I can only speak to the budgeting question, and only for myself. (I don't keep pastured pigs and have a job where I do not have to be a morning person thank goodness). First, eliminate all superfluous debt (aka credit cards). Then, build a six month bare-bones survival savings account and don't touch it except for extreme emergency, like you're out of work. Then, take the amount of money you need each week out of the bank, in cash, and when it's gone, stop spending. No exceptions, except true emergencies. And of course grow as much food as you can,make your soap, laundry detergent and anything else you can do cheaper than buying it, line dry your clothes when possible, and content yourself with being at home rather than out where you might be tempted to spend money. Keep track of your utilities/propane month to month and find ways to cut down on all of them, too. They are such simple things, but they make a HUGE difference in terms of security and savings! We are fairly financially secure now thanks to observing these rules, and it's a lovely feeling. Good luck!
Only thing I can offer you for parasite management in the Pigs would be to move them often, just like we do for the sheep. Budgeting money? I can't share that, I never have any! Time? write down an agenda and stick to it. Morning person? Go to bed early.. get up early.. Drink coffee!
What about farm/livestock management...I'D cards, medical records, supply usage, daily summary etc? can't really find any templates I would find useful for pasture pork (breeding/market) and so very much don't want to create something from scratch. what's your best method?
Check your local Cooperative Extension office or 4-H office. Because the kids do record keeping for livestock projects they should have record/report forms that might suit your needs and they are probably downloadable.
If that doesn't work research other states. The record keeping part of 4-H is not standard and some states have better forms than others.
Also try local FFA chapters or university sites, especially universities that have farm mgt classes. Local jr college too.
Check this site http://www.ag.auburn.edu/~owslewf/extswine/swine-records.pdf
I can only speak to the budgeting question, and only for myself. (I don't keep pastured pigs and have a job where I do not have to be a morning person thank goodness). First, eliminate all superfluous debt (aka credit cards). Then, build a six month bare-bones survival savings account and don't touch it except for extreme emergency, like you're out of work. Then, take the amount of money you need each week out of the bank, in cash, and when it's gone, stop spending. No exceptions, except true emergencies. And of course grow as much food as you can,make your soap, laundry detergent and anything else you can do cheaper than buying it, line dry your clothes when possible, and content yourself with being at home rather than out where you might be tempted to spend money. Keep track of your utilities/propane month to month and find ways to cut down on all of them, too. They are such simple things, but they make a HUGE difference in terms of security and savings! We are fairly financially secure now thanks to observing these rules, and it's a lovely feeling. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteGiving advice there is about as useful as hitting yourself in the head with a mallet, and about as enjoyable.
ReplyDeleteSorry Meredith, I wrote too soon. I thought it was another post about, well, you know.
DeleteIsn't it?
DeleteOnly thing I can offer you for parasite management in the Pigs would be to move them often, just like we do for the sheep. Budgeting money? I can't share that, I never have any! Time? write down an agenda and stick to it. Morning person? Go to bed early.. get up early.. Drink coffee!
ReplyDeleteWhat about farm/livestock management...I'D cards, medical records, supply usage, daily summary etc? can't really find any templates I would find useful for pasture pork (breeding/market) and so very much don't want to create something from scratch. what's your best method?
ReplyDeleteCheck your local Cooperative Extension office or 4-H office. Because the kids do record keeping for livestock projects they should have record/report forms that might suit your needs and they are probably downloadable.
ReplyDeleteIf that doesn't work research other states. The record keeping part of 4-H is not standard and some states have better forms than others.
Also try local FFA chapters or university sites, especially universities that have farm mgt classes. Local jr college too.
Check this site
http://www.ag.auburn.edu/~owslewf/extswine/swine-records.pdf
Jeffers may have something too... Don't do pigs- but JMS had good suggestions!
ReplyDelete