Category: Gardening

I’m always amazed at how well Sheep Clean Woodland Pastures

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Briden Farm Sheep Pasture After 4 Days of Trimming

We move our Briden Farm Sheep every 4 Days, to stay ahead of parasites and don’t return for at least 90 days to let the pasture rest and any parasites die due to lack of host. That’s why we move them so often. Goats need to be moved at least every 30 days and Pigs at least every two weeks for the same reasons. The time off pasture, allowing the pasture to rest is usually one year. So it’s all very labour intensive. Especially having to move the Sheep every four days! 

So, I’ve probably seen this happen, and helped make this happen, well over 100 times over the past couple of years.! 

Yet, I’m always amazed at what an incredible job they do! 

Just look…

Briden Farm Sheep 19 June 2025 Briden Farm Sheep 23 June 2025
To me it’s absolutely amazing! A stark difference! It really helps recoup old pasture land. Over time it becomes more hay, and less scrub. Especially when we begin to use Goats, Sheep, Chickens and Rabbits all rotated in succession. We’ve seen it on a previously worked overgrown pasture. Within two years it went from weeds and invasive species to where we could harvest hay! 

In some cases, where the weeds and invasive species really need to be rooted out, we use Goats, followed by pigs. Let it rest and recuperate and then next year use goats and sheep.
 
It’s just an amazing transformation! Especially over time! It takes time, and work! Not,only for the animals, but for us also. If You have old pasture land you’d like restored. Naturally without chemicals and excavators, contact us. Let’s discuss Your situation and see how our animals can help You! Call Brian at 902-907-0770 

Poor Man’s Fertilizer: The Power of Snow

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Poor Man’s Fertilizer

The term “Poor Man’s Fertilizer” actually refers to snowfall, especially an early spring snow. 

The old farming phrase “Poor Man’s Fertilizer” refers not to rain, but to snowfall, particularly that light blanket of snow that falls in late winter or early spring. While it might look like just a pretty dusting, it’s actually delivering a quiet gift to the soil.

Here’s why snow got this nickname:

• Nitrogen Boost: As snow falls, it captures nitrogen from the atmosphere. When that snow melts, the nitrogen is released into the soil — giving plants a free, natural nutrient boost.

• Slow Release Moisture: Unlike rain, snow melts gradually, seeping moisture into the ground more evenly. This helps prevent runoff and erosion.

• Soil Insulation: Snow acts as a thermal blanket, protecting dormant plants and microbial life from harsh temperature swings and deep freezes.

• Cost-Free Fertilizer: For farmers who couldn’t afford store-bought fertilizers, a good snowfall was a welcome and valuable natural aid — hence the name.

So next time you see snow falling in March or April, don’t just grumble — it might just be doing your soil a favor. 


Recommending Reading…

Benefits of Deep Bedding

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Photo by Bethany Szentesi on Unsplash

Deep bedding is a low-maintenance, cost-effective method for managing animal housing on a small homestead. It involves layering organic materials (such as straw, wood shavings, or leaves) in an animal shelter, allowing waste to accumulate while being naturally composted in place. Here are some key benefits:

1. Improved Animal Health & Comfort

*  Provides a warm, dry, and soft surface for animals, reducing stress and injuries.

* Helps prevent foot problems and joint strain, especially in livestock like pigs, goats, and chickens.

* Reduces ammonia buildup, improving air quality and respiratory health.

2. Efficient Waste Management

* Manages manure effectively by absorbing moisture and odors.

* Reduces the frequency of cleaning, saving time and labor.

* The bedding material slowly decomposes, creating nutrient-rich compost.

3. Cost Savings

* Reduces the need for frequent bedding changes, cutting down on material costs.

* Less labor-intensive than daily mucking out, saving time.

* Can be made with locally available or free materials like leaves, grass clippings, or wood chips.

4. Compost Creation & Soil Improvement

* The deep bedding process creates valuable compost that can be used in gardens.

* Provides a natural way to recycle animal waste into nutrient-rich soil amendments.

* Encourages microbial activity, promoting a healthy decomposition process.

5. Odor & Pest Control

* Proper layering and aeration help control ammonia buildup and strong odors.

* Reduces flies and other pests by keeping waste contained and decomposing efficiently.

6. Cold Weather Benefits

* Acts as natural insulation, keeping animals warm in winter.

* The composting process generates heat, providing an extra source of warmth.

* Reduces exposure to cold, damp conditions that can lead to illness.

7. Sustainable & Eco-Friendly

* Utilizes organic waste materials efficiently, minimizing waste.

* Encourages a closed-loop system of nutrient recycling on the homestead.

* Supports regenerative agriculture practices. 


Learn How We Make Deep Bedding and Turn it into Affordable, Natural, Organic Fertilizer 


Recommended Reading from the Brain Hurlburt Bookshop:

The Encyclopedia of Country Living, 50th Anniversary Edition
The Encyclopedia of Country Living, 50th Anniversary Edition (E-Book $3.99)

Naturally Turning Woodlands into Pastures and Gardens with Animals

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I’m always amazed at the wonderful work these animals do! Turning woodlands into pastures and gardens takes work. Yet our Briden Farm Animals make it look easy! They also make it look beautiful! Following are some before and after shots. 

This area was old, very old, pasture about forty years ago! Overgrown and full of weeds, stag horn sumac, and so on. Till we introduced our Goats, and Sheep, to the are! Now look…

Incredible! Isn’t it?
The area above was also grown up, overgrown, and difficult to maneuver. Now it’s Beautiful! 
This gives You an idea of the before and after.
I also love how they help create little trails and quiet spaces 
Sometimes I just like to sit and enjoy the views. 
Almost like Parklands 

Do You have property that is overgrown, full of weeds, briars and brambles, and other nasty invasive species? Would You like to turn it into beautiful areas like we have here? Contact Brian at Briden Farm call 902-907-0770