Newsletter #316 2025 Jul 16 Wednesday
The focus has been on Firewood, and coincidentally (not) cleanup of the Oxen and Sheep pastures. The goal of all of this cleanup is to get the ~12.7 acres to a manageable point. Build out.
Primal Woods
I made a vow … to improve my health, markedly, which puts the “Power Meal” back on the menu. The last time I got serious about this was 2019, so, it’s a bit of a blast from the past.
Recipe and nutrition profile in the PDF below. I seem to remember a YouTube video …
This is for the Supercharged Power Meal, which includes liver; the most nutritious part of most animals, but the process is the same.
Sawmill Services
Five “cookies” with the two stems in cross section; we were very fortunate that everything held together through the drying and flattening process; no major cracks, no warping, really, really nice. These will make awesome table tops.
Back to the Husqvarna Rancher 460 and the Chinese knock-off parts. Not only did the clutch “spring” break as pictured below …
But check out the drive gear that is driven by the clutch …
Keep in mind, this is only a week in operation … in the left-hand photo you see the Chinese part all torn up … and in the right-hand photo check out the profile of the teeth on the Husqy part versus the Chinese part. Should have taken my own advice;
… poor quality is unaffordable.
I also decided to do a little more work, we would have call this “growth work” back in my Navy days, not originally planned, as evidence was found of this plate being all torn up by the chains in the last decade of use. New plate installed; also Husqvarna brand.
The Rancher 460 is running well, which is a good thing, given all the firewood work we have on the schedule for this week and next.
Firewood!
The logs cut for the firewood rounds pictured were pushed up agains the fenceline five years ago; the same fenceline we are now trying to clear. Here is a video update:
If you or someone you know are interested in our Sawmill Services, check out our Primal Woods page on the subject.
Pure Maple Syrup
If you have not already, please introduce yourself to our Pure Maple Syrup products! Any and all orders will be greatly appreciated; you will have my heartfelt thanks.
Homestead Rebel
The Head Shaft on the Roof Manufacturing Brush Mower; it’s not a good news story. I either need to find a machine or some of machine for parts, or I need to find the replacement part. Having a new shaft made is unaffordable. (I’m saying that a lot lately.)
Sheep
I will reproduct the picture of the tools and supplies …
We made our first attempts around the gate that will be the center of the North, East-West fenceline of the Sheep Pastures.
Timothy figured we rated a C+, if I recall, on the right H-brace, and a B- on the left. We moved on to the Northeast corner of the pasture.
I might be giving myself too much credit, but I think Timothy had us at a solid B on this one.
Regardless, the next step is going to be to install the woven wire on the H-brace you saw to the left of the gate, and this H-brace on the Northeast corner. We will not get to this until next week due to some schedule conflicts; probably early next week, Monday or Tuesday.
Oxen
The Oxen are in Paddock #1.
I can tell you that I’m sure the grass in Paddock #3 is already looking greener to the Oxen!
I have to admit to being a bit suprised at how long it takes for the Oxen to go through all of the paddocks; 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and then 10, 8, 6, 4, 2, and finally back into 1. I’m going to have to go back through our records, but I feel certain it was at least 40 days, instead of the hoped-for 30 days. More is better, in this case.
Pigs
The Pigs are trying to stay cool, just like the rest of us.
Broiler Chickens (aka Meat Birds)
Ship date for 30 Cornish Cross is not until July 21.
Farmhouse Airbnb
Geri’s latest addition to the Farmhouse Airbnb; a picnic table just outside the sliding glass door from the Master Bedroom. Our friend and Hartford native Dennis G. built the table.
News and Notes
It’s hard to say much good about agri-business, outdoor factories. But, but, but … we are feeding the world! Not my problem. I’m more concerned with poisonous cheap food, total reliance on external inputs (fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, and GMO seed; and for animals, growth hormone, anti-biotics, vaccinations, etc.) the loss of top soil, and the extinction of plant varieties adapted to specific locations.
A woman and her chair.
Good for a laugh! English must be a bear to learn as a second language.
Books & Such
I don’t think I even picked a book up off the night stand in the last 6 days. Bible study is now morning routine, but I’m not getting to the other … that’s probably okay. Winter is catch-up time.
All the best to you and yours. and may God bless you all.
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All the best, and may God bless you and yours,
John & Geri
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