Wowzers, it’s been a homestead season of growing since we last posted! A lot has happened around here, and we’ve been busy—really busy. We’ve switched over most of the content from Backroads Homesteading and Harden Farm, importing all our podcasts and blogs into one place. This homestead update is a big step toward keeping everything organized and accessible, even if we’re still not completely sold on the layout. But hey, we’ll make do with what we have for now and keep tweaking things as we go along.
Table of Contents
Expanding the Garden and the Chaos Garden Experiment
One of the most exciting developments in our recent homestead updates is the expansion of our garden. We’ve been putting a lot of effort into this, and the results have been rewarding. Among our latest projects is the creation of a chaos garden. If you haven’t heard of this before, it’s essentially a garden where plants are allowed to grow in a more natural, less structured way. The idea is to let the plants support each other, creating a thriving, resilient ecosystem. Despite the lack of rain this season, our chaos garden is doing surprisingly well, which has been one of the highlights of our recent homestead updates.
A Major Mower Upgrade: The Hustler Super Z Hyperdrive
Another significant homestead update involves upgrading our mower. After much deliberation, we decided to replace our old, trusty Toro Timecutter 5000. That mower has served us well, but it was time to move on. After weeks of researching and almost settling on a Bad Boy mower, we ultimately chose the Hustler Super Z Hyperdrive with a 40hp Vanguard engine.
This was a tough decision, but it’s one of the most critical homestead updates we’ve made recently. The Toro, while reliable, just wasn’t cutting it—literally—on our 5-acre property. We found ourselves spending entire days mowing, using up more fuel and time than we could afford. The Hustler, on the other hand, is a powerhouse that will save us both time and energy in the long run.
The Purchase Process: An Important Homestead Update We were able to afford this upgrade thanks to our neighbor, Mike, who also needed a new mower. By purchasing two units, we qualified for commercial fleet pricing, which gave us a 27% discount. We bought from a dealer in Missouri to avoid the high sales taxes in both Arkansas and Missouri, which was a huge savings. This homestead update was not only a financial decision but also a practical one, allowing us to get the equipment we need without breaking the bank.
A Tool for the Future and a Lesson for Link This mower upgrade wasn’t just about keeping our property looking nice. It’s also an important homestead update for our son, Link, who has started mowing lawns for a neighbor. With a better mower, Link can take on more jobs and learn valuable lessons about work, money, and responsibility. Teaching him how to budget his earnings and take pride in his work is something we consider essential, and this homestead update is a big part of that education.
Building a Side Business: Ozark Lawn & Field
In one of our more entrepreneurial homestead updates, Mike and I have been discussing the idea of starting a side business called Ozark Lawn & Field. We’re thinking of offering services like haying, baling, milling, and of course, lawn and landscape work. This homestead update is particularly exciting because it’s not just about making extra income; it’s about strengthening our connections with other homesteads and farms in the area.
Why is this important? Because as we’ve mentioned in previous homestead updates, having a strong network of like-minded people is going to be crucial as times get tougher. We’ve already seen how much we rely on our neighbors for support, and expanding that network is key to our long-term survival and success.
Adventures on the Water with Jess and Link
On a lighter note, Jess and Link finally got out on the boat! This has been one of the more fun homestead updates lately. We’ve never had such a nice craft before, and the lakes around here are perfect for it. While it’s nothing too fancy, it’s just right for fishing, tubing, and spending quality time on the water. We still need to add a new Bimini top and some additional fishing gear, but those are minor details in this latest homestead update.
I was pleasantly surprised by how much Jess enjoyed the boat. She’s not usually one for big open-water adventures, especially in a smaller craft, but the lakes around here are just the right size for her comfort level. Our friends here also dive, so I’m hoping to get back into that and maybe do some spear fishing—something I haven’t done in years but would love to try again as part of our ongoing homestead updates.
What’s Next?
Well, that’s all for this homestead update. We’ve been up to a lot more, but I’ll save those stories for the next blog post. There’s always something happening around here, and I’m excited to share more of our journey with you. Thanks for sticking with us, and stay tuned for more updates in the near future!
