Joy and Buck Infertility

My luck this year with breeding the goats just will not hold out. It's been abysmal, really. If you've been following along on Facebook, you know that I bred four does to kid this fall and none conceived. You might also know that a doe I had not bred started to develop an udder -- nope, she wasn't pregnant either, just precocious. And lastly, you may also know that I bred four more does to kid in the spring and purchased a bred doe (not to be confused with bread dough), and only one of those does is currently pregnant!

First, I should introduce you to Joy, my newly purchased doe who is, unfortunately, not pregnant. Meet CapraKoza SG Joy to the World, aka Joy:

I struggled to get a good photo of her, because she was always either a) following me around or b) staring at and following the dogs around outside of the quarantine pen. The latter is what she was doing when I snapped this picture. So, since my picture stinks, here is one more that her breeder has given me permission to use:

       

My dad and I made an eight hour round-trip to Indiana to pick Joy up this past Sunday, after waiting three long months for circumstances to work out with her breeder where we could finally come get her. (They were in the process of moving from northern Indiana to Evansville.) I wasn't really in the market when I purchased Joy back in August, but I could not pass this girl up when I happened upon her. Her pedigree is just incredible. Her sire is PGCH Brush Creek Smoking Gun (Caesar's Villa FD Sugar Foot *S x Jeanne's Jewel Opal) and her dam is Rosasharn SP Jump for Joy 6*D 6*M (ARMCH Rosasharn SW Saporro *S E x ARMCH Rosasharn TL Almond Joy 5*D 5*M). And that is just the tip of the iceberg! In all, Joy has 5 does in her four generation pedigree that have made it onto the Top Ten Breed List for milk production (not including her full littermate sister, Caprakoza SG Silent Night 7*D 7*M, who has also made the list).

Joy herself is just a beautiful doe with so many of the qualities I value. She is also such a well mannered sweetheart. She had to endure four hours of transport (in a large dog kennel that had to be assembled in the back of my car, no less -- the heater broke on our van), but she was not phased. She stood very still to let us draw her blood for the pregnancy test and routine disease testing, and she settled right into her temporary home in our quarantine pen. She is not happy about being away from other goats, but no goat likes to be alone. It won't be too long before she will get to meet her new herd.

I am disappointed that she is not pregnant. I will breed her to Bazinga for spring kids, but I was hoping to get a doeling out of her who would not be related to the rest of the herd other than her dam. I think I have mentioned before that I am in the process of diversifying my herd. Joy is part of that process -- bringing in Rosasharn lines, which I have always admired so much -- and I was hoping her offspring would be as well. No such luck!

And diversifying my herd just got a little more difficult. The only doe that was successfully bred is Coraline, who was bred to Bazinga. Can you guess what the common denominator was for the other failed breedings (at least five or six of them, though I'd have to look at my planner to know the exact number)? 

Sigh.

The one factor that was the same for each failed breeding was my first homegrown bottle baby buck, Wybie.

This was to be his first year breeding, but apparently it is instead going to be his last year as a buck. I am considering having his fertility checked out, but with so many failed attempts, the point seems moot. He is healthy and up to date on all his mineral supplements, so there is no probable cause other than simple infertility. And since he was bred to several different does, the problem clearly does not rest with the does, either.

This is good news for Bazinga, because he is going to go on a lot more dates this year than originally planned! However, it's not so good news for me. I didn't want all of next year's kids to be by the same buck, but now that is unavoidable with Wybie being infertile and Joy not conceiving before leaving her breeder's. I will be purchasing a new herd sire next year, but for now Bazinga will have to get the job done all on his own. (I'm sure he won't be complaining.) 

I am glad I started breeding the does earlier than usual this year, because I at least have time to get most of the does bred to kid in April and May. I don't want to have any summer babies, as the weather tends to just be too miserable at that time, so any does that don't quite make the deadline will be bred to kid next fall. 

Here's to hoping, praying, crossing fingers, and doing a rain dance in hopes that my girls will cooperate with me this time! 

Cheers!

How to Use Essential Oils

I originally posted this guide as a file on my essential oil Facebook group, Let's Talk Essential Oils! Click the link to join in the conversation!

There are three main ways in which essential oils are used: Aromatically, Topically, and Internally.

Aromatically

Oils have long been treasured in aromatherapy practices. Using oils aromatically can cleanse the air, remove odors, and promote better moods. Plus, they smell good and are a healthier, safer way to scent your home than chemical fragrances.

There are several ways to reap the benefits of oils aromatically:

∙ Diffuse either by using an electric cold-air mist diffuser (this is the best kind) or by steam in either a candle-powered diffuser or pot of steaming water. A cold mist diffuser is the better choice, because the heat in a candle diffuser degrades the oils the a certain extent and makes them evaporate more quickly. However, I have used a candle diffuser, and it's not a bad option if you can't purchase a mist diffuser right away. Use 2-4 drops.

∙ Oils can also be diffused in your car, by using either a terracotta diffuser or a felt or leather pad placed in a locket of some sort. One simple and easy way to do this is to purchase a stainless steel tea strainer and place a felt pad inside. You can also purchase car diffusers that plug into your cigarette lighter, but personally I find that the aroma diffuses quickly using the tea strainer method. Use 1-3 drops, and start on the smaller side. In such a tight space the aroma can become overpowering if you use too much (ask me how I know!).

∙ Similarly, you can purchase or make diffusing jewelry made with terracotta or with a filigree locket in which a pad of felt or leather can be placed. Put 1-2 drops in your necklace and wear to diffuse about you for several hours to all day, depending on the oil and your sensitivity to smell.  

When diffusing using felt, leather, or terracotta, allow your oil to completely evaporate before applying a different oil unless you want to mix the fragrances. This usually at least 24 hours and often longer. 

Topically

Essential oils can be used topically for many reasons, including but not limited to using in massage, applying to minor skin abrasions, soothing sore muscles, minimizing scars or blemishes, or simply using as a perfume. Some essential oils are even useful for minimizing the effects of aging!

Most essential oils need to be diluted in a carrier oil, such as coconut or olive oil, before applying directly to the skin. Some milder oils can be applied "neat" (with no carrier oil).  Follow doTERRA guidelines for each oil to determine whether or not to dilute.

You should also test a small area of skin on your forearm to check for sensitivity before using a new oil. Always dilute essential oils when applying to children.

Oils can be applied topically using your hands or by adding the EO to fracionated coconut oil in a roller bottle. You can also add essential oils to lotions, balms, toothpastes, and salves.

If you apply an oil and begin to have a negative reaction, such as a burning sensation, apply a carrier oil like coconut to dilute and remove the oil. Water will not dilute or remove an essential oil from your skin.

Internally

Certain essential oils can be taken internally for various benefits. However, you should always research an oil before ingesting it as certain oils, like wintergreen, are toxic when ingested. Always follow doTERRA's guidelines and only ingest an oil approved for internal use. Any doTERRA oil considered generally safe for ingesting will have nutritional information and instructions for ingesting on its bottle and in the product information guides.

