It’s always a sobering experience when you take the life of an animal whether it be meat or you have to put it down for other reasons and if it ever becomes such that, it’s not a sobering experience, then you’ve lost something it’s all part of the cycle of life I don’t think the chickens Worry so much over the bugs that they eat or the hawk or so much over the chicken he’s just killed so that his babies can eat which makes us different from the animals. We have the capacity to care for them so I agree with you the best life possible and one bad day.
Don’t block them , just ignore them, remember, the Nazis blocked all their opponents ideas too , listen to them, just don’t take it to heart , and try to learn from everybody while not letting anybody dictate your future or your truth
You know what Brian? Your channel does say Next Level Homestead. You are a meat eater. The whole idea of being more self sustainable is just that. You grow your food whether it be vegetables or protein. The people who don't want to watch that, that's their decision, but don't criticize someone who is trying to be self sufficient. You're doing what's right for you and making the decisions at your own pace. Don't be pressured from either side of this debate. I'm a loyal viewer of both your channels andvim here to stay. ❤
@@DefundthemasonsThe LORD has no problem with me eating chicken. Why should I care about what you of all PEOPLE say about my soul? Jesus is my LORD, not you Mr. Random person.
Hi Brian, I'm a vegetarian and enjoy your channel. Furthermore, I believe that someone should never impose their own lifestyle and ideas on others. You don't do that. You only show us how you live with your family. Viewers can look at that or not. If you don't like it, just DON'T watch it! You don't have to preach about it and make negative comments about it, as some do. I find it inspiring to see how you are slowly but surely becoming more self-sufficient and am already looking forward to the next vlog! Keep it up!
Im a 40 plus year vegetarian also, I totally agree its not my place to impose my eating habits on another person. I am a vegetarian because it is what is right for ME… my husband is not-nor ever been vegetarian its not right for him.
I agree. I’ve been vegetarian or pescatarian most of my life. My only request would be not to show killing the animals. Or at the very least please label the video so we can skip it. I follow a farm on Instagram that showed “processing” chicken and that’s fine if that’s what they want to share it but I don’t want to see it.
It is so ballsy of people to expect YOU to change your lifestyle/format to suit their ideals. You are doing just fine... Keep on rocking in the free world.
Many of these souls have no clue where their food comes from. A plant is a lesser but still a life-form as well. Are these people just going to breathe to eat? And I wander if some of these souls actually eat meat from butchering that company cares little for the animal even some being cruel. I would take a local farmer any day knowing most of them care far more for their animals than big corporations!!!
I was born & raised in a very rural country setting. (dirt road, no grocery store in a 45 mins range). My parents grew & raised all of our food. My dad's mindset was if it doesn't work or provide for you it has no place on our farm. Every animal has a job & or a purpose. God created Humans above animals. After the fall animals are now food for humans. Of course some are definitely just pets but even our pets have a job. We hunt & fish as well. You must eat whatever you kill or catch, or don't hunt or fish, no excuses. Be a good steward and you will be blessed.
My farm IS A personal petting zoo and let me tell you they are very expensive to care for with no return for their keep. I can't kill animals for my own food but I DO know where my food comes from. It is a hobby farm for me , but it doesn't have to be for anyone else. If we need to kill for food, and I do eat meat, it should be from farmers that care for the well-being of the animals living there for the time being.
Don’t know who “they” think that they represent my opinion … here is my message to them … buzz off. I’ll raise my animals and feed my family as I see fit. Even my birds relish eating the skin and wing bits of their former coop mates.
It will never be the end of your channel. The people that want to watch a channel about petting farms, well there are plenty of channels that will cater to that. I love your channel and love what you bring to us.
I grew up on the edge of a Indian reservation. It was so common to see deer hanging upside down from a tree bleeding out to be butchered. It wasn’t gross, we knew the family was going to eat good that season. Nearly every one of our ancestors had to raise or hunt for their food, or they would have starved, and a lot of us wouldn’t be here now. So sad that people are going to be helpless if there’s a food shortage or costs are to high. Let the complainers complain, you are doing an INCREDIBLE job!
Helped raise two motherless calves years ago. We names them hamburger and Chuck roast. When they were big enough, we just hauled them to the area butcher and picked them back up cut and wrapped for the freezer in the cuts and sizes we has requested. (For a fee, of course). Not as emotional. We always knew their final destination so we tried hard not to get too attached.
You need to do what is best for your family and homestead. Difficult times are coming for all so please don’t listen to those trying to tell you what you and your family should or shouldn’t do. The more you do for your family to provide for them the better.
I love what you've said here. I feel providing for your family was a whole different story in the past. Now you need money, and all the 'dirty' jobs are done by others. My grandmother grew, milked, killed....she did it all. And I am humbled.
Brian. I love your videos. I am soon to celebrate my 77th birthday. I grew up on a farm and we raised all of our meat. We even raised quail and pheasants for food. The way farmers did it was they are never attached to the animals. You are right to feel the way you do because you love your animals. They are your pets. Farmers don't name their chickens and most don't name cows. Tell any haters to piss off. 😊
I agree with this comment--as I grew up we lived on various farms(pig, cows and horses)--we never named any of the pigs or cows as they were used for meat--we did however name the horses as they where workers on the farms and ranches!!
Hear me now! When i come across people as fine and responsible hard working people as you and your family, i stay loyal. Your content is priceless and entertaing as well as educational. Heartwarming at the very least. I ill re.aing loyal to your channel regardless of what irection you take it in. Be strong and "Homestead defiantly!".❤
‘Support you ONE HUNDRED PERCENT! You put so much into your homestead and, more importantly, into your thoughts on how to approach your decisions. ‘Respect you so much! ❤️
It's your homestead and your lives to live. Do what you think is best for you and your family, and do it well. Hope you enjoyed attending Easter service on Resurrection Sunday 🙂
Noah is driving! He barely took his eyes off the road when his attention was drawn away, even before his Dad suggested he keep his eyes on the road. Good job! I wish him many safe years of driving. Another step to becoming self sufficient.
From a someone who practiced Buddhism for 18 years….I grew up in the country, we grew a lot of the food we ate. Uncles, grandfather, father hunted. Me never. But I ate everything from squirrel to rabbit, to deer meat, and everything in between. Personally I could not kill an animal. Yet I eat meat. I fish, crab and, clam. I learned long ago in college that EVERYTHING survives because of something else’s death. That’s life. Those people who feel good about being vegetarian don’t understand that plants have feelings too- they move towards light, away from things that are too hot or cold, towards water, etc., therefore they have feelings too. That makes them sentient, they just can’t get away. The best way (IMHO) is to proceed with respect and gratitude. Be respectful towards all life. Be humble. Be grateful for the nourishment other life provides. Make its death as quick and as painless as possible. Life is suffering for everyone and everything on this planet. No one and nothing escapes! Let others judge you as they will, if you know in your heart you are taking life respectfully, humanly, and for the purpose of sustaining your life or the life of the ones you love, then it matters not what others think or say.
To me, there is nothing wrong with raising animals with only one bad day. No judgement here. You do what works for you. You treat your animals humanely and I honor you for that. Blessings as you develop your homestead.
Wonderful video, loved the beginning with the music & the chores. It is sad that so many people don't understand where our food comes from, even veggies & fruit, and the fact most of the produce is not "perfect". I was a late bloomer to growing up with small farm stuff, my dad had a large vegetable garden, mom did a lot of canning, then we raised chickens for eggs & meat (I was maybe 9). I named every little fuzzy chick we got. Then it eventually came to butchering time (dad did it himself), I went for a bike ride, and mom & grandma dressed then chickens. I didn't eat chicken until my mom tricked me, saying it was from the store. Nope, it was Fuzzy.....and dang that was some good chicken. We eventually raised two pigs. All those animals were loved, and well taken care of, and thanks were given for the sustenance they supplied. Thank you, Brian, for 2 wonderful channels that I enjoy watching and learn from.
Everyone has their lifestyle and should not bash or hate because it is different from them. That is what is wrong these days. If you want to be more sustainable, then raising animals is part of it. Whether you cull them or not. I love your channel and support you 💯.
It is astounding how people feel the need to push their opinions onto other people with a threat or an insult. I grew up on a cattle ranch, it never gets easy for anyone. Additionally when plants get pests they secrete a substance to repel the pest (which makes the vegetable taste better) this would indicate a living organism with feelings. So plant people, you need to think carefully. I will never stop watching your channels and your wholesome family. Stand Tall!
