MilkMaids

Tara tried to get us talking about literally anything else but worms after our parasite suite, but Steph simply wont allow it. Join us this week as we look at the benefit of worms and how we can use them to help our gardens. Vermicomposting is simple and can be done anywhere, even in your house! This week, we are shouting out As always, you can reach us at milkmaidspodcast@gmail.com Weekly Resources: Worm Factory Stackable Bins https://www.amazon.com/Worm-Factory-WF360B-Composter-Black/dp/B002LH47PY Uncle Jim’s Worm Farm https://unclejimswormfarm.com/order-stuff/composting-worms/?gclid=CjwKCAjwjZmTBhB4EiwAynRmD_A9cV-R_LnUZiRegzwb3UsOTDzhse71Fp6Y6X7rjrzrkEvr6N7QBxoCq40QAvD_BwE https://www.planetnatural.com/composting-101/indoor-composting/vermicomposting/ https://lancaster.unl.edu/pest/resources/vermicompost107.shtml --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/milkmaids/message

Join us this week to talk about monoculture vs polyculture. We break it down in an easy to understand way. We also provide a bunch of examples that are easy to try in your own garden! This week’s shout out goes to Native Seeds/Search! They are doing the work on finding and preserving traditional seeds suited specifically for the arid west! Find them at www.nativeseeds.org As always, you can reach us at milkmaidspodcast@gmail.com Weekly Resources: https://www.outdoorhappens.com/polyculture-farming-what-is-it-and-why-is-it-better-than-monoculture/ https://www.nativeseeds.org/blogs/blog-news/how-to-grow-a-three-sisters-garden https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0157/0808/files/How_to_Grow_a_3_sisters_Garden.pdf?v=1631142579 https://www.permaculturenews.org/2017/03/08/seven-layers-forest/ https://www.permaculturenews.org/2016/08/22/guilds-small-scale-home-garden/ https://www.permaculturewomen.com/permaculture-design-examples/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/milkmaids/message

With spring calving right around the corner, its a great time to learn all about milk fever and ketosis. Both conditions can be life threatening, so being prepared is key. We cover everything from what is conditions are, how to spot the symptoms, potential treatment options as well as key prevention tricks. *Disclaimer: We are not veterinarians. This information is for entertainment only. If you have concerns with your cow, contact your veterinarian.* Our shout out this week goes to Pollennation! They are doing great things for our pollinators including making the worlds cutest seed lollipops! Check them out at https://www.pollennation4all.com As always, you can reach us at milkmaidspodcast@gmail.com Weekly Resources: https://www.merckvetmanual.com https://www.amazon.com/Merck-Veterinary-Manual-Susan-Aiello/dp/0911910611 https://www.amazon.com/Cattle-Health-Handbook-Heather-Thomas/dp/1603420908 https://www.merckvetmanual.com/metabolic-disorders/disorders-of-calcium-metabolism/parturient-paresis-in-cows?query=parturient https://www.dairynz.co.nz/animal/cow-health/milk-fever/ https://extension.umn.edu/dairy-milking-cows/hypocalcemia https://fyi.extension.wisc.edu/forage/getting-low-potassium-in-forages/ https://www.merckvetmanual.com/metabolic-disorders/ketosis-in-cattle/ketosis-in-cattle?query=ketosis https://www.pbsanimalhealth.com/products/bovikalc-oral-calcium-boluses avian-influenza https://countryfolks.com/farmers-can-treat-common-cow-ailments/ https://extension.psu.edu/examples-of-cows-at-various-body-condition-scores Rena’s Drench https://familycow.proboards.com/thread/28171/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/milkmaids/message

