Embarking on a new chapter in life, we started our Florida Living adventure as empty-nester transplants from the Midwest. Wanting a change from the cold and snow we found our new home in the sunny state of Florida. Our journey has been one of both excitement and challenges. Filled with memorable outings around the state and the rewarding but demanding endeavor of starting TnF Farms as new homesteading farmers.
Moving from the Midwest to Florida brought about a significant change in our lives. Leaving behind familiar landscapes and the bustling pace of city life. We were drawn to Florida’s warm climate and the promise of new adventures. Being empty-nesters meant we had more time to explore the wonders of our new state.
We’ve embarked on countless outings to discover the beauty and culture of Florida. From its pristine beaches and lush nature reserves to vibrant cities and charming small towns. These experiences have allowed us to forge a deeper connection with our adopted state and create cherished memories along the way.
However, our journey didn’t stop at exploration and leisure. We embarked on the challenging path of starting TnF Farms. Our dream of becoming homesteading farmers. This endeavor has been a labor of love. Marked by a steep learning curve as we grappled with the demands of tending to livestock, cultivating a large garden, and managing a sustainable farm.
The challenges have been many, including the hurricanes, understanding the nuances of animal care and mastering the art of sustainable farming practices. Each day has been a lesson in resilience, adaptability, and the rewards of hard work.
Join us on our journey as we navigate the joys and challenges living the homesteader life. Explore the diverse landscapes of Florida, and building up TnF Farms on a plot in the rural woods of rural Florida. We look forward to sharing our experiences, the knowledge we gain, and the fulfillment that comes from embracing a life of adventure and sustainable farming in the Sunshine State. Together, let’s celebrate the beauty of change and the endless possibilities that come with each new chapter in life.
Florida’s diverse and warm climate provides an excellent opportunity for goat farmers to integrate fruit trees into their farms. When selecting fruit trees for a goat farm in Florida, it’s essential to consider not only the climate but also the nutritional benefits these trees can offer to the goats. Here’s a more in-depth look at some suitable fruit trees:
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.
Nubian goats are believed to be one of the oldest domesticated dairy breeds, and their history can be traced back thousands of years. Nubian goats trace their roots to North Africa, with historical significance in Nubia. The Nubia region is now part of Sudan and Egypt. Nubians are known for their distinctive characteristics and valuable contributions to the dairy and meat industries. The breed we know today as Nubian goats was from British does (female goats) being crossed with bucks (male goats) from Africa.
This is an extensive post, I will be covering:
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 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.
Walking into a small-town business like Porterhouse is always an experience. The door’s entrance bell dings when we walk in. A moment later, Fawzi stepped out from the back and with a sincere smile greeted us like friends. You just don’t get that in some random grocery store or even the specialty stores in bigger cities. We catch up from the last visit and make small talk for a while. Eventually, I made my way to the back of the store to check out his fresh cuts.
When we bought the property that is now TnF Farms, we saw that there were some mature fruit trees on the property. We thought they may have been pears. No, they were lemons. The first late fall harvest, we were pretty excited. The lemons were big and bright yellow. We cut into one and it was full of seeds. We tried a couple of others and they were very seedy. Then we tasted one and discovered it wasn’t pleasantly tart, but punishingly bitter. No amount of sugar added to this fruit would make lemonade, lemon curd, or lemon bars.
It’s soon 2024. Perhaps you’ve been living under a rock. Let me prep you before you emerge from ignorant bliss. Everything costs more. Too much more. For some items the pricing is ridiculous. I have been on the lookout for a livestock trailer. For months, I have cruised Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace and have concluded there are 2 kinds of used livestock trailers available in the open market right now:
Fort Clinch State Park is a Florida state park located on Amelia Island, in the northeastern part of the state. The park is known for its well-preserved 19th-century fort, Fort Clinch, and its beautiful natural surroundings. It’s a journey from TnF Farms but with great investment, comes great reward.
To our surprise, early this morning, she released her hostages. “Minnie” is a very stout female named for very short legs and when she’s not being instinctually protective of her babies, she is a sweetheart. Her past piglets have been very healthy and grow into muscular linebackers that integrate well into our herd. If you are interested in getting registered or unregistered piglets to start your own pig farm or to grow out, piglets should be ready for purchase as soon as mid-January of 2024. Please contact us to start the conversation of how you want your pig(s).