As soon as I heard scripture, I knew I needed to be subscribed. I believe God is calling me to homestead, which is not something I ever thought I’d do, but our Lord has a way of literally and figuratively leading us to green pastures and still waters. I’m so glad I was guided to this channel. God bless you and yours.
What a profound thought about rest! The cycles of nature were meant to point us to the creator and praise Him for his design. Instead our dominion over it has made us arrogant. Very happy for your lands productivity. All glory to our Father
Our little homesteading family of 7 grow much of our food and we always pray that we’ll learn to rest from our work and learn to work from a place of REST. God is so good. The boundary lines have fallen for us in pleasant places. Prayers from Nova Scotia 🇨🇦
I LOVE this. I have long been in awe of how much the Bible focuses on the importance of rest and how it is built into the very structure of creation and given to us as an example from the very moments of creation. Our sermon at church this morning was from Psalm 112, and it speaks about how blessed the man is who finds delight in the commandments of God, some of the promises for him and his family that God will not forsake him and that he has security. Stewarding the land and animals in a way that honors Him, giving it rest, and finding delight in doing that seems like one example of that being put into very practical action.
Thanks so much for this encouragement! I do indeed find so much delight here, and as I look back I understand it was all the grace of Jesus that made it possible.
This is the first time I’ve ever watched your channel, but I will be watching y’all from now on. I appreciated your message about the goodness of God! He is absolutely always good! God bless your family big, big!!
Hi Jason! I’m a new subscriber. Been binge watching all day. You are raising what I want on to have on my farm. Thank you for sharing the scripture or your journey. 🙏🏾🙌🏾
The word that comes to mind when seeing that pasture is - luscious! That chicken tractor, what a benefit. Followed by the multi - species grazing. Really nice to see.
Great reflections and so fascinating to track your progress. Let me say, you’ve got the BEST shepherdesses anywhere, and that young feller manning the drone is top-notch too. You reminded me at 31:12 of the Josh Garrels tune, The Resistance, when referring to our “weapon of rest.” When your sis introduced me to that song, it’s just grown on me through the years as an ongoing song speaking to our emerging times (for me at least). Just hope you- and others like you who are co-laborers in this work across the region, nation and world- are encouraged that all you and your families sacrifice to work the land is life-giving. Who would have thought that living out a theology that balances the trichotomy of land/God/others would draw the ire of the establishment, but here we are. You all are an inspiration.
Love your speech on small farmers coming together. I live in one of the largest cities in America and me and my wife are actively trying to get out. God bless!
I remember when we moved and then one of the first times I returned to see friends. I couldn’t believe how much hotter it was in the city, and I had never known it when living there. I wish you the best in moving on.
I have watched your videos for a while and I appreciate your verses and love for Godly things. Your words on rest in this video really hit home with me. I was out cutting hay and found myself trying to hurry through and get done and feeling stressed. I thought about your words and started just looking at the scenery around me and decided to “rest” in the work God had for me and to enjoy it. I found myself singing while driving the tractor and truly enjoy cutting the hay again. Appreciate your words and commitment brother. Thanks.
Thank you for posting this video. I needed this in my life. I have an 8acre acreage which I’ve owned now for 6 years. Previous years we had goats, ducks, layers, meat birds, all with portable electric netting. This is our first year we’ve fenced off the entire 8 acres with a 6 strand barbed wire. I’m a carpenter and made a deal with the neighbouring cattle producer for a trade on labour for bales. After sharing my plans with only two conventional producers word quickly spread around of how I’m getting 10-20 cows, and sheep and meat birds. I’m starting with sheep, meat chickens, and two jerseys, but plan on adding more next year. What I’ve noticed is that even if the system you have for your acreage works and the animals don’t lack in health if you do anything different from the conventional method ridicule sure comes from everywhere. That’s exactly how I know I must be doing something right. 😅
This is the 2nd video I've seen where someone says 5 acres, then Flys a drone over a 20 acre pasture. I've got 5 acres, it don't look anywhere near as big as the youtube 5 acres.
@@LowInformationAll different situations and contexts in agriculture, right? We started out renting all of our 60 acres. Since then, we’ve peeled off 5 of that to run our own animals, and my 5 is no bigger than your 5.
The connection between Psalm 91 and rotational grazing is such a refreshing perspective. Rest truly is a secret weapon, both for the land and our souls. Thank you for sharing this wisdom! ❤
I have to pray about this, thank you. My father worked too much, and I learned that rest and leisure were part of God's plan, but it was six days hard work and then rest. And importantly, the sabbath was made for man. So i learned to better work hard during the week so that I could really rest and pray and fellowship, etc. We had an evening prayer service on Saturday right before supper. I had to get all my work and study done, which meant better Thursday, Fridays, and Saturday. Then really take time for the Lord, for prayer, even going to a symphony on Sunday fit into that. If i honored God, in this way, i had a much better life, and my studies also improved. I do hear too much work all the time vut farmers have to figure it out. Some give a double pasture to try and minimize this. Don't be legalistic, but don't ignore it.
Too often for me it’s a matter of pride in thinking, “Imagine how much more I could get done if I didn’t break?” I think you’re right, each farm has a different context so rest may look different. The place I’m coming into is that God is good, and he blesses us with rest. We get to do that, and ultimately end up in a better place for it. Be blessed, Tired Dad🤠
Good word brother and may God continue to Bless you. My wife and I moved from florida to Idaho to eventually purchase land and have a sustainable farm on it. Thank you for the video and the information you have provided
Glad I found your channel. My wife and I are strongly considering a mid-life change by moving our family from the suburbs to a farm to run a homestead and work on regenerative farming. We’ve always wished to but only after having three children and watching God’s patient and faithful hand working in our lives are we ready to step out in faith. Probably looking at 15-20 acres and looking for programs that will work on that smaller footprint, your layout sounds like one I will want to study. Thanks and God bless you.
And thank you for being here! Your story & family sounds similar to mine. Reach out direct if I can help - contact form on the website. God bless your journey as well, friend!