Best tips to feel better Brian...Having heart about harvesting your own animal is a good thing. It shows you love and respect the things that make your existence possible. It also releases the primal instinct we all have of either dismay for taking a life or pride in providing food for your people by taking a life. If you're going to eat it, don't name it, don't treat it like a pet. Talk to it like a passing stranger. Name it what it will eventually be. Burger, Rotisserie, Nugget, Freezer, Fajita... Moving into the next level of harvesting what you've raised makes you more respectful, protective, and cherishing of what you have worked hard for by taking that life to maintain yours. Make it a family event. Everyone plays a part to clean the animal. Everyone should be there for the "deed" to honor it's sacrifice. My wife and daughter cried on their 1st taking of chickens we raised from chicks. But my 8yo girl at the time was told from the start what would happen to them. My son is now 8 and time for him to take his first chicken and my 4yo son will watch. The waste will be turned into the compost for our veggies. I almost cry everytime I shoot a deer. Taking such a beautiful animal. But I push it back it treat it like what it is now. A cheaper food source than beef pork or chicken to keep my family alive. Keep up the good work you do. Nasty people will be nasty. Trolls will be trolls. And you can only be you. You made it from the city to as country as you can get for SoCal. The next level is the next level. But at your own pace. Can't wait to see your tutorial on chicken cleaning & dinner in the next few years.
It is so sad to me that we now live in a time that some people think it is appropriate to put others down. My Grandfather taught me to just move on if you don't agree with something. So many need to learn that We all have a right to have differing opinions. We don't have to put others down if we do not feel the same way. Thank You for teaching us so many things, and sharing your lives with us.
I am plant base and still watch homesteader's and I am ok with them having to process their animals. Most do it with giving these animals there best life ever. Love your channel.
We appreciate the honesty and the thoughtfulness you provided. We would struggle with that task as well and understand the challenge. Your compassion to the animals and everyone is plain to see. You are giving them a good life. We are not haters and would not stop watching. We enjoy your channel and the gardening one very much!
Oh Brian, your homestead has grown into beautiful sites to see. It looks great. You and yours has done so much work. I hope it is in your plans to continue on and I feel we need your instructions on how to take care of these things. Your family feels like my family. I have always enjoyed your bright smile. I do understand if you raise animals to have as food later. That is the way it goes. You do what you must. It is ok with me. Yes, Daisy is cute, but.............
No criticism here, Bri. I completely understand where you're coming from. I admire the love and respect you have for your animals. They will be well cared for for their lifetimes. Self-Sustainability is wise. God bless you.
Not true! At least for me. One of my goals this year is learning to cull chickens so I can get chickens and provide them a better life than factory farms.
“Something has to die for us to live” No matter if that’s an animal or a plant. We are so disconnected from our food, and people are getting unhealthy because of it. I appreciate your channel and I think you should live your life and share what you’re learning. I encourage you to visit other homesteaders who are taking those steps to raise their own animals for food, and learn the process. Give thanks for the life of that animal and know that when raised right, that animal only has 1 bad day on the homestead.
When I was an early teen, and lived on a farm I and my siblings were hands on involved with catching and un-living chickens to be eaten for dinner. My dad would take care of the larger animals that were then prepared for food.
Beautifully handled. We have a farm and feel the same way. The reason we feel so awful about killing an animal for food is because we've never really been hungry. Until you get your sea legs about this, there are places that will harvest and process your livestock. It's hard, and you're doing a great job 😊
You're honoring the animal as it lives. Because you are giving the best life possible; the animal will give its best back to you. It's hard , I've done it. But it does taste better, it feels good knowing that animal had a good life.
When we got married, 38 1/2 yrs ago, my father in law raised cattle & had 1 -2 steer butchered a year. Our kids grew up with that was part of our lives. My husband & I both grew up in that lifestyle.
I love your channel and your transparency with everything you do, your health struggles, etc. I am 100% in the camp that I could not personally butcher the animals I raise and I know I’m a hypocrite and a big baby. What you are striving for is absolutely the most healthful and sustainable way to eat animal protein. Anyone who doesn’t see it and also eats animals should spend a day in an animal processing plant. Keep doing what you’re doing and inspiring us to be more self-sufficient.
I agree w the person who said block the disrespectful/hateful one. You've already asked that people be respectful and therevare those actively disregarding your request. Block them. It's quite a journey to live from the cycle of life. I've only just begun, so my heart goes out to you. Thank you for having the courage to share your thoughts and journey.
My friends were the same when their cow had a male. They knew what they had to do when it grew up so name him Steak so they never forgot what this calf was being raised for.
My husband is retired meat cutter. He wasn't thrilled by it but he supported me and four children. When he started this career he visited a kill floor. He knew he would never work there. We don't like the idea of killing animals, but it is what it is. I think it will end in the coming kingdom and I will be glad. For now, we are watching from Colorado, and hanging with you. Tell Noah there's a really cool game to play. It's called, "spend your whole life never getting a ticket and never having an accident", it's a big win.
Pam here….there are so many channels about homesteading and they grow MEAT animals and they are flourishing. Everyone has to walk their own journey….let the ‘attackers’ go in peace.
Well then all those people can’t eat foods made with EGGS like bread or pasta or virtually ANY food product. After all, those products are the result of killing chicken embryos. 😮
You're not ridiculous one bit. You're filled with compassion and kindness, empathy, and grace. There is a reciprocity in the world when it's done right. Cultures with deep connections to the land thanking the animals who's life is taken to provide sustenance. It might sound silly and ridiculous, but I thank my mint plant when I remove leaves for tea, my culinary herbs when I am prepping dinner. If respect, reverence and gratitude is maintained and prioritized as we harvest our plants, harvest our livestock,thanking Bella for her milk later, thanking the hens who contributed to your breakfast, it is my personal feeling and belief that we are helping to realign some of the balance that a was spun off its axis in our world. But you're never ridiculous to recognize and honor those feelings. Keep it going and stay transparent, others may begin to reconnect, too. You're always an inspiration! Im here for the long haul, too!
My wife and I grew up on average size Dairy farms in upstate New York. We both enjoy watching your channel and appreciate your honesty. Keep on being who you are and doing what you think is best for you and your family and try not to worry about the opinions of others. Being completely honest is a whole lot more challenging than throwing stones at others.
oh no! It's right at the part about the food. I can't see anything actually get killed, but I eat meat. And that's all there is to it. Just because it comes wrapped in plastic just means the animals probably had a terrible life. So I appreciate when a person can 'grow' their own meat. Good job.
Brian, you have presented your feelings quite well. I agree with you. We are so far separated from the realities of life. Everything is a give and take. I, personally, would be traumatized if I had to butcher a cow or a sheep/lamb. I could do a chicken... But it's not so much whether it is done, but, how it is done...humanely. You are giving your livestock (and it is livestock) a humane life and I can only say that I believe you would be equally humane if and when the time arises for the next step. It's easy for people who are distanced from the realities of farm life, to be judgemental of those who live within the boundaries of life, as lived by farmers. So, I applaud your ideas and wish only for you to succeed in your ventures.😇
I will not be leaving! You do you! We all have freedom to watch that day or not. Your content is full with a variety of options to watch. We had all intentions of culling our chickens and milking goats when we moved here 2 years ago, Hasn't happened yet. So hard. Definitely understand.
@@littlehomesteadbigdreamsand Cynthia4799 me too. I have 2 roosters I need to put in the frying pan😂hasn’t happened but it will have to happen soon. I have others growing right now that will need the room.
You are a kind person, and I know you love your animals. TBH, if you weren't struggling with it, I would look for another channel. I say this as a meat eater who doesn't have the courage to raise my own meat. If you don't already watch Roots & Refuge Farm YT channel, Jess has addressed how they deal with the internal conflicts they felt when they started raising animals for meat. They love their animals, too. Prayerful consideration is key.
