The aftermath of culling the spent hens.

The Zombie Rooster and the Homestead Slaughter

There comes a time when chickens have outlived their usefulness and aren't earning their keep, so we culled our spent hens this weekend.
Honey pours out of the extractor, which uses centrifugal force to propel the honey out of the comb after we remove the wax capping.

The Honey Harvest is In the Jar

The first part of the honey harvest is in and being bottled, but there will be one or two more this year as honey remains on the hives.
Some wild animal chewed through our water supply. We're still getting water, but less than normal.

A Wild Weekend on the Homestead

Rural life isn't easy, but it can be interesting and challenging. This weekend proves the point, from contaminated water to animal rescues.
This is what it looked like when the cutting was getting underway. The splitter is under the camo tarp.

Firewood: It’s What’s on the Menu this Week

No big post today, just these two photos to let you know its been a busy but productive week on the homestead as we...
Pete's "New to him" chain saw, a Stihl MS-261, came with a larger-than-recommended bar and a good chain.

Survival Supplies at the Pawn Shop?

Pawn shops can be a good place for preppers to cash in some gold or silver, buy a gun, pick up a knife, or purchase a chainsaw and other tools.
Humanoid robots for caregiving and light housework and said to be right around the corner. I think it's going to be a while before a homestead-ready robot capable of using power tools is available.

The Dangers of Robotic Labor at Home

Robotic help is coming to homes near you, but at what cost? From privacy leaks to grid-down failures, they can be a prepping vulnerability.
The homeland defense pack is designed to allow us to fade into the woods and live to fight another day. Or two. They don't provide much sustainment, but enough to fight on or find a cache.

The Homestead Defense Packs; Preparing to Make our Last Stand

Are you ready to fight for your land? We are, if it comes to that. And the Homestead Defense Bag will help.
Baking bread us a useful skill for a prepper or anyone looking to cut food costs.

Baking Bread, Broken Faucets, and Bar Oil

Mastering homesteading skills like baking, and DIY repairs is vital for preppers facing inflation and supply chain issues,
Our Polaris Ranger 1000 just got its break-in service, replacing key lubricants and fluids. We're ready for another year of zipping up an down our dirt roads, logging trails and using it as a motorized wheel barrow to haul stuff around the homestead.

The Friction of UTV Maintenance

Riding the Polaris Ranger isn’t all fun and games. At some point, you have to service it. It’s necessary, bur less fun.
A healthy hive of bees after a long winter with some bitterly cold nights.

Self-Reliance Ranges From Sleeper Cells to Beekeeping

From surviving winter hive losses to the threat of domestic sleeper cells, being prepared includes spring chores and self-defense.