When taking oils internally, the most common ways are to place the correct amount of oils in an empty vegetable capsule or to mix with liquid. Oils should always be taken with plenty of water, and don't forget that less is more with oils!

Other Uses 

Essential oils are used in various other ways as well. They can be used in homemade cleaning products (lemon is a very popular cleaning oil), as perfumes, in cooking, and in homemade items such as lip balms or lotions. The uses of essential oils are really almost endless!

One thing that I love about doTERRA is that they list the appropriate uses for each and every oil they sell, so if I am unfamiliar with a particular oil and its uses I am not left to figure it out on my own. As a Wellness Advocate with a wholesale account, I also have access to my "upline," which consists of the people on my team who have been with doTERRA longer than I and have more experience whenever I need or want some first hand advice. Although EOs are generally safe, it is important to use them appropriately and according to the recommended usage. It's also important to use them in a way you feel comfortable. Each person is different, so if you are not comfortable using an oil in a certain way -- even if other people are doing it without any problems -- follow your own preferences.

As always, you can contact me with any questions, or click the images below to join doTERRA or purchase oils!

         

Cheers!

Essential Oil Safety 101

If you've been following along with previous blog post or on my Facebook page, you know that I am a doTERRA Wellness Advocate and completely head over heels in love with their products. I seriously cannot get enough of doTERRA. I use their essential oils and other products every single day, and I really love sharing doTERRA with others. I even created a Facebook group for people to join and ask questions, share ideas, and generally discuss essential oils!

In order to better share my passion, I am also going to be posting blogs pertaining to essential oils and their uses. This post is the first one of that nature!

One major concern for people new to essential oils is their safety. Essential oils, though growing in popularity for very good reasons, are not mainstream. People aren't automatically familiar with how to use them, and that makes trying them a bit scary for some. Imagine if you had never heard of over the counter pain medicine, and someone out of the blue told you to swallow a strange pill to alleviate your headache. Having no idea what it was, you'd be a little cautious before taking it! 

Most people are in that position when it comes to essential oils. In fact, it takes on average at least four interactions before a person new to essential oils decides to finally try them. Although EOs are effective and natural wellness aids, they are a little bit foreign to most people. 

If you are in that place where you are new to essential oils and aren't sure how to use them safely, hopefully this blog post will shed some light on how you can incorporate oils into your life and the life of your family safely. 

The good news is this: Essential oils are generally safe. However, like with any health supplement, there are some guidelines to be followed and things to keep in mind when using essential oils.

Here a Few Basic Do's and Don't's of Essential Oils:

Do buy from a reputable company such as doTERRA. DoTERRA has rigid standards of sourcing, collecting, and testing their oils at an independent laboratory to ensure that each oil is 100% pure, free from pesticides or other impurities, and consists of the correct properties. This means that doTERRA essential oils are beyond organic and the safest and most effective EOs on the market. 

Whatever brand you buy, make sure that you can trust their quality. An impure or contaminated essential oil will be less effective at best and may even be harmful at worst.

Do follow the appropriate use guidelines for each specific oil or oil blend. Each oil has specific intended and safe uses. Oils can be used aromatically, topically, or internally, and many can be used in more than one way. However, some oils like wintergreen are toxic when ingested. DoTERRA provides guidelines for each oil and oil blend they sell, and all of their oils which are safe for consumption have nutritional information and internal use instructions on the bottle. Never disregard this safety information! DoTERRA's team of experts have determined the best and safest ways to use their oils; always follow their guidelines and warnings.

If you purchase oils from a different company, be sure to research how each particular oil can be used safely.

Do test new oils on a small patch of skin before using. If you've never used an essential oil, it's a good idea to test it on your forearm for a few hours before applying to larger area of your body. Each body is different, and some people may have sensitivities to certain oils. 

Don't continue use of an oil if you have an allergic reaction. If you test an oil and experience a negative effect, discontinue use. 

If you place an oil on your skin and experience a negative reactions, such as burning, dilute the oil with a fatty carrier oil, not water. Water and essential oils do not mix, and adding water to the oil on your skin may actually make your reaction worsen.

Do dilute oils with a carrier oil. While some oils can be used neat (without a carrier oil), most will need to be diluted with a fatty carrier oil such as olive or coconut oil. When using EOs on sensitive skin or children, they should be diluted even further. As with almost everything, children need a smaller dose than adults. 

Again, doTERRA is super helpful and provides guidelines for whether or not an oil can be used neat or must be diluted before use.

Don't use oils on cats or small pets like hamsters. While essential oils can be used safely on some pets, cats and small animals are a different story. Always research carefully before using an EO on any pet.

Do research each oil or blend carefully before use. This goes back to knowing the appropriate use of each oil before using it. You also need to be sure that the oil you want to use is safe during pregnancy, or if it can cause sun sensitivity, and the general safety protocols for that particular oil.

It's also important to know what an oil supports or promotes before using it. For example, if you were on a long drive and wanted to diffuse an oil to promote alertness, you certainly wouldn't want to reach for a relaxing oil such as lavender! (You might, however, want to diffuse some peppermint in that situation!)

Don't use oils in a way that makes you uncomfortable, even if someone else does so without any problems. If you are not comfortable with a certain usage of an oil, don't let the fact that others use it that way make you go against your own personal feelings. Each body is different, and each person should use their oils not only in the appropriate way for the oil, but also in the appropriate way for the person. 

Do remember that essential oils are health supplements, not medicines. The basic difference between a health supplement and a medicine is this: supplements promote wellness while medicines treat illness or disease. There is a reason that we are called doTERRA Wellness Advocates! Essential oils are not approved to prevent, treat, or cure any illness, ailment, or disease. Essential oils work with your body to promote its proper functions and help it maintain health. 

Don't support Wellness Advocates who do not follow doTERRA's guidelines. This goes along with previous point. DoTERRA (and FDA) guidelines prohibit Wellness Advocates from diagnosing illness or prescribing essential oils to treat, prevent, or cure an ailment. Again, EOs are supplements, not drugs. We are Wellness Advocates, not doctors. If a Wellness Advocate says something to you like, "this oil will cure your asthma!" you should discontinue your support of that person and find a Wellness Advocate who follows doTERRA's rules and speaks about essential oils in an appropriate manner.

Do keep essential oils in a safe place away from children, pets, flames, and sunlight. They should also be stored in dark bottles like the ones they are originally packaged in. Keeping your oils in a safe place keeps your children and pets safe and prevents the EOs (which last a minimum of 5-10 years if stored correctly) safe from damage caused by directly sunlight or extreme heat. 

Don't forget that essential oils are highly concentrated. A drop goes a long way! You literally only need a drop or two at a time for most essential oils. Using them in larger amounts is unnecessary and may increase the chance of a negative reaction.