My 2 cents, for what it’s worth. Gratitude and awareness is the bridge that connects necessity (by choice) to reverence for all food be it animal related or plant related. Whether purchased in a store, hunted in the forest, angled in the waters or raised for consumption. Be aware and give gratitude to the creatures, plants, Earth and Sun for the great gifts that make our lives possible. And, yes, I know plants to be sentient beings. First, when they began to communicate with me…what a shock that was, but now it’s just joy. Second when I began to read about the scientific experiments that uncovered the secret languages of plants. Most times, not all of the time, whether eating or drinking, I bring awareness and gratitude to all that sustains this human body. It becomes a sacred experience. Look at the food, really look at it as an unfathomable mystery. Hold the awareness as you eat and drink. The only food that doesn’t seem sacred to me is that which has been created in laboratories, Petri dishes, filled with chemicals and poisons. Or raised in inhumane circumstances, pumped full of antibiotics and “processed” in unfathomable circumstances, or grown in chemical fertilizers. So, I guess you could say that when you raise your own plants and animals for food, you are eating your own Love that you’ve given them. Brian, your choices come from love and will always come from love. Be you……..
Your channel is a HOMESTEAD! There's so many kinds of homesteads out there. If they don't like it they can find another one that suits them. No "threatening to leave" is necessary. After all, this is a friendly channel ❤
I’ll be honest, you may lose a few watchers who started watching you from the gardening perspective but you’ll gain a whole lot more viewers who are interested in the homestead journey
Stay true to YOU! If someone doesn't want to go along for the journey, that is their choice. Every living thing on this earth is here for a reason. And the reason is usually to feed someone higher up in the food chain. Harsh maybe,but reality. One of my grandsons is in FFA (future farmers of America) offered through his high school. If it's still offered, it's still needed! As well as 4H clubs and probably many more associations I'm not familiar with. The knowledge of living sustainably is necessary to continue the human race. Keep doing you, Brian,Emily, and Noah. You are all a treasure.
I am conflicted in the same way. I have retirement hens and always will. I used to be tolerant of ground squirrels but they finally pissed me off with their greediness and destructiveness. I am a great trapper now and offer them up on a sacrificial rock on a private area of our property. The coyotes, ravens and turkey vultures are appreciative. I don't tolerate poison on my property so had to come to grips with the problem. Love that you guys keep it real and share issues like you have today. Even a recipe gone sideways!
Killing anything should never be easy. I love to see your honesty about the struggle. For me processing my own meat forces a reverence and gratitude for the animal that i have never felt with store bought meat. So there is a beautful humbling to know something had to die so we could live. May GOD's face shine on your little homestead.
There are literally dozens of homesteaders with YT channels who have huge followings BECAUSE they show the life cycle of our meat animals, not in spite of it. As you said, the naysayers are perfectly happy to go buy factory-raised meat that never saw the sun or grass, while criticizing you for taking responsibility for what you eat.
My Mom taught us…if you don’t have anything nice to say…be quiet. So why some few people think it is ok to tell others what to do, in a condemning fashion, well they just need to be quiet. I totally get where you are coming from and understand completely. Not sure if I could ever get to that point…as hard as I might try…but you do what is best for you and your family. I know the good majority of us will be here to help you along. Great video Brian. And good job Noah! Good times ahead for you! 😂😉
You get nothing but love from me, and a whole heap of understanding. I grew up in the 70’s, with a vegetarian Dad who was a part time farmer; his paying job was with a global company. There were a total of 8 of us (Dad, Mom, six kids), and Dad didn’t trust the food in the stores. So we grew everything organically on an acre sized garden, as well harvested bushes for berries and tapped maples for sap (February). We had chickens and steers. My Dad somehow managed to find a way to come to terms with raising animals for food. He had such a wonderful heart, but I think he put his family first - especially when it came to the livestock. He was a deeply religious man who never ate meat - but he provided for his family. Your dilemma is why I couldn’t stay on our farm and take it over as he aged. I got attached to our animals. I was the one the animals trusted. I was the one who had to call them in at the time of slaughter. There aren’t any answers from me, sadly. I just wanted you to know that you’re not alone. ❤
I resonated with this so profoundly. As Los Angeles suburbanites transplanted to small acreage in the middle of nowhere, we quickly realized we love getting and raising animals. But even though they were meant for the freezer, we struggled with the end. We combated this by asking for help the first few times. The first time (and second time) we butchered chickens, our friends came and butchered with us. The first time we needed to harvest a beef cow, our son-in-law and our neighbor came and walked us through, doing the hard parts themselves. We cried and battled some big emotions, but now we feel like we can handle even the bigger animals. Brandon Sheard says that no one will love and care for your animal the way you do, and no one will stress over the care and management of their end the way you will. That's been really helpful to my mindset.
Also, tell your lovely girl that she should steam the artichokes over water with lemon juice added. Invert the artichokes in a colander so the steam gets into the middle choke area. Then take them out after about 15 minutes or so. Keep them inverted on a towel. THEN scoop the choke out. Fill with your bread crumbs mixture and cook however your recipe calls for. We put them in a baking dish, having filled each petal with bread crumbs, fresh garlic and romano cheese. Lightly pour evoo over them . Cover with parchment and aluminum foil. Bake about 25 minutes. Then uncover for 5 to 10 minutes. Pure delight!!
You do you, and they can do on their channels what they want. I grew up on a dairy farm. We were good to our cows and they were good to us. If you don’t want to drink milk or eat beef ok. But I do. We also had a huge vegetable garden , berry bushes and apple trees. We knew where our food came from. I no longer live on a farm, but I still know the farmer that raises my beef. I enjoy your channel.
I'm here to stay. I'm learning to homestead on a small scale. Raising animals/chickens, etc for meat is fine. My family eats meat. I already process my own hogs, squirrel and deer we hunt, fish we catch, i want to learn to raise chicken meat birds but dont know how yet....that is part of our food supply for my home....I'm here to learn. Excited to see what you have in store!!
My grandmother who lived in escansba michigan was a poor farmer. My mom was one of 14 children. They lived off the land. Dairy cows bulls chickens turkey and chickens. If they didnt farm and eat them they would of starved. They had apple trees and vegetables gardens. We used to go there for vacation and i knew when meal time came around what we were eating. I totally understand what you are going through. I hate to say this but my mom always said life goes on and she was rright. Just keep doing what you're doing and you will come to your own decision. Whatever you decide is what will make you feel right.
Love your channel. Love the music you put. And its always positive no matter the challenges you deal with. About negative comments... misery loves company. Those who leave nasty comments live with nasty thoughts in their head full time. I pity them but you have to leave them behind. Let them sit in their sad existence. Its their choice. But Brian. You do get bothered too much by negative comments it seems. You don't have to justify your way of living to no one. You don't have to convince anyone if what you are doing is right for you. Those who don't like, let them find another channel (there are plenty to every taste). I think the more you spend time addressing those comments, the more they will write thinking they rattle you by this. Ignore them. You never get 100% love from everyone no matter what you do. Loved watching you and Noah on the lake fishing. That was very beautiful scene. You should deff include such trips more into your channel. High five to Noah on his permit. May god watch over him and his safety.
I grew up with animals as pets…lots of different kinds…some of those ‘pets’ were purchased knowing they would eventually be food. We’d raise a pig each year and we gave it a wonderful life but come slaughter time it became food. I remember a beautiful black angus bull dad bought very young and we raised it to eat. Nursed it back to health in our basement through the worst of the winter when it came down with pneumonia…it was the best tasting beef I’ve ever had. We fished and also raised rabbits for food. Do you and don’t stress the haters!
Oh my goodness. Love love love your videos. I have learned so much. I live in a completely different climate, there are tons of things you do and grow that I could never do. And I still watch your channel. I just take your things and modify to meet the requirements for my climate. We use to have chickens and someday we will again. And eventually we will eat them. We have cows, we name them, we pet them and eventually we eat them. Just like we grow our own fruits and vegetables because we want to have control of how they are grown we raise meat so we have control of what they were feed and how they were treated. We now live in a time where we can’t trust those who govern us to have our best interests in mind. We now live in a time that we can’t trust others who grow food or raise meat to have our best interests in mind. We have to get back to taking care of ourselves, family and friends. We care for our fruits, vegetables, and animals and in turn they care for us. If we are going to eat this is just how it’s going to be. I’ve seen how it is in meat packing plants and I’m not going to participate in that.
This resonates with me because I'm having that very same dilemma. We just moved to 2 acres in E. Tx and have contemplated meat chickens but I'm just not there yet. I totally agree with everything you said! Please don't let anyone change how you farm. There's a lot of people here that support you! I love your channel and your chicken coop ;)
grew up on farm where our family and those before us did the same. My parents grew up through the depression as children. Trust me their parents and them as well would’ve wished to have had more chickens pigs beef etc to provide and harvest to feed their families better. Hopefully you can ignore the trolls better and if they are beyond rude ban them. I understand your position not being raised on a farm and the tough decisions. But hopefully you’ll get to where you can do what is natural that God provided for us to live out respectfully to all. Raise both plant and animals respectively for our needs as we as individuals see fit. Thankyou for all your advise on plants through the years.
