A Homesteading Dream Begins; Starting out.

**Kerjack** · 01-07-2010, 10:48 AM

I want to own a homestead. Build everything from scratch, grow my own food, live simpler and be more self sufficent. I have wanted to do this since I was little, but never really thought it was possible. Well it's gotten to the point where I don't care if it's possible, I'm going for it.

The boyfriend is on board with me on everything except building the house from scratch. But I'm working on him haha. He's already a farmer and has helped me with some skills I'll need, but I still need to learn so much.

I currently still live with my parents (I'm only 20) and will continue to until my debt is paid off. But while living there I'm going to be learning new skills and trying to be more frugal in preperation for this adventure. At the boyfriends farm I have 11 chickens, that I love to death. I plan on getting more though. I also want goats, and he has Beef cattle there. Those will basically be the animals we'll have at the homestead. I had a garden last year that went really well and have made a bigger one for this year.

But now I'm just rambling haha. Basically I'll be writing here with my progress, and how everything is coming along!

**Debbie-cat** · 01-07-2010, 10:58 AM

Good luck! You have a great start on your bf's farm. You are quite young so will have no problem getting there. Will enjoy reading about your progress!

**redmaples** · 01-07-2010, 11:00 AM

Looks like you've got a good start & lots of determination!
I look forward to read your homesteading adventures.

I've been studying goats myself & wondering if I can have a few on just an acre. Haven't quite decided yet. We'd have to invest in some good fencing & the work to get it up ourselves. Our chicken coops were mostly from salvaged materials. One was actually given to us & a fiasco to transport!

How are you keeping your chickens in water during the cold weather? that is the biggest chore over winter.

**Kerjack** · 01-07-2010, 11:08 AM

Thanks Guys!

Redmaples- Right now my chickens are in the barn, underground in a sense. The barn was built on a hill. They have 3 stone walls, but even with that it gets cold. So I have straw built up on the open side to keep most of the draft out.

I haven't read much about goats, but get a lot of info from the dairy goat farm down the street. We're friends with them so they give us advise/will be selling us goats when we want them.

**Josephhgoins** · 01-07-2010, 11:27 AM

you know the chickens are or eating, right?

Good luck! I am right there with you, but need to get some things out of the way so I can start saving for the land.

**NikoSan999** · 01-07-2010, 04:50 PM

Check out the links I sent on the other thread. Good luck. I will be reading your posts updating us on this venture. Hope all turns out as you wish.

**Trishagirl** · 01-07-2010, 05:13 PM

Wow that's sounds like a great adventure for you & your BF! I would be interested on reading your blog. I'm sure you will learn lots too enjoy it! Good luck. Are you going to build a log cabin and have a composting toilet?

**MakeADollarHollar** · 01-14-2010, 05:12 PM

Oh to be 20 again and SO focused!!

Wishing you all the best!!

**Dixie** · 01-14-2010, 10:49 PM

Originally Posted by MakeADollarHollar

Oh to be 20 again and SO focused!!

Wishing you all the best!!

I was thinking the same thing!
Kerjack, I think you're going to be a great homesteader.

**mauimagic** · 01-14-2010, 11:29 PM

What great opportunities are there for you!! So glad that you are pursuing your dream!! Like all the others, I am looking forward to following your journey!!

**NikoSan999** · 01-15-2010, 09:31 AM

Originally Posted by MakeADollarHollar

Oh to be 20 again and SO focused!!

Wishing you all the best!!

Second that...to do a do over...hindsight

**chevy_chick95** · 01-16-2010, 05:28 AM

Kerjack- it's so nice to see younger people on here! There aren't many of us! I'm 23. I have much the same dream as you. It is a long term goal but I can't wait to build a nice simple farmhouse or receive my grandmothers. Good luck with your goal keep us updated! I can't wait to read your journey!