Freeholdfarm
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This is an old article that I found in the Kinder Goat Assoc. Dec '98 Newsletter, but I thought it might serve as the beginning of a prep thread for homesteaders.
Kathleen
Y2K - DOWN ON THE FARM
By now, most people have heard SOMETHING about Y2K (aka: Year 2000 Problem; the Millenium Bug). It is not a pretty picture, but with some effort, and an attitude of taking on a challenge, the problems are survivable. We need to expect some disruption in our lives, but even the most respected experts disagree as to how serious it will be. Some areas will have more problems than others, some countries will be more seriously affected than others. What can ordinary citizens do to insure their comfort and safety? Follow the old Boy Scout motto, "Be Prepared".
Understand that, similar to incidents of natural disasters, you could be on your own, without normal services, for an undetermined length of time. Take a look around you as you go about your chores, and make note of the things that are essential in the daily routine. Remember that the 'bug' arrives in the dead of winter, so if you live in an area of severe cold, shelter and heating needs must be assessed. Water and feed are at the top of the 'needs' list. If you are fortunate enough to have a pond, a running stream, or a well, you have a good start. (About that well, can you pump out the water by hand?) Emergency water can be stored in 55 gallon drums, or even (clean) big plastic garbage cans. You can collect rainwater off of your barn roof. Be careful of contamination - there are basic methods of water purification available. If you have a swimming pool, even one of the big plastic ones, that can be another water storage boon.
Livestock feed could be critical. If you have hay storage, you might consider going into the year 2000 with a full barn. If you don't have the space to store much hay, consider putting up a simple shelter over a floor of recycled pallets. In a moist climate, your hay should not be tarped without an adequate air space between the hay and the plastic or you will be growing mold! Grain too can be stored ahead, in rodent-proof metal cans with tight lids. If you want to store it for an extended period of time, line the cans with food-quality clear plastic bags, and discourage insects with the addition of a tiny amount of diatomaceous earth mixed in. Grain with molasses added will not keep as well as dry grain. There are other tricks for grain storage as well, and a little research will unearth a great deal more information (look under FOOD STORAGE). I'm planning to keep my feed and supplies above a certain level - no more running to the feed store when I run out. I intend to establish new and improved management habits through 1999 so that I will be prepared for emergencies at all times.
Don't forget those emergency supplies in case of medical problems, large and small. Check your stock of medications for diarrhea, simple respiratory infections, eye problems, wormers, lice dust or spray, cocci treatment, iodine for kidding time, coated aspirin for pain, antibiotics such as LA200 that don't need refrigeration - can you add to the list of necessary items?
How about your milking supplies - plenty of milk filters? A good supply of unscented, alcohol free baby wipes to clean udders if water is scarce? Teat dip or spray? Plenty of plain chlorine bleach for disinfecting milk containers? What else do use in your normal routine?
Those night chores are not fun without light. We have frequent power outages in our area, so I have made a special (and safe) place to hang an old-fashioned oil lamp in my milk room. It is in place and ready to use whenever the need arises,and my goats don't seem to mind coming in to a softer, more subdued light than usual.
Kids coming and no power for heat lamps? The 'Kid Shelter' article repeated elsewhere in this Newsletter could be helpful. This simple plywood pyramid can be used with or without a heat lamp, and makes a cozy sleeping area for newborns and up. As many as 10 kids under a month old can curl up comfortably within it.
Some of you have semen storage tanks that you might consider topping off with nitrogen just before the end of December, 1999. If you are using power equipment to accomplish part of your chores, think about what you need to have on hand to use should the power fail, and fuel be hard to get. If a wheelbarrow needs to take over what your little tractor would have done, have you tried one of the dual-wheeled wheelbarrows? I have one, and it handles heavy loads with ease and NO TIPPING! How about axes, hand saws, and other important hand tools?
I know, there is so much to think about, and we haven't even started on the people needs! But if you start planning and gathering together what you need just a piece at a time, beginning right now, you have a year (hopefully) to get it done.
