We live on a property that has just over 2 acres of land, next door is an empty lot of 2 acres (was ours but was subdivided and is now BIL's) we are able to use the lot for stock to help keep grass down etc so my plan is to be pretty much self sufficent on our block atm we already have 4 chickens and a rooster, 9 sheep and 2 cows (sheep and cows not ours just lending our land) my goal is to have a vege garden, fruit trees/plants, herb garden and around 9/10 chickens, 2-3 sheep or our own, 2 cows, 1 milking cow, maybe 2 pigs not sure on them yet so we dont have to buy our meat its growing right there DH lived on a farm and knows how to "deal with them" when it comes to eating time. On 2 acres does this sound realistic or not?
No farming advice, just wanted to say - SOUNDS FANTASTIC!! I love the idea! Will be looking forward to hearing your stories as you get your plan into action.
Will need to check with DH, as he has done the numbers on size of land to number of animals. It may be a bit small, as cattle do need a fair amount of space for their needs.
We are aiming for something similar, but will not be self sufficient in meat as we will only have 1 acre. We are looking at the option of buying a steer from the sale yards and then bringing in our own guy to slaughter it on the property just a few days later. That way we do not need the extra space that they require.
I have no idea what the stocking rate down in Vic is but I am guessing that the 2 cows (non milking) will be steers? For meat? They will consume less than two cows as in mumma cows. The milking cow will need supplementary feeding to keep her milk coming. She will also need to keep having calves to keep her milk coming. You can then eat the calf when it gets bigger - if you can You will just need to organise to put her in with a bull or be AI'd- easy enough done.
Sheep have a stocking rate of about 10 to 1 when it comes to cattle. This is considering that the cattle is a fully grown cow/bull/bullock. Perhaps just one steer and a Cow/Calf would be about all that is possible along with the sheep.
Pigs are fantastic. They actually make great pets! If the pen is constructed to be washed out easily (ie cement floor) they dont really smell and their manure is great for growing things! They make short work of all vege scraps. Just remember that you cant feed them any meat scraps.
As long as you are prepared to supplement feed if need be - I think that with careful planning you will be able to run what you want - going by what you already have running on the land.
You could always boost your chook numbers and grow out some meat chicks. Although after one good day of plucking and de-gutting, you may change your mind - . These though need different feed to the laying chooks ie can't be fed laying pellets.
I actually live on 250 000 acres so space is not an issue around here but I do kinda know about these things - although on a larger scale so if there is anything else I can help with just let me know.
Other than that I think that your idea is fantastic. Have you ever seen a show on Lifestyle Channel- River Cottage?
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does this sound like a realistic goal?
You will just need to organise to put her in with a bull or be AI'd- easy enough done.
. These though need different feed to the laying chooks ie can't be fed laying pellets.
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