"Organic Gardening & Farming" preferably the older, digest size ones.
EARLY 'Mother Earth News"
Or, hit the local farmer's markets & U-Pick operations, an ask plenty of questions before buying or picking.
Anyone got a link to getting off the food grid?
I calculated that 100 chickens, 2 hogs and 2 new calves a year would keep our family "off the grid". I'm thinking about a hydroponics garden to keep fresh produce in the house all year 'round, but I haven't made up my mind yet. I think the stuff that comes from dirt just tastes better.
That's about as far as I've got. My mom raised goats, but I just can't stand goat milk. I'm thinking about getting a "Bossy" for our farm, but I'm not thrilled with the idea. I just hate the milking schedule. Now if you put up an extra hog you could trade with someone who produces milk locally and get your dairy that way. Two extra steer at auction would pay for the whole mess. (all the feed and seed)
It's a lot of work, but I think it's worth it. Right now my daughter's thinking about making her own baby food (when the time comes). Things like that really make you think about where your food comes from.
"Organic Gardening & Farming" preferably the older, digest size ones.
EARLY 'Mother Earth News"
Or, hit the local farmer's markets & U-Pick operations, an ask plenty of questions before buying or picking.
find your local Amish community or community-based agriculture farms. These exist everywhere less than one hour from any major city.
> Anyone got a link to getting off the food grid?
The closest thing to that other than living on a farm is the local food movement— sadly it is populated by lefties so bring your clothespin:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Local_food
I see several FReepers gave you good recommendations. Here’s another, an online mag (also bimonthly hardcopies) written BY Americans FOR Americans:
You may have to subscribe to enjoy the full benefit, though you won’t regret it. When Mother Earth News began to go eco-liberal, many of their readers switched to Backwoods Home.
Contributor Jackie Clay and her son homestead, living as off grid as possible. Sadly, they lost their husband/father a couple of years ago. Jackie writes excellent articles that cover every aspect of homesteading as well as food preparation, and stands ready to answer readers’ questions. Admirable lady.
I’m too lazy to live as she does, though the more I learn about our food sources, the more I’m considering at least growing my own veggies. Dunno, I have a pretty brown thumb!