You need to have this....country living.

I don't post a huge amount around here, but I know there are many people that are very experienced in the lifestyle I'm about to get into and will be a big resource.

In a couple weeks I'm set to leave my job and secure life. I've purchased a 60 acre property with a 3 year old home in rural NB about 50 km outside of Fredericton. I would have liked to stayed in Ontario, but there were many forces drawing me to the east coast, one of which was price. My tiny 2 bedroom semi in Hamilton sold for 2.3x the price of the place in NB.

Bills and debts will be minimal or close to non-existent (within minimal time). The goal will be to live life much more simply. We've realized after a number trips to places of seclusive, tending to the most basic tasks makes us most happy. Our intention is to expand the already large garden, plant an orchard, have a berry patch, etc.... We won't be homesteading, but we'll strive to grow or get and make a lot of our food from very basic sources, be it our own or by buying. We won't have any animals (except our two dogs) as the responsibility of being tied down to them is not desirable, especially since we'd like to do a bit of traveling when it's permitted.

I grew up in the semi-country with a master tradesman as a father. He taught me a lot and I'm adept with my hands and tools, but by no means a expert. I spent lots of time in the back country camping and fishing, but I wasn't raised immersed daily in such an environment.

So my question is, what hints, tricks, advise to people have for living such a lifestyle? Most people have rural 'life hacks' they can't live without. Any piece of equipment you can't live without? Best chainsaw to buy? How much wood should I have in stockpile?

id suggest getting some animals... nothing big, few chickens and some meat rabbits... definately a big way to reduce food costs... between hunting and what i raise i havent bought meat from a grocery store in a 3 years (except things like lunch meats, and the odd box of hamburgers...) not sure about NB winters, but stockpile about 5 facecord more then you figure you will need, because it always seems to go faster than you would like... as for chainsaw im a big fan of husqavarna's... mine has treated me very well and has paid for itself 10 times over... if you have a good chainsaw and know how to use it, there is almost always jobs waiting for you, so a good cash maker...

good luck with you indeavaor, and if costs are really that much better out there you may have a neighbour there soon lol

#1 item - 10,000+w generator.

For the freak weather you can get out there... That's definitely the first thing to worry about.

A good tractor with a snowblower and bucket will pay for itself in a few years. I also have a tiller for mine and expanding gardens is so much easier. There are lots of good used tractors with PTO's out there. Get one that is small enough to use in the bush for moving firewood.

Congratulations on your move.

I second the tractor with a loader. Don't know how I managed without one now that I have it. Use the loader all the time. Made mine a quick attach and made a set of pallet forks for the front. Loading and unloading trailer and now store things on pallets. Get a blade for the back and a snow blower and your set. Use it to drag firewood home, move dirt, plot the driveway, work the garden etc etc always using it

It gets dark real early in the winter season making for long evenings. You best have hydro and get more than just CBC on the old TV.

Good on you.

That (or similar) is my goal/dream. Sometimes we need wake up calls in order to teach us what is and what isn't important. I had mine and then some handed to me in spectacular fashion.

In my experience 90% of the population has lost sight. Trapped like all the other lemmings in the rat race. Imo you have already acquired the first and most important life hack.

Congratulations!!! When you buy equipment buy a good brand and plan on making it last the rest of your life. Avoid buying old fixer-up stuff that you'll spend more time fixing that using or disposable junk brands. You'll have the time so you should plan on growing a significant amount of your own food, I'd hope.

Re looking after animals, if you have rural neighbours, make some friends and you can likely get someone to check in on them when you travel.

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Originally Posted by werner.reiche

Re looking after animals, if you have rural neighbours, make some friends and you can likely get someone to check in on them when you travel.

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You could also just pay them raise an extra couple pigs, cows, etc and help with their care periodically.

That's what we're doing, I'm picking up 300lbs of pork today at $1.80/lb cut and wrapped. And we get 1/2 a grass fed beef later in the year at just $1.50/lb, because i'm doing more work to help out with the beef and it won't have had any bought feed.

Four wheel drive tractor with a quick detach bucket on the loader, 200 amp welder, 3-5 KW generated with electric start, Stihl or Husky chain saw......

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Originally Posted by Oddmott

You could also just pay them raise an extra couple pigs, cows, etc and help with their care periodically.

