Biodynamic treechange (homesteading)

The Return of Our Diamond Dave

When we first inspected 'Near River', our property here in the Hastings Valley, the owner and agent were sure to advise us of the local carpet snake that resided in the chook house. At the time we had far more important matters to consider rather than wayward wildlife that was choosing to reside in one of the outhouses.

When we finally did move in, there was minimal disappointment when we discovered that the Diamond Python had moved on. Given that the previous owners (and their chooks) moved out some six weeks prior to us settling, we guessed the snake went elsewhere for a feed.

Can You Justify Flying 'Fresh' Asparagus Half Way Around the World?

Think Global, Act Local!  The 100-mile Diet.  Eat Fresh, Eat Local.  You Are What You Eat.

These slogans have been around for some time, with some older than others, but regardless of their age, their importance and potential impact is now more relevant than ever before.

The most obvious action that will have you align with all of these slogans, reduce your carbon footprint, help to minimise greenhouse gas emissions and directly support your immediate community, is through participating in a Community Supported Agriculture fresh produce system.

The concept is quite simple in that a group of people band together and purchase 'shares' in the produce from a farmer for a given season from that farmer's particular farm. The 'shareholders' pay for the year, or part thereof, in advance, thereby confirming the price for their vegetables and/or fruit for the ensuing period. The farmer is provided with the funds to acquire the materials necessary to produce the various crops, and can concentrate on growing the harvest having done the bulk of the marketing.

Sustainable cattle called Dexter (Our girls settle in)

Around four weeks ago, our first cows arrived here at 'Near River'. 'Cindy' and 'Jenny' came from Gail Cole, a breeder of some notoriety from Heron's Creek here on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales.

They are Dexter cattle, an ancient breed originally from Ireland. Those regular readers will know the link to my wife Therese's ancestry (she is from south-west Ireland!)