If you are considering homesteading or farming, having certain tools can greatly impact your experience. On our homestead, we have gathered a collection of essential items that are widely applicable and not limited to any particular type of livestock.
Homestead Related Shopping PRO TIPS
To grasp the concept of opportunity cost, it is crucial to understand that seeking bargains often leads people to spend more in the long term, as they end up replacing low-quality alternatives that either don’t last or don’t fulfill their intended purpose. Personally, I adopt a systematic approach before making any purchase, known as the 48 hour/10 year inflation rule. By applying this rule, I assess my desire for the item after 48 hours. Additionally, I consider the long-term implications of spending $50 at present, taking into account the opportunity cost of investing that money in the bank and allowing it to accumulate interest over 5 years, accounting for inflation. This calculation shows that the true expenditure would amount to $200. If, after considering all these factors, I still find the purchase worthwhile, I proceed with it.
One of the reasons I have been proud to work with Lehman’s for the past several years is the confidence in knowing that if I make a purchase there, it will last me a lifetime.
Consider purchasing pre-owned items when suitable. Local sales events like garage and estate sales, as well as flea markets, are often excellent places for bargain seekers. Before making any online purchases, I consistently make a point to search eBay. Interestingly, Facebook Marketplace has proven to be a valuable local option for finding more expensive items that I desire.
When making significant purchases, plan them strategically around holidays that are relevant to the specific items, such as buying tools on Father’s Day and Labor Day or purchasing kitchen items during Black Friday and after holiday sales. It is advisable to be vigilant during these times for potential discounts and deals.
Before paying the full price, always inquire about scratch and dent, display, or close-out items for discounted prices.
Canning Supplies
To begin the process of canning, one must first acquire a set of canning jars. While additional tools such as funnels, racks, and toppers can enhance your ability to preserve and ferment, the jars themselves are undoubtedly indispensable.
There are two main reasons why canning jars and supplies are on the top of my list. Firstly, canning is the simplest way to begin living self sufficiently. You can start by growing just one tomato or cucumber plant, canning the produce, and savoring it on a winter day. Even better, if you prefer, you can purchase vegetables or fruits from the grocery store and can them for a quick introduction. It’s an effortless way to start and appreciate the satisfaction of preserving food. All you need are the jars, your kitchen, and a little bit of time. The second reason for collecting canning jars is their remarkable versatility. We use them for various purposes such as fermenting cider, storing and milking milk, making yogurt, displaying bouquets, scooping feed, planting, and storing dry goods and seeds. The possibilities of a reliable canning jar are truly endless. Therefore, I encourage you to acquire some canning jars, embark on fermentation experiments, or simply embrace glass as your preferred method for storing all kinds of items.
Good Gear
The importance of quality gear should not be underestimated. I am referring to clothing that is sturdy, reliable, and provides protection from the elements while allowing for unrestricted movement. However, can’t a worn-out pair of jeans fulfill these requirements? Well, when it comes to farm work, it’s a different story. If you are involved in livestock keeping, reside in an area with changing seasons, or are engaged in construction or land restoration, jeans might not always suffice. You will frequently find yourself dealing with muddy conditions, working in heavy rainfall, enduring freezing temperatures, and even having animals nibble on your clothing. I hope you get the gist.
When I started farming, I was still interested in wearing skinny jeans initially, but I quickly realized the need to make some changes. It is essential to have stout boots, coveralls that provide both warmth in winter and the ability to be removed to regain a normal appearance, a warm hat, good gloves, and reliable winter and rain jackets. Without these items, working becomes uncomfortable. It is also crucial to invest in breathable summer clothing that withstands wear and tear. Investing in quality gear significantly improves your daily experience. However, it is important not to go overboard with your investments. Purchase clothing that you don’t mind getting covered in various animal fluids, chewed or burned, stained, and worn out but still functional. Carhartt is always my go-to brand for gear because it is affordable enough to replace if damaged, although it is tough enough that damage rarely occurs.
Buckets
Buckets, specifically five-gallon buckets with handles, are comparable to canning jars in terms of versatility. Their multitude of uses cannot be quantified. When visiting a hardware store, consider seizing a couple of these buckets. They will prove useful for transporting animal food and water, relocating soil and rocks, storing trees, transferring shavings to a brooder box, and even transporting young animals.
Even though we have a tractor, a wheelbarrow, and several outdoor faucets for easy water access on our farm, I still rely on five gallon buckets every day, multiple times a day. They are essential for transporting water from the faucet to the trough when it is not conveniently located (especially in winter when hoses cannot be used), or for moving items over obstacles and to the tractor or wheelbarrow. Additionally, they are used to carry pig feed to their remote pasture. These buckets are incredibly versatile and having a few readily available has been a lifesaver on numerous occasions. As an added bonus, they also serve as a comfortable seat for resting after a long day.
Good Wheelbarrow
Similar to buckets, a reliable wheelbarrow is utilized for transporting various heavy items from one location to another. Naturally, a wheelbarrow has a higher capacity compared to a bucket, making it more convenient for carrying heavier loads. Additionally, wheelbarrows can easily maneuver through narrower spaces and challenging terrains that are not accessible for tractors.
If you have any kind of livestock, it is essential to have a wheelbarrow for cleaning stalls. While any wheelbarrow will be useful, I suggest investing in a two-wheeled design. These types are typically larger and can carry more, but their most significant advantage is their stability. Having a stable and easy-to-maneuver wheelbarrow can make a significant difference. Similarly to equipment, I believe that it is crucial to invest in a high-quality wheelbarrow if you can afford it. Spending extra money on a durable model will ensure that you won’t need to buy another one in the future.