Do be careful about buying essential oils (particularly online) from anywhere other than the actual source. A legitimate Wellness Advocate's site will contain "mydoterra.com" in the web address (it will look like this: http://www.mydoterra.com/tiramarfarms). Alternatively, you can also purchase through a Wellness Advocate in person or by contacting them directly to place your order.

Sometimes individuals who sell EOs on places like Amazon or Ebay tamper with the EOs and dilute them with fillers before replacing the cap to make it appear that the bottle is unopened. DoTERRA also requires that any Wellness Advocates selling through a site like Amazon must sell their products at a minimum retail price, so if you see someone selling doTERRA oils for an unusually cheap price online, that is a red flag. To be safe, always buy directly from a reputable Wellness Advocate rather than through sites like Amazon.

Don't use essentials oils in your eyes or ear canal. These areas of your body are especially sensitive. EOs can be used around the outside of your ear, however, just not inside your ear.

Do use caution and consult your physician before using essential oil if you are pregnant or otherwise under a doctor's care. Some oils are not safe to use during pregnancy.

And finally....

Do remember that each body is different. I have pointed this out a couple of times already, but it bears repeating. Your body may respond differently to certain essential oils than mine does. Always keep this in mind when someone tells you about how a particular oil works for them, because it may not work in the exact same way for you. 

I hope this helps you better understand how you can incorporate essential oils into your daily life in a way that is safe and comfortable for you. If you have any questions, want to purchase essential oils, or want to join my doTERRA essential oil team, contact me or click the images below! 

          

Cheers!

My Favorite Household Cleaning Tools

Homestead homes get dirty. Like, really dirty. Chicken feathers in the kitchen utensil drawer kind of dirty. Keeping house clean when animals (shout out to all those who have had live chickens and/or goats in their homes on more than one occasion!), muddy boots, and other miscellaneous messes traipse through on a routine basis is not easy. Or even possible. If you saw my house right now, then read this post, you would think that I have gone bonkers. There are saddles in the living room, for Pete's sake.

But, I have a secret that makes my cleaning advice more valid! One of the things that I do to earn a little extra cash is clean houses. It doesn't bring in the big bucks, but it's an oddly satisfying job, and one I've been doing about a month now. In that time, I've used several different cleaning products with varied success. I've even tried some new things I've never used before that make cleaning so much easier. I enjoyed (is that the right word?) some of these tools so much that I wanted to share a few of my favorites. (And these really are my favorites -- I'm not affiliated with or sponsored by any of these products!)

1. Swiffer Sweep & Trap. This baby rocks and rolls. It has rotating blades on the front that capture bigger pieces of trash in a compartment, and a Swiffer dust pad on the back that collects all the dust and hair that would run away from the traditional broom and dustpan. This tool is my absolute favorite. It not only picks up dust and small fuzzies better than a traditional broom, but it is also way easier on my back. With a traditional broom, I typically have to hunch a bit. I'm not super tall by any means, but I'm just above average enough that brooms and mops tend to be a little too short for me to use them correctly and remain upright. But with this tool, because it doesn't require the typical two-handed sweeping motion, I can stand perfectly straight and still get the job done. It's also super maneuverable. If you're tired of ye olde broom and pan, give the Sweep & Trap a try! 

For cleaning other people's homes, I also like that the dust pads are disposable and the plastic sweeper itself can easily be cleaned and disinfected. Most homeowners do not want mops, brooms, and the like to be reused in their home after being used in someone else's. However, if you are crafty and into reusable, it wouldn't be hard to sew a reusable dust pad for the broom with some microfiber cloth.

2. Shark Light and Easy Steam Mop. Mopping was once my least favorite chore, but with new-fangled tools such as this, it is no longer so unbearable. This mop has a reusable microfiber cleaning pads which sticks on very simply, and it relies on steam to get floors shiny and clean. It is light weight and easy to use (hence the name!). You simply fill up the water container, plug it in, and go to work. When you push forward, the handle presses down and releases steam. It's as simple as that: no buttons to push, no spray triggers to pull, and -- best of all -- no buckets. 

It is also designed to be used completely chemical-free, which is a huge plus in my book and for my personal use. I have on occasion added a touch of white vinegar to the fluid compartment, however, to deal with especially difficult messes. It's also a huge plus that the microfiber pad can be thrown in the washer and completely cleaned. Overall, I feel that products like this result in a much cleaner floor and more sanitary mop than the traditional mop n' bucket routine. 

The one downside to this product is that it relies on electricity to work, so it has to be plugged in. That's not a huge problem, but it does add an extra step when changing rooms.

3. Rubbermaid Reveal. This is a similar product to the Shark mop, but is, in my opinion, slightly less impressive. Like the shark, this has a reusable, washable microfiber cleaning pad. It also uses a refillable liquid compartment rather than a bucket. With this mop you must pull a trigger and squirt your liquid onto the floor as you go; it doesn't create the effortless steam like the shark. 

The definite bonuses to this design are the same as the Shark: easy to use, light weight, no buckets, washable, reusable. Another plus is that you can use whatever cleaning agent in the sprayer that you prefer. At home, that would be vinegar. In other people's homes, it is what product they prefer. It is also a plus that this mop does not need to be plugged into the wall outlet. It also has a scrub pad on top that can be used when a spot needs some elbow grease.

However, the downsides are that pulling the trigger to squirt water on the floor gets old fast. The water also seems to not last as long as the steam water does in the Shark, and using plain water is not an option because there is no sanitizing heat.

4. Swiffer Sweeper. This basic little tool barely made the list, but it does have a few things going for it. It can be used with wet or dry cloths. Swiffer dry cloths are exceptionally good at picking up dust and other fine debris that can be difficult to get with a broom (their dusters are great, too). When cleaning houses for others, the disposable pads are nice. There is also the option to make your own reusable pads if you're crafty. 

What I don't like about the Sweeper is that it's a lightweight in the sense that it isn't as tough on grime as other products listed. It's good for small, quick clean ups where the floor is already pretty clean but still needs a touch up. However, for bigger messes, I find myself going through multiple pads when I use one of these. There is also no option for customization when using it as a wet mop (unless you make your own pads), because the wet cloths designed for it come pre-soaked in whatever chemical cleaning concoction Swiffer uses. So, while this is arguably the easiest to use, it isn't necessarily the best.

What's your favorite household cleaning tool?

Cheers!

Why I Became a doTERRA Wellness Advocate (And Why I Love Their Products)

If you follow me over on my Facebook page (and you should!), then you know that I recently joined doTERRA as a Wellness Advocate, which is simply their term for Independent Consultant and Wholesale Account member. What seems out of the blue has really been building over quite some time. Today I want to share with you my own journey with essential oils (EOs), why I chose doTERRA, how I use oils in my day to day life, and why I ultimately decided to become a consultant.

