Countryside & Small Stock Journal articles from September 2006

Countryside & Small Stock Journal archives from September 2006

It's harvest time!(From the editor)
September 1, 2006... How's your pantry looking these days? Are your shelves almost sagging under the weight of sparkling jars of jelly, pickles, beans and salsa? Have you had your fill of fresh tomatoes and zucchini by now? For those of us in the north, these...

Large Black Hog contact info.(Country conversation & feedback)
September 1, 2006... COUNTRYSIDE: My apologies to Rev. Perron (Internet--friend or foe, July/ August, 2006) and to others who do not use the computer. It's one of my most valuable tools so I take it for granted that others use it too, but I agree with Rev. Perron...

Emergency water--can it at home.(Country conversation & feedback)
September 1, 2006... COUNTRYSIDE: Several readers had questions about the best way to store emergency water. Water stored in the five-gallon plastic containers still needs to be boiled before using, and eventually gets stale. There is also a problem with storage...

Corn stove advice and other tips.(Country conversation & feedback)
September 1, 2006... COUNTRYSIDE: I would like to offer a comment, an answer, and some advice to COUNTRYSIDE readers. In response to Tamara Waters' "Tightwad genes..." article (March/April 2006, pg. 96), I'm glad to know that my family isn't the only one to wash...

Real estate--what do you want?(Country conversation & feedback)
September 1, 2006... COUNTRYSIDE: Regarding the article "Investigate real estate before buying on page 109 of the May/June, 2006 issue: Mr. Campbell seems to think that the buyer of the property adjoining his has gotten "taken" by a real estate agent, and that...

Moving was a huge mistake for this family.(Country conversation & feedback)
September 1, 2006... COUNTRYSIDE: A number of months ago the question was asked, "Can you really just leave it all and find a simpler life?" Well, we had already decided to do just that. We wanted out of our $2,000/month mortgage which made us slaves to our jobs,...

Homesteading: it's all in your head.(Country conversation & feedback)
September 1, 2006... COUNTRYSIDE: Homesteading is a state of mind. For those of us without large acreage, self-sufficiency is still within our grasp, to one degree or another. On a bit more than an acre, we raise three sheep and two goats, and when my health...

Readers really do help each other!(Country conversation & feedback)
September 1, 2006... COUNTRYSIDE: I live on 10 forested acres on top of a Missouri Ozark ridge and an agronomist visited me to help identify some plants, describe the local soil fertility and to provide alternative farming techniques. But, the best advice I get...

Building advice for future sawdust toilet users.(Country conversation & feedback)
September 1, 2006... COUNTRYSIDE: In reference to the Jan/ Feb 2006 issue "Composting toilet plan causes building headache," by Becky from Missouri. Becky, I have good news, bad news, and a lot of wishful thinking! I will start with my own situation and...

Apartment without electricity.(Country conversation & feedback)
September 1, 2006... COUNTRYSIDE: I do not have electricity, therefore, I have no air-conditioning. I would like to know if anyone might be able to tell me how I can stay cool in the summer time? I receive direct sunlight from morning to night. What methods are...

Jobe's Tear seed source.(Country conversation & feedback)
September 1, 2006... COUNTRYSIDE: I want to know if anyone can tell me where I can get the seed for Jobe's Tears or Jacob's Tears (not sure of the name). I grew them as a child. I would string the seeds up and make necklaces from them. If anyone can point me in the...

Additions for your "emergency list".(Country conversation & feedback)
September 1, 2006... COUNTRYSIDE: AS a long time list maker myself, I enjoyed the article, "Self-sufficient for how long?" by Daniel C. Leete on page 40 of the July/August, 2006 issue. I think he should consider adding a jug of white vinegar for a variety of uses...

New book recommendation.(Country conversation & feedback)
September 1, 2006... COUNTRYSIDE: A book came out this April that I thought you might like to know about. Michael Pollan has written The Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals. (ISBN 1594200823, Penguin Press.) Considered "outstanding" by The New...

