We have put in our order for 2 sheep. They were born in March and will be weaned in late May or early June. We ordered them from a local organic farm and will be growing them out until September for meat. They should be about 100 lbs. by then. They should dress out to about 50-55 lbs of meat each and we will probably keep the pelts. The chickens will be done before that, most likely. I would like to have planned it so I could go to the butcher once, but chickens don't do so well in the heat of late July and August. We may decide to do the chickens at the same time, will have to see what comes this spring.
Lamb meat will be a great addition to our little homestead, and the cost is minimal since they eat mostly grass. Ruminants (cows, goats, sheep) do the best for meat production with minimal expenses. That leads us to the next step.
After milking Justin's cows a few times, and the kids getting used to having fresh milk, we have been talking more lately about keeping a dairy cow just for the family. I have no interest in selling anything or dealing with anyone else wanting our milk, but a family cow really has a ton of benefits. We use milk, make yogurt, kefir, and could make cheese also. Along with that, the excess and by products could help the other animals in weight gain and health.
We have figured the costs involved and the time and effort needed, and will not be able to have a cow this year or most likely next year. We will have sheep for meat and probably a calf for meat next year. By the time we are ready for a cow, Nathaniel will be 14, Virginia will be 7, and they can do much of the work involved. I can also milk, as can Sara.
The only major issue is that of needing to be on a fairly strict schedule. With a cow needing to be milked twice a day for 10 months out of the year, we would have to make sure we are home. While we may be able to get someone to relieve us in emergencies, I don't want to count on anyone but us. We would have a few months (most likely in the spring) that we would not need to be here and could travel away from home for the night if need be. We have only stayed the night away from here once in the past year or so, so this is not a big deal for us. We have a year at least to figure out the details, and welcome input from those who have experience. The great part about a milk cow is that we would get a calf each year that would gain weight well from mother's milk. We can keep the calf for veal, nursing on the mother, and let them live for about 3 months. I don't know if that is technically veal, or baby beef, but a nice tender and tasty meat.
So, with the expanded garden, chickens, lambs, and fruit trees being planted, we are on our way to being self sufficient. We are not there yet, and it will take years, but the 1 acre homestead is taking shape. We will produce twice as much meat here this year as last year, and 4 times the veggies, at least. Couple that with having more manure available to us, we should have a great year. There is much work to be done, but we love doing it, and the kids are good workers, too.
Well, that is it for today, but I am working on a Bible study that I will share soon. Hope all is well, may God richly bless.
Mark Cowperthwaite
1 acre homesteader
