These 2 Homestead Animals PRODUCE MORE FOOD Than ANY OTHER

Рет қаралды 35,143

5 жыл бұрын

If you are homesteading to feed your family, these 2 animals will give you more food than any other!
If you have a homestead that is focused on feeding your family, and you have enough room and pasture to keep one happy... You should get a family milk cow.
No other animal can produce so much food, both meat and dairy products, and off of just pasture grass!
If you are feeding a large family, one jersey can yield a gallon or more of milk a day off of good pasture. That cow can be crossed with an angus or hereford to produce a nice beef calf.
Now from your fields behind your farmhouse you are producing milk daily for your family, which can be turned into delicious cheeses, yogurts, and other dairy products. And at the end of the season you can take your beef calf and have veal made, or you can grow the calf for a longer period of time to get beef in the freezer.
Believe it or not, beef calves are not the best choice (imho) for growing meat.
A beef calf can take a year to multiple years to finish. That is a long time for me to wait for steaks on my grill. Thats why in addition to adding cows to your homestead, I think every homesteader looking to feed their family should raise pigs.
Pigs are an amazing way to put hundreds of pounds of amazing farm fresh meat in your freezer in less than 6 months.
I always suggest that if you have never raised pigs before, you start with raising feeder pigs. Feeder pigs are piglets purchased at 8 weeks old. They are weaned, and should have their shots done and the males should be cut (testicles removed).
That means when you purchase feeder pigs, the only work you need to do is feed and water you happy pigs, and give them a nice place to run around.
In less than 6 months time you will have a freezer full of the best bacon, ham, sausage and steaks you have ever had.
Feeding your family from your land is an awesome feeling, and if you are trying to do that look into adding a few pigs and a couple cows to your family farm.
You will never eat better.
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Пікірлер: 127

@maryellen6153 4 жыл бұрын

Self-sufficiency is a very modern idea. Historically, America was not built by self-sufficient homesteaders. Community was extremely important. Among a small farming community, each household can produce some specialty that other households may need. Things like a bull for breeding services. The ability to process wool into yarn or usable cloth. This specialization frees us up tremendously to be able to do a better job at what we are good at. And the whole community profits greatly. Not only does everyone get better quality goods and services they may need only occasionally... but friendships develop, pulling people together. Which humans need to survive.

@Wilddaisyhomestead 5 жыл бұрын

Just got my first little flock of chickens, we grow fruits - apples- peaches - black berries - raspberries- lots of different herbs and spices- carrots- potatoes -squash - tomatoes and some other things like that. Not using the chickens for meat, just eggs. I am able to get beef from some of the rural farmers that live in this little town. So far from owning my own little farm, but I m slowly working towards it. It's a great life and getting better everyday and we are gaining ground every year.

@kumara5492 4 жыл бұрын

Awesome. That's exactly what I am planning to do this year. Raise millets, vegetables and some ducks for eggs on a 6 acre land, as a hobby farmer.Can you please suggest what breed of ducks or chickens good for eggs ? Thank you,

@addieanderson2043 5 жыл бұрын

If you get quail you will want to have a double door system as I tried it with my parrots and they lasted one day. As I opened the door to the barn they flew out. Good by. Later in the year I found that had mated and baby quail were in the area,

@kain88tm 4 жыл бұрын

Hunting and fishing is extremely self sufficient

@childersoasismotel7570 2 жыл бұрын

And extremely unreliable

@Maharajadankuni 4 жыл бұрын

Hey...I am from India....and we raise cows for milk...its our tradition ....we get milk ...butter...ghee ...panir...cheese etc from our beloved cows....we even love them like our family member and respect them as mother ....Gau Mata (the holy Cow mother).....and most of the family in rural areas have cows in their homes....and the dung we get used as manure....and the pee we get used as natural pestiside.....we get lots and lots from our cows.....and we never kill them for meat coz we are greatful to them

@barbwelch2527 5 жыл бұрын

cow eyes are soooooooooo pretty. the faces are so sweet

@247rug 5 жыл бұрын

Don't forget rabbits. Oh and we feed scraps as half of the hog feed.

@redbirdSmith-jz6fj 5 жыл бұрын

Rabbits and chickens are great if you can't have a cow. They can make a lot of meat in a short time if things in the economy go south. With china having so much swine flue, they are killing millions of them and will be buying more of our pork, so its going up, and feed will with it., so an alternate meat source is a good idea right now. I would LOVE a cow for diary products but no land here for even a small one. We would need to put up a good barn and buy like five more acres. Still if I could I sure would.