Rubbing alcohol removes odors.(Country conversation & feedback)
September 1, 2006... COUNTRYSIDE: In your request for substitutes for personal care items we use, here is my suggestion for deodorant. A splash of rubbing alcohol is all that is need for underarm deodorant. I have used this method for years and I highly recommend...

No more pressure cooker fears for her!(Country conversation & feedback)
September 1, 2006... COUNTRYSIDE: AS a kid I remember all the horror stories of pressure cookers blowing up and causing injury and mess. So I naturally grew up afraid of the things. Not only that but then there was the search and the expense of looking for a new...

Scorpion invasion can be a real pain.(Country conversation & feedback)
September 1, 2006... COUNTRYSIDE: My daughter recently bought an old house in the country; they are plagued with scorpions. Do you have any remedies or cures that would help with their uninvited guests? Here are some sites that may help your daughter. It seems...

He's getting ideas ... but needs more.(Country conversation & feedback)
September 1, 2006... COUNTRYSIDE: Reading COUNTRYSIDE gives me more ideas of what I can do with my farmstead. I've considered goats, since my 10-acre farm is in the hardwood forest of the Missouri Ozarks near the Gasconade River. Everyone says to get goats to thin...

Where are the desert-living tips?(Country conversation & feedback)
September 1, 2006... COUNTRYSIDE: Hello from the mesa west of Taos, New Mexico. My partner and I are attempting to homestead or, at least, live a simpler life. I was wondering why I haven't read any tips, suggestions or editorials from readers in a similar...

New life for an old dish--in the desert.(Country conversation & feedback)
September 1, 2006... COUNTRYSIDE: This satellite dish started out as a protection for my new strawberry plants--they died. In October of 2005 I planted an assortment of winter seeds, radishes, carrots, beets, green onions, and kohlrabi, covered it all with some old...

Accolades to Grandma.(Country conversation & feedback)
September 1, 2006... COUNTRYSIDE" I'm writing to say I have found my "place" on this earth. My place of belonging! I thoroughly enjoy reading the letters from your readers. It's like hearing from old friends! Like many of you, I still work outside the home, but I...

Pressure: apply firmly with your pocketbook.(Country conversation & feedback)
September 1, 2006... COUNTRYSIDE: In regard to the letter in the May/June, 2006 issue asking about the source of farmers' seeds: Most commercial farmers use genetically modified seeds (read "Roundup Ready" by Monsanto). It is a terrible situation. We are organic...

Back on track, but ...(Country conversation & feedback)
September 1, 2006... COUNTRYSIDE: After a 15-year break in raising poultry, I am back on track. Things seem to be going well and I have obtained good stock--the best we can afford. We sell a few eggs for consumption at $1 a dozen and it helps with the feed bill. I...

Sell your eggs on eBay.(Country conversation & feedback)
September 1, 2006... COUNTRYSIDE: In response to the article by Rose Kern about what to do with goose (or duck) eggs, I sell mine on eBay to folks who do egg art. I get $1.50-$2 per egg and they ship well if packed in a box inside of another box. Duck eggs may sell...

Doom and gloom? Unlikely.(Country conversation & feedback)
September 1, 2006... COUNTRYSIDE: I enjoy my COUNTRYSIDE more than any other publication I receive. I learn many things and revisit old tried-and-true ideas. I grew up with parents who were always prepared. We lived through major floods, blizzards, earthquakes and...

Problems can be the same on both sides of the "pond".(Country conversation & feedback)
September 1, 2006... COUNTRYSIDE: Hello from England! I just had to write, having just read the latest issue. I can understand just how frustrating it is to have a partner who, no matter how hard you try to explain things or save money will just spend, spend,...

Diversity can teach us a lot.(Country conversation & feedback)
September 1, 2006... COUNTRYSIDE: One thing that I really enjoy about this magazine is that a lot of different people in different circumstances can share their experiences and advice, and readers can take it, leave it or tweak it just right for our own personal...

