Farm life

Dedicated to the challenges and good things about farm life. Living and working on your own homestead is a dream for many, but it comes with its own set of struggles.

We candidly discuss the demanding aspects of self-sufficiency, from the relentless physical labor and the unpredictability of weather to the perpetual battle against pests and the challenges of maintaining equipment. We’ll explore topics like time management, isolation, and the need for resourcefulness, offering insights and strategies for overcoming these obstacles.

Join us as we navigate the highs and lows, sharing stories, tips, and experiences from fellow homesteaders. Whether you’re considering the homesteading lifestyle or are already knee-deep in your own adventure. Our posts at times a humorous resource for addressing the challenges and celebrating the rewards of homesteading.

Tag Archive for: Farm life

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!

Farm Animals Make Life Better

02/01/2024/in American Guinea Hogs, Farm Animals, Florida Living, Nigerian Dwarf Goats, Nubian Goats, Poultry/by Kaitlyn

I am a frequent visitor to TnF Farms, usually about once a month for a few days. I have been visiting the last few years since Tim and Faith moved to Tallahassee to start their farm. I am no stranger to farm life, as I have had horses growing up, and I much prefer it over city living. During my visits, I help Faith with farm chores, lend a helping hand on projects, become a goat midwife, and get my much-needed farm fix. I have always had a deep connection with animals in general, but there’s just something inherently special about farm animals.

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.

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.