Since my post got lengthy, I am moving the most important part first, in case it’s tl;dr: I admire Brian and Emilie for taking on this adventure of self sufficiency, and it doesn’t really matter to me why they are doing it, just as long as they keep doing it. I hope one day I will tune in and Brian will announce that they have reached the threshold of 100% self sufficiency! I’ve mentioned before that I grew up on a farm in Nebraska. It was nothing like the farms my dad’s generation grew up on. By the early ‘50s, nearly every farm had electricity, dial up phone service (albeit with partylines), and mechanized machinery. My dad was born on a farm whose only source of power was a windmill to pump water. When he was a boy, he had to take care of horses and harness, assist in all aspects of raising chickens and livestock from growing the forage to helping can the meat. By the time he retired in the ‘90s, he was driving an air conditioned tractor with a computerized corn planter that counted every seed and and made sure that each seed was evenly spaced and the right depth. His agronomist came out and tested the soil regularly. When I was growing up, no one I knew did their own butchering. My mom refused to raise chickens, although we helped on the grand parent’s farm with butchering the chickens, until thankfully gramma and grandpa retired and moved to town. My dad hated sending the cattle “off to market” but it was part of the cycle. One steer would always get sent to the butcher in town and a week later, a deep freeze’s worth of steak, hamburger and roasts would arrive. I could fill volumes on how life on the farm changed dramatically in the last century. In this one, it’s nearly all corporate now, even the family farms have to contract out with the big corporations if they want to survive. One childhood memory was my retired grandpa’s big plan to raise two geese one year, so we’d have goose for Christmas. We had a Butterball turkey that Christmas if memory serves, and those two old geese were around for a long time. Brian, you may never reconcile yourself to the end game of raising livestock. I never take for granted where my food comes from and who provides it. Last week, my asparagus came from Mexico, my onions from the Imperial valley, and my hamburger was probably raised in a smelly feedlot with poor drainage, because that is what we have become, and very few of us could grow our own food to survive, if we even wanted to.
Thanks for sharing your story. Life has changed so much in our lifetime, and people will not survive if they don’t know how to work the land or even grow a tomato plant in a pot! We’ve lost so much information from our ancestors.
I cannot tell you in plain words how your choice of music, the chores that give back so generously, like feeding the chicken, then collecting the eggs,the flowers in their most precious state, the cow and your affection to her, your son’s driving and your beautiful wife just brings me so much happiness.
Brian, please consider not being so sensitive to negative comments. From what I see it comes from being a TH-camr! Just do your thing, we'll watch & learn & don't be so dragged down!!!! Let the negatives roll off...
Brian, you have a big heart! Caring about another living being and not being able to put the animal in your freezer right now is completely fine. I cannot do it right now either but am working toward getting meat chickens at some point. I would rather know that the animals had a beautiful, happy life. Some people have no idea how broken this food system is or where their food comes from. You do what's best for you and your family!!
I would be sad if Daisy had to go, but it would by no means make me hate you or the channel? No. It is understandable if you had to go down that route. I doubt it would be a easy choice for you to do that. It is what happens in homesteading at times so do not worry about what others say.
Brian I always appreciate your willingness to address challenging situations and beliefs. I think you brought up all the best points! Honestly people who are growing their own meat I have the highest level of respect for. I appreciate the love they have for their animals. People, as you said, are so disconnected from where their food comes from! I feel like all school kids should have to go to factory farms, CAFOs & industrial meat processing plants. And study the science and ecology of those industries. Only older kids of course!!! Until then, homesteaders and regenerative ranchers & farmers are are heroes! Love your channel!!!
Wow. I don't feel you have anything to worry about. Those ppl aren't in reality. A homestead is for raising you're own food. I think you're going to be just fine. 😁
We raise chickens and decided to process our own chickens instead of taking them to the processing plant. I can tell you, it was not easy. It hurt mine and my husbands hearts to have to butcher the chickens. However, We decided if we are raising them, we need to be able to process them. My boys did 4H when they were growing up. We raised pigs and at the end of the fair they are sold and then butchered. It was very difficult for all of us but we did understand the process. It isn't easy, but it is necessary.
Dear Brian, I have struggled with this moral dilemma for many years. I LOVE animals, but I also eat meat and a while back I even went onto the keto diet (which I did really well on. Lost weight and felt a lot more energetic). I decided for myself the best answer to the moral question was to adapt the Native American philosophy of animals (and plants) being our brothers and sisters. Before each meal I thank them for providing for my nutrition and promise to honor their contribution to my wellbeing (by being an honorable human). I found an online company that offers meat from farms where the animals are raised and 'harvested' humanely. As to your dilemma of killing animals you have personally raised, that doesn't make you weak, or cruel. Do what works best for you and your heart. Animals in nature are always being killed by other animals for food. It is the way of nature and humans are a part of nature. The big difference is, nature can be cruel in its killing, humans don't have to be. (Temple Gradin)
Thank you so much for this video. I have been plant based for almost 7 years and I considered unsubscribing when you got Daisy. But after thinking about it and being a highly spiritual person, I recognized that I was judging and not coming from a place of love. I enjoy your channels so much and have learned from them in countless ways. Hearing you addressing this subject in such an honest and genuine way is beautiful. ❤ Thank you for being brave enough to do this. Sending love!
I cut up whole chickens all the time. I saw two chickens harvested when I was 5 and while is was bloody, I accepted it as food. Last year I helped a local chicken farmer harvest 115 chickens. I did it for the experience and took all stations of the processing. Now I know how to do it the cleanest and most effecient way. When you process your livestock, they are food. You need to come to that realization is that they are not pets and do not treat them as pets. I have heard some people call their animals by meat cuts, like this pigs name is pork chops. When you are processing the animals, thank God for the animals sacrifice to feed your family and bless the animal to be harvested. Of course, you can have someone process your animals if you can't do it by yourself or with an experienced friend's help. But, you will pay extra for the service.
Love your channel. Let those who disagree with you and are ugly and hateful, then block them. It is YOUR life, YOUR homestead, and YOUR channel.
Thank you
It’s always a sobering experience when you take the life of an animal whether it be meat or you have to put it down for other reasons and if it ever becomes such that, it’s not a sobering experience, then you’ve lost something it’s all part of the cycle of life I don’t think the chickens Worry so much over the bugs that they eat or the hawk or so much over the chicken he’s just killed so that his babies can eat which makes us different from the animals. We have the capacity to care for them so I agree with you the best life possible and one bad day.
Ditto! Love your channel!!! ❤️
Don’t block them , just ignore them, remember, the Nazis blocked all their opponents ideas too , listen to them, just don’t take it to heart , and try to learn from everybody while not letting anybody dictate your future or your truth
@@Fiscals_Organics the most balance philosophy I’ve heard yet.
You know what Brian? Your channel does say Next Level Homestead. You are a meat eater. The whole idea of being more self sustainable is just that. You grow your food whether it be vegetables or protein. The people who don't want to watch that, that's their decision, but don't criticize someone who is trying to be self sufficient. You're doing what's right for you and making the decisions at your own pace. Don't be pressured from either side of this debate. I'm a loyal viewer of both your channels andvim here to stay. ❤
Animals have no soul,
Well said. 👏👏👵🏻👩🌾❣️
@@DefundthemasonsThe LORD has no problem with me eating chicken. Why should I care about what you of all PEOPLE say about my soul? Jesus is my LORD, not you Mr. Random person.
God Bless You Brian. You do you. You go where God leads you on your journey in this life.
Hi Brian, I'm a vegetarian and enjoy your channel. Furthermore, I believe that someone should never impose their own lifestyle and ideas on others. You don't do that. You only show us how you live with your family. Viewers can look at that or not. If you don't like it, just DON'T watch it! You don't have to preach about it and make negative comments about it, as some do. I find it inspiring to see how you are slowly but surely becoming more self-sufficient and am already looking forward to the next vlog! Keep it up!
...like Christians and Republicans?
Im a 40 plus year vegetarian also, I totally agree its not my place to impose my eating habits on another person. I am a vegetarian because it is what is right for ME… my husband is not-nor ever been vegetarian its not right for him.