How I Got Started with Essential Oils and Why I Chose doTERRA

The first purchase I ever made of essential oils was lavender essential oil to fragrance my goat milk soap. I immediately fell in love with lavender. This is not surprising, considering that lavender is the overall favorite of EO consumers. It is a beautiful, soothing, and calming scent, and one that I use every single day. Since then, I have used several other EOs in my soapmaking, purely for their divine scents. Although I still use fragrance oils (FO) in my soap for certain scents, when choosing between a lavender EO or a lavender FO, the EO wins hands down every time...and that's not even a therapeutic grade EO.

This use of EOs for fragrance purposes sparked an interest in me for their other uses, primarily as aromatherapy and for topical application. So I experimented with store-bought oils. I used peppermint to repel spiders and for headaches and lavender for its peaceful aroma. And, most importantly, I began to research EOs and their uses. Boy, did that open up a whole new world for me!

Why did I chose doTERRA?

I found out that store brand EOs are not as high a grade as the oils made by doTERRA. At first I assumed these brand-wars were just a marketing ploy by companies. I can now attest from further research and personal use that nothing could be farther from the truth. When my first doTERRA order finally arrived, the first oil I opened was my beloved lavender. And you know what? I could smell the difference.

So, why is there such a big difference in potency and quality?

It all has to do with the high standards that doTERRA sets for itself. They carefully test their oils at independent laboratories for purity and quality to assure that each bottle is 100% pure essential oil. They also source their oils from the highest quality sources available. They make sure that their oils are harvested from the right plants at the right time, extracted correctly, and proven to be free from contaminants such as pesticides or fillers that would water-down the oils. Read more about this HERE.

The higher quality of doTERRA oils means that they are purer, safer, and more effective. Because they are more effective, I need to use less of them than I would a lower quality oil. Using less means that I can save money in the long run.

In short, I use doTERRA oils because I believe them to be the highest quality essential oils on the market. 

Why and How I Use Oils

Essential oils work. And they smell good doing it, too. The more that I use them, the more I grow to love them. And the more that I read about them, the more I want to use them in new and different ways that I haven't tried yet! For just one example, check out THIS STUDY that found that doTERRA's blend, On Guard, effectively attenuated influenza virus in vitro.

So, why I use oils is pretty simple. They smell great, they are completely plant-based and natural, and most importantly, they are effective. Investing in oils is investing in health.

But how do I use them in my daily life?

I am personally a big fan of diffusing oils into the air for aromatherapy, delicious scents, and air purification. Diffusing in my home also provides the added benefit of adding moisture to the air, which is especially important during winter.

Diffusing is super easy. DoTERRA offers a wide range of diffusers which can be purchased HERE. You can also use a simple tealight candle-based diffuser like the one pictured below. Simply put a few drops of your favorite oil in the top and fill with hot water. Light the tea candle below and enjoy! (The oil pictured is doTERRA's blend, Balance.)

I diffuse in my car using felt pads in a stainless steel tea strainer. The oils make my car smell heavenly, and depending on which oil I'm using, they can promote calm or alertness for long drives.

I also use the oils topically. Most oils need to be mixed into a carrier oil such as coconut oil (water does not dilute EOs), before being applied topically, but some -- such as my old favorite, lavender -- can be applied neat. DoTERRA provides instructions with each oil they sell to let you know how they can be used: by diffusing, topically with oil, topically neat, or internally. (If you have not used a specific oil topically before, it is recommended to apply a small amount to your forearm and wait 24 hours to test for sensitivity.)

One of my long-time favorite oily routines is to put a few drops of lavender on my pillow each night before going to sleep.

To learn more about essential oils and how to use them, go HERE.

Slim and Sassy Weight Loss Shakes 

Oils aren't the only doTERRA products I use! DoTERRA offers a wide range of health and wellness products from supplements to skincare to weight loss support products. One such product is their Slim and Sassy Trim Shakes.

Those who know me personally know that I am on a weight loss journey, and like any journey, it has had its ups and downs. I have been on a shake plan once before with minimal success, so I was skeptical when I saw the Trim Shake. However, reading further, I was really impressed. These doTERRA shakes are unlike any I've tried before.

First and foremost, these shakes contain no soy, no sugar, and no artificial flavors or colors. I can speak from first hand experience that it is really hard to find a shake mix without soy proteins. The ones I have found have been highly unpalatable. But these Trim Shakes not only have no soy, they taste great, too!

The Trim Shakes are sweetened with Stevia and come in both chocolate and vanilla. They blend smoothly, contain a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals, and have 8 grams of protein in one scoop (just the powder). But what I really love about these shakes is doTERRA's two special ingredients: EssentraTrim and Solathin.

EssentraTrim is a extract from ashwagandha leaves and roots and has been shown to support weight loss by controlling the release of the stress hormone cortisol. It has also shown to help curb carbohydrate cravings (a huge struggle of mine), stress-induced appetite, and overeating while supporting healthy blood sugar levels and energy.

Solathin is a special protein derived from potatoes that supports increased feelings of satiety. It has demonstrated an ability to help control snacking and overeating and to make you feel full longer. I can personally attest to the fact that I can go hours after drinking a Trim Shake and not feel hungry -- something that never happened with previous shakes I have tried. I don't get hungry two hours after finishing a Trim Shake. On one busy day, I drank a shake between 9 and 10:00 am, but wasn't able to drink my next shake until about 3:00 pm. Although I was certainly hungry by the time I got to lunch, it was a manageable hunger -- I wasn't starving.

I love that doTERRA didn't just make a meal-replacement shake...they made a meal-replacement shake that helps promote appropriate eating habits and weight loss even after it has been consumed. I have never personally had a shake that I felt was actually benefiting me in ways other than limiting my caloric intake until Trim Shake.

I understand that weight loss shakes, no matter how awesome, are not a long-term solution or a substitute for a healthy lifestyle. However, I feel that using these shakes in conjunction with developing overall healthier habits will be a huge help in my weight loss journey. They could also be useful for maintaining a healthy weight by providing a quick and easy breakfast or lunch on the run as an alternative to fast food. And at just $1 per serving,* you can't find a cheaper meal! (*Price calculated using the wholesale account price for the shakes and not including the cost of your liquid of choice.)

I personally mix my shakes using raw pastured cow's milk, which I feel nicely rounds out my "meal" by adding additional vitamins and minerals and sufficient calories for meal-replacement (if mixed with water, the Trim Shakes would only contain 70 calories per serving, which is not sufficient for meal replacement). I'm drinking a chocolate raw milk Trim Shake for lunch as I type right now!

Learn more about these awesome shakes HERE and purchase HERE.

The Loyalty Rewards Program

The Loyalty Rewards Program (LRP)  may be my favorite thing about this company. When I joined as a Wellness Advocate, I set up my monthly order of Trim Shakes to ship automatically. By joining the LRP, I automatically receive points toward free products every time my order ships! This means that simply by making a purchase I would be making anyway, I get to earn free doTERRA products (with the added convenience that I don't have to worry about forgetting to re-order my shakes on time and running out!) I can also earn the free product of the month if my order totals 125 pv and is placed prior to the 15th!