@sierran12 3 жыл бұрын

Love the pig milk 🤣🤣

@briohneyeveleigh538 5 жыл бұрын

Alpacas have lots of uses not only are they great for fibre, they are also a great alternative to livestock guard dogs.

@avedafaye1366 5 жыл бұрын

I think for pigs a lot of the difference in whether it can be self sufficient without lots of work depends a LOT on what trees are on an individual's property. Somebody raising smaller heritage breeds that are good at foraging and do better on a broader spectrum of types of feed on a property rich with fruit and nut trees will have much less issue feeding their pigs through the winter, I feel, especially if they just grow a little extra on their root crops for the purpose. No experience in that myself but definitely that one, I feel, depends on the breed of the pig and the circumstance of the homesteader. Thanks for sharing, as always 💖 I would apologize for disappearing for several months, but y'all have so many subscribers I don't think one me matters there so much 😂 well, except for missing out on my puns and calling bullshit on folks in the comments, but that is neither here nor there 😉

@Matt-st1tt 4 жыл бұрын

The trees on my acreage are the exact reason I want to get American Guinea hogs. My land is covered in Hickory nut trees. So in the fall pigs would have a damn near all you can forage buffet.

@pamelamercado2392 5 жыл бұрын

I totally agree with you rule thumb have the proper fencing and all the things you will need to take of animal before getting it.

@SwiftsScents 3 жыл бұрын

I've seen were a lot of folks just bring in bulls to breed from other farmers, then they go back to the owner.

@sweethavenhomestead3849 5 жыл бұрын

We have alpacas, there so much fun! Super easy keepers and the fiber is amazing! Breeding and Birthing is easy too

@californiakayaker 4 жыл бұрын

That is one beautiful Calf . Oh, she's a little older than that. Well, still a beauty.

@131dyana 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for helping other people.

@tyeamckee 5 жыл бұрын

What! Alpacas have a use! They grow soft fluffy fiber (wool). If you are a spinner like me its heaven.

@jessies3236 5 жыл бұрын

My dream!

@reesemars9027 5 жыл бұрын

They can also produce meat, though I don't know if there are many people who know how to butcher them.

@tyrroo 5 жыл бұрын

I was wondering when somebody was gonna mention the meat!

@jessies3236 5 жыл бұрын

@@tyrroo I just wondered if people did eatt them.

@nature.earth.wisdom. 5 жыл бұрын

They're also fair guard animals for sheep against the occasional coyote

@willowwrenacres274 5 жыл бұрын

We've been on our farm now for 8 years, and in that time have added chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese and peafowl in addition to the massive permaculture gardens, berry groves and small orchard we've added over the years. After a ton of research and deliberation we've decided our next livestock endeavor is going to be Emu... or is it emus? (and pigs - but not together). The hubs and I have talked about goats, but neither of us like the meat or milk so that's not really practical for our needs. We have an amazing source for raw Jersey milk, cream, meat and such via a wonderful Mennonite family we've made close friends with, so unless they decide to close up shop, we really don't need a family milk cow (although I'd have a really hard time turning it down if one just happened to show up with a big bow around its neck.) Rabbits may be something we look at in the distant future, but I've pretty well mastered the meat chicken game, so dont really see an immediate need for them. So yeah, after a year of talk, research, reading and all that jazz, we somehow came to the conclusion Emu was our best next add. So excited for y'all and the new babies (both human and bovine) on they way and hope y'all have an amazing spring!

@jksatte 3 жыл бұрын

How did it go with the Emu's? How will you use them? Sounds interesting. Janice

@jerryhiers4802 5 жыл бұрын

We (a family of 3) buy feeders and keep about 10 weeks to around 125 to 150 lbs. 2 at a time.

@BarbieGlitterTV 5 жыл бұрын

This was such a beautiful video 😭😍

@joanneganon7157 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Aust.

@francoispienaar1256 5 жыл бұрын

Great job!

@patriciadean5452 5 жыл бұрын

Sounds like great plans for now & the future.

@ckluczewski83 2 жыл бұрын

I have recently come across your channel and thrilled. Why did you move from Connecticut? I live in north central CT and want to do a homestead.

@angelahopson9604 4 жыл бұрын

Don't forget rabbits. Rabbits are low maintenance. You literally feed them so many ounces per pound of rabbits weight. 2 bucks and 4 to 5 does can keep a large family's freezer stocked all year. There's almost no waist. Anything left on the carcus that can't be cut off for meat can be boiled down and turned into rabbit stock that can be canned and used in cooking in anything that calls for chicken stock. The parts you don't want to eat for your family can be ground up and used as high protein dog food for your high energy labs. Then the litter can be used in your mother n laws garden as one of the best fertilizer. It's not harsh like poultry liter and be put directly into the garden without having to sit for a year. The hides can be tanned and used in crafts to make coats, gloves etc.

