Defining What You Do from Elvira

  Just a little tid bit from mama, she recently held a Day at the Bunkhouse for a local homeschool group. It went amazingly! We talked not only about defining what you do (scroll down for to see that), but we also talked about types of livestock, blooming where God planted you (be looking for more on that in a later post), natural homemade cleaners, and dry food storage.

  I'm sorry for the lack of pictures for this event. I was having so much fun that I completely forgot to take any! Anyone have any that they would like to share? I know that I saw some of the ladies taking pics of their little ones holding and petting the barnyard animals...also milking goats.

  We are planning on holding more of these, if anyone is interested let me know. And if there are any topics that you would like to learn about or discuss give me a holler and we will have a little chat. Well enjoy this little ranchy tid bit, and ya'll have a beautiful day!

Defining what you do:

 

Back Yard Farms: Typically, under an acre but zoned for some small livestock as in chickens, rabbits & sometimes a goat. Includes other things such as gardens & bee hives. Primarily for personal consumption, no sales.

 

Hobby Farms/Gentlemen's Farm: Typically, 1-2.5 acres, zoned for chickens, rabbits, goats, sheep, pigs, a few horses for children. Gardens, bee hives, orchards. Primarily for personal consumption, if sales, typically run at a loss.

 
Farm: 5 acres or more, self sustaining financially to some degree. Containing primarily crops. Also can be dairy cows, chickens, hogs, rabbits & goats. As in, dairy farm, chicken farm, hog farm, goat farm, rabbit farm. Orchards, gardens and bee hives are typical as well. What is not used personally, is sold. Many other products can be sold such as honey, bees wax candles & homemade goods.

Ranch: Used to be considered large acreage & open range. Newer definition due to cost of land, taxes, etc. is 5 acres or more with horses, cattle or sheep as typically meaning livestock, financially self sustaining to some degree. Therefore, horse ranch, cattle ranch, sheep ranch. Personal garden, orchards or other livestock typically for personal use such as chickens (meat & eggs), hogs (ham & sausage), a dairy cow or goat (milk/cheese). Only crops grown are for livestock feed. If considered a ranch and excess chickens & eggs are sold, foul can be considered ranch chickens/eggs.

  Many Farmers & Ranchers also lease land as it is so expensive to buy & pay taxes on. They also crop share, which is advantageous to all parties involved. Some farms include a bed & breakfast & some ranches include Ranch Retreats or are considered “Dude Ranches” for city folk wanting a ranch experience.