The LRP also does not require a minimum purchase order! Although there is a minimum order to receive product points -- 50 pv -- there is not a minimum order to stay in the program. If at any time I need or want to make a smaller purchase I can simply go into my doTERRA online office and edit my monthly order. No stress! Learn more HERE.

Why I Became a Wellness Advocate 

Finally, the million dollar question!

Setting up a wholesale account just makes sense. It is the wisest and most affordable way to purchase from doTERRA. It allows me access to the awesome Loyalty Rewards Program and provides a hefty discount on all products. For just $35 a year, I get to earn free products and get a 25% discount off of the retail price! To give you a real-life example of how much this benefits me, and can benefit YOU, Trim Shakes (which I am using daily and ordering monthly) retail for $52.67. With a wholesale account, they are only $39.50! That means that if I were to buy just one shake mix a month for only three months, I would save $39.51 and more than pay for my yearly membership fee.

Being a Wellness Advocate also allows me to share doTERRA with others and earn bonus products and even commission in the process..but without any pressure. I have been a consultant for another company in the past, and although I loved their products, I didn't love the minimum sales requirement in order to stay in the program. With doTERRA, I don't have to sell anything, buy anything, or sign anyone else on in order to continue being a Wellness Advocate and reaping the benefits of the wholesale account. This program is truly all rewards and no pressure.

Hey Wait! I Want In On This!

I thought you might!

                               

Any Questions?

If you are unsure how to purchase or sign on for a Wholesale Account or the Loyalty Rewards Program, or if you have any questions at all, CONTACT ME. I am here to answer any questions you have!

Cheers!

Rachel

The Lost Art of Doing What Has to be Done

A strange thing sparked this thought in me. I have been reading a book about the women of the Bible. It's really a fascinating read. Sadly the women of the Bible often get downplayed, but they have incredible stories which show how much God listens to, uses, and loves women -- from prostitutes to princesses. But that's not really the point of this post.

Okay, back to topic. After the story of of how Jael killed Sisera by driving a tent stake through his head, one of the questions the book asked was along the lines of, "how was Jael able to do what she did?" One of my first thoughts was, "she did what had to be done." And that thought led me down a rabbit trail, as thoughts often do.

Doing what has to be done has become a lost art in our society. We don't really have a need to do what has to be done, because there are others who do most of the hard work for us. It's so easy to step away from the hard reality of responsibility and pretend that it doesn't exist. We don't have to butcher our own meat, because other people do that for us. We don't have to harvest our own food, because it comes in nice little packages in the grocery store. We don't have to do so many things anymore, because there are handfuls of people in each community that do it for everyone else. It's so easy to turn a blind eye to the facts of life...and death.

But when we homestead, we pull back the curtain. We come face to face with our food, with our responsibilities, and with the really difficult stuff that most other people ignore. Homesteading is a resuscitation of the lost art of doing what has to be done. Homesteaders and small farmers are reintroducing the real-life knowledge and skills of where and how we get our food. Homesteading is learning how to do what has to be done...whether that means breaking ice in the middle of winter, selling an animal you had planned to keep, or butchering your own meat. "As needs, must."

Sometimes, it's easy peasy and fun, other times it's hard. But I think it's a good thing. I think we, as a society, need to re-learn what it means to be truly responsible and intentional. We need to stop letting the man behind the curtain make all the tough calls and do all the grunt work. It's better for us as individuals and for the earth when we step up and mindfully play a part in the production of our own food.

So let's learn to do what has to be done.

Cheers.

5 Tips for Planning an On-Farm Event Pt. 2

Whew, what a whirlwind the past few weeks have been! I am pleased to say that the Mid-South Homesteading Conference and Festival was a wonderful success! And now, back to your scheduled programming...

In my previous post, I promised that I would make a second blog with tips about hosting an on-farm event, which would be written post-event rather than pre-event. While my previous points stand, I also have three new points from a post-event perspective. This can also be taken as a list of things I will do differently next year. 

1. Have vendors pre-pay and fill out a form/contract. This time around, I sort of gave vendors the "option" of prepaying but didn't strictly require it. I suppose I was a bit naive for thinking that every vendor that said they were coming would actually come. Thankfully, many of them did come, but there were a handful that never showed. To make matters worse, I didn't think to get the phone numbers of vendors who emailed me, which made it more difficult to touch base with them. In the future, I will be requiring vendors to send payment along with a form listing all of their contact information and explaining that fees are not refundable after a certain date if they do not show. I am told by an experienced vendor that this is the norm, and it will definitely help with three things:

1. I will have multiple means of contacting vendors pre-event.
2. Vendors will have a greater incentive to show up and I will not lose money from no-shows. 

3. I will be able to avoid awkward end-of-day, "you need to pay me" conversations. Yes, that happened. No, it was not fun. But organizing and hosting events like this takes literally hundreds of dollars and if you don't get paid, you don't make it out of the red.

2. Pre-make food and freeze it. In Tennessee, it is illegal to serve or sell homemade "high risk" foods (mostly things that need to be kept at a certain temperature) to the public without an inspected facility. However, the serving and selling of cottage foods generally considered safe (like jams, jellies, and breads) is legal. With this in mind, I decided to make the desserts for our conference lunch. Legally I had to have the actual meal catered, but I still wanted to have that nice homey touch. We're pretty darn good bakers in my family, and our desserts were a hit. 

However, staying up until midnight the day before the conference was not so much fun. I wanted the desserts to be freshly made, but I was not thinking about how difficult it would be to finish all the last minute touches to both the venue and the classes I was preparing and then bake three different flavors of dessert the day before the event. Why it never occurred to me to make them ahead of time, freeze them, and thaw them for the event I do not know.

3. Add extra time between classes. I schedule each class for a 1 hour period. The plan was to allow each speaker 45 minutes of lecture and 15 minutes for a Q&A session. This didn't really work out, however, because speakers -- including myself -- talked over 45 minutes, and time ran out before all questions could be answered. This wasn't a huge problem all in all, but next time I will plan a bit more padding into class times to give plenty of time for the next speakers to prepare in between classes, questions to be answered, and people and their belongings to be shuffled around to the next class.

4. Schedule the shortest classes before lunch. A couple of the classes were shorter than others. There just isn't as much information for some subjects as there is for others. Next time I want to place the shortest classes right before lunch and save the longest classes for after lunch. Lunch, because it is delivered at a certain time, really needs to happen on schedule so that the food stays fresh. That's a little bit easier to do with the shorter classes scheduled ahead of the lunch hour.

5. Don't forget to take pictures! I was so caught up in what was going on that I completely forgot to take pictures during the conference and only took a few during the festival. I was certainly kicking myself for that afterward! 

