Living on a Few Acres update

Our Living on a Few Acres class has been postponed for 2 weeks.  It seems people keep signing up so we figured we'd do more advertising, try to get several more farms/homesteads to sign up.  The original start date was to be tonight, Oct 11.  However, the first class will now start on Oct 25.

This class is not designed to teach you to be a full-time farmer.  What we want you to get out of it is some helpful, farmer-friendly resources that are available.  We also want to teach you some self-sufficiencies, especially as it pertains to feeding you and your family.  Basics concerning your water resources, fences, paddock sizes, and raising livestock and horticulture crops are just some of the things we'll cover in the six session class.

We are still taking registrations.  The cost is $50 per person or $75 for 2 people from the same farm.  Call the Pulaski County Extension Service office at 606-679-6361 for more information.  We can take credit cards as well.

Living on a Few Acres

I think people in general believe farm life to be a tranquil, solitary existence.  Many people after working for 30 years want to retire on a farm or at least on a few acres out in the country.  Maybe you're not at retirement age yet but want to prepare for a life away from the city after you're done working.

That's why the Ag Agent and I have teamed up on a program called Living on a Few Acres.  We want the training to focus on living sustainably on the farm.  In fact, I wondered if we should call in Living Off a Few Acres.  Self-sustainability is kind of a big thing right now.  This program will help you do that.

A fellow horticulture agent sent me this graphic just yesterday about how much land it would take a family to support themselves.  It gets you to think about your different needs and how you might best obtain those resources.

Our program will begin on October 11 and classes will be every Tuesday until November 22.  We skip November 1, however.  We start with a meal at 5:30 and then begin the program at 6 each night.

Registration will be $50 and that covers your meals, a resource binder, and a jump drive.  We hope this sounds like something you or someone you know might be interested in.

Get Outside and Get Healthy! It's a FACT!

According to some studies in Japan, getting outside around plants is good for your health. Well, duh! I figured everyone knew that. In my non-scientific way of looking at it, if you're outside you are probably doing something, something active -- which is good for you.

In Japan, they call it 'forest bathing'. Is that a cool way to put it or what?!

But the article goes on to state some more scientific facts than what I presented above. Being outside among plants and trees actually can boost your white blood cells. And it can lower your blood pressure and your pulse rate.

Another reason to help preserve our natural places and promote parks.

Guess I'll live til I'm 148.