Like many today, we are “skipped-generation” farmers, ranchers, homesteaders...whatever we are called. We have no direct inherited knowledge or experience in agriculture or raising livestock. So, how are we doing this?
It wasn’t in the too distant past that farmers learned the trade from their parents, grandparents, great grandparents...
Carrie's grandfather and great grandfather grew up on a family farm using horse drawn implements early in his life. Eventually, her grandfather saw his skills of engineering filled a much needed void in the agricultural business, and he moved into corporate life.
While he and his generation still had farming in their blood, little of this way of life was passed on. In turn, my wife’s parents didn’t inherit many these "farm" skills to pass on to us. Carrie's dad had followed in the engineering path. Don’t get me wrong, they have taught us many valuable skills, but not the rhythm of farm life.
My grandparents and great grandparents were all coal miners- from West Virginia to Pennsylvania. My dad became an engineer, but always loved the woods. Growing up, he taught me how to use a tractor, safely use a chainsaw, and clear invasive plant species. But he didn‘t raise birds, livestock or develop pastures. His focus was on wild game and timber. Like many in his generation, family farms and how to operate them had been lost.
We therefore started this journey basically as first generation small farmers, drawing on limited inherited skills. We had no knowledge of land or animals and how we all supported each other.
It was our desire to raise healthy food for our family. We’ve experienced the benefits of organic and grass fed eggs, milk and meat- but wanted to make it sustainable for a family of nine. We also see great value for our property and the ecosystem in establishing biodiversity. And, it’s also simply amazing. There really isn’t any other way to describe being out in a pasture and hearing the birds, the ducks, chickens, bees, sheep, cows, horses— while also knowing that they all benefit from each other.
So, we started learning via trial and error, Facebook groups, YouTube clips, movies, books and more books. We followed experts like Polyface Farms, and purchased book after out of print book on the subjects. We frequently take drives and look at different farm systems, fencing, watering, and composting. But, that only takes you so far.
When we really started learning and growing is when we connected with community. This is when we truly felt like we were becoming capable to do this ourselves. We have been extremely thankful for a few friends and cousins which have background in raising animals. This group is critical in helping us through the trials and learning the ropes.
Specifically, we’re thankful for the shepherds (The Rocks) and ranchers (Buckthorn Ranch) that first invested in us and trusted us with some of their sheep and cattle. They’ve allowed us to tour their farms to learn and ask questions. They have visited our farm in turn to check how their animals are doing on our land. They’ve responded to text messages which would be completely illogical to anyone else to check on animal health (eyelid color, etc). They’ve provided guidance on everything from pasture preparation to fencing. They do this because they love and care for their animals that became our starter flocks/herd. But they also do it because someone helped them get to where they are. We are incredibly thankful for the support and help that they provide.
We have also been blessed with such knowledgeable sheep shearers and farriers who have encouraged us and helped us learn even more about our animals and land. People have gone out of their way to teach us the art and science of animal husbandry, walking us through birth complications and improving the health of our animals. This knowledge was completely new to us. Slowly, though, it is becoming a rhythm and a way of life.
Because we understand how difficult it is to start on our own, we want to provide this support for others. We definitely don’t know everything, but we’ve learned a lot over these few years. We welcome those of you starting your homestead or family farm to ask questions- or better yet visit and see the small-scale operations and experience what has and hasn’t worked for us. :)
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