What Started as Being an Animal Lover Turned into Homesteading in Havana, Florida

Faith with a baby goat

Welcome to TnF Farms, where our passion for livestock and homesteading comes to life! In the scenic Panhandle region of Havana, Florida. At TnF Farms, we are dedicated to raising a diverse array of farm animals while embracing the values of sustainable and responsible homesteading.

Our journey revolves around nurturing and caring for a variety of farm animals. Each with its unique charm and significance. From our very animated small pigs (American Guinea Hogs) that provide us with their natural ability to clear the land of scrub and some of the best tasting pork. Our lively chickens that grace us with farm-fresh eggs, our animals are an integral part of our daily lives. We also have a soft spot for our curious Nigerian Dwarf goats that provide fresh, creamy milk to and we’re always excited to share their playful antics with visitors.

Always working towards self sufficiency

Beyond the immediate joy of caring for these animals, we have a commitment. Our commitment to homesteading is deeply rooted in our desire to live a sustainable and environmentally conscious lifestyle. We prioritize ethical and humane practices in animal husbandry. Ensuring our livestock is well-cared for and living their best lives.

Join us on our homesteading journey as we open our doors to fellow enthusiasts, nature lovers, and anyone curious about the charms of rural life. Whether you’re interested in learning about animal husbandry, sustainable farming practices, or simply relishing the tranquility of our farm, you’re welcome to visit and enjoy the TnF Farms experience.

As we share our experiences, challenges, and triumphs, we aim to foster a sense of community. We hope to inspire others to embrace the rewarding world of homesteading. From how-to’s on raising livestock to farm-to-table cooking featuring our fresh produce and goods, there are numerous opportunities to connect with us and learn about our way of life.

So, come and join us through our blog or stop in. We are just outside of the town of Havana, Florida. As we embark on this fulfilling journey of raising farm animals, nurturing the land, and cultivating a more sustainable future. TnF Farms is not just a place. It’s a lifestyle! We can’t wait to share it with you.

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.

Goat Friendly Florida Trees

01/22/2024/in Farm Animals, Florida Living, Homesteading, Nigerian Dwarf Goats, Nubian Goats/by Faith

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:

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.

Tips for Hobby Farm Success

01/03/2024/in Homesteading/by Jill

Transforming your hobby farm into a profitable business involves diverse strategies like selling produce, offering farm stays, and conducting workshops, all of which can sustain your passion and provide income. Essential steps include upgrading your marketing efforts and registering as an LLC for liability protection. This journey from hobbyist to successful entrepreneur symbolizes the rewarding transformation of turning a personal passion into a thriving livelihood.

2024 Dairy Goat Guide

01/01/2024/in Farm Animals, Florida Living, Homesteading, Nigerian Dwarf Goats, Nubian Goats/by Faith

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:

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.

Dairy Goats: Two Adorable Breeds

12/11/2023/in Farm Animals, Farmer's Market, Homesteading, Nigerian Dwarf Goats, Nubian Goats/by Faith

With the choices between Nigerian Dwarf Goats and Mini Nubian Goats, I couldn’t decide! So we have both kinds of goats at TnF Farms. If you’re trying to decide which of these gems is best for you, it boils down to personal preferences. Join us as we break down the differences between both breeds.

Growing lemons in Florida

12/09/2023/in American Guinea Hogs, Farm Animals, Florida Living, Homesteading, Nigerian Dwarf Goats/by Faith

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.

Building our Goat Tote

12/07/2023/in American Guinea Hogs, Farm Animals, Florida Living, Homesteading, Let's Do Something, Nigerian Dwarf Goats, Nubian Goats/by Tim

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: