tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post6624672739687826681..comments2024-03-18T22:33:57.339-04:00Comments on 5 Acres & A Dream: Homestead Master Plan, 2012 RevisionLeighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-32772144964435761472012-09-08T13:02:55.571-04:002012-09-08T13:02:55.571-04:00SmithGang, glad you think so and I appreciate your...SmithGang, glad you think so and I appreciate your encouraging comment. We find the master plan invaluable. It's fun to do and fun to revise. even more fun to look at it every year and see what we accomplished. :)<br /><br />Sandra, you have to either double click the image or open in a new window. It can be clicked once more after that, to zoom in. I agree that it wouldn't work without flexibility!<br /><br />Michelle, you're welcome. I didn't like deep litter for goats either. I think it's because their volume of urine is so much more than chickens. I like that they have straw, but it needs to stay dry or pee-yuu. Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-24270828100287559692012-09-08T12:47:49.160-04:002012-09-08T12:47:49.160-04:00Leigh, thanks so much for answering my question. I...Leigh, thanks so much for answering my question. I am going to check into this some more. Deep litter was horrible with the goats, but maybe it would be better with the chickens with their scratching instincts. Michellehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16852320721216631639noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-36264194065073513592012-09-07T21:03:58.197-04:002012-09-07T21:03:58.197-04:00You are so wise to have a plan and to have it in w...You are so wise to have a plan and to have it in writing. I am sorry but my eyes aren't good enough to read the sketch but it sounds as if younger eyes have given you good ideas. <br />You've learned an important lesson...it's nice to have a plan, it's nicer to be flexible -smile-.Thistle Cove Farmhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15722295191884810953noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-32277988479553201502012-09-04T09:04:04.291-04:002012-09-04T09:04:04.291-04:00Leigh what inspiration!! My hubby says my motto...Leigh what inspiration!! My hubby says my motto is .....bring the animals the housing Will follow!! Lol.well he is true ,so after seeing such beautiful laid out plans from you and your hubby we are going to sit done this weekend and really do visible planning for our 10 acres in hopes not to overwork ourselves and learn to be better stewards of our property. I was loaned a copy of You Can Farm...by Joel Salatin on the Polyface story . Can't put it down!! Hopefully this Will help in our vision as well. As always your blog is Awesome with helpful knowledge , sharing your property plan is such great " food for thought". <br /> As for the pigs I guess I love em so much I don't smell them:) SmithGanghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05506929601839784969noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-71329718846329108292012-09-03T23:43:20.791-04:002012-09-03T23:43:20.791-04:00Michelle, apologies! I had mentally answered your ...Michelle, apologies! I had mentally answered your comment, but I see it never made it in print. <br /><br />We're using the deep litter method; I believe there is information in my sidebar under animal links. I'm finding the key is to keep it deep, with loose, absorbent materials, also to keep it stirred frequently. If it begins to smell I give it a stir first, if that doesn't help we add more grass clippings or dried leaves. We have good ventilation as well. Some sources say it has to be dry, but I find a little moisture helps keep the dust down. I have a dozen chickens and we clean it out about twice a year, or more if we want the litter for something else.<br /><br />I have to say that I'm the one motivated to draw out the master plan. Dan wouldn't. But he's willing to take a look at it when I ask for clarification or feedback, and agrees it's a helpful tool. Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-50518927070505819232012-09-03T23:37:04.885-04:002012-09-03T23:37:04.885-04:00Richard thank you and same to you!
