I have decided to keep a homestead journal to record our production, methods of doing things, results, and more. I started this last year but I wasn't very faithful about it. Right now there is not much going on to record.... except for the eggs! So far, as of what I have collected today, we are up to 30 eggs this month. I think that's pretty good for only five hens and freezing (literally) weather!
I would like to keep track of the days' high and low temperature and general weather, what is planted, sprouting, ready for harvest, when I start a batch of soap or wine and when it's ready, and, well... you get the idea. I am hoping this will help us improve our homestead and it's production by making us more aware of what is working and what isn't working as well as we would like it to. I have great expectations for the future of our little homestead.
I would encourage anyone who wants to improve their own homesteading efforts to keep some kind of a progress journal. Write in it any little detail that pertains to your homestead, such as a change in chicken feed, a switch to a new brand of garden seed, etc. If we each learn as much as we can by studying our practices of what works and what does not, we will all have so much more to share with eachother!
Happy Journaling!
Comments
Posted by Anonymous I have a looser style wherein I list my/our year agenda and then do monthly goals and results without too much detail. It really isn't that helpful other than to keep me focused and motivated. I also keep a binder for recording such things as you mentioned with the chickens- like changing feed or whatever to make note of egg production changes for instance. I track the $ spent here as well. I'm just starting out and don't have much to compare to except what I find others doing online, like you.
Your blog is inspirational and I consider it a valuable resource as well, so thank you very much for all your efforts, your continued efforts, and for sharing!!!!
Sincerely, Illoura
(I only have a photo blog of my life here so far, and you won't find any gardens or livestock yet - I've got kids, dogs and a horse -and 10 highly tree'd clay acres!) http://paradiseranch.spaces.live.com/