Anyone Ever Reach Their "Destination"........

farmmaid · #1 01/21/12, 01:41 PM

.....in homesteading? OK, I will explain. We all have goals, some short term and some long term. We have tried to add something new to the farmstead every year: strawberries, sheep, orchard...you get the idea. Last year was taking a course about mushrooms and starting to grow some. Also added a milking sheep to our flock. This year we want to reclaim 3 acres at our lower farm (have all the fence to do it), clean-up the farm, replace @5 trees to the orchard, and reconfigure the lower barn for the sheep and goats.
As far as adding to our homestead........I think we are "there". We would like to start being on maintinance and keeping everything nice. A pond and Bar-B-Q area added to the house does not count as a farm project........RIGHT?
So: 4 Purebred Nubian does and a Boer buck
7 Katadhin ewes, 2 ER ewes and a Dorper ram
my GREAT trail mare and old companion pony
@ 20 hens and a very proud rooster
15 guineas that keep us informed of guests and NO ticks
11 ducks
a trio of breeding meat rabbits
up until last week a steer
buy 2 piglets in the spring

.....................................ALL babies get sold, after we fill our freezers.

We start the land harvest with maple syrup and end the land harvest with cider and grape pressing. In between there is garden, orchard and the wonderful babies. I went 12 weekends last summer with my LOVELY mare camping and trail riding.

I think we are BASICALLY "there". Hubby will be retiring in 2 1/2 years and I work part time after retiring from teaching. I know there is always things to do and learn to better oneself but the "journey" is over for us.....time to enjoy!!!!!!!!

wwubben · #2 01/21/12, 01:51 PM

I've homesteaded all my life and I will be 70 pretty soon.Things keep evolving and I still haven't reached my destination------I will run out of time.I have settled on many constants but new things beckon.

FarmerRob · #3 01/21/12, 06:17 PM

You can certainly reach some of your goals but as there are always new things you want to try, new critters to raise, new crops to grow, new ways to do everything, we are fortunate that our goals will never all be met and we will always have new challenges to look forward to.

Ohiogal · #4 01/21/12, 07:32 PM

I've reached some goals...basically set up things like adding chicken coops and greenhouses and getting the buildings in order. However, I see homesteading as a constant adventure and the freedom to try new things - even if it means a new type of lettuce one year different than last. So no, I don't ever think I'll reach my destination just like I still haven't figured out what I want to do when I grow up.

chewie · #5 01/21/12, 07:48 PM

since our place is fairly new (less than 5 years here, barely 3) we have lots yet to do--mostly fencing. but, the chicken coop is set,, the goats are just what I wanted (still probably have one too many milkers, but can't bring myself to sell!). the horses are great, and altho we dont' have enough pasture, we do have 2 older horses that once they pass, won't be replaced. I have a few other pens set up for pigs or calves, and our home is done (well, done enough! are they ever really done??!) the critter situation is pretty set, mostly cuz it was already running well at our last place and those things were pretty easily moved.

I put in some apple trees, berries, etc. started raised beds that I bet will be moved sometime. these are skills I am just learning, so I am sure i'm not there yet with these things.

I am very proud at the other things I've mastered, like bread, making our dollar stretch til it squeals, and in general, 'fix it up, wear it out, make it do or do without'!

I highly doubt this is an issue of really ever being done. as mentioned, its always evolving. but for as 'young' as this place is, I think I'm doing really well.

Shadow · #6 01/22/12, 12:36 AM

Its the journey not the destination, have been here 26 years, homesteaded other places most of my life. Now I'm 70 probably spent $250.000 and 26 years on the farm I figure another half a million and another life time would get it finsihed. My exwife came to the farm once 25 years ago, looked it over and said you finally got a project bigger than you are. Enjoy the journey the destanation is too far away.

geo in mi · #7 01/22/12, 09:18 AM

The rainbow disappears before I can get to the pot.

geo