@elikenan5578 5 жыл бұрын

We started homesteading a few years ago and started chickens last year we also started breeding hatching and as of last night butchering our own chickens (started with a mean rooster on butchering) and it is so nice to know he was raised with us we know what he ate as well I love this life eventually we want to do pigs and goats but not ready for that

@601salsa 4 жыл бұрын

Instead of hay look into sprouted barley fodder, just add water and at the end of a week you have fodder. 1kg grain = 5kg fodder. It's cheaper longterm and you can do it yourself.

@mr.greenjeans8323 4 жыл бұрын

What is that I never heard anyone talk about I am very interested..i am interested in any aspect that will make my upcoming homestead affordable...i have a notebook I take notes I'm eager to learn..im new to this channel but so far Aust is the homestead guru he has so much wonderful useful content I just love him..i have absorbed more in a few days of watching Aust than 6 months or more on other channels

@woicbgreg5045 3 жыл бұрын

👍

@davewygonowski984 5 жыл бұрын

God Bless.

@anewlifehomestead2445 5 жыл бұрын

I want to imagine pig milk tasting like bacon!!!! Lol

@Jesus-kt5dc 5 жыл бұрын

*ADD SOME NESTLE CHOCOLATE TO THE MILK, CHOCOLATE BACON.*

@anewlifehomestead2445 5 жыл бұрын

Genius, desert bacon! Lol

@anyaoberkirsch7015 4 жыл бұрын

GOS, Mulefoot, Guinea, and a couple other heritage breeds can give you plenty of pork off pasture, scraps, garden and orchard waste, skim milk, and acorns. With very little need for concentrate.

@wendy833 5 жыл бұрын

We had horses, they cost a lot. Don't get a horse! Lol

@blahblahFRANKIE 5 жыл бұрын

As a horse owner, I totally agree. Absolute money pit haha.

@mountainryder8 5 жыл бұрын

Me too. Hay burners. But I love my Arabs.

@redbirdSmith-jz6fj 5 жыл бұрын

@@mountainryder8 Did arabs for 30 years. To old now and though I saw a few I wouldn't have minded eating, don't think is could eat a horse.

@tyrroo 5 жыл бұрын

@Sandra Riley I'm not sure I could eat a horse I cared about, but other farm animals (dogs, cats, pigs, chickens, etc) could eat the meat.

@bt1vn 4 жыл бұрын

@@tyrroo you eat cats and dogs? Where i live it is illegal, where do you live?

@kevinstreeter6943 4 жыл бұрын

I had a milk cow when I was a teenager. I do not recommend one if you want a life away from the farm. You are now obligated to be there every morning and evening to milk it. Rather than owning a cow, it is like you are owned by the cow.

@tubularguynine 5 жыл бұрын

Whoa! I'm wondering which baby will be the biggest!

@joannthompson765 5 жыл бұрын

We have meat rabbits. Live it b sure to starts with the tx tamuk , composite breed can put in freezer in 8 weeks. Got some chicken to see what we could learn. They r eggl ayers and in fall we might do Cornish cross to fill freezer faster

@solsamagicherrop5405 4 жыл бұрын

How much space does it take per each cow.

@ajdewings 5 жыл бұрын

We are going to be weaning our calf after Memorial Day weekend (1 last hurrah before we loose our relief milker!) & I'm curious how long to you keep them separate? We, unfortunately, don't have strong fencing as you do, only the electric wire on the "step-into-the-ground" poles. Is this enough to keep him contained (he currently respects the fence)? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! #askhomesteady #askthecowgirl

@TheMacs1 5 жыл бұрын

Really great video, btw, What drone are you using? #askhomesteady

@Homesteadyshow 5 жыл бұрын

Mavic Air... Find ALL my gear here - kzfaq.info/get/bejne/is1onpiemqisdas.html

@KanishQQuotes 3 жыл бұрын

Cow dung is great for manure and even as a primitive fuel to burn in a fire. It burns slow and medium heat

@SwiftsScents 3 жыл бұрын

I wonder how much can be saved on pig feed by having pastured pigs?

@charlesfeeley489 5 жыл бұрын

Love the channel and I listen to you and we just got our 2 fedder pigs.

