Free color catalog: off with coupon code “countryside”. com for further details and suggested dening. Greg Allison, 112 Stilwell Drive, Metzer Farms, 26000C Old Stage, Over 20,000 products for self-reliance, applications. Free Shipping. Made Toney, AL 35773. Free “How to Guides” Gonzales, CA 93926, 800-424-7755. preparedness, hunting, camping, out- in the USA. included. 256-859-5538. doors and survival from a 56-year-old company. Day Old Pheasant and Chukar Par- tridge chicks and eggs for sale April www.LittleSurvivalShop.com. thru July. Small quantities NOW EMERGENCY FOODS, MEDICAL You Can Raise Poultry Naturally! available. Family owned and operated GEAR, canning equipment, water pu- since 1967. Call or write Oakwood rification. Medical and survival books. Game Farm, PO Box 274, Princ- More! 5% Discount use coupon: CSY eton, MN 55371. 1-800-328-6647. Free Shipping! The Small-Scale Poultry Flock www.survivalbagsinc.com. A little An all-natural approach to raising chickens and For Sale—Chicken coop heaters, solar peace of mind so when the need arises, watering bowls, silky hatching eggs, you will be ready. Many items at reduced other fowl for home and market growers heated bowls. 888-290-1771. verteran owned business. By Harvey Ussery

Real Estate Tools A comprehensive guide to

8 acre farmstead for sale, eastern CROSSCUT SAWS: SAW TOOLS, whole-systems, mixed-flock North Dakota. 4 bedroom house. knives, firewood cutting, people-pow- poultry husbandry. Lively, Sauna. Detached 2 car garage/ ered tools. Catalog, $1 U.S., $3 Foreign. thoughtful, and engaging, it is workshop. Storage shed. Prime land Crosscut Saw Company, PO Box 7878, and location for market gardening. Seneca Falls, NY 13148. 315-568- filled with essential informa- Excellent hunting and fishing location. 5755. tion on basic care, housing, EUROPEAN SCYTHES: Quality pasturing the flock and put- scythes, sickles, snaths, and blades ting it to work, holistic health, Sawmills for nearly 140 years. FREE CATALOG. Marugg Company, PO Box 1418, Tracy poultry in the kitchen, and cre- SAWMILLS–Band/Chainsaw–Cut lumber City, TN 37387. 931-592-5042. produced feeds, including cul- and SAVE MONEY. In stock ready to ship. Starting at $995. 1-800-578-1363 Ext.357 scythes 207-853-4750. Contains detailed butchering instructions with dozens Portable Sawmills–Turn your logs into of photographs and the best guide to working with broody lumber. Quick, easy and affordable. BROADFORKS—Highest qual- Made in the USA. Call or email for your ity, blacksmith made with select Ash hens available anywhere. Author Harvey Ussery is a fre- free catalog. or handles. quent contributor to Backyard Poultry and Countryside call us toll free 1-800-473-4804. 502-682-8529. magazines. 416 pages, $39.95 Seeds/Plants/Nurseries Tractors 1-800-551-5691 FAMOUS RARE SEED CATALOG: TRACTOR PARTS and more for non-hybrid, unpatented vegetables, older and antique farm tractors. www.countrysidemag.com 114 color

114 Like swimming, riding, writing or playing golf, happiness can be learned. — Dr. Boris Sokoloff After chores: a 10’ x 30’ vegetable garden. The borders and edges are filled in with perennial flowers that truly make it look park-like (at least for about one month in the spring). The kitchen is tiny and there is still much work for my husband and sons. My daughter’s sewing room is in a section of the basement. We have definitely made it home. The garage is full of bikes in the summer and sleds in the winter. We have a pop-up camper and enjoy trips here and there. My son mows lawns and earns money. My daughter walks dogs and earns money. We are close to stores, the library, and my husband’s job. And yet…sometimes my heart longs for that country-place-to-be. I long to see a sunrise or a sunset outside my window, with no other manmade objects obstructing the Being Content Right Where view. I long to be able to view the stars without lights from houses making it difficult. I can almost picture I Am… For Now my imaginary house, but I know the timing isn’t right. Not yet. By Mr s . Lo r i I. Bo w I am thankful that I can “visit” my Ne w Yo r k place when I choose. And yet, over the years I have come to the realiza- t will have to be large—not huge, mind you, but big enough for five tion that reality is where I am right I children ages five through 20 and room for books, lots and lots of books. now. Here is where I must do my Oh, and a sewing room, too. The kitchen needs to be big, with room for part of the job—raising my children four ladies to share the future cooking duties without continual bumping to be grateful, and not complain. To of elbows and hips. There needs to be light, with windowsills for plants. A appreciate the field behind our house woodstove (or two) and some nooks and crannies to escape to, and a porch— where we glimpse deer and turkeys, that is a must. I don’t really care if it is in the front, back, or side, but it must and pick wild blackberries in the be big enough for all seen of us to sit on and listen to a story being read. summer. To appreciate neighbors As for the outside, it must be large enough for a vegetable garden that who care, who need us, and we can is basking in full sun, an herb garden near the kitchen and flowerbeds all minister to. People who we can share around. There must be some meadow or pastureland for our chickens, goats our garden produce with, or a loaf of and maybe even a miniature horse…and then woods for the boys, for tree homemade whole wheat bread from houses and trails and a wood supply for our woodstove, of course. A pond freshly ground flour, or a jar of black- would be a nice bonus—for the birds, and frogs, and for ice-skating in the berry jam. To learn home repair right winter. here and now. To enjoy a three-season Oh, it can’t be too pricey, since we live on one income and I homeschool room with screens that face the field, the children. And it can’t need too much major repair work… a little would where lilacs fill the air with a beauti- be good to use as teaching tools for our sons. But not so much that it takes ful fragrance each spring. all of Daddy’s time away from enjoying the place. My life is like a school. I am in This is my dream place. I ponder and change the requirements often, but the college of contentment—always it doesn’t really exist, at least not in reality, only in my imagination. I would learning to be content. Just like any hate to be my Realtor and be given such a specific list of requirements. school kid, I like to daydream and Perhaps that is why I am still here in a perfectly charming blue cottage- imagine, but I am so thankful and like home on a suburban cul-de-sac off a main street that consists of about feel rich beyond words when I realize 40 homes built in the 1960s. Our neighbors are close. Our quarter acre yard how much I have right here and now, is partially fenced in. It is full of mature shade trees, flowering bushes such and how I have been truly blessed as lilacs and rose-of-Sharon’s, a huge sandbox, a swing set, a climber and today. Countryside & Small Stock Journal, March/April 2013 115 116