Homestead on the Range

Abundant Living in Flyover Country

Exotic Livestock

5 Unconventional Draft Animals

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In the United States, oxen, horses, and mules are the traditional draft animals of choice. Donkeys are also common. But all of these animals tend to be rather large. What if you have a smaller farm to work? One option is to consider a miniature horse or donkey. Another is to try something completely outside […]

Getting Started with Livestock Part 2: Fencing & Facilities

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There really is no one right way to fence and shelter your animals. It’s a subject that will largely depend on your individual circumstances. But it’s also a subject that must be addressed, so here goes. Fencing What type of fencing and where to put it is going to depend a great deal on what […]

Getting Started With Livestock Part 1: Water

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When it comes to keeping livestock, the water supply of your land base can be a major limiting factor. Therefore, before you invest any money in farm animals, it is crucial that you take stock of your water situation first. Supply Let’s start by examining the water resources you have available: What water sources do […]

What are Animal Units?

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When extension centers and other information sources discuss stocking rates, they usually make their recommendations in acres per animal (or animals per acre, depending on the climate and the type of animal). For instance, you might read a factsheet that advocates 5 cow-calf pairs to the acre. There’s one problem with this method of calculating […]

8 Ideas for an Elk Business

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Often it is the novelty that first attracts people to the idea of raising elk. But those who do their research have the potential to cash in on a profitable enterprise. While starting an elk ranch will require attention to legalities, fencing, safe handling facilities, and the like, one of the first questions begged is—what […]