Have you always wondered about ways to make an income off of your homestead or small farm? Hopefully the MilkMaids can help you! Today we are talking about five different ways to make money off of your homestead, and these are not the type of ways you may think. If you had to pick one way to make money off your homestead, which one would you choose?
Our shoutout this week goes to Seed Mail Seed Co! Stefane is doing incredible things and uniting gardeners of all skill levels together over their love of gardening. You can check out her website here https://www.seedmailseed.co/pages/home and dont forget to follow her social media handles @seedmailseedco and @mint2grow. She also has a patreon at https://www.patreon.com/mint2grow
As always, you can reach us at
milkmaidspodcast@gmail.com
Weekly Resources:
https://www.smallfarmincomeideas.com/turn-waste-into-gold-by-selling-compost/
https://www.onlinelabels.com/templates/pre-designed/category/honey-label-templates
Tara tried to get us talking about literally anything else but worms after our parasite suite, but Steph simply wont allow it. Join us this week as we look at the benefit of worms and how we can use them to help our gardens. Vermicomposting is simple and can be done anywhere, even in your house!
This week, we are shouting out
As always, you can reach us at
milkmaidspodcast@gmail.com
Weekly Resources:
Worm Factory Stackable Bins https://www.amazon.com/Worm-Factory-WF360B-Composter-Black/dp/B002LH47PY
Uncle Jim’s Worm Farm https://unclejimswormfarm.com/order-stuff/composting-worms/?gclid=CjwKCAjwjZmTBhB4EiwAynRmD_A9cV-R_LnUZiRegzwb3UsOTDzhse71Fp6Y6X7rjrzrkEvr6N7QBxoCq40QAvD_BwE
https://www.planetnatural.com/composting-101/indoor-composting/vermicomposting/
https://lancaster.unl.edu/pest/resources/vermicompost107.shtml
The MilkMaids are TOGETHER! Tara visited Steph in Wyoming and we were finally able to record together. This is a fun episode talking about 6 popular pig breeds. We cover several conventional breeds as well as several heritage breeds- little something for everyone!
Our shout out this week goes to The Livestock Conservancy! Find and support them at https://livestockconservancy.org/get-involved/ways-to-give/donate/
As always, you can reach us at
milkmaidspodcast@gmail.com
Weekly Resources:
The Livestock Conservancy- https://livestockconservancy.org/heritage-breeds/#WhyDefine
Berkshire- Berkshire (britishpigs.org.uk)
Berkshire- https://www.berkshirepigs.org.uk/the-club/history-of-berkshire-pigs/
Yorkshire- https://www.britannica.com/animal/Yorkshire-breed-of-pig
Yorkshire- http://afs.okstate.edu/breeds/swine/yorkshire/
Hampshire- https://nationalswine.com/about/breeds/about-hampshire.php
Large Black- https://livestockconservancy.org/heritage-breeds/heritage-breeds-list/large-black-pig/
Kune kune- https://americankunekunepigsociety.com
Mangalista- https://www.royal-mangalitsa.com/_files/ugd/8d6388_d2bd9f3b243743d199771676792edc02.pdf?index=true
We’ve covered livestock parasites, now we are covering how to run a fecal float test on your own farm! We love doing these episodes to help you be in charge of your animal’s health. This episode covers everything you need to get started from the equipment you will need down to the nitty gritty details of how to perform a fecal test, and what the results actually mean.
Our shout out this week goes to Wild Coast Brew! Check out their products and of course the amazing artwork on their products at https://wildcoastbrew.com
As always, you can reach us at
milkmaidspodcast@gmail.com
Weekly Resources:
University of Rhode Island Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZQymZKe_hs
Holistic Goat Care by Gianaclis Caldwell https://www.amazon.com/Holistic-Goat-Care-Comprehensive-Troubleshooting/dp/160358630X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3M2RKHPZP7P6X&keywords=holistic+goat+care+by+gianaclis+caldwell&qid=1647981538&sprefix=Holistic+Goat+Care%2Caps%2C125&sr=8-1
Steph’s Microscope https://amscope.com/products/c-m200-ms-led
The topic no one asked for but the MilkMaids provided anyway! Before you even get your first farm animal, it is important to know about parasites. In this episode, we will break down internal and external parasites, the best protocol to have with your farm animals and your parasite management, what medications to use according to what species you are dealing with, and debunking some common ‘natural’ myths!
Our shoutout this week goes to Black Farmer Fund out of New York! You can find out all about them at http://www.blackfarmerfund.org and don’t forget to contribute to their cause utilizing Amazon Smile!