Hey everyone, Ryan here from Backroads Homesteading, and I’m thrilled to share our latest adventure in upgrading our homestead’s infrastructure. Today, I’m diving into how we’ve tackled the daunting task of fencing – a critical project for any homesteader, gardener, rancher, or farmer out there.
Our journey began with the realization that we needed a more efficient, less taxing way to install fences around our property. Like many of you, we started with a manual post pounder, which, while effective, isn’t exactly a friend to your hands or your time. In our search for a better solution, we stumbled upon a game-changing tool that I had to share with you all: the Buckte T Post Driver and Puller.
This innovative system from Bucket Driver, based out of Oklahoma, caught our eye primarily because it didn’t have much in the way of reviews, and we were curious to see if it lived up to its promises. The setup is brilliantly simple yet effective. It attaches to the bucket of a tractor – and with a few adjustments to ensure the base is flat, you’re ready to go. This device not only drives posts into the ground with the tractor’s bucket but also allows for the posts to be pulled out, thanks to a clever mechanism that grips the T-posts securely.
We had some initial concerns about whether our tractor was up to the task, but the Bucket Driver system is designed to work with a wide range of machinery. A minimum of 20-25 horsepower is recommended, which means most tractors, skid steers, and even front-end loaders can handle this system with ease. And if you’re worried about compatibility, Bucket Driver has thought of that too – offering different brackets to accommodate various bucket thicknesses.
One of the most appreciated features of this system is its ability to adjust to the angle of the bucket, ensuring the post remains straight during the driving process. Additionally, the post puller feature is a game-changer for us. It’s an affordable, efficient way to remove old posts or adjust your fencing layout without additional equipment.
During our test run, we found the installation process to be straightforward. The included washers help level the bottom of the device on the bucket, but we found we didn’t need them. The device attaches securely to the tractor’s bucket, and its swivel feature is a real work-saver, accommodating posts facing any direction.
The true test came when we started driving posts into the ground. The recent rain had softened the soil, making our job a bit easier, but the Bucket Driver system proved its worth by significantly reducing the time and effort required to install each post. We spaced our posts about 20 feet apart, mindful of avoiding underground utilities (always call 811 before you dig!).
Another aspect we loved was the ability to repurpose old, slightly bent fence posts. This not only saved us money but also aligned with our commitment to sustainability. The Bucket Driver system allowed us to drive these recycled posts into the ground with ease, breathing new life into materials that would otherwise go to waste.
For those interested, we’ve included affiliate links. These links support our homestead at no extra cost to you. We bought this product at retail price, just like anyone else, and I must say, the investment was worth every penny. Not only does purchasing directly from the manufacturer save money, but you’re also getting a high-quality, American-made product with excellent customer support.
In conclusion, the Bucket Driver and Puller system has been a revelation for us here at Backroads Homesteading. It’s made our fencing project much more manageable, saving us time, labor, and resources. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to install or upgrade their fencing. It’s a stellar example of American ingenuity and manufacturing at its best.
Thanks for joining me in this post. If you found this information helpful, please like, share, and subscribe for more tips and tricks from our homestead to yours. Until next time, this is Ryan, signing off.
Protecting The Homestead
How to protect the homestead.
It’s another beautiful day, and as the sun rises, our thoughts are firmly on the future of our homestead. Our mission is clear: safeguard our fields, our animals, and our dreams. These lands are more than just dirt and grass; they’re the foundation of our livelihood and the promise of a sustainable future.
Protecting our homestead is an undertaking that demands our full attention and dedication. Our commitment to growing food, raising livestock, nurturing bees, worms, and enriching the soil forms the backbone of our daily lives. Yet, without proper protection, all our efforts could be in vain. The presence of predators and the constant challenge of keeping them at bay necessitate a robust defense strategy. It’s a reality that has led us to invest significantly in fencing, a decision not made lightly given its implications in terms of time and financial resources.
Our approach to safeguarding the homestead is multifaceted. We’re experimenting with a variety of tools and technologies, including a solar fence energizer and various types of electric fence setups. Our goal is to find the most effective solutions to protect both our livestock and our gardens. This includes the strategic placement of electric wires and the innovative use of physical barriers to deter deer, known for their tricky depth perception. By staggering fence lines, we aim to create a deterrent that keeps our strong local deer population at bay.
