homesteading

20260418 Pigs Update

The pigs are in the woods, here is how they got there!

Apr 19

Roof Manufacturing Brush Mower Model VP 75

At least 25 years old, but it still has the original, Roof-branded drive belt on it!

Jul 1, 2025 • John Newell

1993 F250 7.3L Turbo Diesel 6-Port Fuel Valve Replacement

The last of the major repairs necessary to the 32 year old truck bought last October. Myriad smaller issues; we call those the "idiosyncrasies" that…

Jun 29, 2025 • John Newell

Herding Pigs - It's Been Awhile

This time though, and unplanned, as is all pig herding, I had the Australian Shepherd pups (Tilly & Toby) and Lulu (one of our Pit Bull mix dogs) with…

Nov 19, 2024 • John Newell

Chicken Slaughter and Butchering Process: Flow Chart

I have not butchered a chicken in 8 years, but because I did my homework and documentation then, I expect no problem with 20 birds now. Improving a…

Aug 23, 2024 • John Newell

Chicken Slaughter and Butchering Process: Butchering

Removal of the head, neck, feet, and organs...

Aug 23, 2024 • John Newell

13:57

Chicken Slaughter and Butchering Process: Scalding & Plucking

This is a necessary step to loosen the feathers for plucking, either by hand or by machine...

Aug 23, 2024 • John Newell

3:00

Chicken Slaughter and Butchering Process: Killing

This is the most difficult part of the process, for me. If killing an animal becomes "easy," you might want to reconsider who you are becoming...

Aug 23, 2024 • John Newell

2:02

Chicken Slaughter and Butchering Process: Walk-Through

Layers are probably the best "gateway drug" to homesteading, but meat birds shouldn't be far behind. This was my first "go" at slaughtering and…

Aug 23, 2024 • John Newell

5:06

I can guess what you think that means, but are pathogens the only consideration?

Aug 2, 2024 • John Newell

Oxen In Tall Grass

Watch now | Yesterday was a big day, an assassination attempt will mark the day forever, a day I spent fencing in more pasture for the Oxen, Boris and…

Jul 14, 2024 • John Newell

4:20

Solar System Performance: Year One Post Mortem

Year One was a disappointment; not entirely, there is room for improvement to be sure, but I had expected more.

May 9, 2024 • John Newell

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