How do you make a dumb bull?(Country conversation & feedback)
September 1, 2006... COUNTRYSIDE: Do any of your readers know how to make a dumb bull? One of the Foxfire books talks about it, but it's apparently one I can't find. It's like a rawhide drum with a string attached to the hide, and pulling the string or otherwise...

Holistic approach to relieve pain.(Country conversation & feedback)
September 1, 2006... COUNTRYSIDE: I read with great interest the article on catnip by Eric Vought. I would like to ask your subscribers for any and all information regarding growing, harvesting, drying, preparation for tea, etc. I live with chronic pain and muscle...

Are President tomatoes extinct?(Country conversation & feedback)
September 1, 2006... COUNTRYSIDE: When I lived in Oklahoma in the 1980s, I planted a tomato variety called "President." They were wonderful, but I can't find that variety anywhere now. Anybody have any seed or know where to get some? Sure hope it isn't another...

Coming events.(Calendar)
September 1, 2006... Send your coming events to COUNTRYSIDE Editorial, 145 Industrial Dr., Medford, WI 54451 or e-mail csymag@tds.net. September 2, 2006 Virginia: The 3rd Annual ADGA Duffield Dairy Goat Show will be held at Duffield, Virginia at 10:00 a.m....

Achieving food independence on the modern homestead: Part 1.
September 1, 2006... The industrial food supply We are assured by our politicians, and leaders of the agribusiness and food industries, that the American food supply is the highest quality and the most nutritious in the world; that we Americans enjoy the...

Building and using a midwest solar food dryer.(Notes from the Northwoods)
September 1, 2006... Ideally we would get the majority of our food directly, from plant to mouth, as other animals do, with a minimum of fuss. It makes life a lot easier and is great when it happens--certainly a goal worth pursuing. But most of us live lives in...

Cider making a pressing concern.
September 1, 2006... Fall is the time to collect apples and roll out the cider press in anticipation of the first golden drops of autumnal tonic. It's been said that there's nothing like a gallon or so of fresh cider to clear the constitution. Making your own apple...

The lowndown on apples.
September 1, 2006... Did you know that Johnny Appleseed was born John Chapman on September 26th, 1774? He was known as Johnny Appleseed for spreading apple seeds all over Ohio, Michigan, Indiana and Illinois! Science Apples are part of the Rosaceae family....

Oatmeal recipes.(The country kitchen)
September 1, 2006... COUNTRYSIDE: Thought I'd share some of my favorite recipes for that pantry standby--oatmeal. It's not just for breakfast anymore! Oatmeal Bread 1 cup boiling water 1 cup oats, ground fine in blender or mill 1 pack yeast...

Butter pie crust recipe.(The country kitchen)
September 1, 2006... COUNTRYSIDE: A reader writes that "she hasn't found an accurate recipe on how to use butter for nice piecrusts." Here is the piecrust recipe I use with wonderful success: 2-1/2 cups flour 1 cup butter 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 egg...

Solar dried tomato pesto.(The country kitchen)
September 1, 2006... This works as a great spread on French bread or crackers as a simple snack, or mixed into your favorite pasta. It's so good, you'll want to dry all the tomatoes you can this summer. Makes about 1 pint. 2 cups dried tomatoes, packed...

Vinegar: did Granny Clampett know?(Homestead household hints)
September 1, 2006... Granny, character from the tv show 'The Beverly Hillbillies, knew all about potions and elixirs on "The Beverly Hillbillies." She could whip up a love potion or a poultice for a bellyache quick as you could say "pickled pig's feet." But, I...

The whole wheat experience.(The country kitchen)
September 1, 2006... We began grinding our own flour by chance, not design. We didn't start small either; we started with 10,000 pounds of hard red winter wheat. Our small family farm lay nestled in the rolling hills of western Wisconsin. When the late summer...

Let's talk bread.(The homestead kitchen)
September 1, 2006... Jack's Bread I learned to make this bread from my business partner, Jack, so I call it Jack's Bread. Jack is a very interesting man. As fine a man as I've ever met--honest to a fault--his word can be trusted implicitly. And if Jack said he...