Bonus! 6. Schedule a relatively short festival. I learned this through experience and through sage advice from an experienced vendor. Not many people come to a festival very early in the morning and few come in the late afternoon. Our festival rush was between roughly 9 am and noon, with a few stragglers after noon and literally no one earlier than 9 am. We decided by three that anyone who was going to come already had and let all the vendors pack up and head out. Afterward I spoke with one of our vendors (who was also a speaker) and among the many great tips she gave me was to schedule festivals for roughly 9am-3pm. Especially for people with children, getting out early in the morning or staying into the dinner hours is difficult, and only very large events like state fairs (which have a ton of hearty food offerings as well as nighttime entertainment) can pull off longer hours. 

I hope this is helpful!

Cheers

Meet Lady

Or Ladybird, as I have taken to calling her. First, the back story.

I don't believe that I ever blogged about the death of my mother's Quarter Horse gelding, Sam. Sam was older than I am -- almost thirty -- and had been in our family for as long as I can remember. We knew his time was drawing near. We had struggled to keep his weight on every winter for a few years, but last year he wouldn't gain even when spring dawned. Despite teeth floating, vet visits, and pouring senior feed down him, his body just couldn't keep up. He seemed to be getting worse rather than better, and finally one day we found him in the back pasture. He had gone off the path and fallen into the ditch. Thankfully, it didn't appear that he had suffered. We buried him in the pasture and said our goodbyes. 

Since then, my mare, Krystal, has been an only horse. She moped for a long time after Sam's passing. She would just stand by the barn and not venture into the back pasture. It was clear that she was depressed, and though she is no longer in a depression, I know that she is lonely for another horse. We've debated back and forth about trying to find her companionship, and almost did twice, but were both times had to back out when we realized the animals we were told about were far too old. We had just been down the old-equine road, and needed a break from those challenges for a few years.

And here, more than a year after Sam's death, is when Lady made her grand entrance. 

We have spent a lot of time at my grandfather's farm this summer, because he generously allowed us to plant our pumpkin patch and a watermelon patch there, as well as plan our homesteading conference and festival (more about that here, here, and here) there. My grandfather was once big into Tennessee Walking Horses. We bought my mare Krystal from him several years. He no longer rides, shows, or breeds TWH, but he still had three mares leftover from those days. Being over there and watching them, I immediately took a liking to a gray and white Tobiano mare. After suffering horse envy for a while, I finally gave in and decided to find out what exactly his plans were for the horses. Lo and behold, all the mares were for sale for very reasonable prices. To which I promptly replied, "I want Lady!"

I am so glad that we waited and didn't jump into getting a new horse right away. I have always loved Tennessee Walkers. They have such a smooth gait and typically wonderful personalities, and I know in hindsight that I would have been disappointed to get anything other than a TWH. Lady is also young, about 10 years old (I'll find out the exact age when I get her papers), so she fit that requirement as well. To top it all off, my mare Krystal is Lady's mother, and her sire is the famous world champion stallion Ironworks. I could not have gotten an equivalent horse anywhere else without selling a kidney or two. I also love that Lady continues the legacy of Krystal, the mare I learned to ride on as a young teen. It just goes to show that God's timing is always best.

Lady is a really beautiful mare. Photos just don't do her justice; you really have to see her in person to fully appreciate her. She is a flea bitten gray and white Tobiano, which is not a color you see very often. She has the typical smooth gait that makes TWH famous and a lovely refined face. She is also smart and a quick learner. I have recently begun working with the Parelli method, and Lady picks up on it surprisingly quickly.

Lady hasn't been worked with in a few years, so we are truly learning together. I love Krystal very much, but it is exciting to have my first "project horse," so to speak. Krystal was fully trained when I began to ride her, so even though I haven't ridden in a few years myself, it won't take much to get her back up to speed. Lady on the other hand -- though trained to ride, lead, have hooves trimmed, etc -- has not had much human interaction over the last couple of years. Lady let us ride her and work with her without any big problems, but she has some kinks that need to be worked out. She is what Parelli calls a Right Brained Extrovert, meaning she likes to move her feet (Extroverted) and tends to lack confidence (Right Brained). I am currently working with her to not get anxious when walking away from her horse buddies and to have more confidence in general. She is very willing to do what I ask (when I ask clearly -- I am still learning myself), and I see improvement almost every time I work with her. I can't wait to get her home so that I can at least interact with her every day, even on days when I am too busy to really work with her. I love learning her personality, and I know there is a confident, trusting, and curious partner underneath her timidity. 

I am also thrilled that I should be able to trail ride this fall. I have always wanted to do this, but have never had the chance. I did do a few short trail rides as a teen before we brought Krystal home, but after that I didn't have a chance to go riding trails much. Then after starting college, I really didn't have time to ride at all. I even lost most of my tack, but I have thankfully been finding bits and pieces as we go through the barn and the attic. I found my mom's old saddle, which is still in working condition despite being 30+ years old (I really didn't think it would even be safe to use!). I also found a couple of cinches, a chest collar, and a bridle. My friend, who has been helping me learn to use Parelli training methods, also gave me a nice synthetic saddle, which was so nice of her and worked out perfectly, because it makes it possible for both mares to be ridden at once, which in turn makes trail riding possible (because who wants to trail ride by themselves all the time?). She also let me borrow her Parelli rope halter and 12' lead rope until mine finally get here (they are supposed to be delivered this week!).

I should probably end this post now before it gets any longer. I could go on all day, but I think I have adequately conveyed just how excited I am to back in the saddle again!

Cheers

5 Tips for Hosting an On-Farm Event

For those who don't know, I have been planning the first annual Midsouth Homesteading Conference and Festival to take place on September 19th (conference) and 20th (festival) of this year. I mentioned this briefly in a previous post as well as on the farm Facebook page and the Facebook page of the event.

This is my first time planning something like this, and I have learned a lot along the way. I suppose when I first had this grand idea, I thought that it would be easy-peasy and fall together effortlessly. Not! It really takes a tremendous amount of time, effort, and patience to plan a farm event. It takes more money than I expected, too. The good thing is that in the end, it will have been worth it...I hope! 

If you have ever thought about planning any kind of farm or homestead event, be it a class, conference, festival, farm tour, or something else, I have a few tips for you based on what I have learned from this experience thus-far.

1. Start planning early. I had about four months to plan this event when I started. In hindsight, this really was not enough time. Don't get me wrong, things have come together, but I do wish I had either started earlier or planned the event for later. Why? Well, I missed out on some speakers and demonstrators I had hoped to land, because they were already booked for the dates of the events. One demonstrator even said that I should contact him in January of next year if I wanted to book him for September! 

