A lot has been happening around here lately. First up is the big fencing upgrade, which has turned out to be quite the project. We ended up running a seven-strand electric line, mixing hot and ground wires to ensure better conductivity—especially important since the clay soil around the Ozarks can be tricky when it dries out. I’ve learned the hard way that you want a good balance between hot and ground wires so animals will feel the charge consistently, even if the ground is dry or they’re only touching one wire at a time. Our neighbor is coming by to test the voltage properly with a fancy tester, which should confirm if we’re truly predator-proof (fingers crossed!).
Historically, people relied on simpler (though more labor-intensive) fencing methods. Going back just a century, woven wire and barbed wire were the common mainstays. In pioneer times, “snake rail” or split-rail fences made from local timber (often chestnut or cedar) were popular in many regions because they didn’t require nails or wire—just plenty of wood and some elbow grease. They took up more space, but they were sturdy and used materials readily available. For anyone interested in the old-school approach, there’s a great article in Mother Earth News (“Building a Zigzag Fence,” published back in the ‘70s) explaining how people used to stack rails to create an angled fence without needing metal fasteners. It’s fascinating to see how many of these methods are still applicable if you prefer a fully off-grid or low-tech solution.
In this video we take a look at the new Gallagher S30 Solar Electric Fence Charger https://amzn.to/4dSzJh5 as well as some Dyvicl Reflective Scare Rods https://amzn.to/4dLZVu5. Sawyer Products SP657 Premium Permethrin Insect Repellent https://amzn.to/3QX7yDW Affiliate links support our homestead at no cost to you.
Apart from fencing, we’ve also been focusing on the garden and planning for healthier grains. I’m looking into some ancient wheat varieties, often referred to as “biblical grains,” like einkorn or emmer. The reason is pretty straightforward: modern hybrid wheats have changed dramatically over the last century, often causing or exacerbating gluten intolerance issues for many people. These ancient wheats retain their original genetic structure and reportedly sit better with those who have sensitivities. For a quick overview, check out research from The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry that discusses how einkorn gluten behaves differently in the human digestive system. We’re hoping to get a small patch going out here to see if it’s a better fit for our homestead’s bread-making and baked goods.
On the pest-control side, I’ve been relying on permethrin-treated clothing to keep ticks at bay. The Ozarks are loaded with deer, and unfortunately, that means a high tick population. While permethrin is derived from a naturally occurring compound in chrysanthemum flowers, it’s still a synthetic chemical—so it’s worth using it carefully. I always make sure to let it dry on my clothes before wearing them. Historically, people have employed all sorts of natural deterrents like burning certain herbs or even dusting with powdered sulfur. If you want a deeper historical perspective, old herbal guides mention using pennyroyal, eucalyptus, or lemon balm as repellents. Keep in mind these methods often require more frequent application compared to modern treatments. For me, permethrin offers a longer-lasting shield, especially given how often I’m out in brushy areas.
We’ve also done a bit of rearranging in the barn, creating more kitchen and living space—turning this place into “BarndoVilla.” Jess’s mom came to visit, got a chance to see everything in action, and even gave a hand in reorganizing. It’s amazing how a bit of rearranging can breathe new life into a space. Meanwhile, our new side project is adding panniers to a small motorcycle for backroad adventures. If you’re into riding and want to do longer trips, a sturdy set of panniers is a game-changer for gear. I’ve seen some riders go the truly old-fashioned route by using homemade wooden boxes. There’s a neat tutorial in Backwoods Home Magazine for crafting your own, though you’ll definitely need to ensure they’re sealed and reinforced well.
Finally, the waterfall visits around here never fail to remind me why the Ozarks are so special. The natural beauty is a big part of why we chose this spot for homesteading and we’re thrilled to show off the area to visiting family. A combination of good company and progress on our projects makes for some pretty memorable days.
If anyone has questions about setting up an electric fence, ancient wheat varieties, or chemical-free tick management, drop a note. I’d love to compare notes on the old ways of doing things—especially the traditional, resourceful methods that kept farms running long before modern technologies came along.
Historically, people relied on simpler (though more labor-intensive) fencing methods. Going back just a century, woven wire and barbed wire were the common mainstays. In pioneer times, “snake rail” or split-rail fences made from local timber (often chestnut or cedar) were popular in many regions because they didn’t require nails or wire—just plenty of wood and some elbow grease. They took up more space, but they were sturdy and used materials readily available. For anyone interested in the old-school approach, there’s a great article in Mother Earth News (“Building a Zigzag Fence,” published back in the ‘70s) explaining how people used to stack rails to create an angled fence without needing metal fasteners. It’s fascinating to see how many of these methods are still applicable if you prefer a fully off-grid or low-tech solution.
In this video we take a look at the new Gallagher S30 Solar Electric Fence Charger https://amzn.to/4dSzJh5 as well as some Dyvicl Reflective Scare Rods https://amzn.to/4dLZVu5. Sawyer Products SP657 Premium Permethrin Insect Repellent https://amzn.to/3QX7yDW Affiliate links support our homestead at no cost to you.
Apart from fencing, we’ve also been focusing on the garden and planning for healthier grains. I’m looking into some ancient wheat varieties, often referred to as “biblical grains,” like einkorn or emmer. The reason is pretty straightforward: modern hybrid wheats have changed dramatically over the last century, often causing or exacerbating gluten intolerance issues for many people. These ancient wheats retain their original genetic structure and reportedly sit better with those who have sensitivities. For a quick overview, check out research from The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry that discusses how einkorn gluten behaves differently in the human digestive system. We’re hoping to get a small patch going out here to see if it’s a better fit for our homestead’s bread-making and baked goods.
On the pest-control side, I’ve been relying on permethrin-treated clothing to keep ticks at bay. The Ozarks are loaded with deer, and unfortunately, that means a high tick population. While permethrin is derived from a naturally occurring compound in chrysanthemum flowers, it’s still a synthetic chemical—so it’s worth using it carefully. I always make sure to let it dry on my clothes before wearing them. Historically, people have employed all sorts of natural deterrents like burning certain herbs or even dusting with powdered sulfur. If you want a deeper historical perspective, old herbal guides mention using pennyroyal, eucalyptus, or lemon balm as repellents. Keep in mind these methods often require more frequent application compared to modern treatments. For me, permethrin offers a longer-lasting shield, especially given how often I’m out in brushy areas.
We’ve also done a bit of rearranging in the barn, creating more kitchen and living space—turning this place into “BarndoVilla.” Jess’s mom came to visit, got a chance to see everything in action, and even gave a hand in reorganizing. It’s amazing how a bit of rearranging can breathe new life into a space. Meanwhile, our new side project is adding panniers to a small motorcycle for backroad adventures. If you’re into riding and want to do longer trips, a sturdy set of panniers is a game-changer for gear. I’ve seen some riders go the truly old-fashioned route by using homemade wooden boxes. There’s a neat tutorial in Backwoods Home Magazine for crafting your own, though you’ll definitely need to ensure they’re sealed and reinforced well.
Finally, the waterfall visits around here never fail to remind me why the Ozarks are so special. The natural beauty is a big part of why we chose this spot for homesteading and we’re thrilled to show off the area to visiting family. A combination of good company and progress on our projects makes for some pretty memorable days.
If anyone has questions about setting up an electric fence, ancient wheat varieties, or chemical-free tick management, drop a note. I’d love to compare notes on the old ways of doing things—especially the traditional, resourceful methods that kept farms running long before modern technologies came along.
