we are new

[chrisntiff]

we are new to homesteading, but we like the idea of a more self reliant life. we just started raising chickens last spring and now enjoy all the fresheggs we can eat (along with a little free range chicken soup). So whats our next step? We have about an acre and a half with lots of farming around us. We have a large gardenin the spring,sso what is the next step?

[JanO]

Your next step is whatever you want it to be. Do you have, or plan to have a goat or cow for fresh milk? There is nothing better then homemade butter, cheese, buttermilk, etc.. from your very own cow. Also, are you planning on putting some homegrown meat in your freezer? That's something to consider too. One of the best things about living in the country is that although it's a lot of hard work, it also gives you the freedom to do things YOUR way, in your own time.

[Blu3duk]

Welcome.

Since there is farming all around you, see if any of the farmers will sell grain to you for less than the feed store for your chickens, while over at their place, askk if they could use some help on any given day so you could learn a little about the way they farm, or have them over for coffee, cake or victuals.

get to know your farming nieghbors, and perhaps they might be of help to you in setting you up with a larger piece of ground to farm your own..... or rented ground, or sell you an animal or two to get you started.

An acre and half isnt very big to do much animal raising, but a small shed, and a steer or 2 can be raised and if you mow the grass it can be used to supplement feedstuff too. provided you want to raise a beef or 2.

William

[Turalura]

A book that I like might help you. It's ' Two Acre Eden ' by Gene Logsden. You can find a good used copy on sites such as Amazon or ?.
It has a humorous slant and the author admits and relates many of the mistakes he made to save us the trouble. It's a fun read.

There are many good books for reference on any interest you may have.
' The Encyclopedia Of Country Living' by Carla Emery is one of the best for new or old country folks. It is a tremendous asset for advice on animals, gardening, food preservation,butchering, recipes, etc. My 9th edition has 885 large pages.
It should give you lots of ideas.