Ditch The Store

Week 3 Off-Grid Heating and Cooling - Brief introduction to the episode's main topic: Off-Grid Heating and Cooling. - importance of off-grid heating and cooling solutions for sustainable living and self-sufficiency. Insulation and Energy Efficiency in Off-Grid Homes 1. Importance of insulation and energy efficiency in off-grid homes. 2. Types of insulation materials suitable for off-grid (e.g., ba...

Week 2  Off-Grid Water Collection and Sewerage - Brief introduction to the episode's main topic: Off-Grid Water Collection and Sewerage. - Overview of the importance of off-grid water solutions for sustainable living and self-sufficiency.   Exploring Rainwater Harvesting Systems What is rainwater harvesting and how does it work? Benefits of using rainwater harvesting systems on the homes...

Off-Grid Homesteading  Week 1  Solar Power Solutions - Brief introduction to the episode's main topic: Solar Power Solutions for Homesteads. - Overview of the importance of solar power in achieving off-grid living and self-sustainability.   Introduction to Solar Power on the Homestead What is solar power and how does it work? Battery versus grid feed Benefits of using solar power on...

This episode discusses the death of animals , if this upsets you please speak to someone, family or friend for support. If you are uncomfortable speaking to them please speak to a support service in your area. The realities of homesteading and farming mean that you will have to deal with animal death regularly, and if this is not something you, or anyone living with you, can manage then my ve...

Realities of Rural Living - Episode 60 Before women make the transition to rural living, whether in Australia or the United States, they must consider several realities of rural life: Isolation: Rural areas can be isolated, with fewer neighbours and limited access to amenities and services. Women should assess their comfort level with solitude and consider how they will maintain social connections...

Week 5 of Goat Keeping 101 Episode 59 Breeding Terminology first Doe or Nanny Billy or Buck Doeling or Buckling or Kid Wether First Freshener Single or Multiple Lactation Gestation How to Manage Breeding and Kidding Why do you want to breed? Or should I just have wethers A doe of breeding age and suitability Keeping a Buck or using another breeders buck AI or a Buck Running Bucks with the herd Ges...

Title Week 4 Nurturing Your Goats Health, Nutrition, and Preventative Care Welcome back to our homesteading journey, where each week brings us closer to mastering the art of goat keeping! This week, we delve into the critical realm of health, nutrition, and preventive care for our beloved caprine companions. So, grab your notebook and let's ensure our goats are thriving in every way possible! Iden...

Week 3 Milking Goats Milking Equipment and Supplies - Introduction to Essential Milking Equipment Discussing the importance of tools like milking stands, milking buckets, and teat wipes for a smooth milking process. - Emphasizing Cleanliness and Sanitation Explaining the critical role of hygiene in maintaining milk quality and preventing contamination. - Choosing the Right Supplies Offering guidan...

  Goat Keeping 101 Part 2 Choosing the Right Breed for Your Homestead - Factors to Consider We'll delve into factors like space, climate, and your personal preferences to help you select the perfect breed for your homestead. - Tailoring to Your Homestead Whether you're starting small or aiming for a larger operation, we'll discuss how different breeds fit into various homesteading scenarios....

Episode 54 A Beginner's Guide to Goats Part 1 Introduction Welcome to the first installment of our three-part series on goat keeping for women new to homesteading! In this week's guide, we'll dive into the exciting world of goats, exploring breeds, dispelling common myths, and laying the groundwork for successful goat ownership. Whether you're dreaming of farm-fresh milk, luxurious fibre, or simpl...

Interview with Lana Salant from the Ethical Omnivore Movement You can find Lana at  https://www.ethicalomnivore.org/ or on FB https://www.facebook.com/Ethicalomnivoremovement And I'll post links once the book is out.  

Food Security As middle-aged women embarking on the journey of homesteading or farming, it's crucial for us to delve into the realm of food security. Many of us envision ourselves producing ample food to sustain our households and perhaps even selling surplus goods at local farmers' markets or setting up roadside stalls. However, what often goes unnoticed is the significant influence of supermarke...

