Homesteading

Pigs can make for wonderful livestock, but I hear lots of beginning homesteaders turn them down because they can be a… intimidating. Pigs have a reputation for being messy, destructive, and of course, very smelly! These points have merit, but they aren’t insurmountable. And besides, you haven’t even heard what pigs can do for you! … Read more

Sheep would have to rank among the most common grazing animals in the world. They are extremely versatile and adaptable and are raised for wool, meat, skin and milk. Raising your own sheep is an extremely enjoyable experience, as well as an excellent way to keep the grass down, turn your weeds into clothing and … Read more

Goats are perfect animal to have on a survival homestead. Even if you live in suburbia, you should have enough space to keep a Pygmy or Nigerian Dwarf goat – they are not any larger than a typical family dog. There are approximately 200 different breeds of goats. A goat will provide the family with … Read more

The sight of jars stacked in neat rows redolent with the taste of summer bounty will be inspiring for those who want to start canning their produce for their survival stockpile. Before your start, though, there are a few mistakes to avoid if you want flavorsome, tip-top quality canned goods through the winter. 1) Using … Read more

Ducks are very resilient to cold. They can tolerate snow quite well because they have natural insulation in their bodies that help them keep warm. They have a thick layer of fat underneath their waterproof down feathers that helps them ward off the cold wet snow and rain. Is this a guarantee that your ducks … Read more

Raccoons are adorable and charming, but only when you’re looking at them on the Internet or over in your neighbor’s yard. Raccoons that get on your property are invariably going to be a giant pain in the you-know-where. They are experts at breaking into trash and stored feed, can be aggressive, and if they get … Read more

Some of the most persistent pests that you’ll have to deal with in the suburbs or out in the country are raccoons. Yeah, I get it: They are definitely cute and charming, but you won’t think they are quite so appealing when you have to pick up shredded bags of trash off your driveway at … Read more

Raccoons are definitely some of the coolest and most interesting animals out there, but only if they aren’t causing problems on your property. They are relentless break-in artists when it comes to garbage cans, pet food, chicken coops, and more and if you get a large troop of them hanging around you’re bound to have … Read more

If all you know about raccoons is what you’ve learned from internet videos of them acting adorable, you’re in for a rude awakening when they start hanging around your house. They can break into your trash, infiltrate your attic, and generally make themselves a complete menace. They also carry a variety of diseases that might … Read more

No matter who you are and where you live at some point in your life you have probably had to move something heavy, or several heavy somethings. Depending on your job and lifestyle, you might be moving heavy loads on the regular with or without the assistance of machines to help you. You are not … Read more

One of the best ways to preserve fresh fruit is by air-drying it. This process removes most of the water from the fruit, which helps to prevent spoilage. It also concentrates the flavor and nutrition of the fruit, making it a valuable addition to your food storage plan. Whether you’re air drying vegetables, fruits, meat, … Read more

Preparing for a long-term survival situation, or just a massive downturn in society, means accumulating the right gear, supplies, and provisions. The one provision that most of us are predominantly preoccupied with is food, and with good reason. You might be able to go without food for weeks and still survive, but slow starvation will … Read more

Root cellars used to be the residential standard for storing food long term prior to the advent of modern refrigeration technology. With increasing uncertainty about the status of modern society and especially utilities, root cellars are making a comeback in prepping circles. But what all can you store in a root cellar? Root cellars are … Read more

For some, living off the land is a far-fetched dream that would be great if it happened, but seldom does. For others, it is a reality and a rewarding experience both mentally and physically. With the advent of modern society, we have become accustomed to convenience and amenities that are accessible to everyone. Inquisitive and … Read more

Activated charcoal is a substance that is wondrously effective at absorbing even trace amounts of other materials. From the air, from the water, it does not matter. This is why it is such a fixture in all sorts of filters, but also when used as medicine to reduce or eliminate the accidental ingestion of certain … Read more

Household and homestead water conservation is a big deal to preppers, and definitely one of the pillars of self-sufficiency. Water is an incredibly precious resource that most of us take for granted, and especially when trying to survive a long-term societal collapse you’ll have to make the best use of resources possible. One term you’ll … Read more

We might enjoy all of the many varieties of modern heating systems, but for off-grid homesteads an emergency backup heat it is hard to argue against, be it for an open, traditional fireplace, or a dedicated wood burning stove. But if you want to get ready to withstand winter with wood heat alone, you are … Read more

A confluence of events here at home in the United States, influenced by domestic and global factors, has raised the ever-increasing possibility that we could be heading into a second, major food crisis. It goes without saying that any existential or practical shortage of food will have dire implications for the health and well-being of … Read more

When the weather turns cooler, those of us who rely on wood for heating will have much to do. Even if you are planning only the occasional summer cookout, fall bonfire or cheery winter gathering around the fire pit, you will need lots of firewood. But, chucking logs and sticks into your stove, fireplace or … Read more

The humble refrigerator is the most taken for granted appliance in America. this ubiquitous contraption that runs day and night in kitchens all across the nation holds our leftovers, our veggies and our dairy products, all kept cold, fresh, and safe to eat. Naturally, it is almost unthinkable that you might be forced to go … Read more

Tallow has a plethora of survival uses, including ones that may be naturally healing. Tallow, like lard, is a pure form of animal fat. Making use of all parts of an animal you are harvesting should be a key component of any survival plan. Learning how to effectively use tallow will help preppers achieve that … Read more

Chickens are perhaps the perfect survival livestock because they are inexpensive to purchase and raise, reproduce quickly, and can be raised virtually anywhere. Raising chickens as part of your survival plan offers a myriad of benefits – but only if you can keep the birds alive, safe, healthy, and producing. Learning how to hatch chicks … Read more