I’m so glad I ran into your channel! I used to live in Monroe Ohio. I’m now in wabash Indiana but I’ve been digging into homesteading. I’m a fellow Christ follower and you had me sold when you quoted scripture right out of the gate. It was very affirming to find this. God bless you sir!
Very well done. Glad to know of your farm and ministry via TH-cam. Very challenging Thank you for making a meaningful connection between Scripture and real life, so few are thinking like this way. Craig
I just stumbled upon your channel, specifically this video because of homesteading and regenerative farming. I went to church every week if not twice growing up. Now adays I only get to church maybe 3-4 times a year mostly because of my work schedule. But once you started reading the Bible verse I subscribed and followed. My mom would love it and I praise you. Can’t wait to get my beginner “farm” going.
What a great reflection on rest and productivity. Been trying to be more trusting in the Lord with that. It always amazes me how much reflective one can be when observing real life on the farm. Great insight and wisdom as always.
@@birchfieldfarming Doing great! Foxes are really enjoying our chicken and ducks...🤦♂ Also, you mentions the cattle/sheep eating Honey Suckle. I was reading that it was reading the berries can be toxic. Do you only graze them prior to the berries coming?
@@LC_Farm_OHOh man, foxes are crafty!! I don’t worry about the berries. I’ve noticed the animals tend to self-select. So many of the naturally occurring species in the silvopasture are toxic, but only in larger quantities. Never had an issue here.
I enjoy watching your videos and it gives me hope for my small homestead. We are just getting started niw putting in my fence im on 3.5 acres but going to make it work. I have 2 acres in pasture.
Thanks for the great content! Keep holy the Saturday. 😁 I have a LOT of hope in the future, because of regenerative agriculture. l think this is a great time to be alive ! I focus on the things that l want to see happen in the future. l ignore the rest. Focus on what you want. That is all. 😀
I understand completely. Today I am taking a day of rest from installing my electric fence on the 6 acres. Thank you for all your videos. They keep me encouraged to make the small farm a reality for my retirement in two years.
@@aquaclearwatersolutions3210Yeah, daily moves seem to be working best now, especially with above average rainfall - been a great Spring to graze. We’ll see how we do come August/Sept when forage growth typically halves.
Hi Jason, thanks for sharing the story about your 2 Rams running low on feed and causing fighting amongst them because of it. It reminds me of the saying "Desperate times call for Desperate Measures". When you mentioned about the downfalls of Artificial Insemination it reminded me of another Homesteading channel I watch. There is a family that has one Jersey Milk Cow and they had to try 3 different times to successfully get her bred. It is expensive and sometimes the delay that is caused by it not working can cause a lot of difficulties in your operation.
This video hit home for me. We try to incorporate Jesus in every aspect of our lives. His mercies are what keep us going. My family is trying to transition to this lifestyle. We are both excited, and anxious. But this gives us both hope and knowledge. Thank you for that. Please Keep up the videos with the basics for us beginners.
We are about to move onto 10 acres, and want to prepare our pasture land by planting cover crops, oats, what else should we seed before we start with sheep? The land hasn’t been used in 5 years. Currently it’s covered in native grasses and native wild flowers and it’s beautiful. But there are some bare patches. We already have the perimeter fenced, we will be adding paddocks. I really just want to be feeding the soil this year and need ideas for what to seed in pasture, thanks!
If you can get chickens on the ground, it will be the best thing you ever did from a pasture perspective. Eggs are just a bonus. There’s just no substitute for their scratching and manure. I’m also a big fan of Green Cover Seed’s warm season grazing cover crop mix. Also, take a hard look at dripping down some extracts (KNF, Johnson-Su, etc). Those can be really good at jumpstarting things, especially when dripped directly onto your cover crop seed. I’ve also done some sod transplanting for smaller pasture bare spots (mostly where the bulls kick up dirt🙄) with pretty good success - it’s quick and typically thrives when taken from out nearby lawn. Best thing you can do though, is get those sheep in there and get them grazing! Best wishes to ya!!🤠🐑
WOW !!! Did I need to hear this. Rest Rest Rest Your channel popped up in my feed. God has a plan. We just need to open our hearts and listen. Are you a pastor?
Looks all very nice. If you have nitrates in your water, I would also do a soil test as it might be an issue of too much manure during the slow growth season. Testing water in the swale might be an option. Is your land also sloping into that same swale? If not you might have another swale to check some of the effluents of your land. In the USA the laws on stocking rates and nitrate testing are quite relaxed compared to some other regions in the world.
@@birchfieldfarming I WOULD OF NEVER THOUGHT YOU COULD RUN THAT MANY ANIMAL UNITS ON 5 ACRES. HONESTLY THATS A GAME CHANGER.I HAVE TWO FENCED 10 ACRE PLOTS NEAR ME THAT ARENT BEING USED. I PLAN ON TALKING TO THEM AND SEE IF I CAN LEASE. THANKS KEVIN
Just found your pod cast, and really like it. We just bought 5 acres and a home in south east Oklahoma. I am going to try and copy what your doing . What state are you in, would like to buy some sheep from you
It always seemed a glaring obvious oversight- 200 years ago, this Nation had rich, deep, diverse fertile soil. How did it get that way? By being left alone, more or less, for centuries. I quit mowing my lawn around 8 years ago, and it's interesting watching it through the seasons. No watering or fertilizer, seasonal native growth comes up and dies and falls over and makes a mat that protects the soil. All manner of creatures inhabit the area now. I could go on and on.
Thankfully, we have trees shading most of the paddocks. Where we don’t, we’ve done a simple shadecloth set-up. Here’s that video: th-cam.com/video/8006xJ1sjow/w-d-xo.htmlsi=Me4pw14gRRYB9eS1
Opening with scripture already had me subscribe. We are created in His image and likeness, so if he rested, why shouldn’t we do the same? Continue to be a producer because the system has us to be more of a consumer. The confirmation is set with this video, our family will continue to move forward to start our homestead. Your revelation is remarkable and that’s God moving through you and your works. Numbers 6:23 May the Lord continue to bless you and keep you and your family IJN. 🙏🏾 #KingdomDriven
No shelter, though we do have trees in most paddocks for shade. I have to be creative in paddocks with no shade when we’re at or above mid 80’s with cattle, my sheep are fine.