DIY Projects Living a self-sufficient lifestyle means recognizing that every dollar saved is a dollar you don't need to earn. It's simple math: the less you spend, the less you have to make. Yet, many people overlook this concept and continue to spend unnecessarily on things they could easily do themselves. That's why I'm a big fan of DIY projects. Here on the farm, there are plenty of tasks we co...

Homestead Crafting Homesteading is like a treasure trove of possibilities – it's not just about tending to your garden or raising animals. It's a whole lifestyle, and guess what? A lot of it starts right in your kitchen! The real magic of homesteading is cutting back on what you need to buy elsewhere. If you can make it on your farm, you're not just saving money; you're also sparing yourself those...

Sustainable Homestead Kitchens The Basics of Homestead Kitchens Homestead Kitchen Essentials : Essential pantry staples for a self-sufficient lifestyle. Beeswax wraps,  Explanation of what constitutes a homestead kitchen. Emphasis on the self-sufficient and frugal aspects.   Basic tools and equipment for a well-equipped homestead kitchen . Thermo, slow cooker, pressure cooker etc Essenti...

Gender Issues   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJhndRR4vF0   Immigration - Roy Beck    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPjzfGChGlE Climate Change  Professor William Happer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2nhssPW77I Raw Milk https://www.mojohomestead.net/podcasts/not-the-farmers-wife-2/episodes/2148160617 Animal Based Farming   https://youtu.be/vpTHi7O66pI?si=WA...

Homestead Budgeting for the Year E47 Introduction: - Well, homesteading is definitely a way of life we also have to consider the fact that if we intend to do it full time and not work in a paid wage job during the day we need to earn an income. many years ago I used to be very embarrassed and very nervous about asking people for money for goods that I was supplying off. I no longer have that probl...

Podcast Episode Summary: Animal Care and Maintenance In this episode, we dive into the essential aspects of Animal Care and Maintenance for a thriving homestead. Here's a sneak peek into the key topics covered: Upcoming Events and Resources - A noteworthy course is on the horizon, scheduled for February, covering vital aspects of animal care. - A webinar is also in the pipeline, exploring either c...

Strategic Livestock and Crop Planning - Show Notes Breeding and Mating Cycles - Define Breeding Goals: -Diversification:Encourage homesteaders to diversify breeding goals beyond productivity, considering traits like temperament and adaptability. - Market Alignment: Discuss aligning breeding goals with market demands to optimize returns on livestock investments. - **Prepare for Mating Seasons:** -...

Yearly Overview Holistic Homestead Calendar - Emphasize the importance of creating an annual calendar. - Integrate breeding cycles, planting schedules, animal care, and maintenance tasks. Prioritization Techniques - Identifying and prioritizing tasks based on urgency and importance. - Using tools like Eisenhower's Urgent/Important matrix. Creating a Homestead Calendar - Developing a yearly, monthl...

Pre-Holiday Garden Maintenance: Before you embark on your homestead holiday, giving your garden a little extra love can go a long way. Here's your guide to pre-holiday garden maintenance. Pruning and Weeding: Trim back any overgrown branches and tackle those persistent weeds. This not only beautifies your garden but also reduces competition for resources. Mulching for Moisture: Apply a generous la...

Homestead Holiday Guide - Animals   Finding Reliable Caretakers: Finding trustworthy caretakers for your animals is a top priority when planning a holiday away from your homestead. Here are some tips to ensure your animals are in good hands.   Reach Out to Fellow Homesteaders: Homesteaders understand the unique needs of caring for animals. Connect with local homesteaders who may be avail...

Importance of Planning Ahead: Now, we all know that homesteading requires careful planning and dedication. Planning ahead for a holiday is no exception. The key here is foresight and organization. Start by assessing your typical daily and weekly tasks on the homestead and identify what can be done in advance. I like to have systems in place for everything, from feeding animals, to making bread and...

The Not-So-Glamorous Side of Prepping 1. Exaggeration and Extremism: - We might get accused of having a penchant for Doomsday scenarios, but we prefer to call it 'imaginative preparedness.' No harm in being ready for the unexpected, right? - Sometimes, being a little extra with preparedness means we're just taking a proactive approach to life's uncertainties. - Tinfoil hats might not be our go-to...