Pat Showalter
Kathleen
Y2K - DOWN ON THE FARM
By now, most people have heard SOMETHING about Y2K (aka: Year 2000 Problem; the Millenium Bug). It is not a pretty picture, but with some effort, and an attitude of taking on a challenge, the problems are survivable. We need to expect some disruption in our lives, but even the most respected experts disagree as to how serious it will be. Some areas will have more problems than others, some countries will be more seriously affected than others. What can ordinary citizens do to insure their comfort and safety? Follow the old Boy Scout motto, "Be Prepared".
Understand that, similar to incidents of natural disasters, you could be on your own, without normal services, for an undetermined length of time. Take a look around you as you go about your chores, and make note of the things that are essential in the daily routine. Remember that the 'bug' arrives in the dead of winter, so if you live in an area of severe cold, shelter and heating needs must be assessed. Water and feed are at the top of the 'needs' list. If you are fortunate enough to have a pond, a running stream, or a well, you have a good start. (About that well, can you pump out the water by hand?) Emergency water can be stored in 55 gallon drums, or even (clean) big plastic garbage cans. You can collect rainwater off of your barn roof. Be careful of contamination - there are basic methods of water purification available. If you have a swimming pool, even one of the big plastic ones, that can be another water storage boon.
Livestock feed could be critical. If you have hay storage, you might consider going into the year 2000 with a full barn. If you don't have the space to store much hay, consider putting up a simple shelter over a floor of recycled pallets. In a moist climate, your hay should not be tarped without an adequate air space between the hay and the plastic or you will be growing mold! Grain too can be stored ahead, in rodent-proof metal cans with tight lids. If you want to store it for an extended period of time, line the cans with food-quality clear plastic bags, and discourage insects with the addition of a tiny amount of diatomaceous earth mixed in. Grain with molasses added will not keep as well as dry grain. There are other tricks for grain storage as well, and a little research will unearth a great deal more information (look under FOOD STORAGE). I'm planning to keep my feed and supplies above a certain level - no more running to the feed store when I run out. I intend to establish new and improved management habits through 1999 so that I will be prepared for emergencies at all times.
Don't forget those emergency supplies in case of medical problems, large and small. Check your stock of medications for diarrhea, simple respiratory infections, eye problems, wormers, lice dust or spray, cocci treatment, iodine for kidding time, coated aspirin for pain, antibiotics such as LA200 that don't need refrigeration - can you add to the list of necessary items?
How about your milking supplies - plenty of milk filters? A good supply of unscented, alcohol free baby wipes to clean udders if water is scarce? Teat dip or spray? Plenty of plain chlorine bleach for disinfecting milk containers? What else do use in your normal routine?
Those night chores are not fun without light. We have frequent power outages in our area, so I have made a special (and safe) place to hang an old-fashioned oil lamp in my milk room. It is in place and ready to use whenever the need arises,and my goats don't seem to mind coming in to a softer, more subdued light than usual.
Kids coming and no power for heat lamps? The 'Kid Shelter' article repeated elsewhere in this Newsletter could be helpful. This simple plywood pyramid can be used with or without a heat lamp, and makes a cozy sleeping area for newborns and up. As many as 10 kids under a month old can curl up comfortably within it.
Some of you have semen storage tanks that you might consider topping off with nitrogen just before the end of December, 1999. If you are using power equipment to accomplish part of your chores, think about what you need to have on hand to use should the power fail, and fuel be hard to get. If a wheelbarrow needs to take over what your little tractor would have done, have you tried one of the dual-wheeled wheelbarrows? I have one, and it handles heavy loads with ease and NO TIPPING! How about axes, hand saws, and other important hand tools?
I know, there is so much to think about, and we haven't even started on the people needs! But if you start planning and gathering together what you need just a piece at a time, beginning right now, you have a year (hopefully) to get it done.
Pat Showalter