@@sharon94503 how did you go there for fricken sake?
I agree. I’ve been vegetarian or pescatarian most of my life. My only request would be not to show killing the animals. Or at the very least please label the video so we can skip it. I follow a farm on Instagram that showed “processing” chicken and that’s fine if that’s what they want to share it but I don’t want to see it.
@@StaceyUncluttering Brian did say it would never be shown if he decides to process any animals.
It is so ballsy of people to expect YOU to change your lifestyle/format to suit their ideals. You are doing just fine... Keep on rocking in the free world.
This is YOUR channel, YOUR life, YOUR decisions. Some people shouldn’t make such blanket statements like that!!!🤦🏻♀️
Thank you
Many of these souls have no clue where their food comes from. A plant is a lesser but still a life-form as well. Are these people just going to breathe to eat? And I wander if some of these souls actually eat meat from butchering that company cares little for the animal even some being cruel. I would take a local farmer any day knowing most of them care far more for their animals than big corporations!!!
I was born & raised in a very rural country setting. (dirt road, no grocery store in a 45 mins range). My parents grew & raised all of our food. My dad's mindset was if it doesn't work or provide for you it has no place on our farm. Every animal has a job & or a purpose. God created Humans above animals. After the fall animals are now food for humans. Of course some are definitely just pets but even our pets have a job. We hunt & fish as well. You must eat whatever you kill or catch, or don't hunt or fish, no excuses. Be a good steward and you will be blessed.
So.......a Petting Zoo instead of a Homestead? Just tell them to piss off!
yup. that's what a homestead is all about.
LMAO
My farm IS A personal petting zoo and let me tell you they are very expensive to care for with no return for their keep. I can't kill animals for my own food but I DO know where my food comes from. It is a hobby farm for me , but it doesn't have to be for anyone else. If we need to kill for food, and I do eat meat, it should be from farmers that care for the well-being of the animals living there for the time being.
Well, that's very sweet of you.
@@juneramirez8580
Don’t know who “they” think that they represent my opinion … here is my message to them … buzz off. I’ll raise my animals and feed my family as I see fit. Even my birds relish eating the skin and wing bits of their former coop mates.
Taking responsibility for your family’s food is a wonderful thing! Good for you!!!
It will never be the end of your channel. The people that want to watch a channel about petting farms, well there are plenty of channels that will cater to that. I love your channel and love what you bring to us.
Thank you!
I grew up on the edge of a Indian reservation. It was so common to see deer hanging upside down from a tree bleeding out to be butchered. It wasn’t gross, we knew the family was going to eat good that season. Nearly every one of our ancestors had to raise or hunt for their food, or they would have starved, and a lot of us wouldn’t be here now. So sad that people are going to be helpless if there’s a food shortage or costs are to high. Let the complainers complain, you are doing an INCREDIBLE job!
It's funny to me how others need to make decisions for me. You do what's best for you and your family. I'm not going anywhere! ❤ y'all are great.
Helped raise two motherless calves years ago. We names them hamburger and Chuck roast. When they were big enough, we just hauled them to the area butcher and picked them back up cut and wrapped for the freezer in the cuts and sizes we has requested. (For a fee, of course). Not as emotional. We always knew their final destination so we tried hard not to get too attached.
You need to do what is best for your family and homestead. Difficult times are coming for all so please don’t listen to those trying to tell you what you and your family should or shouldn’t do. The more you do for your family to provide for them the better.
I love what you've said here. I feel providing for your family was a whole different story in the past. Now you need money, and all the 'dirty' jobs are done by others. My grandmother grew, milked, killed....she did it all. And I am humbled.
Some people need to remember their roots and what our families had to do to survive in the past.
Kudos to Brian and family for their channel.
Brian. I love your videos. I am soon to celebrate my 77th birthday. I grew up on a farm and we raised all of our meat. We even raised quail and pheasants for food. The way farmers did it was they are never attached to the animals. You are right to feel the way you do because you love your animals. They are your pets. Farmers don't name their chickens and most don't name cows. Tell any haters to piss off. 😊
I agree with this comment--as I grew up we lived on various farms(pig, cows and horses)--we never named any of the pigs or cows as they were used for meat--we did however name the horses as they where workers on the farms and ranches!!
Unless you name them "Chuck" or "Drumstick" or "Sir Loin", like my cousin does.
Hear me now! When i come across people as fine and responsible hard working people as you and your family, i stay loyal. Your content is priceless and entertaing as well as educational. Heartwarming at the very least. I ill re.aing loyal to your channel regardless of what irection you take it in. Be strong and "Homestead defiantly!".❤
We really appreciate that! ❤️
Exactly this! Brian always stays true to who he is, and ita so refreshing!
We will not leave your channel. You are working a productive sustainable farm. We fully support you.
Thank you 😊
Hahahaha and they return to their Big Mac LOL, please continue doing what you are doing, we appreciate and love the effort you put into these videos.
😊
I'm not so sure there's any actual beef in a big mac these days.
@@nickhfda223 Lol 😂
You have our support 100000000000% Will always come to your channel!!! Love the way you present things!!!
‘Support you ONE HUNDRED PERCENT! You put so much into your homestead and, more importantly, into your thoughts on how to approach your decisions. ‘Respect you so much! ❤️
Thank you so much!
I admire you and your family for keeping it real Brian!!
Brian, just let the key bangers bang their keys. Trust me, people will not leave and if any do, it is probably for the better.
I can empathize with you. I can’t even thin my tomato seedlings. That’s why I wind up giving away about 100 a year.
It's your homestead and your lives to live. Do what you think is best for you and your family, and do it well.
Hope you enjoyed attending Easter service on Resurrection Sunday 🙂
Noah is driving! He barely took his eyes off the road when his attention was drawn away, even before his Dad suggested he keep his eyes on the road. Good job! I wish him many safe years of driving. Another step to becoming self sufficient.
From a someone who practiced Buddhism for 18 years….I grew up in the country, we grew a lot of the food we ate. Uncles, grandfather, father hunted. Me never. But I ate everything from squirrel to rabbit, to deer meat, and everything in between. Personally I could not kill an animal. Yet I eat meat. I fish, crab and, clam. I learned long ago in college that EVERYTHING survives because of something else’s death. That’s life. Those people who feel good about being vegetarian don’t understand that plants have feelings too- they move towards light, away from things that are too hot or cold, towards water, etc., therefore they have feelings too. That makes them sentient, they just can’t get away. The best way (IMHO) is to proceed with respect and gratitude. Be respectful towards all life. Be humble. Be grateful for the nourishment other life provides. Make its death as quick and as painless as possible. Life is suffering for everyone and everything on this planet. No one and nothing escapes! Let others judge you as they will, if you know in your heart you are taking life respectfully, humanly, and for the purpose of sustaining your life or the life of the ones you love, then it matters not what others think or say.
To me, there is nothing wrong with raising animals with only one bad day. No judgement here. You do what works for you. You treat your animals humanely and I honor you for that. Blessings as you develop your homestead.
Wonderful video, loved the beginning with the music & the chores. It is sad that so many people don't understand where our food comes from, even veggies & fruit, and the fact most of the produce is not "perfect". I was a late bloomer to growing up with small farm stuff, my dad had a large vegetable garden, mom did a lot of canning, then we raised chickens for eggs & meat (I was maybe 9). I named every little fuzzy chick we got. Then it eventually came to butchering time (dad did it himself), I went for a bike ride, and mom & grandma dressed then chickens. I didn't eat chicken until my mom tricked me, saying it was from the store. Nope, it was Fuzzy.....and dang that was some good chicken. We eventually raised two pigs. All those animals were loved, and well taken care of, and thanks were given for the sustenance they supplied.
Thank you, Brian, for 2 wonderful channels that I enjoy watching and learn from.
Everyone has their lifestyle and should not bash or hate because it is different from them. That is what is wrong these days. If you want to be more sustainable, then raising animals is part of it. Whether you cull them or not. I love your channel and support you 💯.
It is astounding how people feel the need to push their opinions onto other people with a threat or an insult. I grew up on a cattle ranch, it never gets easy for anyone. Additionally when plants get pests they secrete a substance to repel the pest (which makes the vegetable taste better) this would indicate a living organism with feelings. So plant people, you need to think carefully. I will never stop watching your channels and your wholesome family. Stand Tall!