2. Be realistic with your budget. Money has been a challenge for me to deal with for this event. I really didn't think it would cost much at all because I didn't have to actually rent a locale (instead, a portion of any profit above the red will be given to my grandparents for letting me use their land), but it adds up quickly. Here are some of the expenses:

• Some speakers (though not all) charge speaking and/or travel fees. Typically the further away they are, and the more well-known, the more they cost. 
•  Advertising is a surprisingly big expense, too. Word of mouth and free advertisements don't cut it, especially for a first-time event. Between the cost of printing flyers, paying for online and paper advertisements, and the banners and signs I will be purchasing, it adds up.
• I also chose to provide food and drink for the conference attendees and conference speakers. Because we do not have a certified kitchen or the means to cater ourselves, I will not only be paying for the food itself but also the preparation of it. Don't forget little things like cups, drinks, plates, silverware, etc.
• For the festival, I wanted to set up a kid's play area. This required the purchase of material (plywood and paint, mostly) to make fun games and face-in-hole paintings, game prizes, face painting material, and straw bales.
• There are also expenses for readying the locale. Port-a-potty rentals, caution tape to keep people away from farm equipment, and the cost of small things required for a general clean up (because, as you know, farms can be messy places!)

I am just hoping that this year, the income will cover expenses. Sure, profit would be really nice, but not necessarily realistic for this first year.

What I really hate is the feeling that people think I am just raking in the dough from this and gouging people. A couple of people have said they thought the cost of the conference was high, and that was a huge blow to my morale. I wanted to explain just how much time, money, and hard work it takes to do something like this so that they would understand, but I chose to simply be polite. 

3. Prepare to deal with naysayers. I mentioned above about how some people will not think your prices and policies are fair, and may try to make you feel guilty about it. Try to remember that their negative opinions don't stem from a dislike for you or any hateful place, but simply from a lack of understanding what goes into hosting an event.

There will also be naysayers on other subjects, too. I have received comments from people unhappy with the dates, unhappy with the schedule, or unhappy with the classes offered. A couple of my own family members have even had negative things to say. I won't name names, but one didn't want me to hold the event at all and tried to have it called off behind my back.

At the end of the day, you can't please everyone. The quicker you realize that and let the negativity slide off your back, the better your event (and even your life!) will be.

4. Don't forget about liability issues. Part of the reason my family and I can't cater the event ourselves (even though we are pretty darn good cooks!) is because of liability. If someone were to get ill -- from the food or not -- we could get in big trouble for violating food safety laws, which require a certified kitchen. There are also areas of the farm, including a pond, that will have to be roped off and labeled "do not enter." I certainly don't expect tragedy to strike, but if it does, being able to prove that we took appropriate safety measures will help protect us in case of a lawsuit. Farm Commons has some really great webinars on the liability of on-farm events. 

5. People have a tendency to not call you back. I think the single most difficult thing I've had to deal with is people not answering attempts at contact. This is another reason to start planning early. Some people just have to be reminded (like me!), but others simply will not respond to you. They will not email, call, or message you back. After dealing with this a few times, I changed my philosophy: If a person didn't respond to two attempted contacts, I gave up and moved to the next person. If a person is not willing to respond to me, they are obviously either not interested or not reliable. Either way, they are not someone I want involved in my event, because I want everyone involved to be as enthusiastic as I am!

Bonus! 6. Don't forget to have fun. It is way too easy to get stressed about stuff like this. The best thing to do, at least in my experience, is to set aside specific periods of time to work on the event, and let it "slip my mind" for the rest of my time. That way I can dive in head first, really hit the planning hard, and then simply not worry about it when my work time is up. Thinking and worrying about it constantly will take away all of the fun!

I hope these tips are at least a little bit helpful. I'm sure there will be a part 2 to this post after the even takes place (we certainly learn best in hindsight), so stay tuned!

Cheers

A Rough Day and Saying Goodbye to Georgie

For the past few weeks, I have been attempting to keep up a blogging schedule that includes two posts a week, one on Monday and one on Friday. Typically I accomplish this by taking a chunk of my Sunday and devoting it to writing and editing blog posts, which I then schedule to automatically post. You may have noticed that I didn't make my goal this week, and Monday was left without a blog post. Here is why:

Sunday was actually a pretty great day. We spent most of the afternoon working with my mare, Krystal. It wasn't really work, though; it was fun! A friend who is currently studying to be a vet and horse trainer (using the amazing Parelli method) came over and taught us how to do a lot of ground work. (After just a few days of learning ground work games from Katelyn, I am sold on the idea that a relationship on the ground leads to a better relationship in the saddle.) 

I was planning to write this week's blog posts after working with Krystal, but it didn't work out that way. Instead, we came inside to find that our new dog Georgie, who you may remember from my previous post, and my Pomeranian Lucky had gotten into a fight. Although we didn't witness it, I am almost certain that Lucky, aka Queen Bee, started the fight. What we think probably happened is that Georgie went to the kitchen to drink water, Lucky growled at her, and Georgie decided she wasn't going to be low dog on the totem pole anymore. As my mom said, Lucky wrote a check her body couldn't cash. Even though they weigh almost the same, Georgie is a Boston Terrier mix and has a bigger jaw and more muscular build than Lucky. Thankfully Lucky did indeed have some luck on her side. We took her to the emergency vet and found out that all of her wounds were superficial. She has been very sore, but nothing was damaged internally and no bones were dislocated or broken. She is on antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medicine and will eventually be back to normal.

Unfortunately, we now have to find Georgie a new home. We have all grown attached to her, but after this fight it is not worth the risk of keeping her. Lucky is far too stupid...I mean, stubborn...to learn her lesson and stop trying to be the boss. That means that Georgie is having to spend way too much time in her kennel. I'm afraid to even leave the room with both of them out in the house, much less go outside or anything else. And Georgie is such a quiet dog that it would be too easy to forget to put her back in the kennel when we leave. Although it will be sad for us to say goodbye, Georgie has to move on. The current situation is not fair to Georgie or safe for Lucky. Below is Georgie's info:

Georgie, pictured above, is approximately 2-4 years old, probably closer to 2. She has been fully vetted and is spayed. She is also housebroken and kennel trained. She is a Boston Terrier mix. The story of how she came to live with us is here. She weighs about 11 lbs and is not much bigger than our Pomeranians, but is more muscular and lithe. She is very quiet, and I have never actually heard her bark. 

Georgie is extremely shy and timid. She is terrified of thunderstorms and afraid of men. When she is anxious, she chews and licks at her skin, particularly her paws and under her legs/stomach. We believe she may have been abused by a man at some point. It took weeks for her to become trusting of my mother and I, and she still does not trust my dad, so do not expect an immediate bond. However, when she does become comfortable with you, she is incredibly sweet. She will greet you at the door with love and excitement. When she is feeling insecure, she will hide in a corner or under furniture. When it storms, she will be trying to bury herself under your arm. She also will not eat or drink when feeling anxious, so it is best to provide her with a private space for meals and water.