@ka6148 5 жыл бұрын

At ladybug's peak only 1 gallon ? We have guernsey & jersey cows minimum of 3gal day with calf nursing as well.. Some feeder pigs grow out in 3 months on skim milk, small amount of grain and Hay. We get 6 - 9 feeders a year every 3 months getting a few, during the spring-fall

@joannbrewer6046 4 жыл бұрын

#askhomesteady. Well yesterday you were showing the field, in the far background we saw the barn.it had something out of our clear sight on the side. I asked what it was. Today In a video we saw the barn clearly and could identify what the thing on the barn was. Now i forget i think it was pipes on the outside of the barn wall. Thanks anyway.i noticed someone else noticed it. It just looked so foreign, it stuck out. Mrsjob

@solsalia 3 жыл бұрын

A family of 6 can mean different things when you have teenagers! 😂

@janetyoung6097 4 жыл бұрын

Can camels milk have the ability to to make butter and cream?.

@fionajane56 5 жыл бұрын

You didn’t mention beef. Any bull calves can be steered and kept for beef. We will be butchering two dairy steers this September off a 90% grass diet. We just feed a bit of non gmo organic grain as a treat. Actually a family might want to consider buying dairy calves to raise as beef. They are usually quite affordable and if you have grass available make very good meat.

@smom230 5 жыл бұрын

What about a garden? Wondering if y'all are planning to grow your own vegetables as well

@tyrroo 5 жыл бұрын

#askhomesteady But honestly, I can probably answer it for you, I've seen it discussed in several vids: Austin and Kay dislike gardening. They'd rather put their work into raising meat/eggs/milk and just buy their veggies at a store or farmer's market. The only exception is having a few raised beds where they can relax on a chair, have a beer, and easily just reach over and pull weeds, no need for raking or hoe-ing. (As a lazy person, I heartily concur!)

@Homesteadyshow 5 жыл бұрын

Superfan to the rescue with exactly my answer haha

@goldeneagle8834 5 жыл бұрын

was wondering about breeds of homestead animals. cows, pigs, chickens (eggs @ meat), and have heard a goose will protect chickens. could you possibly do something on what breeds are best for a new homesteader?? thank you. new subscriber

@prestonjackson5161 5 жыл бұрын

#AskHomesteady have you ever thought about getting an ostrich for the red meat and eggs?

@karenbrown3713 4 жыл бұрын

How many times a day do you have to milk a goat?

@diegogo3191 5 жыл бұрын

Good stuff my friend, what bread are your cows?

@lorettaoverholt4049 5 жыл бұрын

They have Jerseys. Luna is a Mini Jersey, I think the other is called midi size.

@luckylindy1964 Жыл бұрын

Are mid size or mini cattle only good for dairy or meat also?

@mr.greenjeans8323 4 жыл бұрын

Lmao @ pig milk...😂😂😂

@alyssadipietro727 5 жыл бұрын

Do you make your own milk and cheese? Love to see some videos.

@tyrroo 5 жыл бұрын

They do. Well, the cow makes the milk 😄 But Austin has made a whole playlist on dairy/milk/cow stuff, check it out!

@boobaman17 5 жыл бұрын

Hi, Thanks for this video, do you think that goats are better or sheep's, and who needs a lot of works and feeds? Thanks

@richardmang2558 4 жыл бұрын

I have both dairy-goats and meat-sheep, each has their own challenges. For a dairy goat I recommend Oberhassli , they are graceful like a deer and very quiet (look into how noisy a breed is before buying it. This is the main reason I do not have Nubians.) with wonderful milk. Make sure you buy one with easy to grab teats. Small teats make milking by hand difficult, time consuming and your fingers will get sore (my experience with Nigerian Dwarf & Toggenberg crossbreeds). I also had a French Alpine, she was a big brute of a dairy goat which gave wonderful milk and also nice and quiet. Her issue was "it is all mine" , queen bee of all the food and everything in sight and would not give the other goats any peace. I do not have any experience with the meat breeds like Boer. But the dairy goat meat is quite tasty. I have the sheep for meat and weed mowing. My place is small so I have Shetland Sheep which are very small sheep. The meat is very good. Some are noisy, so they will not be used for breeding. Only the quiet ones will be used for breeding. Both sheep and goats will eat your trees. Sheep peel the bark off the trunks and goats eat the branches and may even climb a tree to eat the leaves. So protect the trees. Sheep are easy to keep fenced in, goats are always trying to figure out how to get out of anything you build. Do not get mad at your goats, they have no guilt, it is what they do. Do not ever try to "catch" an escaped sheep or goat. Get them to know treats like crackers, potato chips or chicken food. They love treats and will follow you anywhere for their favorite treat, right back into the pen. Good luck!