Janice, we hav...Richard thank you and same to you!<br /><br />Janice, we have to be. Dan especially needs to have the big picture, so this helps tremendously to give us a sense of direction. <br /><br />Jacqueline, that's excellent. We've modified ours every year and some things, like the pond may never happen. But, we like having the sense of possibilities as we forever take the next step. :)<br /><br />Julene, thanks! I so agree with your mindset. And even when it seems overwhelming or discouraging, I quickly remember how much I have to be thankful for. <br /><br />Chuck, welcome and thank you! We felt very overwhelmed at first too. In fact, after 3 and a half years, it finally seems like we're getting a glimpse of a handle on things, even though we still have a long way to go. Have you considered blogging about it? It's a wonderful way to keep records and interesting and encouraging for others to read as well. Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-80086295685737220532012-09-03T22:56:20.137-04:002012-09-03T22:56:20.137-04:00I found your site and love it. We have just bought...I found your site and love it. We have just bought a 10 acre farm and plan to move permanently to it hopefully within a year. I have been working on the layout and where to put animals, garden, etc and it is nice to see I am not alone. The information in your links is invaluable and have downloaded tons of info. I just hope to be able to read it all. We have so much to learn I sometimes feel overwhelmed to say the least. Thanks again for a wonderful site.Chuck N.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-69145947229900782482012-09-03T19:53:11.139-04:002012-09-03T19:53:11.139-04:00I am not unlike your other blogging friends and fi...I am not unlike your other blogging friends and find you and your husband very encouraging! The plan looks good and you have some wise input about the pigs. Making adjustments along the way and letting us in on the decisions is a gift!! Thanks! <br />Today we have split wood, and worked on the fence....the long fence. It's a one time fence and when it is done we will have a party! <br />About wealth....if I can live away from the rushing world, see the sky and grow a few flowers....I am rich. I'd like to say..grow a lush garden but something happens between growing and lush!! The tomatoes are getting the blight! Julenehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13745380264115669103noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-85093934379366068932012-09-03T16:00:27.034-04:002012-09-03T16:00:27.034-04:00Thanks so much for sharing your plans; I tend to d...Thanks so much for sharing your plans; I tend to do the same thing...hence our three year plan for getting back out into the country, etc...<br /><br />This truly is an inspiration and I'll be going back through your post for ideas.The Crankyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11482237436135513483noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-20542850716814281182012-09-03T13:24:55.121-04:002012-09-03T13:24:55.121-04:00You two are so organized in your thinking, and you...You two are so organized in your thinking, and you seem to have the ambition along with the talent to make your dreams happen. I love peeking into your life!CaliforniaGrammyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05137556336315915924noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-34915481326956143122012-09-03T10:41:44.489-04:002012-09-03T10:41:44.489-04:00Happy Labor Day to you and your readers! RichardHappy Labor Day to you and your readers! Richardtrumphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14379869475899318079noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-6575991791837135422012-09-03T08:28:34.883-04:002012-09-03T08:28:34.883-04:00Barb, sounds like a great utlization of resources....Barb, sounds like a great utlization of resources. We've wondered about using the pool as a rainwater cistern, but the question is whether or not it can hold water. We didn't even know it existed until a neighbor told us he swam in it as a kid. It's currently filled with dirt and overgrown with all manner of things.<br /><br />Animal mobility and pasture rotation really seems like the way to go. Next summer will be our year to "just see" about pigs. We learn so much from experience. After that, we hope to incorporate them into our regular homestead routine.<br /><br />Clint, thanks! I should do a poll, pigs are smelly yes or no, LOL. Not that the results would make a difference in our getting them. ;)Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-42852362820712389592012-09-03T07:57:49.478-04:002012-09-03T07:57:49.478-04:00Looks Like A very good plan, pigs are smelly!Looks Like A very good plan, pigs are smelly!Clint Bakerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12125748678345517185noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-34968378484616113562012-09-03T07:26:14.755-04:002012-09-03T07:26:14.755-04:00Leigh,