Really a great video!...i was wondering if all animals stay in the pasture all year or if you have barn for some months And if the climate is really rainy maybe 1 or 2 week without sun, you move them pddock to paddock more quicly or change nothing? Thank s I'm in Italy and i am going to start something really natural like you just show us. Thanks one more time
"I was really moved by your message about small farmers uniting. Living in one of the biggest cities in America, my wife and I are actively planning our escape to the countryside. God bless!"
New subscriber today… your family is truly doing regenerative grazing! Maybe missed it: Was wondering how many St. Croix sheep count as an animal unit?
Welcome and thanks for being here! Ewes are around 130 lbs, rams 170…I usually just say 100 lbs a sheep since majority of mine are younger, so 10 = 1 AU.
have you hear/thought about the so-called "food disruption technologies", the precision fermentation processes that mimic animal proteins? Just wondering if you're addressing that in any way
Love your videos and your message ! I just have one question, : I've never seen an udder formation like on that one cow. Is that due to the breed or is it because of an injury?
American Milking Devon genetics, 13 years old - she drops a calf every year and weans it unassisted. I really don’t care if she grows an udder on her head - doing that year after year on grass and marginal hay, she’s gold…drives the conventional folks nutty
@ We are supposed to be stewards of gods creation respect animals and our earth “You made them rulers over the works of your hands; you put everything under their feet: all flocks and herds, and the animals of the wild, the birds in the sky, and the fish in the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas. Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” Psalms 8:6-9 NIV I’m in Indiana and will soon start this very same journey.
@ if you can get some elevation change on your property a pond up high with some gravity fed water could do wonders in energy efficiency..16 inches from the top is the cleaner part(keep bugs and muck out)
Thanks for the video, how long do the cattles stay in each part before moving them to another one. And how long the grass needs to grow before next rotation. thanks
Great questions. Cattle stay for 1 day on each 1/4 acre paddock, but this can vary. Typically grass grows twice as fast in May/June as it does in Aug/Sept, so we have to adjust accordingly. I think one of the best approaches is to figure out how much dry matter forage you have (based on grass height), and figure you need about 3% dry matter forage per animal unit (1000 lbs). Now, don’t take it all or you’ll struggle with regrowth. In hot and dry times, I like to take half leave half. In wetter, better times I’ll be a bit more aggressive. Hope this gives you a starting point!
Id be extremely interested to hear why you run red devons over dexters on small acreage. I have dexters and recently discovered red devons, and they seem like the exact same breed, just a difference in size. Let me know your thoughts
When we first started, I desired the absolute heartiest, 100% grass-fed ruminants I could find. I originally wanted bison but couldn’t stomach the capital expense of extending existing 4 ft fencing up to 6 ft on a 60 acre perimeter. We were already set-up for cattle, so I rolled with it. And let me say, from my experience there’s just nothing heartier than these Red Devon on grass! We just sent one in for processing and hit almost 59% hanging weight to live weight, again that’s no grain. I’ve had our Devons thrive thru negative 33°F in winter with zero messing around or doctoring. Of the 8 we have now, no dewormer, no antibiotics, no foot issues, no growth hormones, etc. - even better than grass machines, as they put out fertilizer and require no petrol. Red Devon were the first cattle to North America with the pilgrims and many traversed the Oregon trail. Just a true triple purpose breed, small framed and lots of history as being tough as nails with very minimal inputs and a great maternal side. Thanks for the question!
I am running a flerd currently also and am struggling over the mineral program. If your cattle were not getting the copper they needed in the sheep mineral how did going to FCE mineral keep your sheep safe? We use FCE but the sheep manager asked me to remove all copper from the feeder and I feel it might affect the cattle negatively
@@LizzyWonderlust Why would your manager even have a free choice system with that approach? Have your sheep manager read the book “Nourishment” by Fred Provenza. There’s enough copper in my FCE feeder to kill all my sheep, but the animals self-select to get what they need, when they need it. Very high chance your cattle will not do as well with no copper access - diarrhea, weight loss, and poor hair coats.
Awesome video, first time watching! I have wanted to start grazing cattle on my own small acreage. I’m curious if you have shelter for the cattle and sheep or if they are on pasture all the time? Also, do you have a well setup in the pasture or are you running water hose from a distance to each paddock and using stock tanks? Thanks, I appreciate the videos and the insight!
Hi Christopher, and welcome here. No shelter for sheep or cattle. No well, stock tanks (2 IBC’s) are elevated in loft of barn to give about 5 psi. Water lines buried just under surface run to risers that we hook up to in paddocks. Tank with float in pasture with animals hooks into riser. Risers and fittings come from Powerflex.
@@birchfieldfarming thanks for the info. Do you have harsh winters where you are located or are they fairly mild? The last couple years here in PA we've been fortunate to have minimal snow events and a limited amount of extremely cold weather. Are you supplementing feeding throughout the winter?
@@christophersnookNegative 33°F with windchill winter before last, pretty harsh. No supplemental feeding but hay and whatever haylage we’ve fermented from grass clippings during summer.
Mostly fescue, some orchard grass, white and red clover, lots of chicory, some dandelion and burdock where there’s compaction. My recommendation is to let whatever is in your seed bank come up naturally and mow or graze it…it’ll only get better!
Amazing abundance. You are blessed and are passing on the blessing. In my own life, experiencing the provision of יהוה God has come most vividly and even miraculously as I observe his “rest” commandments. I was in an industry that never stops. When I demanded that I must stop in obedience to the commandments, I became the boss instead of the employee. I have so many stories because once a week I challenged an entire industry, and won. I think farming too is an industry that never stops. Yet all those commandments were given to an agricultural society. It takes a lot of faith to do exactly nothing for 24 hours during seed time and harvest. Especially when a harvest can absolutely be lost in a 24 hour period depending on weather. Yet, this is the commandment. Your words and life are such a powerful statement. Thank you for your courage.