Join us this week as we discuss a MilkMaids favorite, Pollinator Gardens! If you are new to pollinators, tune in and hear about our favorite pollinators along with how you can help. So what is your favorite pollinator? Beetles? Please say it’s beetles. Our shoutout this week goes to the Xerces Society! They are a science-based invertebrate conservation nonprofit that can help you get started with a pollinator garden so you can in turn help the pollinators! Check them out here- https://xerces.org Show Links- https://www.pollinator.org/pollinators https://www.burpee.com/blog/the-basics-of-pollinator-garden-design.html Butterfly Specific Information/Monarch Waystation: ​​https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/Monarch_Butterfly/do/index.shtml#butterflygarden Seeds for your area: https://www.xerces.org/pollinator-conservation/pollinator-conservation-seed-mixes As always, you can email us at - milkmaidspodcast@gmail.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/milkmaids/message

Let’s talk about those Livestock Guardian Dogs! Tara and Steph are fascinated by these big beautiful beasts and the purpose they serve in the farming and ranching industry. We do a short LGD intro and then dive into 6 of our favorite breeds! Our shout out this week goes to Backyard Garden Seeds! We love supporting amazing small seed companies, and this one is truly a stand out! Check them out at Home and Garden | Backyard Garden Seeds As always, you can reach us at milkmaidspodcast@gmail.com Weekly Resources: USDA APHIS | Protecting Livestock from Predators USDA APHIS | Livestock Protection Dogs Livestock-guardian-dog-breeds Akbash- Breed Standards : Akbash | United Kennel Club (UKC) (ukcdogs.com) Akbash- Home | akbashclub Great Pyranees- https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/great-pyrenees/ Great Pyranees- https://www.gpcaonline.org Anatolian Shepherd- ://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/anatolian-shepherd-dog-history/ Kangal- https://www.kangaldogclubofamerica.com/breed-history-and-standard Komondor- About The Komondor | Komondor Club of America Maremmano- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maremmano-Abruzzese_Sheepdog https://www.dogbreedinfo.com/maremmasheepdog.htm --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/milkmaids/message

Kombucha has been all the rage in the homesteading world, and for good cause too! What is kombucha? Why brew and drink it? How? We answer all these questions and more. Get ready for your next obsession! Our shout out this week goes to Permaculture Women’s Guild! This group is doing amazing things, providing excellent sources of information as well as free courses on permaculture! Their courses are offered on www.freepermaculture.com and you can also check out https://www.permaculturewomen.com where you will find a wealth of information. As always, you can reach us at milkmaidspodcast@gmail.com -“The Big Book of Kombucha: Brewing, Flavoring, and Enjoying the Health Benefits of Fermented Tea” by Hannah Crum and Alex LaGory  https://www.amazon.com/Big-Book-Kombucha-Flavoring-Fermented/dp/161212433X -”Kombucha, Kefir, and Beyond” by Alex Lewin and Raquel Guajardo https://www.amazon.com/Kombucha-Kefir-Beyond-Flavorful-Fermenting/dp/1631599011/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=kombucha+kefir+and+beyond&qid=1643384142&s=books&sprefix=kombucha+kefir+and+%2Cstripbooks%2C173&sr=1-1 -”Kombucha Revolution” by Stephen Lee with Ken Koopman https://www.amazon.com/Kombucha-Revolution-Recipes-Homemade-Elixirs/dp/1607745984/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2OQWPJIN9NNCO&keywords=kombucha+revolution&qid=1643384207&s=books&sprefix=kombucha+revolution%2Cstripbooks%2C136&sr=1-3 -Youtube Types of Tea: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_PIfJgcWIo -Stuff You Should Know: How Tea Works https://radiopublic.com/SYSK/s1!d13a8 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/milkmaids/message

It's that time of year for garden planning! We cover the, often looked over, basics that help to set you up for a successful season. From where to plant, how much to plant, and what to plant, to even sourcing seeds- we cover it all. This week we are shouting out The Society of Inclusive Blacksmiths! They are truly inclusive with a mentor/mentee training program that is out of this world. Check them out at https://www.inclusiveblacksmiths.com As always, you can reach us at milkmaidspodcast@gmail.com Resources: Here are some of our favorite seed companies! -Lake Valley Seeds www.lakevalleyseeds.com -MIgardener www.migardener.com -The GOOD SEED Co www.goodseedco.net -Seed Savers Exchange www.seedsavers.org -Indigenous Seed Initiative www.indigenousseedinitiative.org -Johnny's Select Seeds www.johnnyseeds.com -I Grow Shit www.igrowshit.com -Kitazawa Seed Company https://kitazawaseed.com/index.html -Southern Exposure Seed Exchange http://www.southernexposure.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/milkmaids/message

