Wednesday, January 06, 2016

101 Skills for the Modern Homesteader

This list has been making the rounds on various homesteading/off-grid Facebook pages. I don't know the origin or author. Somethings we grew up knowing, part of our rich Appalachian heritage like reading the weather and growing vegetables. Other things we have learned through the course of our homesteading adventure, like giving an animal an injection, and how to cut down a tree. Between the Wanderer and I we have tackled probably 3/4th of the list, learning to keep bees and process honey and make hard and soft cheeses are high on the list of things to learn next. How many skills do you possess and what is next on your "to be learned" list?

101 Skills for the Modern Homesteader
1. Learn how to milk a goat, cow, or sheep.
2. Learn how to successfully compost kitchen scraps and manure.
3. Learn how to make the perfect pie crust.
4. Learn how to cook a whole chicken.
5. Learn how to grow a vegetable garden in your climate.
6. Learn how to prune a tree.
7. Learn how to read the weather.
8. Learn how to tell time without a clock by using the sun.
9. Learn how to give an animal an injection
10. Learn how to foal, kid, lamb, and/or calve.
11. Learn how to pull a calf or baby goat during a difficult birth.
12. Learn how to grow a windowsill herb garden.
13. Learn how to properly cut down a tree.
14. Learn how to make perfect sausage gravy from scratch.
15. Learn how to drive a manual transmission.
16. Learn how to drive a tractor.
17. Learn basic mechanic skills so you can fix your tractors and vehicles.
18. Learn how to change a tire.
19. Learn how to change oil.
20. Learn how to properly handle, shoot, and clean a gun.
21. Learn the laws and regulations regarding hunting wild game in your area through a Hunter’s Safety course.
21. Learn how to hunt wild game–both large and small.
22. Learn how to humanely kill, gut, and clean an animal.
23. Learn how to butcher an animal and the proper cuts of meat.
24. Learn how to pluck a chicken.
25. Learn how to use a smoker
26. Learn how to fish.
27. Learn how to clean and fillet a fish.
28. Learn how to tell if your chickens are molting.
29. Learn how to tell if you can doctor an animal at home, or if it needs to be taken to the vet.
30. Learn how to dry laundry using a drying rack or clothesline.
31. Learn how to make your own laundry detergent.
32. Learn how to build a fire–both inside and outside.
33. Learn how to cook over an open fire.
34. Learn how to make hard and soft cheeses.
35. Learn how to make yogurt.
36. Learn how to make sourdough bread.
37. Learn how to keep bees and harvest honey.
38. Learn how to make basic yeast dough which can be turned into loaves, rolls, buns, pretzels, etc.
39. Learn how to incubate fertilized eggs and hatch your own chicks.
40. Learn how to identify and manage a broody hen.
41. Learn how to cut and bale hay.
42. Learn how to stack hay.
43. Learn the art of intensive grazing so you can better manage your pastures.
44. Learn how to make your own soap.
45. Learn how to make your own candles.
46. Learn how to darn a sock.
47. Learn how to mend damaged clothes so they don’t have to be thrown away.
48. Learn how to sew clothing from scratch.
49. Learn how to knit, quilt, or crochet
50. Learn the art of no-till gardening.
51. Learn how to candle eggs so you can tell if they are fertilized.
52. Learn how to cook outside with a dutch oven.
53. Learn how to heat your home with wood or other sustainable sources.
54. Learn how to trim the feet of your goats and sheep.
55. Learn how to build and fix fence.
56. Learn carpentry skills so you can repair outbuildings or even build basic furniture pieces.
57. Learn how to tan a hide.
58. Learn how to save seeds.
59. Learn how to use a water bath canner.
60. Learn how to lacto-ferment foods to preserve them.
61. Learn how to use a pressure canner and/or cooker.
62. Learn how to make saukerkraut.
63. Learn how to forage for wild edibles in your area.
64. Learn how to identify the difference between edible and poisonous mushrooms.
65. Learn how to identify the difference between harmless and venomous snakes in your area.
66. Learn how to grind your own wheat.
67. Learn how to repurpose everyday items to save them from the landfill.
68. Learn how to sharpen a knife or ax.
69. Learn how to prepare for a blizzard.
70. Learn how to prepare for a wildfire.
71. Learn the basics of animal breeding.
72. Learn how to work together with your neighbors to accomplish more and foster a sense of community.
73. Learn how to halter-break an animal.
74. Learn how to split and stack firewood.
75. Learn how to make butter.
76. Learn how to use essential oils properly and safely.
77. Learn how to build/use a greenhouse or cold frame to extend your growing season.
78. Learn how to start seeds indoors.
79. Learn how to store food in a root cellar or in a cool basement.
80. Learn how to make vinegar.
81. Learn how to make your own skincare items.
82. Learn how to make your own cleaning supplies.
83. Learn how to make herbal extracts, infusions, poultices, and tinctures.
84. Learn how to render lard or tallow.
85. Learn how to chop ice.
86. Learn how to make and apply whitewash.
87. Learn how to tap trees for maple syrup.
88. Learn how to repair a roof.
89. Learn how to humanely euthanize an animal.
90. Learn to identify the weeds in your yard/pastures and figure out which ones are edible.
91. Learn how to back up a trailer.
92. Learn how to purify water.
93. Learn how to make bone broth.
94. Learn how to use non-electric lighting.
95. Learn how to put together a 72-hour kit for emergencies.
96. Learn how to cook eggs in a cast iron skillet without a sticky mess.
97. Learn how to put food scraps like eggshells, coffee grounds, apple peels, and whey to good use.
98. Learn how to make bacon and cure hams.
99. Learn how to protect your livestock from predators.
100. Learn how to make your own chicken feed.
101. Learn how to live within your means and get out of debt.