We do not use the silo. It was here for an old dairy. Do you need one? Man, I guess that depends on your farm goals and what you want to do. Inputs would probably be best put towards something else when starting out, but again, depends on what you want to do farming-wise.
Secret sauce is the rest and rain. You obviously get good rain to allow the grass ti grow back thaf fast. Sure wish we could do that here in SW Oklahoma.
Great word brother and that us what the Sabbath is all about. Yahuah command one day for his people to rest and he called it the Sabbath. Rest is so important and that's why Yahusha (Jesus) said the Sabbath was created for man, not man for the Sabbath. It is still an active commandment and if your not already keeping it then you will be astonished when you start.
More homesteader's / farmers need to take your example of giving praise to God in their videos. Well done Sir.
Thank you for watching, commenting, and encouraging!🤠
One of the main reasons I’m here. It’s just SO edifying ❤
I 100% agree!!!!
I love everything about your video’s brother!!!
I pray that God will continue to bless you and your family!
Love it
As soon as I heard scripture, I knew I needed to be subscribed. I believe God is calling me to homestead, which is not something I ever thought I’d do, but our Lord has a way of literally and figuratively leading us to green pastures and still waters. I’m so glad I was guided to this channel. God bless you and yours.
Welcome here, friend…and God bless you as well.
Hey @xxKingQuinxx
Can you give us an update on your homesteading journey?
Homesteading ? Its called farm life ! Reality..... life.....living .....sharing ! No one needs god to do that. Again..its reality ! Enjoy life !
What a profound thought about rest! The cycles of nature were meant to point us to the creator and praise Him for his design. Instead our dominion over it has made us arrogant. Very happy for your lands productivity. All glory to our Father
Thanks, Jonathan. Glory to God, indeed!
Our little homesteading family of 7 grow much of our food and we always pray that we’ll learn to rest from our work and learn to work from a place of REST. God is so good. The boundary lines have fallen for us in pleasant places. Prayers from Nova Scotia 🇨🇦
❤️❤️❤️
What an amazing idea!
Good for you! In what part of the country are you planning to homestead?
I LOVE this. I have long been in awe of how much the Bible focuses on the importance of rest and how it is built into the very structure of creation and given to us as an example from the very moments of creation.
Our sermon at church this morning was from Psalm 112, and it speaks about how blessed the man is who finds delight in the commandments of God, some of the promises for him and his family that God will not forsake him and that he has security. Stewarding the land and animals in a way that honors Him, giving it rest, and finding delight in doing that seems like one example of that being put into very practical action.
Thanks so much for this encouragement! I do indeed find so much delight here, and as I look back I understand it was all the grace of Jesus that made it possible.
This is the first time I’ve ever watched your channel, but I will be watching y’all from now on. I appreciated your message about the goodness of God! He is absolutely always good! God bless your family big, big!!
Thank you for this encouragement. God bless you as well, friend!🤠🌱
Hi Jason! I’m a new subscriber. Been binge watching all day. You are raising what I want on to have on my farm.
Thank you for sharing the scripture or your journey. 🙏🏾🙌🏾
Welcome here, TM! Thanks for watching and commenting!🤠🐄🐑🌱
What a lovely update and message today, Jason. Dont let anything take your peace in the name of Christ. Amen brother! Blessings :)
Blessings to you as well. Thank you for your encouragement! You guys keep me excited to share!!😀
The word that comes to mind when seeing that pasture is - luscious! That chicken tractor, what a benefit. Followed by the multi - species grazing. Really nice to see.
It’s working out in our context, and thanks for watching!🤠
Great reflections and so fascinating to track your progress. Let me say, you’ve got the BEST shepherdesses anywhere, and that young feller manning the drone is top-notch too. You reminded me at 31:12 of the Josh Garrels tune, The Resistance, when referring to our “weapon of rest.” When your sis introduced me to that song, it’s just grown on me through the years as an ongoing song speaking to our emerging times (for me at least).
Just hope you- and others like you who are co-laborers in this work across the region, nation and world- are encouraged that all you and your families sacrifice to work the land is life-giving. Who would have thought that living out a theology that balances the trichotomy of land/God/others would draw the ire of the establishment, but here we are. You all are an inspiration.
Thanks, Codge❤️
Love your speech on small farmers coming together. I live in one of the largest cities in America and me and my wife are actively trying to get out. God bless!
I remember when we moved and then one of the first times I returned to see friends. I couldn’t believe how much hotter it was in the city, and I had never known it when living there. I wish you the best in moving on.
I have watched your videos for a while and I appreciate your verses and love for Godly things. Your words on rest in this video really hit home with me. I was out cutting hay and found myself trying to hurry through and get done and feeling stressed. I thought about your words and started just looking at the scenery around me and decided to “rest” in the work God had for me and to enjoy it. I found myself singing while driving the tractor and truly enjoy cutting the hay again. Appreciate your words and commitment brother. Thanks.
Man, what a great story, thanks for sharing this experience, Jon!🤠🌱
Great anecdote 👍
Brother I needed that Word you opened with. God is good!
God is good, be well today brother
Thank you for posting this video.
I needed this in my life. I have an 8acre acreage which I’ve owned now for 6 years.
Previous years we had goats, ducks, layers, meat birds, all with portable electric netting.
This is our first year we’ve fenced off the entire 8 acres with a 6 strand barbed wire.
I’m a carpenter and made a deal with the neighbouring cattle producer for a trade on labour for bales.
After sharing my plans with only two conventional producers word quickly spread around of how I’m getting 10-20 cows, and sheep and meat birds.
I’m starting with sheep, meat chickens, and two jerseys, but plan on adding more next year.
What I’ve noticed is that even if the system you have for your acreage works and the animals don’t lack in health if you do anything different from the conventional method ridicule sure comes from everywhere.