Part II: what to do when nobody wants your product: if your home craft business fails ... blame the boss.(Your homestead business)
September 1, 2006... It's your dream, isn't it? To work at home. To not have to answer to anyone but yourself. No commute. Flexible hours. More time with your family. A home business can supply all of that, and more. We all go into business with stars in our...

Tire tech.(The machine shed)
September 1, 2006... The country life isn't easy on tires. Winter snow and ice, summer heat, road hazards, ruts, mud, dirt and gravel are common fare for a "working" tire. For those of us who live in the country, a good set of tires isn't just important, it's...

Boiling down your heating options.(Life on the sunny side)
September 1, 2006... It's nearing that time. Each passing day is perceptibly shorter than the day before, and that chill you feel in the early morning air is more than just your imagination. Before long the playful southern breezes will be outgunned by the stern...

Mining for trouble: Sago explosion demonstrates that fossil fuels cost human lives.(The case for alternative energy)
September 1, 2006... "O Excellent, I love long life better than coal" (W. Shakespeare paraphrase) ANONYMOUS Just several days ago, I did not expect to be writing this. I did not even have the time to wait until I had a new ribbon for my ancient typewriter...

Don't let your herd share agreement land you in court.(Homestead livestock)
September 1, 2006... As raw milk demand increases, more and more dairies are creating cow and goat herd share arrangements to satisfy the demand. It is inevitable that increased scrutiny by state regulatory agencies will come with the increased use of these...

National Animal Identification System: livestock owners won't take this law lying down: and an update from Mary Zanoni.(NAIS updates)
September 1, 2006... My husband was brow beaten and threatened when he got back to the states from Viet Nam after being shot, having agent orange dumped on him and having malaria all in Viet Nam. The army would not release him until he signed a paper stating he...

Big brother visits the barnyard.(NAIS updates)
September 1, 2006... My husband and I live in the poorest county in the State of Missouri. We have goats, sheep, pigs, geese, and chickens. We treat our animals in a very humane fashion, and occasionally, we supplement our diet with some of the offspring. We are...

They're about ready to throw in the towel.(NAIS updates)
September 1, 2006... COUNTRYSIDE: Your new issue came yesterday and I turned to the article on NAIS first thing. I wonder how many people have thought of everything that NAIS will interfere with. I for one am selling down to only a few goats that will give me my...

A reply to Mr. Slack.(NAIS updates)
September 1, 2006... COUNTRYSIDE: This letter is in response to the letter written by Glen Slack, NIAA CEO in the May/June, 2006 issue. Eradicating animal diseases, promoting a safe second wholesome food supply and improving environmental practices are...

A new approach to an old problem.(Livestock predator control)
September 1, 2006... When we first started raising game birds here at Oakwood Game Farm in the late 1960s, our state game and fish people were more than willing to provide us with drawings and installation instructions for capturing hawks and Great Horned owls as a...

Farm dogs: a competitive value in security systems and more.(The homestead dog)
September 1, 2006... "I'll take the white one with the gray face, over there," I pointed at the goat I wanted to buy. The farmer gestured and a medium sized dog sped into the corral. "That one," said Edie as she made another gesture. The dog watched her and...

Rainbow Cornish may be back on the market--now that there's interest.
September 1, 2006... After receiving numerous calls and e-mails about my Rainbow Cornish, I thought I should probably write to COUNTRYSIDE to clear up some of the questions. First of all, where were all of you people three years ago? The Rainbow Free Range...

Reduce waste with a nifty PVC feeder.
September 1, 2006... COUNTRYSIDE: Here is a picture of a PVC feeder that my husband made for me. The pipes are attached to a piece of wood, attached to the wall of the chicken coop. I feed grit in one tube and calcium in the other. It pressure-feeds itself down the...

