Harmeling Harvests

  Goat Milking Stand Recently got a day off and so thankful my son helped me build our much needed goat milking stand. I used a few different plans to plan our build. We also customized it based on the materials we already had available and kept in mind the size we need for our mini Nubian goats. Material list 4 - 20 in. 2x4s for the legs 2 - 46 in. 2x4s for the long sides (we used the longest we had that were already cut to save us some cutting) 2 - 24 in. 2x4s for the width of the floor frame We had leftover tongue and groove wood leftover from our pole barn build we cut to size to fit the total width of our floor frame and used scrap 2x4s for the rest Head frame: 2- 38 in 2x4s 2- measured to size leftover wood pieces on either side of the 38 in 2x4s 2 - Left over spindles (1 screwed down while the other left with one screw to be able to move back and forth when needed) We just used hay twine to fasten together when needed but you depending on your preference you could also use a...

  We got to experience our first birthing of baby goats. Our momma goat Tilly did wonderful and is continue to show just how good of a momma she really is.  Before this moment I took to the internet and tried to learn and take notes of everything I possibly could to prepare us for this. We stood back and let Tilly tend to her babies and watched them all bond. I did step in to make sure the babies both latched and then stayed with them and watched to make sure that they could also latch on their own. Iodine was used to clean and sterilize their umbilical cords. I used the cap as suggested in the most informative video I could find.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbdoz6rgeSs&t=1220s Nutri-drench was also used. 2 pumps for each baby and I gave momma goat a few pumps also to make sure she got the extra supplements that she needs as well. Currently, momma goat is extra full so she will be milked where she has just enough left for the babies and hopefully give her some re...

For our permanent fence we decided the most feasible route (and cost) for us was to use T post and 14 gauge wire. I underestimated the amount of planning a fence requires. Definitely had to keep in mind gate placement and T post spacing. In the placed we would see most often we did 10 ft spacing between the T post. Then in the back we spaced them 14 ft apart. Along our wood line we spaced them out 18 ft apart.  For the gates we used T post gate hinges (available on Amazon). We reinforced the posts that held the gates with another t post drove in sideways and used hay bale wire to tie the two together.  As far as charging the wire this was definitely trial and error. I can say as of now the goats are finally staying in the fence. We are currently using a 30 mile charger from tractor supply.  We also purchased a grounding rod set that comes with 3 6-ft ground rods spaced no closer than 10 ft. It came with clamps and we ran one solid insulated wire through the clamps to each...

Drop Cloth Curtains  Curtains can really add up. It can be rough on the wallet if your home has multiple windows. Maybe you just moved, or you’re trying to switch things up and not wanting to break the bank. I’ve been there and if you’re looking for a cheaper option for curtains and like the final product I’ll link products below.  When we first moved into our cabin and I counted all the windows the last thing I was thinking about when I fell in love with the home was all the curtains it needed. So fast forward after we got unpacked and settled in (for the most part) then realizing I needed curtains. Well I would’ve liked blinds but that’s a whole other level of cost there. So here we are. I was able to wake 3 total out of one drop cloth and one set of hooks. Of course this is dependent on the size you’re looking for. All in all I’ve had them for 2 years now and still happy with the look. Curtain rod of your choice Trimaco 51127 SuperTuff Drop... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000...

Why not let the girls (and can’t forget the roosters) work all while cutting your composting time in half. While also letting them find some treats while they’re at it.  I spent some time last year debating on this. In the end I’m so happy I did.  Another perk is that if you’re worried about the smell and you already have the chickens then why not keep it all together?  This costs us $0 using some hardware we already had and some skids my husband and I collected.  6 skids pieced together in the photo below. We did add some 2x4s that we had laying around at the bottom to help prevent the chickens from scratching it outside of the pile.  1 thing I would like to add is some chicken wire to the bottom to prevent excess from seeping through the cracks of the skids. I’ll do this eventually once this most recent pile is ready for my garden beds. 

  My first garden at the cabin. Also, my first garden in my raised beds. Filling the raised beds wasn’t easy, but definitely nice to see all that hard work pay off. I discovered my new love for calendula and loved harvesting it all while getting the unlimited seed supply from all of them. Photos start at the end of the season but show what it all looked like in the beginning.  August 2023 Summer 2023 The start of the garden 2023 I did have a portion of garden that we tilled and planted sunflowers, corn, a couple tomato plants. Most of the tomatoes went to our ducks but ended up getting to harvest some of the sunflowers. I did leave some out for the birds of course.