That’s exactly how I know I must be doing something right. 😅
Sounds a lot like our story just starting out. We don’t fit in with the conventional. Keep up the good work, Sir!
This is the 2nd video I've seen where someone says 5 acres, then Flys a drone over a 20 acre pasture. I've got 5 acres, it don't look anywhere near as big as the youtube 5 acres.
@@LowInformationAll different situations and contexts in agriculture, right? We started out renting all of our 60 acres. Since then, we’ve peeled off 5 of that to run our own animals, and my 5 is no bigger than your 5.
The connection between Psalm 91 and rotational grazing is such a refreshing perspective. Rest truly is a secret weapon, both for the land and our souls. Thank you for sharing this wisdom! ❤
@@FarmGearInnovators And thank you for the encouragement, friend!🤠🌱
I have to pray about this, thank you.
My father worked too much, and I learned that rest and leisure were part of God's plan, but it was six days hard work and then rest. And importantly, the sabbath was made for man.
So i learned to better work hard during the week so that I could really rest and pray and fellowship, etc. We had an evening prayer service on Saturday right before supper. I had to get all my work and study done, which meant better Thursday, Fridays, and Saturday.
Then really take time for the Lord, for prayer, even going to a symphony on Sunday fit into that.
If i honored God, in this way, i had a much better life, and my studies also improved.
I do hear too much work all the time vut farmers have to figure it out.
Some give a double pasture to try and minimize this. Don't be legalistic, but don't ignore it.
Too often for me it’s a matter of pride in thinking, “Imagine how much more I could get done if I didn’t break?” I think you’re right, each farm has a different context so rest may look different. The place I’m coming into is that God is good, and he blesses us with rest. We get to do that, and ultimately end up in a better place for it. Be blessed, Tired Dad🤠
Timely message on rest. I pray that I learn to do that myself. New viewer and subscriber. -Mike
Be well out there, Mike🤠🌱
Thanks for the much needed wisdom and encouragement! I pray the good Lord blesses you and your family even more!
Thank you so much for your encouragement, friend!🤠
Good word brother and may God continue to Bless you.
My wife and I moved from florida to Idaho to eventually purchase land and have a sustainable farm on it.
Thank you for the video and the information you have provided
You bet, thanks for being here! So many good folks recognizing the need to simplify right now. Peace to you and yours!
Glad I found your channel. My wife and I are strongly considering a mid-life change by moving our family from the suburbs to a farm to run a homestead and work on regenerative farming. We’ve always wished to but only after having three children and watching God’s patient and faithful hand working in our lives are we ready to step out in faith. Probably looking at 15-20 acres and looking for programs that will work on that smaller footprint, your layout sounds like one I will want to study. Thanks and God bless you.
And thank you for being here! Your story & family sounds similar to mine. Reach out direct if I can help - contact form on the website. God bless your journey as well, friend!
I’m so glad I ran into your channel! I used to live in Monroe Ohio. I’m now in wabash Indiana but I’ve been digging into homesteading. I’m a fellow Christ follower and you had me sold when you quoted scripture right out of the gate. It was very affirming to find this. God bless you sir!
God bless you! Reach out if you’re ever back this way, and we’ll do a farm tour!🤠🐑🌱
@@birchfieldfarming That would be awesome!I’m in town pretty often! I shoot you a comment when I plan on heading that way next.
@@YzarcMan2birchfieldfarming@gmail.com
We’re just west of Oxford before the state line. Look forward to connecting!
Very well done. Glad to know of your farm and ministry via TH-cam. Very challenging Thank you for making a meaningful connection between Scripture and real life, so few are thinking like this way.
Craig
Thank you, Craig. Blessings to you and yours.
Thank you for reminding us about the rest and productivity that goes hand in hand. Have a blessed day
@@deardremorgan6892 You as well, thanks
Glad to see a video about the chickens.
What’s your experiences been with parasites doing the rotational grazing?
I just stumbled upon your channel, specifically this video because of homesteading and regenerative farming. I went to church every week if not twice growing up. Now adays I only get to church maybe 3-4 times a year mostly because of my work schedule. But once you started reading the Bible verse I subscribed and followed. My mom would love it and I praise you. Can’t wait to get my beginner “farm” going.
Hey Rich, welcome here. Thanks for the encouragement, and keep after it in regards to the goal of a beginner farm!🤠
I love your faith in God. Keep on sharing the scriptures. And your family is great in helping you with your great farming.😊
Thank you, Ida…I couldn’t/wouldn’t do it without them!🧑🏻🌾
I love the preaching brother, we have been keeping the sabbath for about four years now and it’s amazing how much it affects our lives.
Thanks for sharing this❤️
What a great reflection on rest and productivity. Been trying to be more trusting in the Lord with that. It always amazes me how much reflective one can be when observing real life on the farm.
Great insight and wisdom as always.
Thanks, Stephen - Hope things are well up North!
@@birchfieldfarming Doing great! Foxes are really enjoying our chicken and ducks...🤦♂
Also, you mentions the cattle/sheep eating Honey Suckle. I was reading that it was reading the berries can be toxic. Do you only graze them prior to the berries coming?
@@LC_Farm_OHOh man, foxes are crafty!! I don’t worry about the berries. I’ve noticed the animals tend to self-select. So many of the naturally occurring species in the silvopasture are toxic, but only in larger quantities. Never had an issue here.
I enjoy watching your videos and it gives me hope for my small homestead. We are just getting started niw putting in my fence im on 3.5 acres but going to make it work. I have 2 acres in pasture.
The Lord bless the work of your hands and multiply it! Thanks for your encouragement.
Thanks for the great content! Keep holy the Saturday. 😁
I have a LOT of hope in the future, because of regenerative agriculture. l think this is a great time to be alive !
I focus on the things that l want to see happen in the future. l ignore the rest. Focus on what you want. That is all. 😀
Indeed, so much to be hopeful for!