This week join Tara as she talks with Marissa Lear Fortin from Springhill Heritage Farm about how she came into farming for profit and what that looks like for her balancing clinic nurse life and farm life along of what she plans to do for her farm in the future. Marissa and her partner are raising pastured chickens and pastured pigs while selling directly to consumers while also partnering with other farms in order to provide a variety of local farm goods. Marissa brought her very own shoutout, Linda Black Elk, she is the Food Sovereignty Coordinator at United Tribes Technical College in North Dakota. Please consider donating to her so she can continue her very important work. Don’t forget to check out Marissa’s mother’s page, Springhill Heritage Farm Quilts. Links M5 Small Business Courses Cultivating Capital Course --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/milkmaids/message

This week is a timely episode as we encourage you to jump in on farm planning! This is absolutely applicable no matter your scale, from first time homesteaders to for profit farming. We guide you through our steps to help ensure our farm is successful, organized and well thought out. Our shout out this week goes to Anne Bell of Wilder Creations! Her work is traditional, inspired, and truly stunning! Check her out at Wilder Creations | Facebook Plum Planner As always, you can reach us at milkmaidspodcast@gmail.com Happy Milking! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/milkmaids/message

This week, we spend some time in our homestead kitchens talking about bread! Making bread is such a romantic and self-sufficient skill that can also be quite intimidating. Not with this guide! Give it a listen and then get to kneading. Our shout out this week goes to Willow Lane Hat Co! Not only do they have beautiful products, but they also have an amazing message. Check them out at https://willowlanehats.com As always, you can reach us at milkmaidspodcast@gmail.com Weekly Resources: https://manyeats.com/history-of-bread/ The Science Of Bread - Kitchen Geekery How Baking Soda Works - Cooking Chemistry (thoughtco.com) How Does Baking Powder Work in Cooking? (thoughtco.com) Dough Scraper- Amazon.com: Amazon Basics Multi-Purpose Stainless Steel Scraper/Chopper with Contoured Grip, 6-Inch “Cooked” Episode “Air” on Netflix --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/milkmaids/message

This week, we are talking about on-farm milk testing! It is so important to understand raw milk and the biology surrounding it to be sure you are consuming a safe product. The only way to do that is through testing, but the expense of lab tests add up. Not to mention the recent hassles with shipping and such. Having the means and knowledge to test your own milk on your own farm is such an amazing tool to have in your toolbox. We will be going through the entire routine. If you haven’t already, be sure to check out our 2 part Raw Milk episodes. They will help form a full understanding combined with this episode. As always, you can reach us at:  milkmaidspodcast@gmail.com This week’s shout out goes to Toronto’s Black Farmers and Growers Collective out of Toronto, Canada. They are doing really amazing things, please check out their website at https://www.torontoblackfarmers.ca/ Weekly Resources: In the News: https://meansandmatters.bankofthewest.com/article/financial-perspectives/industries/6-ways-sustainable-agriculture-is-changing-the-business-of-food/ The Small Scale Dairy by Gianaclis Caldwell https://www.amazon.com/Small-Scale-Dairy-Complete-Production-Market/dp/1603585001/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=Small+scale+dairy&qid=1639336736&sr=8-3 CMT Test Kit https://hambydairysupply.com/cmt-test-kit-with-concentrate/ Incubator https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07VF42J9S/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1 APC Plates https://nelsonjameson.com/3M-PETRIFILM-Aerobic-Count-Plates-p2019.html TC Plates https://nelsonjameson.com/3M-PETRIFILM-Coliform-Count-Plates-p2021.html Beaker https://www.amazon.com/Borosilicate-Graduations-Karter-Scientific-232P4/dp/B01JM3AX52/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=150+ml+beaker&qid=1639321646&sr=8-3 Sterile Water https://www.amazon.com/Sterile-Irrigation-Water-250ml/dp/B079YZ9R1C/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=Sterile+water&qid=1639321691&sr=8-3 1ml Pipettes https://www.amazon.com/Disposable-Transfer-Droppers-Volumetric-Essential/dp/B07SKV7ZJD/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=1ml+pipette&qid=1639321063&sr=8-4 Quick Swab https://nelsonjameson.com/3M-Quick-Swabs-p2449.html --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/milkmaids/message