The challenges we face are not small. From managing a herd of 10 to 20 deer to clearing brush and barb wire, every task is a step towards a more secure and productive homestead. Our plans are ambitious, ranging from repurposing land for sheep pastures to relocating chicken coops closer to the farmstead, all in the pursuit of a well-protected agricultural area.
With the arrival of spring signaled by the geese heading north, we’re reminded of the cycles of nature and the importance of preparation. Clearing trees, dealing with underbrush, and setting up electric and barbed fences are all part of our daily rhythm. The introduction of technology, like the battery-operated chainsaw, has made these tasks more manageable, allowing us to efficiently maintain our land.
Beyond the physical work, there’s a significant emphasis on community and relationships. Whether it’s negotiating with neighbors for land use or envisioning agritourism opportunities, we understand that successful homesteading is as much about people as it is about the land. We’re looking forward to hosting interns, engaging with local students, and opening our doors to those curious about the homesteading lifestyle.
Our journey is a testament to the learning process, a constant balance of ambition and practicality. While we may dream big, we’re always ready to adapt, learning from each challenge and opportunity. Whether this homestead remains our forever home or a stepping stone to larger ventures, our commitment to sustainable living, community building, and environmental stewardship remains unwavering.
Thank you for joining us on this journey. Your support, whether through watching our videos, sharing our story, or subscribing to our channel, means the world to us. Together, we’re not just protecting a piece of land; we’re nurturing a way of life that respects the earth and fosters a sense of community.
Burning A Fence Line
We tackled phase two of our project: creating a burn line along our fence line. With the help of the Burnomatic – the ultimate torch, we initiated this process about a week ago. We strategically burned a path down the fence line, trimmed the grass short on both sides, and then, as luck would have it, the heavens opened up, drenching the area thoroughly.
The aftermath of the rain was perfect; the grass along our freshly burned line wilted away, leaving a clear path. We then ignited a controlled grass line fire, allowing it to slowly follow the pre-burned path. This method proved to be fuel-efficient, allowing the fire to consume the dead grass at a measured pace.
However, this isn’t a task for the faint-hearted or inexperienced. Controlled burns require a deep understanding of the environment and conditions. For starters, the grass needs to be short, the wind minimal and predictable, and the ground saturated from recent rains. The importance of monitoring the burn cannot be overstated – this is not a set-and-forget situation.
I strongly advise against attempting this without proper experience or guidance. In fact, partnering with knowledgeable folks or involving your local fire department is a wise move. Controlled burns, when done correctly, offer a swift means to clear fence lines but demand respect for the forces at play.
Our goal was to prepare the ground for our upcoming project – installing a seven-strand electrical fence. The burn line ensures that the base of the fence is as close to the ground as possible, ideally within a six-inch margin, to prevent any undergrowth from contacting the fence.
To sum up, burning a fence line is a practical, efficient method to clear vegetation, but it’s essential to approach this method with caution, knowledge, and respect for the potential risks involved. Work safe, and happy homesteading!
So, we found ourselves back at the dealership because our New Holland decided to throw a bit of a tantrum. This time around, the hydraulics were acting up. It’s almost like it was put together on a Friday, if you know what I mean! We were in the midst of laying down some waterline when the tractor, used by our pal Jason, started misbehaving, leaking fluid from the top of the cylinder. Turns out, it was leaking right at the weld seam!
You might remember, this isn’t our first rodeo with the tractor’s quirks. Last time, we grappled with a pesky distribution block, and to this day, our front bucket has a mind of its own, tilting forward even when we’re just idling. But hey, that’s life on a homestead for you!
Despite these hiccups, the importance of a solid warranty can’t be overstated. We invested quite a bit into our sub-compact New Holland, the perfect fit for our 5-acre operation. And guess what? That investment is paying off. New Holland’s warranty is nothing to scoff at, and the local dealership here in the Ozarks has been fantastic – quick and reliable in getting us back on track.
So, what’s the moral of the story? Stuff happens, especially with farm equipment. The more you use it, the more you’ve got to be ready for those unexpected twists. Having a good stock of spare parts and a bit of know-how can make all the difference for a thriving homestead.