Not sure what's more inspiring... your farming strategy or your revelations from scriptures 💪
Thanks Patrick
Rest needed for abundance. Good message for a Sunday.👍
You got it🤠
I understand completely. Today I am taking a day of rest from installing my electric fence on the 6 acres. Thank you for all your videos. They keep me encouraged to make the small farm a reality for my retirement in two years.
@@jackfaltz8020Keep after it, Jack! Thanks for stopping by!!🌱🐄🐑
How often you moving your animals from paddock to paddock? If I remember early on you were doing 2-3 days? Has that changed
@@aquaclearwatersolutions3210Yeah, daily moves seem to be working best now, especially with above average rainfall - been a great Spring to graze. We’ll see how we do come August/Sept when forage growth typically halves.
This is exactly how I’d like my pastor to give the sermon. Jesus with real world application combined with information
Thanks for watching, Thomas
Hi Jason, thanks for sharing the story about your 2 Rams running low on feed and causing fighting amongst them because of it. It reminds me of the saying "Desperate times call for Desperate Measures".
When you mentioned about the downfalls of Artificial Insemination it reminded me of another Homesteading channel I watch. There is a family that has one Jersey Milk Cow and they had to try 3 different times to successfully get her bred. It is expensive and sometimes the delay that is caused by it not working can cause a lot of difficulties in your operation.
Interesting observations there, Mr. Ben. Thank you for sharing, Sir.🤠🍻
This video hit home for me. We try to incorporate Jesus in every aspect of our lives. His mercies are what keep us going. My family is trying to transition to this lifestyle. We are both excited, and anxious. But this gives us both hope and knowledge. Thank you for that. Please Keep up the videos with the basics for us beginners.
Thanks for being here and for encouraging. The Lord continue to bless you as you step out!
We are about to move onto 10 acres, and want to prepare our pasture land by planting cover crops, oats, what else should we seed before we start with sheep?
The land hasn’t been used in 5 years. Currently it’s covered in native grasses and native wild flowers and it’s beautiful. But there are some bare patches.
We already have the perimeter fenced, we will be adding paddocks.
I really just want to be feeding the soil this year and need ideas for what to seed in pasture, thanks!
If you can get chickens on the ground, it will be the best thing you ever did from a pasture perspective. Eggs are just a bonus. There’s just no substitute for their scratching and manure. I’m also a big fan of Green Cover Seed’s warm season grazing cover crop mix. Also, take a hard look at dripping down some extracts (KNF, Johnson-Su, etc). Those can be really good at jumpstarting things, especially when dripped directly onto your cover crop seed. I’ve also done some sod transplanting for smaller pasture bare spots (mostly where the bulls kick up dirt🙄) with pretty good success - it’s quick and typically thrives when taken from out nearby lawn. Best thing you can do though, is get those sheep in there and get them grazing! Best wishes to ya!!🤠🐑
@@birchfieldfarming thank you so much! Your videos are helpful and inspiring!
@@Kelly_Mae Thanks for following along, Kelly!😀
what an amazing topic beautiful way of looking at things on today's way of life
Thanks for watching🤠🌱
My new favorite channel. Thanks for the content!
Thanks for being here, Thomas.🤠
WOW !!! Did I need to hear this. Rest Rest Rest
Your channel popped up in my feed. God has a plan. We just need to open our hearts and listen.
Are you a pastor?
Great words, Tracey! Not vocationally a pastor, I’m a shepherd.
In New Zealand they use wool to absorb oil and chemical spills in the ocean! Works excellent as a sponge.
❤️❤️❤️❤️ I have wanted to do what you are doing. Praise God it is coming!!!! I want to provide for my family and others.
@@staceywhite6210 God is good, stay in pursuit. May His goodness flow thru you!
Great channel. Love the scripture references and what you're accomplishing on the farm.
Hey, thanks so much!🤠
Love your channel brother.
Thanks so much!🤠
Looks all very nice.
If you have nitrates in your water, I would also do a soil test as it might be an issue of too much manure during the slow growth season. Testing water in the swale might be an option. Is your land also sloping into that same swale? If not you might have another swale to check some of the effluents of your land.
In the USA the laws on stocking rates and nitrate testing are quite relaxed compared to some other regions in the world.
Good ideas…yes, part of our land slopes to swale but downstream from well.
Thank you for that wonderful message! Amen brother in Christ!
@@livinglife2436 Thanks for watching. Be blessed, friend.
Good work. Keep it up sharing with others.
Thanks!
A man after Gods heart. I love you bro.
Thank you, God bless🤠
Great content.
Thanks, Kevin
@@birchfieldfarming I WOULD OF NEVER THOUGHT YOU COULD RUN THAT MANY ANIMAL UNITS ON 5 ACRES. HONESTLY THATS A GAME CHANGER.I HAVE TWO
FENCED 10 ACRE PLOTS NEAR ME THAT ARENT BEING USED. I PLAN ON TALKING TO THEM AND SEE IF I CAN LEASE.
THANKS KEVIN
@@Theoldman62Love your excitement and desire to hop in there. That’s what it takes!!🤠🐄🐑🥩🌱
Just found your pod cast, and really like it. We just bought 5 acres and a home in south east Oklahoma. I am going to try and copy what your doing . What state are you in, would like to buy some sheep from you
@@bluegrasstransport5266 We’re located in Ohio and happy to add you to our waiting list in sheep. Message info anytime to birchfieldfarming@gmail.com
It always seemed a glaring obvious oversight- 200 years ago, this Nation had rich, deep, diverse fertile soil. How did it get that way? By being left alone, more or less, for centuries.
I quit mowing my lawn around 8 years ago, and it's interesting watching it through the seasons. No watering or fertilizer, seasonal native growth comes up and dies and falls over and makes a mat that protects the soil. All manner of creatures inhabit the area now. I could go on and on.
…and the discoveries are such a joy!
How to get into Devon Cattle in here in North Florida
When grazing in the 1/4 acre paddocks what do the cattle have for shade in the summer?