As always, you can reach us at milkmaidspodcast@gmail.com
Happy Milking!
Links
https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/about.html
https://www.texvetpets.org/article/zoonotic-parasites/
https://www.beefmagazine.com/animal-health/find-right-dewormer-your-cattle-herd
https://www.justagric.com/fenbendazole-for-pigs/
https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=100a32c0-3808-42e3-a07f-38e1ee78fbf4
https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=7cf8669c-c000-4645-962e-891946c0e54b
With spring calving right around the corner, its a great time to learn all about milk fever and ketosis. Both conditions can be life threatening, so being prepared is key. We cover everything from what is conditions are, how to spot the symptoms, potential treatment options as well as key prevention tricks.
*Disclaimer: We are not veterinarians. This information is for entertainment only. If you have concerns with your cow, contact your veterinarian.*
Our shout out this week goes to Pollennation! They are doing great things for our pollinators including making the worlds cutest seed lollipops! Check them out at https://www.pollennation4all.com
As always, you can reach us at
milkmaidspodcast@gmail.com
Weekly Resources:
https://www.merckvetmanual.com
https://www.amazon.com/Merck-Veterinary-Manual-Susan-Aiello/dp/0911910611
https://www.amazon.com/Cattle-Health-Handbook-Heather-Thomas/dp/1603420908
https://www.dairynz.co.nz/animal/cow-health/milk-fever/
https://extension.umn.edu/dairy-milking-cows/hypocalcemia
https://fyi.extension.wisc.edu/forage/getting-low-potassium-in-forages/
https://www.merckvetmanual.com/metabolic-disorders/ketosis-in-cattle/ketosis-in-cattle?query=ketosis
https://www.pbsanimalhealth.com/products/bovikalc-oral-calcium-boluses
https://countryfolks.com/farmers-can-treat-common-cow-ailments/
https://extension.psu.edu/examples-of-cows-at-various-body-condition-scores
Rena’s Drench https://familycow.proboards.com/thread/28171/
Join us this week as we discuss a MilkMaids favorite, Pollinator Gardens! If you are new to pollinators, tune in and hear about our favorite pollinators along with how you can help. So what is your favorite pollinator? Beetles? Please say it’s beetles.
Our shoutout this week goes to the Xerces Society! They are a science-based invertebrate conservation nonprofit that can help you get started with a pollinator garden so you can in turn help the pollinators! Check them out here- https://xerces.org
Show Links-
https://www.pollinator.org/pollinators
https://www.burpee.com/blog/the-basics-of-pollinator-garden-design.html
Butterfly Specific Information/Monarch Waystation: https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/Monarch_Butterfly/do/index.shtml#butterflygarden
Seeds for your area: https://www.xerces.org/pollinator-conservation/pollinator-conservation-seed-mixes
As always, you can email us at -
milkmaidspodcast@gmail.com
Let’s talk about those Livestock Guardian Dogs! Tara and Steph are fascinated by these big beautiful beasts and the purpose they serve in the farming and ranching industry. We do a short LGD intro and then dive into 6 of our favorite breeds!
Our shout out this week goes to Backyard Garden Seeds! We love supporting amazing small seed companies, and this one is truly a stand out! Check them out at Home and Garden | Backyard Garden Seeds
As always, you can reach us at
milkmaidspodcast@gmail.com
Weekly Resources:
USDA APHIS | Protecting Livestock from Predators
USDA APHIS | Livestock Protection Dogs
Akbash- Breed Standards : Akbash | United Kennel Club (UKC) (ukcdogs.com)
Akbash- Home | akbashclub
Great Pyranees- https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/great-pyrenees/
Great Pyranees- https://www.gpcaonline.org
Anatolian Shepherd- ://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/anatolian-shepherd-dog-history/
Kangal- https://www.kangaldogclubofamerica.com/breed-history-and-standard
Komondor- About The Komondor | Komondor Club of America
Maremmano- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maremmano-Abruzzese_Sheepdog
Kombucha has been all the rage in the homesteading world, and for good cause too! What is kombucha? Why brew and drink it? How? We answer all these questions and more. Get ready for your next obsession!
Our shout out this week goes to Permaculture Women’s Guild! This group is doing amazing things, providing excellent sources of information as well as free courses on permaculture! Their courses are offered on www.freepermaculture.com and you can also check out https://www.permaculturewomen.com where you will find a wealth of information.