Norwegian Fjord: the homesteader's horse.(The horse barn)
September 1, 2006... Like many people, I am trying to simplify my life. I want to become independent of fossil fuels, raise my own food and live with as little negative impact as possible. In pursuing this ideal I realized I needed a beast of burden to help with...

Mules grace this Wisconsin homestead.(The horse barn)
September 1, 2006... COUNTRYSIDE: I just wanted to respond to Danny Van Koughnet's article in the July/Aug 2006 issue of COUNTRYSIDE, "The History of Mules." Having owned and competed in long distance races (Endurance riding) with mules for a number of years, I...

Can technology and simplicity co-exist on a homestead? We received a lot of replies to this Question, and interestingly, roughly 90% of the responses were e-mailed! Here's what homesteaders have to say ...(Question of the month)
September 1, 2006... Modern technology on a homestead? Well, Heavens to Betsy! COUNTRYSIDE'S "Question of the month" for this issue regarding how, if, and to-what-degree modern technology fits into the homesteading lifestyle is an interesting one. While it most...

Journey to technology.
September 1, 2006... My favorite saying when technology screws up is "Ain't technology wonderful?" While I do poke fun at technology when it lets me down, I am a confirmed technophile. While I enjoy and use several of the new gadgets, I have my limits, and I am not...

What would the ancestors think?
September 1, 2006... As always, I read each issue of COUNTRYSIDE front to back several times before the next anticipated issue arrives! The question of the month in the July/August issue really caught my eye: technology on the homestead. I fall somewhere in the...

Cell phones wouldn't work here anyway.
September 1, 2006... After reading two different views on having the Internet on the homestead, I thought I'd put my two cents in. We do have the Internet in our home for several reasons. My husband uses the Internet to sell his fiberglass/latex molds that he makes...

Internet encyclopedia tickles his fancy.
September 1, 2006... Increased access to information has always been a challenge to human society. Reveled, feared, and ultimately regulated, it seems as each century passes we receive, process and seek the potential of each new level. I don't believe this progress...

Research inspires confidence.
September 1, 2006... We have a five-acre "homestead. We have most modern conveniences. (Growing up without running hot water, a flush toilet, or bathtub was enough for me!) The water, electricity, some plumbing, and major overhaul of this house we did...

Lots of "free" advice and ideas online.
September 1, 2006... Today, I just received my July/August 2006 issue of COUNTRYSIDE. (I really love this magazine--wish you would publish monthly.) I generally read the magazine from cover to cover, but I am a little angry over one of the first items I read and...

Does the Internet make us better people?
September 1, 2006... I realize this could be a very controversial topic being this may touch every area of some of our lives: our business, our vacation, our family, our friends, and our walk with God. I would like to say this is the answer of my choice. God...

A connection to the outer world.
September 1, 2006... One of the benefits (or some might call it a side effect) of living the homestead lifestyle is how much it teaches you about yourself. When we first began our attempt at homesteading, our dream was to be totally off grid, eating only what...

Computers: good for research, but not much else.
September 1, 2006... As far as I'm concerned, the less I am on the computer the better. It's such a time waster. I use it for research, requesting information and e-mailing a few friends and family when I don't want to talk on the phone for an extended period of...

It's just one of many tools.
September 1, 2006... My husband and I have two grown children, and are in our mid 40s. He works outside the homestead full time, and I am fortunate enough to be home full time. We are tied to the grid and have all the modern conveniences (fridge, stove,...

Computers save money on gas.
September 1, 2006... The computer, like many other things, can be an incredible tool for homesteaders. There are likeminded people. There is the chance to relay messages quickly. There is the ability to research. (I still have a wall of books but the computer...

Technology requires balance.
September 1, 2006... Regarding technology on the homestead, it became apparent to me many years ago that as much as I would like to be a recluse and live off the land that we are all co-dependent in some fashion. After much thought, I decided to strive for the...