Georgie needs a home with no children, and a home with an older woman would be ideal. She is a runner, which is how we found her, so she must be walked on a leash or in a securely fenced area. She gets along with cats and other dogs, however, she needs a home without a domineering dog. If you have a dominant female dog that feels the need to boss others around, Georgie would not be a good fit. 

Please contact me if you or someone you know could give a loving, permanent home for Georgie. With patience and kindness, she will be a wonderful little dog for someone. There is no re-homing fee, but we will be conducting interviews to be sure the new home is a good fit. Georgie is a quirky dog and needs a particular type of home to do well. Even if you don't live locally, we may be able to work out transport for the right furever home.

Cheers

Safety on a Farm

I honestly thought that when I sat down to write this, it would be with a heavy heart. My decision to write a post about farm safety came after reading about a 7 year old Amish boy getting caught in a hay mower. I didn't know anything at the time other than that he was caught, a helicopter had been called, and his neighbor was asking for serious prayers. I truly thought the next update would be that he had passed, but thank God that was not the case! He lost his leg, but he is alive. And so, my heart is not heavy for this post.

But farm safety is a huge issue, and this little boy was one of the lucky ones. According to Cultivate Safety, a child dies from a farm-related injury every 3 days and 38 children a day are injured on farms. Most of these kids are not working, either. I know first hand how dangerous farming can be, because my dad's family farms. My dad also farmed when I was child, and one day I even became part of the statics. I was also one of the very lucky ones, however. As I was climbing out of a tractor (facing the wrong way), the hydraulic door swung back and hit me in the face, busting my mouth and moving my front teeth. I was fortunate to not lose my teeth from that accident, and knowing what I know now about farm safety, I know I could have had it much worse. 

Every farm family has stories to tell about injuries. My dad stabbed himself in the leg trying to cut baling twine out of a hay baler. My grandfather has been gored by a boar hog. My cousin just recently broke his fingers when they got caught in a hay auger. And recently I have seen way too many posts on social media about kids getting hurt on farms: the Amish boy who lost his leg, a child who died after getting kicked in the chest by a horse, and another child who developed infection after being kicked in the eye by a horse. Farming is a wonderful lifestyle, but trust me when I tell you farming is dangerous. 

Unfortunately, children are very susceptible to farm accidents, whether they're helping out or just hanging around. They lack the experience and mental development to react quickly to danger. And there is plenty of danger on a farm! Equipment, even in experienced hands, is dangerous. Whether it is in use or being repaired, it can quickly injure a person. There are often medications or chemicals (even organic ones) on a farm that are harmful if inhaled, swallowed, or touched. And animals, no matter how well behaved, are always a risk. Your most beloved horse or sweetest pig can have a bad day and easily injure or kill you. When you're looking at livestock that can weigh anywhere from a 200 lb sheep to a 2,000 lb bull...there's no way you can control them if they decide they don't want to be controlled. They are faster and stronger than the fittest  adult man, much less a small child.

One thing that also really concerns me regarding safety is how many people with no farming background are now starting farms or homesteads. I think that is really wonderful, because we need more small farms and more involvement with our food. But the darker side to this is that farming often has a steep learning curve. People who have no first-hand experience or knowledge, and sadly often don't have a resource nearby so they can learn and gain experience before being on their own, can be blissfully unaware of how dangerous a farm is at times. And in that moment when something happens and you're suddenly faced with a scary situation and no clue what to do, it's hard to react quickly. I know because I've been there with my own animals! When a horse 5x your size decides to crowd your space and get spooky, it's frightening...and I have been around horses my whole life. Take someone who hasn't been around horses (or whatever other animal or piece of equipment) their whole lives, and it can be even scarier.

But I really don't want people to be discouraged from farming or homesteading. I just want them to be aware of the risks. So I wanted to compile a few tips for being as safe as possible in a farm setting. This is what I came up with:

1. Always supervise children on a farm. Always. I don't care how obedient, responsible, or smart your child is. Do. Not. Leave. Them. Unsupervised.
   
2. Wear closed-toed shoes. I have a really bad habit of wearing flip flops around the barnyard, and have regretted it more than once.
   
3. Turn off all equipment before working to repair it. No matter how quick or simple the repair will be, shut it off.
   
4. Wear protective clothing and gear when needed. Don't neglect this, especially eye protection, gloves, and face masks. I know it's a hassle, but it's not worth the risk.
   
5. Don't let children be alone with animals, no matter how trusted. Even your sweetest goat can suddenly go rogue, and animals also don't understand that they can hurt humans without meaning to. I was knocked out by a Lamancha as a child. It wasn't being malicious, it was just being a goat.
   
6. Don't let children operate machinery. Just because they physically can run it, doesn't mean they are mentally mature enough to run it.
   
7. Don't let children run and play in the barnyard or near farming equipment.
   
8. Always be alert when working with equipment or animals. Not just for your own safety, but to watch for others who might be coming to get you for lunch, tell you someone called, etc.
   
9. Know the proper techniques and safety procedures for whatever tool you are using. If you've never operated it before, have someone teach you.
   
10. Don't try to work in dangerous weather. If there is lightning, flooding, dangerously strong winds, or tornadoes, just go inside and wait it out.
    
11. Don't play loud music while running machinery of any kind. You might miss hearing someone yelling at you.
    
12. Don't wear jewelry while working on the farm, especially rings. Flat, post earrings are safe -- not hoops or dangles. If you have long hair, pull it back as well. It can also get caught in machinery.
    
13. Never turn your back on an intact male animal, or any unfamiliar animal, especially during breeding season or when a female in heat is nearby.
    
14. Don't keep dangerous or aggressive animals around. If you know a particular animal is dangerous, it needs to be put down or, in some cases, neutered. If you are waiting to put an aggressive animal down or alter it until after the breeding season, never tend to it alone and never let children tend to it. Put signs on its enclosure that it is dangerous. Keep the gate locked (not just latched).
    
15. Clearly mark "off limits" areas to visitors or children. Any area which stores dangerous machinery or tools needs to be locked up so kids can't have access.
    
16. Avoid barbed wire. It's really not worth it. Just spend a little more for a better quality fencing material. If you don't, the first time you, an animal, or a child gets wrapped in it, you will regret it. If you do have barbed wire, never electrify it.
    
17. If you're working alone, let people know when to expect you. Sometimes farmers will work well past dark, so if you plan to be home by a certain time tell someone so they know to look for you if you aren't back.
    
18. Never do farm work while intoxicated in any way. This includes being sleep-deprived. And never smoke in a barn or a dry field. (Or at all, if you value your lungs.)
    
19. Don't leave jugs of chemicals or medications where children can reach them.
    
20. Use common sense. If it seems like a bad idea, don't do it.
    
21. Bonus: Accidents will happen no matter how careful you are, so just be prepared by staying calm, knowing how to do basic first aid, and having an emergency first aid kit.

There are many ways for children to be safely involved in farming, and many ways to prevent injury. There's no need to take excess risks. Be safe out there!

Cheers