As the growing season comes to an end, we use this time to observe and reflect upon what worked well and what needs to be improved or changed next season on the farm. Over the last few years, after learning about permaculture, we have made a lot of observations and discovered a lot of wisdom and knowledge through this process. As Alena wrote in her Permaculture article, “Permaculture is working with nature instead of against it. It is also making thoughtful observations before putting useless labor into a project. Instead of thinking that things need to be done a certain way, permaculture is remaining open to new ideas.”

Over fifteen years ago, we bought our first laying hens. We were told by several well-meaning people that our chicks would die and suffer a terrible illness if we didn’t give them medications in their feed. Without hesitation Cory and I both agreed that the reason we were going to the work of raising chickens was to avoid medications and toxic feed. We were convinced that good quality feed, sunshine, green grass to forage on, and clean living conditions would produce healthy chickens. We took a risk and we are so glad we did. From our observations our chickens have thrived in these conditions and the flavorful eggs with dark yellow yolks speak for themselves. We have lost numerous chickens to predators over the years and a few here and there to unknown causes, but we will continue to strive to decrease these losses, and continue to improve our practices.

More recently, a new batch of piglets had scours. We were not aware of this until two very knowledgeable men walked in to see our new piglets one day at different times. They could both smell the trouble. We were told that our piglets would be dead by the next day if we didn’t medicate. My husband and I both knew that medication was not an option. We prayed and did a little research but didn’t find much for natural treatments. We decided to cut back on mom’s feed and give her extra apple cider vinegar in her water and extra kelp in her feed. The next day the piglets were alive and they quickly recovered. The farmers were so excited they decided to start using apple cider vinegar as well!! We were so thankful for these men that caught our problem early and the wisdom the Lord gave us.

Another example of using observation and working with nature occurred when we had a listless mama pig. Our son Aiden, who was 8 at the time, reported this to us. He is great at recognizing a problem early on with our animals and we have learned to listen. Again, we researched and prayed, but didn’t find much. In the end we gave her extra apple cider vinegar, kelp, and garlic in her feed. She recovered quickly as well.

A few things we noticed this summer were the following:

1. Our plants that had an abundance of compost added to the soil the previous fall looked much healthier than the areas that we added in the spring.
2. Moving animals daily greatly increases the health of the pasture and animals.
3. When you plan and write down goals they are much more likely to happen.

One observation I have made about myself this summer is that I work best under pressure. I make many lists each day and I have found that I always add more to them than I can accomplish in a day. I prioritize so the important things get done first and I have learned the rest will wait until the next day. I’m constantly reminding myself to do the next thing and not to worry.

I love the seasons in Nebraska and the preparations as we enter a new one. A lot of what we do on the farm and in our family depends on the weather. At this time, we are busy with school and winter preparations. Surprisingly our kids love school and really enjoy the extra time to learn. Our four oldest children are very disciplined in their work and independent with our oversight. This gives me free time to work with the little ones on their school and complete the endless work and projects. They all have their struggles, but we are able to catch them right away and work through it. This is just one of the many blessings of homeschool.

Cory and I started our journey with raising animals knowing very little about organic farming. When we first started raising goats and cows approximately nine years ago, we quickly realized that feeding organic feed, avoiding all medications, and providing pasture wasn’t enough to have really healthy animals. Several years ago, when we learned about rotational grazing (moving our animals around to new grass) and adding supplements like kelp, apple cider vinegar, Redmonds natural salt, and garlic, we discovered that most of our animals thrived! Over the years we have had some loss as we have learned, but we are finding that the animals we have now are hardier, better foragers, keep weight on better with just grass, and have friendlier dispositions.  In all of these examples we give all the glory to God. He is the one that has changed our hearts and has given us wisdom through this whole process. We have made many observations this summer and we will continue to seek out opportunities to learn from various experiences.

The Lord has really put it on my heart to empower others about how our food has changed over a short period of time. We are reaching more and more people with our website and newsletter and LOVE to hear your stories about how natural, clean foods have changed your lives. Please help spread the word and keep those stories coming! As we get closer to winter, we look forward to the work that lies ahead and to blessing others with our products. Homesteading and farming are not simple tasks, but when you enjoy the work you are doing and get to feel a great sense of accomplishment at the end of the day, it is completely worth it. This fall we pray that you are encouraged to grow great food, find and meet a great farmer to buy from, slow down and enjoy each day, and be blessed with abundant health!