Homesteading preparations

*laugh* It isn't THAT bad.

Almost.. but not quite!

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Icelandic Sheep and German Angora Rabbits

Good advice being given here. I’ll add or emphasize a few things:

Here’s a novel idea (at least one I have not seen suggested before) – ask if any HT forum members within reasonable distance would be willing to have you visit their place. If possible become their friend and meet their friends. Don’t wear city duds if you go. Be prepared to offer to help with whatever they are doing or whenever they need an extra hand. Absorb every bit of information you can from them.

Live simple and become increasingly frugal. Cut discretionary expenses by half, after a bit cut them by half again. Put the money you save into your homestead fund.

Eliminate fast foods and “entertainment” (more money in the fund, more time to learn useful things). If there was a teevee I’d sell it or give it away (big waste of time), though others may disagree.

Become a garage sale and thrift store addict. Try to avoid paying retail prices for anything.

Read, listen, ask questions.

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Whether you believe you can or you believe you cannot – you are usually right.

This does not include flying or moving mountains unassisted or attempting to prove the existence of an “afterlife”.

All of this is such great advice! My DH and I are also looking to get some property in about 18 months and we have been researching everything we can. I can't tell you how incredibly valuable all your advice is to those of us that are just starting out. (or just getting ready to start out.) My DH and I were just commenting on the fact that we would very much like to sit down with someone who has been ranching/farming/homesteading for 15+ years and ask them if they could go back and start over, knowing what they know now, what kind of things would they do? We want to learn from others as much as possible.

Thank you very much for sharing your wisdom with us.