Part two of intro to honeybees! This week we actually get into the act of beekeeping. First we cover the types of hives and equipment you will need. We help you choose, obtain and install your new bees. And lastly, we help you with a basic maintenance routine. This week’s shout out goes to Bees4Vets in Nevada! How fitting, right? They are uniting bees and our veterans to create quite the symbiotic relationship. We love it. Find them at https://bees4vets.org As always, you can reach us at milkmaidspodcast@gmail.com Weekly Resources: https://honeybee.org.au/education/wonderful-world-of-honey/how-bees-make-honey/ https://hankeringforhistory.com/the-history-of-beekeeping/ https://www.museumoftheearth.org/bees/evolution-fossil-record https://www.perfectbee.com/your-beehive/beehives-and-accessories/a-detailed-look-at-the-top-bar-beehive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdDd6fwvQ-g --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/milkmaids/message

Bees Baby! Finally! This has been a highly requested topic and we are finally covering honey in this intro to bees, two parter! This week we are talking about the bees themselves and how they maintain and operate a hive. These creatures are beyond fascinating and deserve our respect. Tara sets us up for part two by giving us a fascinating dose of history on the act of beekeeping. This week’s shout out goes to Bees4Vets in Nevada! How fitting, right? They are uniting bees and our veterans to create quite the symbiotic relationship. We love it. Find them at https://bees4vets.org As always, you can reach us at milkmaidspodcast@gmail.com Weekly Resources: https://honeybee.org.au/education/wonderful-world-of-honey/how-bees-make-honey/ https://hankeringforhistory.com/the-history-of-beekeeping/ https://www.museumoftheearth.org/bees/evolution-fossil-record https://www.perfectbee.com/your-beehive/beehives-and-accessories/a-detailed-look-at-the-top-bar-beehive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdDd6fwvQ-g --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/milkmaids/message

Join us this week as we talk all about providing your own protein on the homestead! This episode isn't what you expect it to be, its not a countdown of meats. As it turns out, there is a lot to protein, where it comes from and all of the wild ways to acquire it!  Our shout out this week goes to Southern Exposure Seed Exchange! They are a great company, preserving the variety in our veggies. Check them out at http://www.southernexposure.com As always, you can reach us at milkmaidspodcast@gmail.com Weekly Resources: https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/protein/ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/bariatrics/_documents/nutrition_protein_content_common_foods.pdf https://www.homestead.org/livestock/raising-meat-rabbits-lessons-learned-back-to-front-raising-rabbits-for-meat/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/milkmaids/message

This week were are talking about soap! Why? Well, because soap is an amazing option for utilizing all your amazing products that you produce on the farm. Enjoying homemade soap for you and your family is an amazing luxury. It is also a great value added product if you are a for profit farm.  This week's shout out goes to the amazing Salmon Sisters of Alaska! These women are amazing commercial fisherman with homesteading roots. Check them out at Salmon Sisters (aksalmonsisters.com) Weekly Resources: https://www.cnn.com/2021/11/17/americas/cow-rescue-in-flood-hit-british-columbia-intl/index.html www.soaphistory.net https://thenerdyfarmwife.com/books/ http://soapcalc.net/calc/soapcalcWP.asp https://www.eocalc.com/enter-your-own-blend/ https://www.newdirectionsaromatics.com https://www.brambleberry.com https://www.youtube.com/c/RoyaltySoaps --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/milkmaids/message

