Generally our goal is to be as self-sustaining as possible. That means we strive to produce as much of our own food as we reasonably can. So far we are growing/producing the vast majority of our vegetables, and all of our dairy products, eggs, and chickens for meat. Next year we will have home grown pork, and eventually we hope to have beef. We try to use sustainable practices which, as far as is reasonable, means organic feeds and fertilizers and as few chemical products as possible. Here are the specifics:
Produce: We make our own compost and use that as the sole fertilizer on the vegetable garden. I generally do not have a bug problem other than on green beans, eggplant, and cole crops. The eggplant and cole crop bugs I have been able to control well enough using organic methods, but the Mexican Bean Beetles on my green beans have about won, so I may not be planting them again. If I can't grow the food using safe methods, I don't want to eat it or serve it to my family and friends.
Laying Hens: Are provided with fresh water and soy-free organic chicken layer feed. They have a large fenced in area where they enjoy fresh air and bugs.
Meat Chickens: Are provided with fresh water and soy-free organic chicken broiler feed. They spend their first four weeks in a brooder in our garage where we can control the temperature carefully, and they spend the rest of their lives in a large movable chicken cage out in the fresh air. They are moved daily at first and then twice daily when they get close to butchering size. We butcher the chickens here at the farm outside in the fresh air and freeze them whole.
Pigs: Are provided with fresh water and soy-free organic swine feed. They also enjoy fresh whey whenever available, many, many servings of vegetable scraps, and an occasional failed cheese. They are outside in the fresh air in a large fenced in area. They have a shelter and plenty of room to wander. They will be moved from time to time as necessary to allow the vegetation to regrow after they have done their work.
Goats: Are complicated. I have a separate goat management page for them on my website here.