That's what we're doing, I'm picking up 300lbs of pork today at $1.80/lb cut and wrapped. And we get 1/2 a grass fed beef later in the year at just $1.50/lb, because i'm doing more work to help out with the beef and it won't have had any bought feed.

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That's a great deal if you can find someone with a farm to work with.

I'm not expert but gardening wise, there are a few things that you need to do in the fall to harvest the next season. Garlic, onion and shallots for example could be planted in the fall, transplanting small trees and plants should also be done in the fall, plow the ground and add fertilizer, and so on....
There are a lot more to it that you could easily find online.

Thanks for the comments everyone.

I hate that multiple people suggested a compact tractor. I've had that debate and finally decided on an ATV + small individual implements but now I'm rethinking (again).

The place came with a 1 year old snowblower, plus the driveway is short (house is just off the road). Maybe 75' of total snowblowing. The yard (needing to be mowed) is only about 1/6th of an acre. I figured a nice sell propelled walk behind would be sufficient. There is a 4000 sq ft garden right now. Plus I have another 2 acres that is cleared, but not prepped. I want to take about 1 acre of that and split it between more garden and an orchard. The other acre I want to plant sugar maples (none on the property).

I have budgeted 10-12K on 'equipment' to start. So that would be for an ATV, trailer, lawn mower, chainsaw, tilling equipment of some sort (either hand or something for the ATV).

It would be really nice to have a 4x4 compact tractor with a snowblower, mower and tilling implements. Not sure I can get that in my budget and I have no interest in blowing it. Might require some hard work and time over fancy equipment, but I'll have the time and don't mind the work.

I am going to get an ATV now matter as I really want one for exploring, hunting and getting around. But if I had a quality tractor, I wouldn't mind a budget used ATV that may not be that might require more work.

Agreed Pat, plus check Rocket Stove Massheater if you have a garage or looking to suppliment hot water. Chickens and rabbits are good for hoby farmer or if you have the land or acess a portable sawmill and do custom work. Use it as a business expense...free end cuts, cash to pay for it and will produce all the lumber you need for farm projects...

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Originally Posted by Pat32rf

Four wheel drive tractor with a quick detach bucket on the loader, 200 amp welder, 3-5 KW generated with electric start, Stihl or Husky chain saw......

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IF your looking for that equipment, Ontario is the place to buy it now, smaller market and less selection once once you get down east. Find out what dealers are in your area, no sense buying Yamaha if no dealer around for 100 miles.

You are lucky....

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Originally Posted by CptSydor

I don't post a huge amount around here, but I know there are many people that are very experienced in the lifestyle I'm about to get into and will be a big resource.

In a couple weeks I'm set to leave my job and secure life. I've purchased a 60 acre property with a 3 year old home in rural NB about 50 km outside of Fredericton. I would have liked to stayed in Ontario, but there were many forces drawing me to the east coast, one of which was price. My tiny 2 bedroom semi in Hamilton sold for 2.3x the price of the place in NB.

Bills and debts will be minimal or close to non-existent (within minimal time). The goal will be to live life much more simply. We've realized after a number trips to places of seclusive, tending to the most basic tasks makes us most happy. Our intention is to expand the already large garden, plant an orchard, have a berry patch, etc.... We won't be homesteading, but we'll strive to grow or get and make a lot of our food from very basic sources, be it our own or by buying. We won't have any animals (except our two dogs) as the responsibility of being tied down to them is not desirable, especially since we'd like to do a bit of traveling when it's permitted.

I grew up in the semi-country with a master tradesman as a father. He taught me a lot and I'm adept with my hands and tools, but by no means a expert. I spent lots of time in the back country camping and fishing, but I wasn't raised immersed daily in such an environment.

So my question is, what hints, tricks, advise to people have for living such a lifestyle? Most people have rural 'life hacks' they can't live without. Any piece of equipment you can't live without? Best chainsaw to buy? How much wood should I have in stockpile?

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Do yourself a huge favour, try to obtain a soil sample of your garden area. This will allow you to pick and plant vegetables/crops which will do well right away and give you the most yield in your first year. It will also give you an idea about what you may have to do to improve your garden for other kinds of veggies. Also, since you have decided against having animals (per your posts although chickens and rabbits produce some of the best fertilizer) , become extremely friendly with your neighbours who do. You are going to want to make sure you give back to the land what you take away. Lastly, learn how to pickle and can so you can store away excess vegetables/fruits for winter. Most people know how to make freezer jam. Not everyone has the ability to can fruit which will store over the winter. A greenhouse will make your life very simple for starting your own plants too.

