by Jenny Greskovich, Livestock Manager
Many people become inspired to start new projects in the spring. Garden centers bloom with plants and feed stores begin to fill with the chirping of baby chicks. It’s no wonder that new ideas begin to form when the outside loses its chill and the warmth of spring welcomes us again.
Most people don’t grow up on farms anymore and many think that the lack of farmland means they cannot delve into the world of agriculture. This is not the case—recently the concept of homesteading has grown in popularity, even in highly-populated areas that may lack space. Homesteading is a lifestyle centered around the concept of self-sufficiency—the ability to grow and maintain resources without depending on stores and other services to provide them. To be truly self-sufficient takes a great deal of time and effort, but more and more people are embracing “old school” practices that their ancestors lived off, even in the face of an ever-growing and technological world. Homesteading and agriculture go hand in hand and Farmpark offers information about many different projects that anyone can try.
How do you begin to homestead? There are many different things to try. Raising your own food is a popular project to begin with, including raising animals and gardening. Some homesteading ideas that we encourage involve raising bees, vegetable and fruit farming, and raising poultry, goats, and sheep. Although some projects require more resources and space than others, there is something for everyone within these popular homesteading ideas.
Raising poultry is a relatively easy way to begin your homesteading journey. There are a number of different kinds of poultry to consider, including chickens, ducks, turkeys, and guinea hens. The most important consideration is why you want to raise poultry: are you interested in eggs or meat? Once you establish your purpose, you can begin researching what would best fit your needs. Chickens are incredibly popular, and are usually easy to find. Be sure to know what types of breeds you are looking for, as laying breeds vary from market breeds. There are a few breeds of poultry that are dual-purpose, meaning they can be raised for both, which may be an attractive option for prospective homesteaders. There are also “miniature” chickens, called bantams, that also came in a variety of breeds and may be easier to raise in a limited yard area.
Raising bees can be rewarding because it offers honey and honeycomb to your list of self-sufficient resources and allows for a unique and interesting hobby. Be sure to research how to properly take care of bees, especially in the harsh Ohio winters. Bees can be raised in a single box in a yard or many boxes; be sure to consider how big you would like your bee project to grow! Those who raise bees can also enjoy the many benefits of beeswax, which can be made into a variety of crafts and useful items.
Raising sheep or goats can seem like a challenging feat but can also be very rewarding! The concept of using sheep and goats to forage and maintain yards is growing in popularity. Sheep and goats need more space to roam, but there are smaller breeds that are perfect to raise in a reasonably-sized yard. Be sure to research their nutritional needs and consider that their hooves must be maintained and that most sheep breeds must be shorn every year. We recommend choosing either sheep or goats to maintain yards because they have a tendency to share parasites between them when living together on pasture. Also consider the many other resources that sheep or goats could provide, such as wool and meat. Dairy goats can also provide milk for your family.
If animals seem like too much of a challenge or you are limited on space, produce farming may be the perfect project for you! Raising your own vegetables is a delicious way to get involved. If you have limited space, the concept of vertical gardening may appeal to you. Vertical gardening involves growing rows of plants stacked on top of one another instead of spreading out over a large patch of land. There are a variety of plants suitable for beginners—Farmpark’s Plant Science Center staff can offer plenty of tips and tricks to get you started!
As you can see, the concept of homesteading opens a world of unlimited possibilities. In addition to the benefits you can receive from raising your own food, you can enjoy knowing that homesteading can be healthier for you and the environment. Knowing exactly where your food comes from and what products were used on or in the food before consumption gives you great control. With livestock, it ensures you know the care that the animal received and can monitor their welfare throughout their life. In addition, raising your own food is much healthier for the environment, especially when considering how much time and energy go into transporting food across the country. Have you ever wondered how far your vegetables have travelled before reaching your supermarket? Think about all the energy required to transport an item from another state (or even another country!) to your table.
Farmpark staff is happy to offer advice about beginning your homesteading project! Stop by to learn more about how to begin your agricultural journey.