Category: Natural Fertilizer

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 

Categories: Hay Learning Experiences Making Hay Natural Fertilizer Natural Pasture Restoration Pastures and Fencing Sheep Uncategorized Woodlands

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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…

Categories: Gardening Natural Fertilizer Spring Weather Events Winter

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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)

Categories: Composting Gardening Natural Fertilizer Uncategorized

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Turning Old Burnt Out Hay Fields to Grazing Pastures and Gardens

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It’s been just a couple weeks short of two years since we moved our animals on to this property. 

The Barn Property Sept 2022

When we were asked to come there and use the land and barn, the fields were mostly old and burnt out, full of invasive and toxic weeds. Two years later through the use of rotational pasturing, and regenerative farming techniques these are those fields today… 

While the original goals of the Property Owners, of “Just keep the trees from growing in, and the fields from getting over taken” with hopes of getting rid of the toxic and invasive plants. Although we wanted to help showcase the work, and help make this place even more beautiful. We’ve used Goats, Pigs, Chickens, Rabbits, and now Sheep to help improve this wonderful old property. Just look at those hay fields now! A true testament to the capabilities of these wonderful birds and animals! 

Not only have we helped keep the fields from growing in, we’ve helped to eliminate many of the weeds, both toxic and invasive. Although it’s still a work in progress! Sheep need adequate pasture grasses and forage to thrive and our shearer and others, and even the wool quality of the sheep have all testified to this being the case! It’s incredible to see the transformation that’s taken place! 

We’ve even managed to turn some of this ground into gardens!

2024 Garden at The Barn Property

Using deep bedding for our animals through the winter helps provide well composted hay and manure to help naturally grow the gardens. The whole thing is laborious and yet rewarding. We work mostly by hand, employing time honoured methods and let our animals do most of the heavy lifting! It’s a labour of love, one where we always strive to be good Stewards.

Categories: Bunnies Chicken Chicken Tractors Chickens Composting Ducks Fencing Free Range Eggs Gardening Goats Help Needed Learning Experiences Making Hay Natural Beauty Natural Fertilizer Pastured Poultry Pastures and Fencing Pigs Saanen Goats Sheep Uncategorized Vegetables Vegetables Woodlands

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