Sound like you'll be living the dream!!!

I have this book....that I find interesting reading.
The Self Sufficient Life and How to Live It
http://www.amazon.ca/Self-Sufficient...how+to+live+it

Hi speed internet will let you learn all kinds of local tricks. Your soil is probably the same as your neighbours as far as PH goes. Www.tractorbynet.com forums will answer any questions about pretty well any tractor make or design. If you only have a short driveway you can either use a blade on the ATV or a tractor bucket to clear it. An ATV blade on the front end loader frame works well too if you take it easy. Once you get the snowbanks piled too high to see over just move them with the FEL bucket...

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Originally Posted by Dythbringer

Do yourself a huge favour, try to obtain a soil sample of your garden area. This will allow you to pick and plant vegetables/crops which will do well right away and give you the most yield in your first year. It will also give you an idea about what you may have to do to improve your garden for other kinds of veggies. Also, since you have decided against having animals (per your posts although chickens and rabbits produce some of the best fertilizer) , become extremely friendly with your neighbours who do. You are going to want to make sure you give back to the land what you take away. Lastly, learn how to pickle and can so you can store away excess vegetables/fruits for winter. Most people know how to make freezer jam. Not everyone has the ability to can fruit which will store over the winter. A greenhouse will make your life very simple for starting your own plants too.

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Thanks..will be testing the soil once I get out there.

We went out on a whirlwind tour in May for a funeral and I brought out a bunch of plants and sees and threw them in the ground. Really curious what they look like now.

Once neighbour does have chickens (and a tractor and a sawmill), met him when I was out there. From the previous owner, he's a good guy to get in with.

I've been pickling a few things for the past 6-8 years, but relatively small scale, things will be getting much large.

Hopefully I'll be able to get a greenhouse up this fall for some late season gardening, then of course for spring. Looking at some good passive heating designs.

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Originally Posted by Tony Mo

Sound like you'll be living the dream!!!

I have this book....that I find interesting reading.
The Self Sufficient Life and How to Live It
http://www.amazon.ca/Self-Sufficient...how+to+live+it

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Thanks, will have to look into this book.

The guys have given you some great advice re: tractors. I had no money when I made the break to the farm and so didn't get a tractor. I regretted that so much! I did, however, buy a 7hp Troybilt tiller which was great for the gardens.

If you change your mind about critters: along with rabbits and chickens, Muscovy ducks are really a good choice. \they grow really quickly, will eat anything (even meat scraps) and are delicious.

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Originally Posted by GoldenLakePete

The guys have given you some great advice re: tractors. I had no money when I made the break to the farm and so didn't get a tractor. I regretted that so much! I did, however, buy a 7hp Troybilt tiller which was great for the gardens.

If you change your mind about critters: along with rabbits and chickens, Muscovy ducks are really a good choice. \they grow really quickly, will eat anything (even meat scraps) and are delicious.

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Thanks. I've had too many people suggesting a tractor now not to look into it a little more seriously again.

As for the critters....beyond the travel, it's not going to happen. My partner is vegan. Raising animals for consumption is just not something that as a team we want to do. I don't eat much meat anyway and what I do will come from fishing and hunting, or doing my best to support a local farm or fishery.

Muscovy ducks, best tasting duck after been force-fed.

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Originally Posted by CptSydor

Thanks. I've had too many people suggesting a tractor now not to look into it a little more seriously again.

As for the critters....beyond the travel, it's not going to happen. My partner is vegan. Raising animals for consumption is just not something that as a team we want to do. I don't eat much meat anyway and what I do will come from fishing and hunting, or doing my best to support a local farm or fishery.

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when we first bought the farm i bought a large old tractor... spent more time doing stuff for other people then for myself (plowing snow for example took me 3 hours, 10 minutes to do my driveway, 2 hours and 50 minutes to do all my neighbours LOL) then you get into repairs and downtime, i decided to just sell it and rely on my atv, and havent regretted it... the odd time i do need a tractor i just ask a neighbour with a tractor to come do the work... eventually i do plan on buying another tractor, a small compact would be ideal, but wont be in the budget for a few years but am hoping to get a old ford 8N or a ferguson 35 just something light and simple...

as for plowing snow i will take a walk behind snowblower over the tractor or a plow on the atv anyday...

