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15 Feb ’12
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I had posted several things on reddit and someone made this comment about my house build
Really cool!
Thank god for division of labor. I want to be more self sufficient but I would never, ever be able to build my own house.
I have been thinking about that comment a lot the last several days, I wonder if sometimes I am trying to do to much and could focus my energy better else where, case in point, I have a friend who raises pigs on a hobby farm he has. He gets 2.75 a pound for the pigs, which really isn't that much more than what it costs me to raise my own. SO I wonder if I would be better off instead of using the land and time raising my own and focused that energy elsewhere, like doubling my garden space and focusing on that.
If I produced more veg, I could sell some product at the farmer stand, or set up a barter system with my pig farmer friend to get my meat for the freezer.
So which do you think is the better route, trying to do everything yourself towards self-sufficiency or use the "it takes a village" mantra and try and build ties with other like minded people in your area?
5 Mar ’12
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At this stage of our homestead I can relate to what the poster said on your page. I am a young guy but don't have any other friends in the area to help me with some of my larger projects. I trenched 250' between our house and barn to run power for my solar array. It took me 3+ days to get it all running and I still don't have the details done.
Bartering with someone for food or hunting would have helped the project get done so much faster.
I agree with what others have said -- we do a lot of things ourselves so we know how to do it, have the tools, have the outbuildings, etc. Now that you know how to raise pigs and have the pig sty you could always buy from your friend and if times get rough get piglets again.
19 Feb ’12
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Ideally, in a perfect world, division of labor is where it's at. Do what's easy and profitable for you and buy the things that are not. But in our world, and with what our goals are, you're better off doing it all your self. This way you have a working knowledge of everything and if all else fails you always have yourself to depend on.
8 Mar ’12
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wifes dad raised pigs and traded with a cattle farmer for beef. works well with honest folks and when times are good.
when times are bad and every penny counts or if theres an arse in the mix ...maybe not so much
And the monkey presses the button.
21 Feb ’12
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I like the idea of being able to do everything, and being really good a doing just a few. Self reliability, and you can trade skill/labor or goods for stuff you want or need from the other guy who is better at it than you.
15 Feb ’12
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excellent points gentlemen
20 Feb ’12
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My personal opinion is that it is better if you CAN do everything yourself. Self reliance is a skill I think everyone needs.
However, economically speaking division of labor may work out better. "See a need, fill a need" is a good philosophy to live by especially when you are trying to life off of your homestead.
If I were you I would have a talk with your pig farmer buddy and see if there is anything he would be willing to trade for meat. Maybe hunting permission on your land or you could do some smoking for him.
Speaking of smoking do you use the smoker any for your restaurant? Down here in TN smoked meat is in high demand. I have a friend from church who makes pretty good money on the side from smoking meat for people.
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