You are in a tough spot, a trap if you will. Most of our early investments addressed an objective in common, reducing our long term cost of living. Heating with wood (the outdoor wood boiler), and heating water with an on-demand water heater, are two solid examples. The latest in that line, and one of the last, I hope, is producing our own electricity (the whole-house solar system). Admittedly, these represent investments; the water heater is relatively small (hundreds of dollars), and the boiler and solar systems (tens of thousands of dollars) relatively large. But what they all do is reduce our future ongoing expenses, which reduces the amount of dollars we need to earn, which reduces the need to work off-farm. Of course growing your own food, as you are doing, is a means to the same end. Another possibility is production of a "cash crop." I consider the sawmill business to be a homestead-based cash crop, maple syrup to be sure, meat sales, and even this substack. So be on the lookout for those types of opportunities. Or, develop those opportunities. And if you haven't read "The Nourishing Homestead" by Ben Hewitt, I highly recommend it; if nothing else it is inspirational. The Resilient Farm and Homestead by Ben Falk is also outstanding.
I've never heard of maple syrup from Missouri, which is probably why you're having such difficulty! We did plant fruit trees and shrubs our first year in permanent residence, 2016. The peach bore fruit first, maybe 3 years after planting, then the Asian pears; we are still waiting on the elderberries and plums.
If you go way back, there was a farmer for every 1.4 citizens...hmmm. I call those early U.S. farmers "subsistence plus" farmers. Our pigs are good example: It takes no more time to raise 3 pigs than one, and we take $400 down before we raise a pig for sale, which covers the feed costs. So, in the same amount of time, and with no money out of pocket, you have provided for your own subsistence, and, you have something of a "cash crop" for sale, 2 pigs in this case.
It is amazing what can be accomplished when you persist in putting one foot in front of the other. And I'm with you on the two steps back; I have done that, but basically because I did not read and follow Salatin's instructions in Polyface Designs! Ha! Fencing, and water (without hauling), those are two of the first steps in not going backwards. That book by the way, is worth its weight in gold, I kid you not. Not just the designs, but the knowledge Joel passes along in the text accompanying the designs; not to be missed.
You are not alone! I and my small family are doing the “same kind of different” as you. Different details, same struggles and goals. We make every effort to keep perspective and trust the process, because the frustrations are plenty and the time/energy limited. He knows, He is in control, and He is coming back.
You are in a tough spot, a trap if you will. Most of our early investments addressed an objective in common, reducing our long term cost of living. Heating with wood (the outdoor wood boiler), and heating water with an on-demand water heater, are two solid examples. The latest in that line, and one of the last, I hope, is producing our own electricity (the whole-house solar system). Admittedly, these represent investments; the water heater is relatively small (hundreds of dollars), and the boiler and solar systems (tens of thousands of dollars) relatively large. But what they all do is reduce our future ongoing expenses, which reduces the amount of dollars we need to earn, which reduces the need to work off-farm. Of course growing your own food, as you are doing, is a means to the same end. Another possibility is production of a "cash crop." I consider the sawmill business to be a homestead-based cash crop, maple syrup to be sure, meat sales, and even this substack. So be on the lookout for those types of opportunities. Or, develop those opportunities. And if you haven't read "The Nourishing Homestead" by Ben Hewitt, I highly recommend it; if nothing else it is inspirational. The Resilient Farm and Homestead by Ben Falk is also outstanding.
I've never heard of maple syrup from Missouri, which is probably why you're having such difficulty! We did plant fruit trees and shrubs our first year in permanent residence, 2016. The peach bore fruit first, maybe 3 years after planting, then the Asian pears; we are still waiting on the elderberries and plums.
If you go way back, there was a farmer for every 1.4 citizens...hmmm. I call those early U.S. farmers "subsistence plus" farmers. Our pigs are good example: It takes no more time to raise 3 pigs than one, and we take $400 down before we raise a pig for sale, which covers the feed costs. So, in the same amount of time, and with no money out of pocket, you have provided for your own subsistence, and, you have something of a "cash crop" for sale, 2 pigs in this case.
Not that you asked, but those are some thoughts.
It is amazing what can be accomplished when you persist in putting one foot in front of the other. And I'm with you on the two steps back; I have done that, but basically because I did not read and follow Salatin's instructions in Polyface Designs! Ha! Fencing, and water (without hauling), those are two of the first steps in not going backwards. That book by the way, is worth its weight in gold, I kid you not. Not just the designs, but the knowledge Joel passes along in the text accompanying the designs; not to be missed.
I’m sure they would appreciate your questions and you; my unsolicited advice is to let the questions fly!
You are not alone! I and my small family are doing the “same kind of different” as you. Different details, same struggles and goals. We make every effort to keep perspective and trust the process, because the frustrations are plenty and the time/energy limited. He knows, He is in control, and He is coming back.