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Originally Posted by fishy steve

when we first bought the farm i bought a large old tractor... spent more time doing stuff for other people then for myself (plowing snow for example took me 3 hours, 10 minutes to do my driveway, 2 hours and 50 minutes to do all my neighbours LOL) then you get into repairs and downtime, i decided to just sell it and rely on my atv, and havent regretted it... the odd time i do need a tractor i just ask a neighbour with a tractor to come do the work... eventually i do plan on buying another tractor, a small compact would be ideal, but wont be in the budget for a few years but am hoping to get a old ford 8N or a ferguson 35 just something light and simple...

as for plowing snow i will take a walk behind snowblower over the tractor or a plow on the atv anyday...

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I really looked hard today and just don't think a sub compact tractor is in my budget. Or I should say, I have to make hard choices and I choose not to extend my budget up to one. So I'll stick with smaller, individual implements, try to get good quality ones and hope they treat me right.

yes i would definately put the money towards a good atv... if you still wanted a tractor go the 8N route, ussually find a decent one for $1500-2000... not sure whats available out NB way but the amount of stuff you can rent now adays that you dont need a tractor for... when i fenced my property i just rented a tow behind auger and did all my fence posts with it, which worked out good as a tractor wouldve just gotton stuck in the low land...

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Originally Posted by Oddmott

And we get 1/2 a grass fed beef later in the year at just $1.50/lb, because i'm doing more work to help out with the beef and it won't have had any bought feed.

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And here I am getting close to 2.5 a pound on the hoof. You are an agricultural genius!

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Originally Posted by Angus

And here I am getting close to 2.5 a pound on the hoof. You are an agricultural genius!

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But he's paying the rest in "sweat equity". Ain't nothing wrong with that.

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Originally Posted by Fishy Wishy

But he's paying the rest in "sweat equity". Ain't nothing wrong with that.

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Then he is paying more than 1.5 a pound.
If you don't know your costs and inputs why post.

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Originally Posted by CptSydor

I really looked hard today and just don't think a sub compact tractor is in my budget. Or I should say, I have to make hard choices and I choose not to extend my budget up to one. So I'll stick with smaller, individual implements, try to get good quality ones and hope they treat me right.

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With that statement I think you might have a good chance of making it.

Sir: I grew up in NB, great spot to semi-retire. As far as tractors go, I have no idea. But WRT wood stoves, I am very good. I left NB in 2008. The winters are not so bad. We do not deal in face cords down east, but full cords. 4x4x8. I sold a 1400 sq ft bungalow with an airtight on the bottom floor/basement. My average power bill was 100$, hot water and lights. I would burn a solid 5 full cords almost 6. At the time, wood was 200$/cord: cut, split, delivered. All hard wood. If you have some land, source some junk wood for early fall and spring. Save the good hardwood for the harsh months. You will be amazed at how fast a small softwood burn will warm a house in October/April. The house had electric baseboard heat, It worked out well, I could turn off the rooms that were not needed, rely on wood heat, and pick and choose the rooms that were always warm, mostly bathroom.

If you choose to hunt/fish. There are ample chances to fill freezers with game, deer, moose, bear,fish etc.

Best of luck to you and yours...

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Originally Posted by Angus

Then he is paying more than 1.5 a pound.
If you don't know your costs and inputs why post.

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Maybe you should reread his post. Reading comprehension is a skill taught in elementary school.

You have your panties in such a tight knot (let me guess you tried on some of that 70's fashion) over his protest on neonics it's and Ag Chem that you are going to attack his character like this? Really?

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Originally Posted by Oddmott

You could also just pay them raise an extra couple pigs, cows, etc and help with their care periodically.

That's what we're doing, I'm picking up 300lbs of pork today at $1.80/lb cut and wrapped. And we get 1/2 a grass fed beef later in the year at just $1.50/lb, because i'm doing more work to help out with the beef and it won't have had any bought feed.

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Angus

And here I am getting close to 2.5 a pound on the hoof. You are an agricultural genius!

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Fishy Wishy

But he's paying the rest in "sweat equity". Ain't nothing wrong with that.

