Florida Panhandle Homesteader

About Tim

Trying to have as much fun as possible with life! I'm originally a sales engineer from the upper Midwest. My wife and I relocated to the Florida panhandle to homestead away from the snow and cold. We started TnF Farms as a hobby to sell the excess food we produce.

Entries by Tim

Boneyard Beach Big Talbot Island

02/25/2024/in Florida Living, Let's Do Something/by Tim

Boneyard Beach is a picturesque and unique natural attraction located approximately 30 miles from Jacksonville, Florida. It’s not a single, specific beach, but rather a term used to describe certain sections of shoreline in the area that have bleached skeletons of oak trees that lining the beach, giving it the appearance of a boneyard. Boneyard Beach is infamous for its hauntingly beautiful landscape, characterized by this presence of weathered, sun-bleached tree skeletons, driftwood, and other debris that has washed ashore.

Benefits of Bats

02/12/2024/in Florida Living, Homesteading/by Tim

Often when people think of a farm and non-human helpers, the farm dog comes to mind for protecting livestock and companionship. Honeybees are certainly play their role in pollination. Yet, there’s another unsung hero quietly working its magic in the shadows: the bat. Bats are commonly misunderstood creatures that play a vital role in agricultural ecosystems. They offer a plethora of benefits that are often overlooked. I was watching the bats working above me the other night, so let’s talk bats and their contributions made to farms worldwide.

Retro hit: Intelligent Qube

02/08/2024/in Let's Do Something, Uncategorized/by Tim

I’m so old, I started out on a ColecoVision which had an expansion that played Atari 2600 games. I later moved up to the 8-bit Nintendo Entertainment System featuring Rob the Robot and the Zapper gun. Much to my frustration, the Zapper never shot that dang dog that laughed at me in Duck Hunt. I had a Sega Genesis in college and later the original PlayStation. All my gaming consoles have been sold, traded, or broken except for my PlayStation.

I found a website that features online games of the classics. It’s been a while, but I can barely make it to stage 2 playing through my browser with a keyboard and mouse. If I break out IQ on my PlayStation, you’re toast!

Mother Nature’s Mood Swings

01/25/2024/in Florida Living, Havana, Florida/by Tim

Well, well, well, dear readers, it seems Mother Nature has again decided to turn our lives into a weather rollercoaster. Buckle up, because this cold snap and incessant rain have become the latest additions to her repertoire of mood swings. Who knew Mother Nature had a sense of humor? Or is this just her way of telling us to invest in a lifetime supply of waterproof everything here in Florida?

Should You Grow Ryegrass?

01/20/2024/in American Guinea Hogs, Farm Animals, Homesteading, Nigerian Dwarf Goats, Nubian Goats, Poultry/by Tim

Beyond its role as a forage crop, rye grass plays a crucial role in environmental conservation. Its ability to prevent soil erosion, particularly on slopes or vulnerable terrain, has made it a preferred choice for cover cropping. As a cover crop, ryegrass forms a protective layer over the soil, reducing the risk of erosion and promoting soil health. Additionally, its quick growth makes it an effective ground cover in lawns and pastures, providing an aesthetically pleasing green carpet. Whether utilized for livestock feed, erosion control, or ornamental landscaping, ryegrass stands out as a resilient and adaptable grass species with multifaceted benefits.

Benefits of Barn Cats

01/18/2024/in Farm Animals, Homesteading/by Tim

When we moved into our current homestead and started TnF Farms, both of us were surprised by how common rodents were outside. We had some ground activity that seemed consistent with moles or voles near our house. The locations where we kept livestock automatically attracted rodents like field mice and rats. For the most part, I’m a live-and-let-live kind of person when it comes to wildlife. I usually try for the most natural approach or give nature a little time to find the balance. We do have our fair share of earth snakes, oak snakes, and black racers on our property. They certainly did their part to control the rodents. But cats turned out to be the game changer. Click to find out our story.

Tomahawk Steak from Porterhouse

01/06/2024/in Foodies, Havana, Florida/by Tim

Faith had other evening plans. It’s been a long week and the year is about to wrap up. I think I deserve a little something special for dinner. Porterhouse Meat Market had some great choices in their fresh cuts. My job has taken me all over the country and the world. I’ve eaten some amazing steaks, but I’ve never had a Tomahawk steak in my entire life. Tonight is going to be the night I prepare one and eat it.

Super easy beer bread

12/28/2023/in Foodies, Let's Do Something/by Tim

Long ago, I was at a gathering hosted by a great friend of mine named Rob and his wife, Laura. She had this amazing almost cake-like bread served with a garlicy-herb dip. I was hooked after the first chomp. This bread was moist, rich, and had a wonderful “chew”. Laura revealed that I loved “beer bread”. Beer bread was a new concept for me. If you don’t consider yourself much of a baker, beer bread can make you look like a refined, baking champion. Check out our post on making a very easy bread that is amazing!

St George Island

12/24/2023/in Florida Living, Let's Do Something/by Tim

We have the philosophy of work hard, play hard. Since it was a nicer day, we decided to take our Christmas spirit to St. George Island. This small island is an easy drive from our homestead, located just off of the forgotten coast. Many visitors come to St. George Island simply to unwind and enjoy a peaceful, laid-back atmosphere.

Ranching in the Sunshine State

12/18/2023/in American Guinea Hogs, Florida Living, Homesteading/by Tim

Ranching in the state of Florida holds a unique and enduring place in the history and culture of the Sunshine State. Florida’s ranches have a rich heritage dating back centuries and continue to play a vital role in the state’s agricultural and economic landscape. Let’s look into the fascinating world of Florida ranching, from its historical roots to its modern practices, while also exploring its economic significance, cultural impact, and the challenges it faces.