And the music choice for your lovely wife and her artichoke shenanigans was spot on perfect.
Best tips to feel better Brian...Having heart about harvesting your own animal is a good thing. It shows you love and respect the things that make your existence possible. It also releases the primal instinct we all have of either dismay for taking a life or pride in providing food for your people by taking a life.
If you're going to eat it, don't name it, don't treat it like a pet. Talk to it like a passing stranger. Name it what it will eventually be. Burger, Rotisserie, Nugget, Freezer, Fajita... Moving into the next level of harvesting what you've raised makes you more respectful, protective, and cherishing of what you have worked hard for by taking that life to maintain yours.
Make it a family event. Everyone plays a part to clean the animal. Everyone should be there for the "deed" to honor it's sacrifice.
My wife and daughter cried on their 1st taking of chickens we raised from chicks. But my 8yo girl at the time was told from the start what would happen to them. My son is now 8 and time for him to take his first chicken and my 4yo son will watch. The waste will be turned into the compost for our veggies.
I almost cry everytime I shoot a deer. Taking such a beautiful animal. But I push it back it treat it like what it is now. A cheaper food source than beef pork or chicken to keep my family alive.
Keep up the good work you do. Nasty people will be nasty. Trolls will be trolls. And you can only be you. You made it from the city to as country as you can get for SoCal. The next level is the next level. But at your own pace. Can't wait to see your tutorial on chicken cleaning & dinner in the next few years.
It is so sad to me that we now live in a time that some people think it is appropriate to put others down. My Grandfather taught me to just move on if you don't agree with something. So many need to learn that We all have a right to have differing opinions. We don't have to put others down if we do not feel the same way. Thank You for teaching us so many things, and sharing your lives with us.
I am plant base and still watch homesteader's and I am ok with them having to process their animals. Most do it with giving these animals there best life ever. Love your channel.
Do what works for you and your family! Bless you!
Thank you!
We appreciate the honesty and the thoughtfulness you provided. We would struggle with that task as well and understand the challenge. Your compassion to the animals and everyone is plain to see. You are giving them a good life. We are not haters and would not stop watching. We enjoy your channel and the gardening one very much!
Thank you for mentioning that article. I really prefer the small farm/homesteading method to harvesting than big AG
Negative people have the right to make their own channel, leave our channel alone. Love you and your family channel!
Thank you 😊
Oh Brian, your homestead has grown into beautiful sites to see. It looks great. You and yours has done so much work. I hope it is in your plans to continue on and I feel we need your instructions on how to take care of these things. Your family feels like my family. I have always enjoyed your bright smile. I do understand if you raise animals to have as food later. That is the way it goes. You do what you must. It is ok with me. Yes, Daisy is cute, but.............
Thanks so much!
No criticism here, Bri. I completely understand where you're coming from. I admire the love and respect you have for your animals. They will be well cared for for their lifetimes. Self-Sustainability is wise. God bless you.
Not true! At least for me. One of my goals this year is learning to cull chickens so I can get chickens and provide them a better life than factory farms.
“Something has to die for us to live” No matter if that’s an animal or a plant. We are so disconnected from our food, and people are getting unhealthy because of it. I appreciate your channel and I think you should live your life and share what you’re learning. I encourage you to visit other homesteaders who are taking those steps to raise their own animals for food, and learn the process. Give thanks for the life of that animal and know that when raised right, that animal only has 1 bad day on the homestead.
When I was an early teen, and lived on a farm I and my siblings were hands on involved with catching and un-living chickens to be eaten for dinner. My dad would take care of the larger animals that were then prepared for food.
Beautifully handled. We have a farm and feel the same way. The reason we feel so awful about killing an animal for food is because we've never really been hungry. Until you get your sea legs about this, there are places that will harvest and process your livestock. It's hard, and you're doing a great job 😊
You're honoring the animal as it lives. Because you are giving the best life possible; the animal will give its best back to you. It's hard , I've done it. But it does taste better, it feels good knowing that animal had a good life.
When we got married, 38 1/2 yrs ago, my father in law raised cattle & had 1 -2 steer butchered a year. Our kids grew up with that was part of our lives. My husband & I both grew up in that lifestyle.
Do what is best for you. I have pets and meat animals. All of my animals are treated wonderfully.
I love your channel and your transparency with everything you do, your health struggles, etc. I am 100% in the camp that I could not personally butcher the animals I raise and I know I’m a hypocrite and a big baby.
What you are striving for is absolutely the most healthful and sustainable way to eat animal protein.
Anyone who doesn’t see it and also eats animals should spend a day in an animal processing plant.
Keep doing what you’re doing and inspiring us to be more self-sufficient.
Im not mad. I will continue to watch your episodes because I’ve learned a lot from your Chanel.
And we have to eat.
I agree w the person who said block the disrespectful/hateful one. You've already asked that people be respectful and therevare those actively disregarding your request. Block them.
It's quite a journey to live from the cycle of life. I've only just begun, so my heart goes out to you. Thank you for having the courage to share your thoughts and journey.
My friends were the same when their cow had a male. They knew what they had to do when it grew up so name him Steak so they never forgot what this calf was being raised for.
Not a bad idea
lol any animal we have for food is named after the food like a rooster named nugget lol
We had an male calf named hamburger.
I don’t like to name an animal that is destined for the table.
My husband is retired meat cutter. He wasn't thrilled by it but he supported me and four children. When he started this career he visited a kill floor. He knew he would never work there. We don't like the idea of killing animals, but it is what it is. I think it will end in the coming kingdom and I will be glad. For now, we are watching from Colorado, and hanging with you. Tell Noah there's a really cool game to play. It's called, "spend your whole life never getting a ticket and never having an accident", it's a big win.
Pam here….yes the “kingdom will allow us to live and cultivate the earth as it was meant to be’. “Happy are the meek…they will inherit the earth”.
Pam here….there are so many channels about homesteading and they grow MEAT animals and they are flourishing. Everyone has to walk their own journey….let the ‘attackers’ go in peace.
Well then all those people can’t eat foods made with EGGS like bread or pasta or virtually ANY food product. After all, those products are the result of killing chicken embryos. 😮
You're not ridiculous one bit. You're filled with compassion and kindness, empathy, and grace. There is a reciprocity in the world when it's done right. Cultures with deep connections to the land thanking the animals who's life is taken to provide sustenance. It might sound silly and ridiculous, but I thank my mint plant when I remove leaves for tea, my culinary herbs when I am prepping dinner. If respect, reverence and gratitude is maintained and prioritized as we harvest our plants, harvest our livestock,thanking Bella for her milk later, thanking the hens who contributed to your breakfast, it is my personal feeling and belief that we are helping to realign some of the balance that a was spun off its axis in our world. But you're never ridiculous to recognize and honor those feelings. Keep it going and stay transparent, others may begin to reconnect, too. You're always an inspiration! Im here for the long haul, too!
My wife and I grew up on average size Dairy farms in upstate New York. We both enjoy watching your channel and appreciate your honesty. Keep on being who you are and doing what you think is best for you and your family and try not to worry about the opinions of others. Being completely honest is a whole lot more challenging than throwing stones at others.
oh no! It's right at the part about the food. I can't see anything actually get killed, but I eat meat. And that's all there is to it. Just because it comes wrapped in plastic just means the animals probably had a terrible life. So I appreciate when a person can 'grow' their own meat. Good job.
Brian, you have presented your feelings quite well. I agree with you. We are so far separated from the realities of life. Everything is a give and take. I, personally, would be traumatized if I had to butcher a cow or a sheep/lamb. I could do a chicken... But it's not so much whether it is done, but, how it is done...humanely. You are giving your livestock (and it is livestock) a humane life and I can only say that I believe you would be equally humane if and when the time arises for the next step. It's easy for people who are distanced from the realities of farm life, to be judgemental of those who live within the boundaries of life, as lived by farmers. So, I applaud your ideas and wish only for you to succeed in your ventures.😇
I will not be leaving! You do you! We all have freedom to watch that day or not. Your content is full with a variety of options to watch.
We had all intentions of culling our chickens and milking goats when we moved here 2 years ago, Hasn't happened yet. So hard.
Definitely understand.
Thank you
@@littlehomesteadbigdreamsand Cynthia4799 me too. I have 2 roosters I need to put in the frying pan😂hasn’t happened but it will have to happen soon. I have others growing right now that will need the room.