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While I like to buy quality, when I am buying my first tractor, chain saw, shotgun, outboard, etc I realize that my first purchase will probably not be what I want in the long run, so I do not spend the big bucks to buy new but wait and watch for deals... After a year or so I will probably have a better idea of what I need/want so can sell/trade in my first purchase without much loss if any.
I have always been a DIY guy, coming from a career in the service industry and still choose to make my own repairs and mistakes whenever possible. This means I need my own tools, tractors and skills. If I spend time helping neighbours I hope that down the road they will return the favour. Meanwhile I am getting experience but using their materials to do so..

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Originally Posted by Angus

And here I am getting close to 2.5 a pound on the hoof. You are an agricultural genius!

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Angus

Then he is paying more than 1.5 a pound.
If you don't know your costs and inputs why post.

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Oh, hi Angus. Good day, in another stellar mood I see.

Maybe you took time to breathe and noticed how silly your posts were after realizing I was explicitly mentioning my sweat equity as part of my cost of the beef. Y'know... Since I was suggesting a pretty specific course of action to the OP.

@Capt, for an even clearer picture of my deal with the farmer, I'm only actually helping him twice this year when he enjoys a couple family vacations. I'll drop in to check on the property and feed the livestock. Takes about 20 mins each morning & night as its just small herds of goats & cattle and all their birds will be butchered by then.
I've offered to help mend fences & gates, help with restoring a couple barns and outbuildings, but they haven't taken me up on any of it yet. So, a very good deal on beef for me for sure.

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Originally Posted by Fishy Wishy

Maybe you should reread his post. Reading comprehension is a skill taught in elementary school.

You have your panties in such a tight knot (let me guess you tried on some of that 70's fashion) over his protest on neonics it's and Ag Chem that you are going to attack his character like this? Really?

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You his mommy?
I answered you once. Words to big?

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Originally Posted by Oddmott

Oh, hi Angus. Good day, in another stellar mood I see.

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Couldn't be better thanks!
I was just pointing out there no longer is such a thing as $1.50 a pound beef unless about $2.50 a pound has been made up otherwise. Either through charity or private treaty arrangements. And yes it sounds like it is a good deal for you. Is it a beef breed?

P.S. Your mommy was looking out for you earlier ! lol

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Originally Posted by Angus

You his mommy?
I answered you once. Words to big?

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Awwww Muffin...Is that the best you can do?

Language is obviously not your strong point. I guess "too" is too big a word for you as well.

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Originally Posted by Angus

Is it a beef breed?

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He raises Limousin right now. Used to raise charolais before selling his old farm and moving to this smaller one.

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You'll love N.B.
I went there for a wedding last Fall. The scenery as the plane came in over NB was spectacular- so wooded.
At the Sunday luncheon they served moose burgers.
Next thing I know , the guns are appearing and a skeet shoot is on.
Your kind of place - and mine.:)

My only input judging by your posts is i would gather all the info i can on preserving your bounty from the garden ie... how to store your potatoes, cabages, carrots etc... to last the winter months into spring because failure could be a little devastating to your way of life if not done right. Compact tractors are very costly as are the attachements for them. i would wait untill you are settled to see whats floating around your area and who you get to know and you will figure it out. good luck to you and keep us posted if you please as i would like to follow your progress.
p.s. also bartering might become a big part of your life so be prepared for that

Buy a generator 10,000watt will do great things for those power outtages

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Originally Posted by Sharon

You'll love N.B.

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We did.
Honeymooned on the east coast, first lobster meal was in a restaurant overlooking a tidal area. Waitress told us to watch the large ditch and sure enough a huge wash of water came rushing in. Very cool. Very nice people all over down there.

To the OP - Without a lot of detail on your specific situation all I can say is even though I have a bunch of large machinery I consider good hand tools essential. Spades, brush hooks, come alongs, axe, maul, hoes, sledge hammers, forks, fencing tools - you get the picture.
Good extension ladder.
They can't be junk thats hard to use or breaks the first time you use them.

If you're looking at a big garden and can get lots of wood chips, don't see why not in NB, look at placing loads of them over your garden soil and in the rows. Loads of leafs are good too, or a mix of both...
Extreme mulching or the "back to Eden" method. Paul Gautschi invented it...
Google it on YouTube.

It takes a couple years to get going, can be faster if your plot has good top soil, but it virtually eliminates weeding, watering, and fertilizing and produces massive yields...

Gardening is one of my favorite things along with fishing and worked on small farms and grown a 5000 sq ft garden on my friends property and used mulching with good success, but this method is a serious hack... Can't wait to try it, hopefully sooner then later... Good luck!