Thankfully, we have trees shading most of the paddocks. Where we don’t, we’ve done a simple shadecloth set-up. Here’s that video: th-cam.com/video/8006xJ1sjow/w-d-xo.htmlsi=Me4pw14gRRYB9eS1
Opening with scripture already had me subscribe. We are created in His image and likeness, so if he rested, why shouldn’t we do the same? Continue to be a producer because the system has us to be more of a consumer. The confirmation is set with this video, our family will continue to move forward to start our homestead. Your revelation is remarkable and that’s God moving through you and your works. Numbers 6:23 May the Lord continue to bless you and keep you and your family IJN. 🙏🏾 #KingdomDriven
@@richestpossibilities4896 And the Lord bless you as well. Thank you for your encouragement!🤠
Which state you located at
Ohio
I’m in Kentucky I Want to start farming
You know any farm for sale there
@@honoratosotelo5841 Not much around me for sale, but Kentucky is a great place to start!
Yes I planned to buy my small farm soon
What do you put out for shelter in each paddock when they graze? Or do they not require any shelter from sun or rain etc?
No shelter, though we do have trees in most paddocks for shade. I have to be creative in paddocks with no shade when we’re at or above mid 80’s with cattle, my sheep are fine.
Really a great video!...i was wondering if all animals stay in the pasture all year or if you have barn for some months
And if the climate is really rainy maybe 1 or 2 week without sun, you move them pddock to paddock more quicly or change nothing? Thank s
I'm in Italy and i am going to start something really natural like you just show us.
Thanks one more time
Thanks for watching! Animals stay out all winter. Grass hay in winter, grass grazing in summer!
I wonder if opening a second "herd" in a separate paddock would allow you to keep both.
Gotta have that full rest tho
Do you need water pressure to make those waterers work?! I bought one and I cannot get it to gravity feed.
I only have about 4 psi on mine and it works great. How many feet of drop do you have?
Thank you for sharing and especially the Word of GOD !
You bet, thanks for watching!
If I bought 5 acers and set it up like yours can it pay for itself or would I also have to work a 2nd job to pay for it??
It all depends on your goals, your context, and how involved you want to be.
"I was really moved by your message about small farmers uniting. Living in one of the biggest cities in America, my wife and I are actively planning our escape to the countryside. God bless!"
I pray your exodus is swift, God bless!
New subscriber today… your family is truly doing regenerative grazing! Maybe missed it: Was wondering how many St. Croix sheep count as an animal unit?
Welcome and thanks for being here! Ewes are around 130 lbs, rams 170…I usually just say 100 lbs a sheep since majority of mine are younger, so 10 = 1 AU.
Thank you for sharing,I am looking to start a homesteading any advice what states is best ?thank you brother
Could you use use goats instead of sheep in this rotation?
I’m sure you certainly could. Goats are notorious escape artists, and I don’t have the desire for them.
How often do you move your animals into each quarter acre section?
We did daily moves last year. Initially started with moving every three days, but liked the improvements with everyday.
Once again well said friend! Dead on accurate!
@@ripdinecola4755 Thanks Rip!
have you hear/thought about the so-called "food disruption technologies", the precision fermentation processes that mimic animal proteins? Just wondering if you're addressing that in any way
No substitute for the real thing
Praise God awesome video! Do you have a link for the deer feeder please?
Yes, here is our exact model: a.co/d/cOi1Gsw
Love your videos and your message ! I just have one question, : I've never seen an udder formation like on that one cow. Is that due to the breed or is it because of an injury?
American Milking Devon genetics, 13 years old - she drops a calf every year and weans it unassisted. I really don’t care if she grows an udder on her head - doing that year after year on grass and marginal hay, she’s gold…drives the conventional folks nutty
what type of grass do you have at your pasture?
Mostly fescue
Thanks again for sharing the word.
You got it, Thomas, thanks for following along
Great content
Thanks for watching/commenting🤠
What’s the drone thing your using I’d like to use something like this when I start looking at properties to see from a different perspective
@@lukasrhoads8587 I think ours is the mini 2, which it looks like is already a bit outdated: www.dji.com/mobile/products/camera-drones#mini-series
@ We are supposed to be stewards of gods creation respect animals and our earth “You made them rulers over the works of your hands; you put everything under their feet: all flocks and herds, and the animals of the wild, the birds in the sky, and the fish in the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas. Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!”
Psalms 8:6-9 NIV I’m in Indiana and will soon start this very same journey.
@ if you can get some elevation change on your property a pond up high with some gravity fed water could do wonders in energy efficiency..16 inches from the top is the cleaner part(keep bugs and muck out)
I LOVE this.
What do your lambs weigh at butcher time? And how old? Awesome setup, learned alot from watching!
Haven’t processed one yet in almost 7 years. They’ve all sold as breeding stock. Looking forward to the day we get to taste tho!
Thanks for the video, how long do the cattles stay in each part before moving them to another one. And how long the grass needs to grow before next rotation. thanks
Great questions. Cattle stay for 1 day on each 1/4 acre paddock, but this can vary. Typically grass grows twice as fast in May/June as it does in Aug/Sept, so we have to adjust accordingly. I think one of the best approaches is to figure out how much dry matter forage you have (based on grass height), and figure you need about 3% dry matter forage per animal unit (1000 lbs). Now, don’t take it all or you’ll struggle with regrowth. In hot and dry times, I like to take half leave half. In wetter, better times I’ll be a bit more aggressive. Hope this gives you a starting point!
Outstanding!
God bless you and your family
God bless you and yours🌱
Id be extremely interested to hear why you run red devons over dexters on small acreage. I have dexters and recently discovered red devons, and they seem like the exact same breed, just a difference in size. Let me know your thoughts
When we first started, I desired the absolute heartiest, 100% grass-fed ruminants I could find. I originally wanted bison but couldn’t stomach the capital expense of extending existing 4 ft fencing up to 6 ft on a 60 acre perimeter. We were already set-up for cattle, so I rolled with it. And let me say, from my experience there’s just nothing heartier than these Red Devon on grass! We just sent one in for processing and hit almost 59% hanging weight to live weight, again that’s no grain. I’ve had our Devons thrive thru negative 33°F in winter with zero messing around or doctoring. Of the 8 we have now, no dewormer, no antibiotics, no foot issues, no growth hormones, etc. - even better than grass machines, as they put out fertilizer and require no petrol. Red Devon were the first cattle to North America with the pilgrims and many traversed the Oregon trail. Just a true triple purpose breed, small framed and lots of history as being tough as nails with very minimal inputs and a great maternal side. Thanks for the question!