As always, you can reach us at
milkmaidspodcast@gmail.com
-“The Big Book of Kombucha: Brewing, Flavoring, and Enjoying the Health Benefits of Fermented Tea” by Hannah Crum and Alex LaGory https://www.amazon.com/Big-Book-Kombucha-Flavoring-Fermented/dp/161212433X
-”Kombucha, Kefir, and Beyond” by Alex Lewin and Raquel Guajardo https://www.amazon.com/Kombucha-Kefir-Beyond-Flavorful-Fermenting/dp/1631599011/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=kombucha+kefir+and+beyond&qid=1643384142&s=books&sprefix=kombucha+kefir+and+%2Cstripbooks%2C173&sr=1-1
-”Kombucha Revolution” by Stephen Lee with Ken Koopman https://www.amazon.com/Kombucha-Revolution-Recipes-Homemade-Elixirs/dp/1607745984/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2OQWPJIN9NNCO&keywords=kombucha+revolution&qid=1643384207&s=books&sprefix=kombucha+revolution%2Cstripbooks%2C136&sr=1-3
-Youtube Types of Tea: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_PIfJgcWIo
-Stuff You Should Know: How Tea Works https://radiopublic.com/SYSK/s1!d13a8
It's that time of year for garden planning! We cover the, often looked over, basics that help to set you up for a successful season. From where to plant, how much to plant, and what to plant, to even sourcing seeds- we cover it all.
This week we are shouting out The Society of Inclusive Blacksmiths! They are truly inclusive with a mentor/mentee training program that is out of this world. Check them out at https://www.inclusiveblacksmiths.com
As always, you can reach us at
milkmaidspodcast@gmail.com
Resources: Here are some of our favorite seed companies!
-Lake Valley Seeds www.lakevalleyseeds.com
-MIgardener www.migardener.com
-The GOOD SEED Co www.goodseedco.net
-Seed Savers Exchange www.seedsavers.org
-Indigenous Seed Initiative www.indigenousseedinitiative.org
-Johnny's Select Seeds www.johnnyseeds.com
-I Grow Shit www.igrowshit.com
-Kitazawa Seed Company https://kitazawaseed.com/index.html
-Southern Exposure Seed Exchange http://www.southernexposure.com
This week join Tara as she talks with Marissa Lear Fortin from Springhill Heritage Farm about how she came into farming for profit and what that looks like for her balancing clinic nurse life and farm life along of what she plans to do for her farm in the future. Marissa and her partner are raising pastured chickens and pastured pigs while selling directly to consumers while also partnering with other farms in order to provide a variety of local farm goods.
Marissa brought her very own shoutout, Linda Black Elk, she is the Food Sovereignty Coordinator at United Tribes Technical College in North Dakota. Please consider donating to her so she can continue her very important work.
Don’t forget to check out Marissa’s mother’s page, Springhill Heritage Farm Quilts.
Links
This week is a timely episode as we encourage you to jump in on farm planning! This is absolutely applicable no matter your scale, from first time homesteaders to for profit farming. We guide you through our steps to help ensure our farm is successful, organized and well thought out.
Our shout out this week goes to Anne Bell of Wilder Creations! Her work is traditional, inspired, and truly stunning! Check her out at Wilder Creations | Facebook
As always, you can reach us at
milkmaidspodcast@gmail.com
Happy Milking!
This week, we spend some time in our homestead kitchens talking about bread! Making bread is such a romantic and self-sufficient skill that can also be quite intimidating. Not with this guide! Give it a listen and then get to kneading.
Our shout out this week goes to Willow Lane Hat Co! Not only do they have beautiful products, but they also have an amazing message. Check them out at https://willowlanehats.com
As always, you can reach us at
Weekly Resources:
https://manyeats.com/history-of-bread/
The Science Of Bread - Kitchen Geekery
How Baking Soda Works - Cooking Chemistry (thoughtco.com)
How Does Baking Powder Work in Cooking? (thoughtco.com)
Dough Scraper- Amazon.com: Amazon Basics Multi-Purpose Stainless Steel Scraper/Chopper with Contoured Grip, 6-Inch
“Cooked” Episode “Air” on Netflix
This week, we are talking about on-farm milk testing! It is so important to understand raw milk and the biology surrounding it to be sure you are consuming a safe product. The only way to do that is through testing, but the expense of lab tests add up. Not to mention the recent hassles with shipping and such. Having the means and knowledge to test your own milk on your own farm is such an amazing tool to have in your toolbox. We will be going through the entire routine.
If you haven’t already, be sure to check out our 2 part Raw Milk episodes. They will help form a full understanding combined with this episode.