There is a guy out there (AZ, I think) who...Leigh,<br /><br />There is a guy out there (AZ, I think) who has a greenhouse/chicken house over his old pool. He lets the chicken droppings go right into the water below and it helps fertilize the water for the Tilapia he is raising. As far as the mobile goings on--I move my chickens every day and it REALLY helps with the keeping things clean. Mobile pigs would be easy and hog panels are cheap. Luckily, they don't jump! <br />Which ever way you slice it, two people alone need animals to keep an area clear and to keep the fertility high. Symbiosis is essential to any thriving ecosystem. Best of luck for a long healthy life!Farmer Barbhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07596672416236302171noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-72054475412237717892012-09-03T01:19:59.061-04:002012-09-03T01:19:59.061-04:00I need to know more about your chicken house manag...I need to know more about your chicken house management technique! Mine stinks! I wash it out frequently, but it doesn't help at all, IMO...<br /><br />I love when you share your plans. We are working in parallel in many ways, but we don't have a plan written on paper. Actually, I have done that some, but Wayne isn't interested in it at all, so we just have lots of open discussion. :-)Michellehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16852320721216631639noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-39872768382754630692012-09-02T20:32:13.013-04:002012-09-02T20:32:13.013-04:00Natalie, it does seem logical doesn't it? Beca...Natalie, it does seem logical doesn't it? Because of our climate, I'm not sure we actually need a root cellar, but I do need a place to store potatoes in the winter, so this might be just the answer. It's going to be a few years before we get to it though. <br /><br />Christie, even a postage stamp can benefit from a plan! Our plan does change from year to year, as we get to know the land better. A plan helps us fit all the steps into place along the way.<br /><br />Mama Pea, seems electric fence, (for us probably netting) will be the best solution for pasture management, especially when some areas need to be dual purpose from time to time. We've actually gotten lots of good ideas from Sepp Holzer in this regard. <br /><br />I have no clue as to what the temps might be in a greenhouse "basement" root cellar. Our winter lows get down in the 20s, highs above freezing. How having a structure above will effect that, I don't know. I do know that storing potatoes in the house hasn't worked, even in my unheated pantry. That is definitely too warm. The other option would be to bury a barrel, or even put a barrel in the crawl space. We'll just have to experiment to see. <br /><br />Illoura, the kudzu we actually cut for hay, what we can get at. Since it's mostly in the woods, it tends to climb & engulf the trees, eventually smothering them. We've found that once established, its impossible to get rid of. We have some in a thicket in that very pig field that I can keep back somewhat, but it grows so fast and the roots are so tough, I worry about it taking over. If they can get to it, the goats keep the leaves back. We're hoping pigs will help root it out. <br /><br />Jengod, me too!<br /><br />MamaTea, funny how the smell of pigs became a part of the discussion. People seem to have different experiences and I'm guessing it has to do with the pig to space ratio and management techniques. We've only had experience with chickens and goats, but I do know that management technique can either make it better or make it worse. I suspect your uncle kept his pigs in a relatively confined area(?) I've talked to a number of folks who think chicken houses stink and are surprised that ours doesn't. When they find out I only clean it out twice a year, they're shocked.Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-61999415436312972342012-09-02T17:21:50.480-04:002012-09-02T17:21:50.480-04:00Amazing plans. You sure do your research. This is ...Amazing plans. You sure do your research. This is our first year here and I feel like we've really been punting as far as what to do...your plans make me want to do a lot of reading this winter. :)<br /><br />As far as pigs, I would say the ONLY time we have any concerns with the smell is when the sunshine gets to their poo and its hot and humid and generally YUCK outside. Otherwise we have no smell issues. We were concerned about that, having grown up with an uncle who raised pigs and his place ALWAYS stunk, but we haven't had any issues...except for those really hot and humid days. Just my two cents...Amy Dingmannhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04955555538158746355noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-69759492627436713842012-09-02T13:04:17.898-04:002012-09-02T13:04:17.898-04:00Awesome. Can't wait to see what happens with t...Awesome. Can't wait to see what happens with the pigs!jengodhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11185080648368290285noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-39624020809250702402012-09-02T09:55:16.156-04:002012-09-02T09:55:16.156-04:00Leigh, for some reason I put a comment on your 201...Leigh, for some reason I put a comment on your 2011 goal page...not sure how that happened, but it applied to this post instead! It was about your invasive Kudzu.....