You are a kind person, and I know you love your animals. TBH, if you weren't struggling with it, I would look for another channel. I say this as a meat eater who doesn't have the courage to raise my own meat.
If you don't already watch Roots & Refuge Farm YT channel, Jess has addressed how they deal with the internal conflicts they felt when they started raising animals for meat. They love their animals, too.
Prayerful consideration is key.
Yes👆❤
This is one of the reasons I watch you. You are so honest about this process and are doing the REAL stuff! And you struggle, just as we would. ❤❤
Thank you 😊
I don't think it would be the end. This is a everyone channel not just vegetarians. Your animals will have a beautiful life.
My 2 cents, for what it’s worth. Gratitude and awareness is the bridge that connects necessity (by choice) to reverence for all food be it animal related or plant related. Whether purchased in a store, hunted in the forest, angled in the waters or raised for consumption. Be aware and give gratitude to the creatures, plants, Earth and Sun for the great gifts that make our lives possible. And, yes, I know plants to be sentient beings. First, when they began to communicate with me…what a shock that was, but now it’s just joy. Second when I began to read about the scientific experiments that uncovered the secret languages of plants. Most times, not all of the time, whether eating or drinking, I bring awareness and gratitude to all that sustains this human body. It becomes a sacred experience. Look at the food, really look at it as an unfathomable mystery. Hold the awareness as you eat and drink. The only food that doesn’t seem sacred to me is that which has been created in laboratories, Petri dishes, filled with chemicals and poisons. Or raised in inhumane circumstances, pumped full of antibiotics and “processed” in unfathomable circumstances, or grown in chemical fertilizers. So, I guess you could say that when you raise your own plants and animals for food, you are eating your own Love that you’ve given them. Brian, your choices come from love and will always come from love. Be you……..
Thank you
Your channel is a HOMESTEAD! There's so many kinds of homesteads out there. If they don't like it they can find another one that suits them. No "threatening to leave" is necessary. After all, this is a friendly channel ❤
Hey! There is nothing wrong or bad about eating what you grow, EVEN animals. You do you!!! ❤
I’ll be honest, you may lose a few watchers who started watching you from the gardening perspective but you’ll gain a whole lot more viewers who are interested in the homestead journey
Stay true to YOU! If someone doesn't want to go along for the journey, that is their choice. Every living thing on this earth is here for a reason. And the reason is usually to feed someone higher up in the food chain. Harsh maybe,but reality.
One of my grandsons is in FFA (future farmers of America) offered through his high school. If it's still offered, it's still needed! As well as 4H clubs and probably many more associations I'm not familiar with. The knowledge of living sustainably is necessary to continue the human race. Keep doing you, Brian,Emily, and Noah. You are all a treasure.
Don’t feel bad. I’m in the same boat.
I am conflicted in the same way. I have retirement hens and always will. I used to be tolerant of ground squirrels but they finally pissed me off with their greediness and destructiveness. I am a great trapper now and offer them up on a sacrificial rock on a private area of our property. The coyotes, ravens and turkey vultures are appreciative. I don't tolerate poison on my property so had to come to grips with the problem.
Love that you guys keep it real and share issues like you have today. Even a recipe gone sideways!
Killing anything should never be easy. I love to see your honesty about the struggle. For me processing my own meat forces a reverence and gratitude for the animal that i have never felt with store bought meat. So there is a beautful humbling to know something had to die so we could live. May GOD's face shine on your little homestead.
There are literally dozens of homesteaders with YT channels who have huge followings BECAUSE they show the life cycle of our meat animals, not in spite of it. As you said, the naysayers are perfectly happy to go buy factory-raised meat that never saw the sun or grass, while criticizing you for taking responsibility for what you eat.
My Mom taught us…if you don’t have anything nice to say…be quiet. So why some few people think it is ok to tell others what to do, in a condemning fashion, well they just need to be quiet. I totally get where you are coming from and understand completely. Not sure if I could ever get to that point…as hard as I might try…but you do what is best for you and your family. I know the good majority of us will be here to help you along. Great video Brian. And good job Noah! Good times ahead for you! 😂😉
Thank you 😊
I agree with everything you just said! I love your gardening and your homestead channels and that you have the same heart that I have.
Thank you so much!
You get nothing but love from me, and a whole heap of understanding.
I grew up in the 70’s, with a vegetarian Dad who was a part time farmer; his paying job was with a global company. There were a total of 8 of us (Dad, Mom, six kids), and Dad didn’t trust the food in the stores. So we grew everything organically on an acre sized garden, as well harvested bushes for berries and tapped maples for sap (February). We had chickens and steers. My Dad somehow managed to find a way to come to terms with raising animals for food. He had such a wonderful heart, but I think he put his family first - especially when it came to the livestock. He was a deeply religious man who never ate meat - but he provided for his family.
Your dilemma is why I couldn’t stay on our farm and take it over as he aged. I got attached to our animals. I was the one the animals trusted. I was the one who had to call them in at the time of slaughter. There aren’t any answers from me, sadly. I just wanted you to know that you’re not alone. ❤
Behind you all the way even though I eat mostly plants. You do you! I love watching the process.
Thank you!
I resonated with this so profoundly. As Los Angeles suburbanites transplanted to small acreage in the middle of nowhere, we quickly realized we love getting and raising animals. But even though they were meant for the freezer, we struggled with the end. We combated this by asking for help the first few times. The first time (and second time) we butchered chickens, our friends came and butchered with us. The first time we needed to harvest a beef cow, our son-in-law and our neighbor came and walked us through, doing the hard parts themselves. We cried and battled some big emotions, but now we feel like we can handle even the bigger animals.
Brandon Sheard says that no one will love and care for your animal the way you do, and no one will stress over the care and management of their end the way you will. That's been really helpful to my mindset.
😻It’s your homestead and your life. Do it your way. God bless you. 🥰
Also, tell your lovely girl that she should steam the artichokes over water with lemon juice added. Invert the artichokes in a colander so the steam gets into the middle choke area. Then take them out after about 15 minutes or so. Keep them inverted on a towel. THEN scoop the choke out. Fill with your bread crumbs mixture and cook however your recipe calls for. We put them in a baking dish, having filled each petal with bread crumbs, fresh garlic and romano cheese. Lightly pour evoo over them . Cover with parchment and aluminum foil. Bake about 25 minutes. Then uncover for 5 to 10 minutes. Pure delight!!
I am a viewer, and I understand that we all need to live the way that works for us. ❤
You do you, and they can do on their channels what they want. I grew up on a dairy farm. We were good to our cows and they were good to us. If you don’t want to drink milk or eat beef ok. But I do. We also had a huge vegetable garden , berry bushes and apple trees. We knew where our food came from. I no longer live on a farm, but I still know the farmer that raises my beef. I enjoy your channel.
I'm here to stay. I'm learning to homestead on a small scale. Raising animals/chickens, etc for meat is fine. My family eats meat. I already process my own hogs, squirrel and deer we hunt, fish we catch, i want to learn to raise chicken meat birds but dont know how yet....that is part of our food supply for my home....I'm here to learn. Excited to see what you have in store!!
That is awesome!
My grandmother who lived in escansba michigan was a poor farmer. My mom was one of 14 children. They lived off the land. Dairy cows bulls chickens turkey and chickens. If they didnt farm and eat them they would of starved. They had apple trees and vegetables gardens. We used to go there for vacation and i knew when meal time came around what we were eating. I totally understand what you are going through. I hate to say this but my mom always said life goes on and she was rright. Just keep doing what you're doing and you will come to your own decision. Whatever you decide is what will make you feel right.
Love your channel. Love the music you put. And its always positive no matter the challenges you deal with.
About negative comments... misery loves company. Those who leave nasty comments live with nasty thoughts in their head full time. I pity them but you have to leave them behind. Let them sit in their sad existence. Its their choice.
But Brian. You do get bothered too much by negative comments it seems. You don't have to justify your way of living to no one. You don't have to convince anyone if what you are doing is right for you. Those who don't like, let them find another channel (there are plenty to every taste). I think the more you spend time addressing those comments, the more they will write thinking they rattle you by this. Ignore them. You never get 100% love from everyone no matter what you do.
Loved watching you and Noah on the lake fishing. That was very beautiful scene. You should deff include such trips more into your channel.
High five to Noah on his permit. May god watch over him and his safety.