Grass fed beef vs grain fed beef, self explanatory, right? Turns out there is way more to this topic than you would think! We are covering everything from flavor and texture of the meat to management practices of the cows. Of course we also discuss labels, what they actually mean, and the future of grass fed beef.  Our shout out this week goes to Spider City Brewing of Bend Oregon! This women owned business puts out some amazingly inspired beers. Check them out at https://spidercitybrewing.com/home As always, you can reach us at milkmaidspodcast@gmail.com Weekly Resources: https://extension.psu.edu/grass-fed-vs-grain-fed-beef https://www.mychicagosteak.com/steak-university/grain-fed-vs-grass-fed-steaks https://www.mychicagosteak.com/steak-university/how-the-usda-grades-your-steak https://jetfresh.net/santa-carota-beef-grass-fed/ https://www.discovermagazine.com/health/what-makes-grass-fed-beef-different-and-are-you-buying-the-real-thing https://www.americangrassfed.org/about-us/our-standards/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/milkmaids/message

Part TWO of the big milking machine episode! Now that we've covered the nuts and bolts in the first episode, we dive into exactly how to use a milking machine. We also cover perhaps the most widely debated topic for homestead scale milking machine users: how to wash the machine.  This week's shout out goes to Garden City Harvest out of Missoula, Montana! They are doing incredible things for their community that extends way beyond just providing good produce. Check them out at https://www.gardencityharvest.org As always, you can reach us at milkmaidspodcast@gmail.com  Happy Milking! Resources Milk Machine Cleaning Kit Nupulse Claw and Milk Hose Washer Vacuum Pump Bucket Milker  Small Scale Dairy by Gianaclis Caldwell  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/milkmaids/message

We are back into an important topic! This week we are discussing milking machines and how they got started. Warning, it may haunt you! Then we get into the types and how they're set up.  This week our shoutout goes to Dovetail Workwear, A MilkMaid Stephanie favorite. You can visit their clothing store online at https://dovetailworkwear.com Happy Milking! Resources https://course-wp.bates.edu/literaturesofagriculture/2014/03/07/history-of-the-milking-process/ - History of the Milking Process, Literatures of Agriculture http://www.americanartifacts.com/smma/milker/milker.htm -Early Cow Milking Machines Milk Machine Cleaning Kit Nupulse Claw and Milk Hose Washer Vacuum Pump Bucket Milker  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/milkmaids/message

This week, we are talking artificial insemination of cows. Due to the nature of this topic, listener discretion is advised. This is the ultimate owner's guide to artificial insemination. We tell you what to expect and how it will go. We also help you prep and predict heat cycles so you know you have the timing right. We even talk about the pros and cons to AI vs having a bull. Our shout out this week goes to the tasty Tanka Bars! This company is indigenous owned and operated and their products come with a rich history. Check them out at https://tankabar.com As always, you can reach us at milkmaidspodcast@gmail.com Weekly Resources: - https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-58747464 - https://www.beefmagazine.com/americancowman/beef-and-business/ai-vs-bull - Bull vs AI article - https://www.fwi.co.uk/livestock/livestock-breeding/8-step-guide-artificially-inseminating-dairy-cow - Steps to AI - https://beef.unl.edu/cattleproduction/early-pregnancy-detection - Pregnancy Testing Options - https://www.idexx.com/en/livestock/livestock-tests/ruminant-tests/idexx-pregnancy-tests/alertys-onfarm-ruminant-pregnancy-test/ - On Farm Pregnancy Testing Bloodwork --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/milkmaids/message

BONUS EPISODE! It's our favorite- SPOOKY SEASON! And we can't help but to combine the spooky season with cows. So join us for this fun, unconventional episode all about cows, lore and bog butter! As always, you can reach us at milkmaidspodcast@gmail.com References: https://youtu.be/QVdzrac9QB0 - Old School Skills: Bog Butter. How to preserve butter that remains edible for 3,000 years. https://folklorethursday.com/folklife/from-cow-to-kitchen-the-lore-of-milking-and-dairy-work/ https://discover.hubpages.com/travel/Why-Swiss-cows-wear-bells Happy Spooky Season! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/milkmaids/message