As always, you can reach us at:
milkmaidspodcast@gmail.com
This week’s shout out goes to Toronto’s Black Farmers and Growers Collective out of Toronto, Canada. They are doing really amazing things, please check out their website at https://www.torontoblackfarmers.ca/
Weekly Resources:
In the News:
The Small Scale Dairy by Gianaclis Caldwell https://www.amazon.com/Small-Scale-Dairy-Complete-Production-Market/dp/1603585001/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=Small+scale+dairy&qid=1639336736&sr=8-3
CMT Test Kit https://hambydairysupply.com/cmt-test-kit-with-concentrate/
Incubator https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07VF42J9S/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1
APC Plates https://nelsonjameson.com/3M-PETRIFILM-Aerobic-Count-Plates-p2019.html
TC Plates https://nelsonjameson.com/3M-PETRIFILM-Coliform-Count-Plates-p2021.html
Sterile Water
1ml Pipettes
Quick Swab
Part two of intro to honeybees! This week we actually get into the act of beekeeping. First we cover the types of hives and equipment you will need. We help you choose, obtain and install your new bees. And lastly, we help you with a basic maintenance routine.
This week’s shout out goes to Bees4Vets in Nevada! How fitting, right? They are uniting bees and our veterans to create quite the symbiotic relationship. We love it. Find them at https://bees4vets.org
As always, you can reach us at
milkmaidspodcast@gmail.com
Weekly Resources:
https://honeybee.org.au/education/wonderful-world-of-honey/how-bees-make-honey/
https://hankeringforhistory.com/the-history-of-beekeeping/
https://www.museumoftheearth.org/bees/evolution-fossil-record
Bees Baby! Finally! This has been a highly requested topic and we are finally covering honey in this intro to bees, two parter! This week we are talking about the bees themselves and how they maintain and operate a hive. These creatures are beyond fascinating and deserve our respect. Tara sets us up for part two by giving us a fascinating dose of history on the act of beekeeping.
This week’s shout out goes to Bees4Vets in Nevada! How fitting, right? They are uniting bees and our veterans to create quite the symbiotic relationship. We love it. Find them at https://bees4vets.org
As always, you can reach us at
milkmaidspodcast@gmail.com
Weekly Resources:
https://honeybee.org.au/education/wonderful-world-of-honey/how-bees-make-honey/
https://hankeringforhistory.com/the-history-of-beekeeping/
https://www.museumoftheearth.org/bees/evolution-fossil-record
Join us this week as we talk all about providing your own protein on the homestead! This episode isn't what you expect it to be, its not a countdown of meats. As it turns out, there is a lot to protein, where it comes from and all of the wild ways to acquire it!
Our shout out this week goes to Southern Exposure Seed Exchange! They are a great company, preserving the variety in our veggies. Check them out at http://www.southernexposure.com
As always, you can reach us at
milkmaidspodcast@gmail.com
Weekly Resources:
https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/protein/
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/bariatrics/_documents/nutrition_protein_content_common_foods.pdf
This week were are talking about soap! Why? Well, because soap is an amazing option for utilizing all your amazing products that you produce on the farm. Enjoying homemade soap for you and your family is an amazing luxury. It is also a great value added product if you are a for profit farm.
This week's shout out goes to the amazing Salmon Sisters of Alaska! These women are amazing commercial fisherman with homesteading roots. Check them out at Salmon Sisters (aksalmonsisters.com)
Weekly Resources:
https://www.cnn.com/2021/11/17/americas/cow-rescue-in-flood-hit-british-columbia-intl/index.html
https://thenerdyfarmwife.com/books/
http://soapcalc.net/calc/soapcalcWP.asp
https://www.eocalc.com/enter-your-own-blend/
Grass fed beef vs grain fed beef, self explanatory, right? Turns out there is way more to this topic than you would think! We are covering everything from flavor and texture of the meat to management practices of the cows. Of course we also discuss labels, what they actually mean, and the future of grass fed beef.
Our shout out this week goes to Spider City Brewing of Bend Oregon! This women owned business puts out some amazingly inspired beers. Check them out at https://spidercitybrewing.com/home
As always, you can reach us at
milkmaidspodcast@gmail.com
Weekly Resources:
https://extension.psu.edu/grass-fed-vs-grain-fed-beef
https://www.mychicagosteak.com/steak-university/grain-fed-vs-grass-fed-steaks
https://www.mychicagosteak.com/steak-university/how-the-usda-grades-your-steak