Thank you so much 😊
I grew up with animals as pets…lots of different kinds…some of those ‘pets’ were purchased knowing they would eventually be food. We’d raise a pig each year and we gave it a wonderful life but come slaughter time it became food. I remember a beautiful black angus bull dad bought very young and we raised it to eat. Nursed it back to health in our basement through the worst of the winter when it came down with pneumonia…it was the best tasting beef I’ve ever had. We fished and also raised rabbits for food. Do you and don’t stress the haters!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us today. Very well done. Your channel is wonderful 👍❤️
Thank you!
Oh my goodness. Love love love your videos. I have learned so much. I live in a completely different climate, there are tons of things you do and grow that I could never do. And I still watch your channel. I just take your things and modify to meet the requirements for my climate. We use to have chickens and someday we will again. And eventually we will eat them. We have cows, we name them, we pet them and eventually we eat them. Just like we grow our own fruits and vegetables because we want to have control of how they are grown we raise meat so we have control of what they were feed and how they were treated. We now live in a time where we can’t trust those who govern us to have our best interests in mind. We now live in a time that we can’t trust others who grow food or raise meat to have our best interests in mind. We have to get back to taking care of ourselves, family and friends. We care for our fruits, vegetables, and animals and in turn they care for us. If we are going to eat this is just how it’s going to be. I’ve seen how it is in meat packing plants and I’m not going to participate in that.
This resonates with me because I'm having that very same dilemma. We just moved to 2 acres in E. Tx and have contemplated meat chickens but I'm just not there yet. I totally agree with everything you said! Please don't let anyone change how you farm. There's a lot of people here that support you! I love your channel and your chicken coop ;)
grew up on farm where our family and those before us did the same. My parents grew up through the depression as children. Trust me their parents and them as well would’ve wished to have had more chickens pigs beef etc to provide and harvest to feed their families better. Hopefully you can ignore the trolls better and if they are beyond rude ban them. I understand your position not being raised on a farm and the tough decisions. But hopefully you’ll get to where you can do what is natural that God provided for us to live out respectfully to all.
Raise both plant and animals respectively for our needs as we as individuals see fit. Thankyou for all your advise on plants through the years.
Since my post got lengthy, I am moving the most important part first, in case it’s tl;dr:
I admire Brian and Emilie for taking on this adventure of self sufficiency, and it doesn’t really matter to me why they are doing it, just as long as they keep doing it. I hope one day I will tune in and Brian will announce that they have reached the threshold of 100% self sufficiency!
I’ve mentioned before that I grew up on a farm in Nebraska. It was nothing like the farms my dad’s generation grew up on. By the early ‘50s, nearly every farm had electricity, dial up phone service (albeit with partylines), and mechanized machinery. My dad was born on a farm whose only source of power was a windmill to pump water. When he was a boy, he had to take care of horses and harness, assist in all aspects of raising chickens and livestock from growing the forage to helping can the meat. By the time he retired in the ‘90s, he was driving an air conditioned tractor with a computerized corn planter that counted every seed and and made sure that each seed was evenly spaced and the right depth. His agronomist came out and tested the soil regularly.
When I was growing up, no one I knew did their own butchering. My mom refused to raise chickens, although we helped on the grand parent’s farm with butchering the chickens, until thankfully gramma and grandpa retired and moved to town.
My dad hated sending the cattle “off to market” but it was part of the cycle. One steer would always get sent to the butcher in town and a week later, a deep freeze’s worth of steak, hamburger and roasts would arrive. I could fill volumes on how life on the farm changed dramatically in the last century. In this one, it’s nearly all corporate now, even the family farms have to contract out with the big corporations if they want to survive.
One childhood memory was my retired grandpa’s big plan to raise two geese one year, so we’d have goose for Christmas. We had a Butterball turkey that Christmas if memory serves, and those two old geese were around for a long time. Brian, you may never reconcile yourself to the end game of raising livestock.
I never take for granted where my food comes from and who provides it. Last week, my asparagus came from Mexico, my onions from the Imperial valley, and my hamburger was probably raised in a smelly feedlot with poor drainage, because that is what we have become, and very few of us could grow our own food to survive, if we even wanted to.
Thanks for sharing your story. Life has changed so much in our lifetime, and people will not survive if they don’t know how to work the land or even grow a tomato plant in a pot! We’ve lost so much information from our ancestors.
Thank you so much! 😊
I cannot tell you in plain words how your choice of music, the chores that give back so generously, like feeding the chicken, then collecting the eggs,the flowers in their most precious state, the cow and your affection to her, your son’s driving and your beautiful wife just brings me so much happiness.
why do some want to deny reality?
Brian, please consider not being so sensitive to negative comments. From what I see it comes from being a TH-camr! Just do your thing, we'll watch & learn & don't be so dragged down!!!! Let the negatives roll off...
Whatever you do is your business. Love your channel, you are kind and compassionate.
Thank you so much!
Brian, you have a big heart! Caring about another living being and not being able to put the animal in your freezer right now is completely fine. I cannot do it right now either but am working toward getting meat chickens at some point. I would rather know that the animals had a beautiful, happy life. Some people have no idea how broken this food system is or where their food comes from. You do what's best for you and your family!!
Thank you
I would be sad if Daisy had to go, but it would by no means make me hate you or the channel? No. It is understandable if you had to go down that route. I doubt it would be a easy choice for you to do that. It is what happens in homesteading at times so do not worry about what others say.
❤️❤️
Love watching your channel! Always do what is right for you!
YAY Brian, Emilie, Noah. I believe Noah will be a good safe driver. ❤😊
I hope so!
Brian I always appreciate your willingness to address challenging situations and beliefs. I think you brought up all the best points! Honestly people who are growing their own meat I have the highest level of respect for. I appreciate the love they have for their animals. People, as you said, are so disconnected from where their food comes from! I feel like all school kids should have to go to factory farms, CAFOs & industrial meat processing plants. And study the science and ecology of those industries. Only older kids of course!!! Until then, homesteaders and regenerative ranchers & farmers are are heroes! Love your channel!!!
Wow. I don't feel you have anything to worry about. Those ppl aren't in reality. A homestead is for raising you're own food.
I think you're going to be just fine. 😁
We raise chickens and decided to process our own chickens instead of taking them to the processing plant. I can tell you, it was not easy. It hurt mine and my husbands hearts to have to butcher the chickens. However, We decided if we are raising them, we need to be able to process them. My boys did 4H when they were growing up. We raised pigs and at the end of the fair they are sold and then butchered. It was very difficult for all of us but we did understand the process. It isn't easy, but it is necessary.
Dear Brian, I have struggled with this moral dilemma for many years. I LOVE animals, but I also eat meat and a while back I even went onto the keto diet (which I did really well on. Lost weight and felt a lot more energetic). I decided for myself the best answer to the moral question was to adapt the Native American philosophy of animals (and plants) being our brothers and sisters. Before each meal I thank them for providing for my nutrition and promise to honor their contribution to my wellbeing (by being an honorable human). I found an online company that offers meat from farms where the animals are raised and 'harvested' humanely. As to your dilemma of killing animals you have personally raised, that doesn't make you weak, or cruel. Do what works best for you and your heart. Animals in nature are always being killed by other animals for food. It is the way of nature and humans are a part of nature. The big difference is, nature can be cruel in its killing, humans don't have to be. (Temple Gradin)
Thank you so much for this video. I have been plant based for almost 7 years and I considered unsubscribing when you got Daisy. But after thinking about it and being a highly spiritual person, I recognized that I was judging and not coming from a place of love. I enjoy your channels so much and have learned from them in countless ways. Hearing you addressing this subject in such an honest and genuine way is beautiful. ❤ Thank you for being brave enough to do this. Sending love!
I cut up whole chickens all the time. I saw two chickens harvested when I was 5 and while is was bloody, I accepted it as food. Last year I helped a local chicken farmer harvest 115 chickens. I did it for the experience and took all stations of the processing. Now I know how to do it the cleanest and most effecient way. When you process your livestock, they are food. You need to come to that realization is that they are not pets and do not treat them as pets. I have heard some people call their animals by meat cuts, like this pigs name is pork chops. When you are processing the animals, thank God for the animals sacrifice to feed your family and bless the animal to be harvested. Of course, you can have someone process your animals if you can't do it by yourself or with an experienced friend's help. But, you will pay extra for the service.
Logic escapes some folks. They run on emotion. Don't try. Just ignore. Your integrity is in tact!