NH Homesteader's journal

[NH Homesteader]

Okay random , but... am I the last one to figure out that FFA and 4H both work with and accept money from Monsanto?? I'm so irritated!! I was hoping to get DD1 in 4H but it's soooo boring, and poorly run, and full of yuppie non farmers. And now I find this out. Ugh!

Anyway, feed store doesn't sell australorps. Well what good are they then? DH didn't sound like he wanted to order chicks lol, ok then!

 

[Lazy Gardener]

As a kid, I lasted maybe 2 weeks at 4H. I was expecting to learn the in and out of hands on farming. Animal husbandry was not even discussed. Instead, we sat around stitching little pin cushions out of felt. At that age, I was already making a lot of my own clothes on the old Singer Sewing Machine. It wouldn't surprise me a bit if Monsanto was supporting these clubs for a big fat tax write off.

 

[NH Homesteader]

I actually think it's worse than that. They're trying to influence the future of agriculture. 4H focused on the biggest, most production. It's not frowned upon to use growth hormones, etc.

https://modernfarmer.com/2017/07/4-h-indoctrination-nation/

I don't know anything about this source, but there are many others saying the same thing.

 

[frustratedearthmother]

Ugh - I didn't know that....

 

[tortoise]

that's disappointing. angering. DS11 is technically in 4-H. He hasn't participated yet this year because he has been behind in homework. But I signed him up for an embroidery class next weekend. He likes embroidery.

 

[sumi]

I actually think it's worse than that. They're trying to influence the future of agriculture. 4H focused on the biggest, most production. It's not frowned upon to use growth hormones, etc.

Well, that stinks... So they are basically targeting kids who don't know any better and influencing them and training them to do things the way Big Brother wants it done, under the cover of doing something "nice" for the kids... Hmm.

 

[NH Homesteader]

You won't see an AGH in 4H because pigs are judged by growth rate. And there are some shetlands but they often don't do well. Heritage homestead animals are not favored. Ah well, I suppose it shouldn't surprise me but it's sad because I feel like it's the only outlet for a lot of these things.

Charlotte is 4 days away from her due date and is practically dragging on the ground lol. I think I've convinced DH to set her up in the kidding stall. He can make a spot for piglets to get to the heat lamp and she can't get to it. The only people who I know who have winter piglets have minimal losses when they're in a barn set up like that. Then we'll put Rosie with Stanley so he's not alone. That's the primary mission for today.

 

[frustratedearthmother]

Go Charlotte! I'm just tickled that she's finally gonna deliver! I really think you're right that the kidding stall is the best option. I can't wait to hear about, and SEE THE PICS of the new babies! Hope she has a bunch. Are ya going to castrate? Butcher before it becomes an issue? Or sell?

 

[NH Homesteader]

I think we'll offer them for sale as registered breeding stock and if they don't sell butcher before they become an issue. DH has helped castrate but I think he's hesitant to do it himself.

I am hoping it goes well. We'll likely butcher Rosie after she weans her piglets in the fall. If Charlotte can produce we don't need 2 sows, and Charlotte is gorgeous and so friendly... plus I like having piglets once a year so she can keep up her seasonal issues lol.

 

[frustratedearthmother]

Sounds like a plan. Castrating piglets is the easiest thing ever - but it depends on having a good holder. Selling as breeding stock would be awesome. Income AND pork - win, win!