<br /><br />LOVE seeing your layout- although it makes me quite jealous! One day I hope to have one to share that isn't just empty space...lol.Laureli https://www.blogger.com/profile/03648493780017930693noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-90265936180417061402012-09-02T09:53:54.391-04:002012-09-02T09:53:54.391-04:00We've had good luck keeping pigs happy behind ...We've had good luck keeping pigs happy behind electric fencing. They are smart and fast learners.<br /><br />Our large poultry pasture is also fenced with electric fencing. Not that the poultry tries to get through it, but for us it keeps the bears and other predators looking for a chicken dinner OUT!<br /><br />I wonder if a root cellar under your greenhouse would always remain too warm for the proper storage of veggies?<br /><br />As always, Leigh, your plans and planning (organization) are amazing and enviable!Mama Peahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03649357184167949247noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-5742564939977371452012-09-02T08:58:15.251-04:002012-09-02T08:58:15.251-04:00I LOVE seeing your plans. Thank you for sharing - ...I LOVE seeing your plans. Thank you for sharing - it gets me excited for the future when one day we hopefully have a bit more land to work with! We are doing up our own plans right now for postage stamp-sized backyard. :)famousthecathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05199392183036556514noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-1594863068295368682012-09-02T08:43:20.405-04:002012-09-02T08:43:20.405-04:00I love the idea of a greenhouse with a root cellar...I love the idea of a greenhouse with a root cellar in the "basement". What a great use of space. And labour saving too...why dig a root celllar when you already have the hole in place. It' genius.Nataliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12447113571069402625noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-45931515363407267022012-09-02T06:05:58.808-04:002012-09-02T06:05:58.808-04:00TL and Laura, having never had pigs, I appreciate ...TL and Laura, having never had pigs, I appreciate the info. I have to say that both Joel and Sepp say pigs aren't smelly if managed properly :P<br /><br />As I said in my (lengthy, I know) explanation, this would not be a permanent pig area. This is where they are most needed to start. Nor are specific details worked out, that comes next. As I said, the plan will likely be to rotate them every year, partitioning off a portion of the area with temporary fencing, so that they can "till" and we can have pork. <br /><br />The barbeque area likely won't manifest itself for at least 3 to 5 years, assuming we get that far!<br /><br />Sue, it's a long term plan, not something we think we'll get done by next year! I reckon because of that we don't think of them as ambitious, just a means of not making more work for ourselves down the road. The plan keeps us from spontaneously building something that is in the way a few years later. :)<br /><br />Bernadine, the plans are never meant to be written in stone and they change every year. Mostly we just want to be good stewards of our 5 acres and this is the best way we know how. Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-74046070621171241602012-09-02T03:50:02.908-04:002012-09-02T03:50:02.908-04:00Hi Leigh, Looks like you have a great plan in pla...Hi Leigh, Looks like you have a great plan in place. I can't give you practical advise because... well, I don't have pigs, goats or a barn. Just an indoor rabbit, a nasty dog and a first year veggie garden. However, the one thing I think I can comment on is I really like your plan to let the goats graze where the kudzu is creeping into your property. They will keep anything at bay. I love reading about all your great plans for your home and land.Bernadinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16587313532492965871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-86831648507313812452012-09-02T02:25:48.822-04:002012-09-02T02:25:48.822-04:00Ambitious plans, as always. Very inspirational.
T...Ambitious plans, as always. Very inspirational.<br /><br />The years that we did pigs (4-H for the kids), we used 16' welded wire panels and rotated the pen around a portion of the yard. They did a great job of rototilling the area that became my vegetable garden. I did not find them overly smelly, but the pen was cleaned on a regular basis. I'm thinking of getting a couple of piglets next year when I start milking the goats.Suehttp://www.majorasue.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.com