@@birchfieldfarming thank you so much for such a thorough response. I appreciate it
I am running a flerd currently also and am struggling over the mineral program. If your cattle were not getting the copper they needed in the sheep mineral how did going to FCE mineral keep your sheep safe? We use FCE but the sheep manager asked me to remove all copper from the feeder and I feel it might affect the cattle negatively
@@LizzyWonderlust Why would your manager even have a free choice system with that approach? Have your sheep manager read the book “Nourishment” by Fred Provenza. There’s enough copper in my FCE feeder to kill all my sheep, but the animals self-select to get what they need, when they need it. Very high chance your cattle will not do as well with no copper access - diarrhea, weight loss, and poor hair coats.
Thank you for your video and appreciate the verse too. I am wondering if you cut your fields at all for hay in the winter?
We rent some hay pasture to a local farm family who makes our hay for winter. It’s been a great fit.
Great video man! May Jesus bless you and your family!
The Lord is bringing a wealth transfer to give us a way out If this system.
Thank you, the Lord bless you and yours as well!😀🌱
Awesome video, first time watching! I have wanted to start grazing cattle on my own small acreage. I’m curious if you have shelter for the cattle and sheep or if they are on pasture all the time? Also, do you have a well setup in the pasture or are you running water hose from a distance to each paddock and using stock tanks?
Thanks, I appreciate the videos and the insight!
Hi Christopher, and welcome here. No shelter for sheep or cattle. No well, stock tanks (2 IBC’s) are elevated in loft of barn to give about 5 psi. Water lines buried just under surface run to risers that we hook up to in paddocks. Tank with float in pasture with animals hooks into riser. Risers and fittings come from Powerflex.
@@birchfieldfarming thanks for the info. Do you have harsh winters where you are located or are they fairly mild? The last couple years here in PA we've been fortunate to have minimal snow events and a limited amount of extremely cold weather. Are you supplementing feeding throughout the winter?
@@christophersnookNegative 33°F with windchill winter before last, pretty harsh. No supplemental feeding but hay and whatever haylage we’ve fermented from grass clippings during summer.
How big are each of your paddocks
1/4 acre paddocks, so running 40 to 50K lbs live weight animal per acre.
Do you consider a bonsmara as an exotic?
Man, I know absolutely nothing about that breed. Are you considering them and if so what makes them desirable to you?
Can’t wait for the day I can quit my 9-5 and homestead 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Keep after it!!🤠🌱
Looks like you have mastitis in one of you cows. First time veiwer. Really enjoyed this.
Thanks…She’s an older Devon with heavy AMD traits - udder is definitely not show quality, especially when weaning.
What kind of grasses makes up your pasture? Looking to start rotational grazing in the Spring and looking for recommendations! Thank you!
Mostly fescue, some orchard grass, white and red clover, lots of chicory, some dandelion and burdock where there’s compaction. My recommendation is to let whatever is in your seed bank come up naturally and mow or graze it…it’ll only get better!
what if i need to rest on Wednesday,
Any day that ends in Y, Mark. Thanks for watching!
Amazing abundance. You are blessed and are passing on the blessing. In my own life, experiencing the provision of יהוה God has come most vividly and even miraculously as I observe his “rest” commandments. I was in an industry that never stops. When I demanded that I must stop in obedience to the commandments, I became the boss instead of the employee. I have so many stories because once a week I challenged an entire industry, and won. I think farming too is an industry that never stops. Yet all those commandments were given to an agricultural society. It takes a lot of faith to do exactly nothing for 24 hours during seed time and harvest. Especially when a harvest can absolutely be lost in a 24 hour period depending on weather. Yet, this is the commandment.
Your words and life are such a powerful statement. Thank you for your courage.
Wow, thanks, David…your words are encouraging. Peace to you.
What the name of the cattle and sheep mineral and what is your pastures mix for cow sheep 🐑
Free Choice Enterprises mineral system, and my pasture mix is whatever comes up and grows🌱🐑🐄
I often grab wads of nearby grass, ball it up, and scrub the chicken waterers when filling.
Awesome!…Amazing what we can do with stuff laying around the farm!🌱
@birchfieldfarming You've got the Cadillac of salvaged material. 😅
Thank you brother in the Lord I enjoy your video
And thanks for watching🤠
amazing farm concept & enjoy ur blessing from God abudantly every day ....Praise the Lord Jesus Christ
Thanks for your encouragement, David!
Do you use the silo? And if so, how do you use it? Should I have one?
We do not use the silo. It was here for an old dairy. Do you need one? Man, I guess that depends on your farm goals and what you want to do. Inputs would probably be best put towards something else when starting out, but again, depends on what you want to do farming-wise.
How much can a cow eat of sage brush, before its too much?
Don’t really have it here, so I have no idea.
Secret sauce is the rest and rain. You obviously get good rain to allow the grass ti grow back thaf fast. Sure wish we could do that here in SW Oklahoma.
You’d be surprised what can bounce back when you leave a little behind
Great video 🎉level land is a blessing
Thanks for stopping by!!🤠
Great word brother and that us what the Sabbath is all about. Yahuah command one day for his people to rest and he called it the Sabbath. Rest is so important and that's why Yahusha (Jesus) said the Sabbath was created for man, not man for the Sabbath. It is still an active commandment and if your not already keeping it then you will be astonished when you start.
Good words, friend.😀
What mineral do you use for your sheep?
Free Choice Enterprises mineral system - expensive, but I’m convinced there’s nothing better when running sheep & cattle together