Filth and crime are everywhere if you look hard enough.
September 1, 2006... Having just read Rev. Bruce Perron's letter concerning "Internet--Friend or foe?" I have to put in my two cents. Maybe it's because I, too, am a Baptist that I feel compelled to respond. Mr. Perron says he sees the Internet as the work of...

E-mail is nice, but can't replace human contact.
September 1, 2006... I have been a subscriber to your magazine for about two years now. Many times I have wanted to write about various subjects, having been moved by the many interesting articles published. Since I do have a computer, and am a decent typist, it is...

"High-tech" homesteaders.
September 1, 2006... We are definitely "high-tech" homesteaders. We keep goats for milk, and would like to keep chickens but so far there's nowhere to put them. No tv by preference; even before we moved out of the city a few years ago we hardly ever watched tv....

It's the spirit of homesteading, not the technology.
September 1, 2006... I have been reading COUNTRYSIDE as long as I can remember (I am almost 50). I have lived in town and I have lived in the country, I have raised, butchered, grown, canned, dried, smoked, tanned, chopped, split, burned, and I have gone to the...

Shopping on the Internet.
September 1, 2006... In answer to the Question of the Month "How do you handle technology," I thought about where my family fit in with technology. My family consists of my husband, four daughters (ages three to 10), and myself living on five acres where we are...

Living off-grid requires observation.
September 1, 2006... My son graduated from home-schooled high school this past June and left for college and surfing immediately thereafter. We joked about his departure on his last night at home. "You're just leaving because your grandmother has cable (tv),"...

Make friends all over the world.
September 1, 2006... First of all, let me say that I grew up in the 1940s, with no running water and learned to cook and heat with a wood cookstove. We basically were "homesteaders" since we raised and put up all our food from the garden and livestock pens. It...

Moderation is key.
September 1, 2006... I think the best way to handle the new technology is with moderation and common sense. I have a cell phone which I use for emergencies (which are rare) and convenience--but not to gab with someone for two hours. We have a computer, which we use...

Electricity makes homesteading easier.
September 1, 2006... Concerning the question of technology on the homestead, here s how my family and I approach it: Do we use electricity? By all means, yes! That's not to say we use it in overabundance. We live in a modest home with the usual compliment of...

Computer allows the freedom to work from home.
September 1, 2006... Technology, particularly the Internet, has enabled me to pursue the homestead lifestyle. Four years ago, I quit my full-time job of 12 years as the manager of a sports club. I had been slowly building my Internet business part-time for...

Technology is fine if it does no harm.
September 1, 2006... The first question I ask when considering to use any technology is, does it conform to human nature, i.e., can I live a humane life if I use this technology? Human nature doesn't change as technology changes. Man's needs today are exactly what...

Technology on the farm: can you plow from the barn?
September 1, 2006... WEST LAFAYETTE, INDIA--In the early 20th century, farmers wondered whether they should buy tractors equipped with new implement-op hydraulics became commonplace on farm machinery. Nearly 100 years later, farmers But today the equipment is...

Whittling twigs and branches.(The wood carver)
September 1, 2006... I would guess that most readers of COUNTRYSIDE magazine live in the country and have access to lots of small twigs and branches. I have enjoyed two small books by Chris Lubkemann of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Chris' parents were missionaries...

Last-minute thoughts on kerosene.(The wood carver)
September 1, 2006... COUNTRYSIDE: In the July/Aug. 2006 issue a reader asked if you could rejuvenate kerosene. He has K-1 kerosene, which is more refined and will last a long time, especially in sealed plastic containers. With kerosene, the biggest villain is an...

Remembering whose dream homesteading is.(Country neighbors)
September 1, 2006... One thing that I really enjoy about this magazine is that a lot of different people in different circumstances can share their experiences and advice, and readers can take it, leave it or tweak it just right for their own personal situation....

Self-reliance equals financial freedom.(Looking back)
September 1, 2006... It is only fair to warn the reader that I am a born and raised country boy, not a homesteader. For some, the differences may seem slight, but for others we'll be worlds apart. Let me start with just a quick background. My parents grew up...