Category: Uncategorized

Benefits of Deep Bedding

No Comments
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)

Roscoe and Maple Working as Dog Team for First Time

No Comments
Roscoe and Maole pulling the Toboggan for the firt time.

I’ve never had a real Dog Sled, or Team, but always dreamed about it! I’ve been able to train Roscoe to help me pull feed and water for the animals on the toboggan. Roscoe also helps me haul and bring in Firewood. Imagine what we can do when Maple and Roscoe really get things worked out, and we can do even more!  Not sure I’ll ever run the Iditarod, which was one of my somewhat wistful dreams, but together we can accomplish great things! 

Watch this video to see what a good job they did today…

It’s also so nice to see Maple and Roscoe enjoying themselves outside. Maple has only been with us about 5 weeks. She’s come so far! When she come she suffered from separation anxiety and was super hyper. She definitely still has room for improvement, but she’s come so far! She’s settled down, a lot. She’s learning to listen, and lay down when it’s time, and respond when it’s appropriate! Looking forward to see what Maple and Roscoe do in the days to come! 


Recommended Reading from the Brain Hurlburt Bookshop: 

Book: The Fine Madness of Running the Iditarod

mmm

 

I’ve Found a Source for Volcanic Coffee from Costa Rica!

No Comments
Costa Rican Rainforest beneather the Arsenal Volcano

Back in 2018, before the earth shook, and the world shifted, we were blessed to visit the Arenal Volcano (Spanish: Volcán Arenal) an active andesitic stratovolcano in north-western Costa Rica around 90 km (56 mi) northwest of San José, in the province of Alajuela.

Alajuela is one of the main Coffee growing areas in Costa Rica. Not only did I discover how incredible Volcanic Coffee is, I also had a deep, heartfelt, connection to Costa Rica. Later discovering that at least some of my DNA is Meso-American and Costa Rica is in the heart of that Region! I love this area, and Volcanic Coffee, especially Coffee From Costa Rica.

So, when I recently discovered the Volcanica Coffee Company, I approached them to see if I could earn a little income promoting their Coffee! They said Yes! 

Volcanica Coffee

Moving an 800 lb Hay Bale by Hand

No Comments
Moving 800 Lb Bales of Hay by Hand at Briden Farm, Bear River, Nova Scotia

Watch this video, You’ll see how I move an 800 lb Round Hay Bale by Hand, by Myself! After mentioning to some friends on Noom/Vibe that I’m probably in the best shape in my life!  After having moved a 500 lb Black Locust Log and routinely moving 800 lb Hay Bales, I decided to create this video after…

Now, to some, this may not be that big a thing! However, to me… It’s Huge! 

Especially considering when I was a Teen, when most people are at their best, and athletic performance peaks, I was a weakling! Now, 40 Years later, I man handle Black Locust Logs up to about 500 lbs and routinely move Huge Round Bales of Hay! According to AgriTech a 4.5×5’ round bale weighs between 720 – 950 lbs! 

Round Hay Bale Weights

So, for me, that’s HUGE! 

I’ve never been athletic, 

Which leads me to mention that I’m thinking about taking up Shot Putting! I know, it’s funny, right! However, read the post Does Knowing Your Ancestry Answer the Strange Questions? 

It makes me wonder where it all comes from? Right?