@bdlc1701 5 жыл бұрын

How much per pound on average does it costs to raise your own feeder pig? I know the price may vary depending on how much free feed/scraps you can get.

@chicoringler 2 жыл бұрын

how big is your area?

@toedancer1148 5 жыл бұрын

We raised rabbits, you will get meat. (they breed like rabbits!) but their feed turns them into pets. (pricey) They can be work but the kids love them and so that can be done by them.

@GoatGoneCrazy 5 жыл бұрын

If you love pigs so much get a pet mini pig lol they are great I have 5 piggies

@lasheachatham8762 5 жыл бұрын

You mentioned alpacas not being a good idea-- My preliminary research into animals for wool showed that alpacas seemed to be the "cheaper to keep" option while also providing more (and higher quality) wool per animal. If you ever do a video talking about homestead animals for purposes other than food, what's your opinion on the differences in sheep and alpacas?

@Homesteadyshow 5 жыл бұрын

I was more joking about alpacas than actually warning against them, but raising animals for wool is a labor of love that takes years to see through. I did an interview with a great alpaca farmer who said it’s years before you actually start to get the wool from the initial harvest dyed and ready to use to knit with. Scared me away from alpacas 😆

@diegogo3191 5 жыл бұрын

#askhomesteady what is the best cow bread for A2 creamy milk to you?

@lorettaoverholt4049 5 жыл бұрын

I think most people agree Jerseys.

@jeremybrua5523 5 жыл бұрын

If you decide to get into rabbits I can definitely help you out. I'm not far from you and we have been raising and showing rabbits for 8 years now. You should bleach test your goats just for fun and check it against the blood test.

@thedragonslay3r 5 жыл бұрын

Good video as always. I don't eat pork for Biblical reasons, but appreciate the insight and thought process behind why and how you choose which animals to have.

@blackranch7883 4 жыл бұрын

Caleb Chamberlain yo fat ass needs stop eating in general for health reasons

@lolakellum7262 3 жыл бұрын

I haven't seen a bull that wasn't mean

@norweavernh 5 жыл бұрын

Hey Aust, #askhomesteady, why no meat birds?

@Homesteadyshow 5 жыл бұрын

Wow! Yea... bit of an oversight. I covered chickens in Part 1, but not meat birds as they are not "self sufficient" if we are talking the cornish or ranger breeds, and in PT 2 I just assumed chickens were covered without thinking about meat! Guess a new video is in order ;)

@rachaelcummins1940 5 жыл бұрын

But how will you have an alpaca parade with no alpacas?!

@Homesteadyshow 5 жыл бұрын

Oh Rachael... you a real fan right there! Alpaca parade... that’s deep tracks!

@ChelseaVampyre 4 жыл бұрын

I want alpacas! #askhomesteady why not alpacas ? Has this been addressed in another video ?

@Homesteadyshow 4 жыл бұрын

Mostly just joking, I just prefer animals that produce food 😄

@ChelseaVampyre 4 жыл бұрын

@@Homesteadyshow lol, I suppose that makes sense. I'm interested in Alpacas for spinning reasons anyways so I can see why your homestead may not necessarily find use for them. :D

@JaredLaswell 4 жыл бұрын

I'm just here to find out who drinks pig milk

@theone7643 5 жыл бұрын

What about turkeys #Homesteady

@Tiedye6336 5 жыл бұрын

A pony and a donkey are a lot of work might be more work with you a cow....having said that I don’t have any experience with owning a ponies or a donkeys

@lancewilson2407 2 жыл бұрын

Rabbits????

@janiegetyourgun 5 жыл бұрын

Why are you hating on alpacas?

@lolakellum7262 3 жыл бұрын

Pigs get rid of snakes

@mikereimer368 5 жыл бұрын

Shoot, we need to get rid of the alpaca.

@suemcfarlane4199 5 жыл бұрын

Why are you so mean about alpacas they didn’t do anything to you in my area big dairy farmers seperate colostrum milk and feed what they need to the calves they are keeping as replacement heifer s and they will give away the rest of that colostrum milk becaus it’s that or down the drain which they hate to do so we could get that and nearly free day old bread plus if we left some bins at our greengrocers he would give us all the veg and fruit that is past it’s best starting to wilt or stuff that was odd shaped and people get too fussy to buy so that was a huge supply of vegatable type feed for our pigs with milk and bread to fill out the rest of their needs in Australia it’s illegal to feed pigs swill as people don’t always cook it enough to kill all the bugs that could be in it and there is the worry that if thes will contains imported pork products like salami it could introduce things australia doesn’t have like foot and mouth which we fight to keep out of the country so no swill but your own table scraps are ok so long as there is no meat