🐐 10 Low-Maintenance Farm Animals You’ll Love + Write to Your Future Self ✍️

IN TODAY'S EDITION

1. Homestead Tip 🌱

2. Poll Results From Last Thursday 📊

3. All Things Homestead: 10 Low-Maintenance Farm Animals for Easy Homesteading 🐄

4. Personal Development: A Time Capsule for Growth – Writing a Letter to Your Future Self ✍️

5. Today's Top Picks 🛍️

6. Let’s Keep It Reel 🤣

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

Start 2025 Self-Sufficient—All You Need Is a Quarter Acre

If 2024 has taught us anything, it’s that depending on someone else for life’s essentials can leave us feeling powerless. Remember walking into a grocery store and finding the shelves empty? Or seeing energy bills skyrocket while trying to keep your family comfortable? Maybe you’ve felt that pit in your stomach when wondering, What if things get worse?

You’re not alone. And you don’t have to feel that way again.

That’s why Ron and Johanna, two incredible pros who’ve mastered off-grid living for over 40 years, created The Self-Sufficient Backyard. It’s your blueprint to turning even a small space—a quarter acre or less—into a reliable source of food, water, and energy.

This guide isn’t about prepping for worst-case scenarios; it’s about reclaiming your independence and peace of mind. Whether you’re a beginner or already dabbling in self-sufficiency, you’ll get step-by-step help to:

• Grow fresh food anywhere. Yes, even indoors with simple tools like shopping bags.

• Collect and store your own water. No more dependency on rising water bills or shortages.

• Enjoy year-round harvests. Build a self-heating greenhouse that works in every season.

• Raise chickens and bees. Picture your mornings with fresh eggs and natural honey at your fingertips.

This isn’t just a guide; it’s a lifeline to feeling secure, no matter what the world throws at you. It’s time to trade worry for confidence.

Physical copies are limited. If you’re ready to take control of 2025 and never feel helpless again, don’t wait to grab your copy.

POLL RESULTS FROM LAST THURSDAY

What’s your favorite type of food to stockpile for emergencies?

🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Dried goods like rice, beans, or lentils.

🟨🟨🟨🟨🟨⬜️ Canned meats, fish, or vegetables.

🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Freeze-dried meals or superfoods.

🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️ Homemade preserved foods like jerky or pickles.

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 A mix of everything to cover all bases.

via @beehiiv polls

Feel free to participate in fun polls in our next newsletters! 😉

Also, follow us on Facebook and Pinterest for daily homesteading inspiration and updates.

ALL THINGS HOMESTEAD

10 Low-Maintenance Farm Animals for Easy Homesteading 🐄

Raising farm animals doesn’t have to be a full-time job. If you’re new to homesteading, have limited time, or just want to keep things simple, choosing low-maintenance animals is a game-changer. These animals require minimal effort, yet they give back in a big way—whether it’s fresh eggs, pest control, or even a little companionship.

Today, I’ll share with you a list of 10 farm animals that are easy to care for and perfect for a low-stress farm life.

10. Cattle

Cows might not seem low-maintenance, but beef cattle are surprisingly chill. They’re happy to graze most of the day, need minimal shelter, and are easy to fence in. Dairy cows are more work since they need daily milking, but miniature breeds like Jerseys are easier to handle and can thrive on smaller plots of land.

• What They Need: Pasture, hay for winter, water, and simple fencing—an electric wire will do the trick.

• Why They’re Worth It: Beef cattle give you meat without much fuss, and a dairy cow can provide enough milk for your family and even a little extra to sell.

9. Sheep

Sheep are versatile, providing meat, wool, or just good lawn-mowing services. They graze on grass and hay, and hair sheep (like Katahdins) don’t even need shearing. Plus, they’re generally hardy and easy to manage.

• What They Need: Secure fencing (they’re escape artists!), a small shelter, and access to water.

• Why They’re Worth It: Sheep are fantastic for small farms, offering food, fiber, and natural weed control. Bonus: They fertilize the land while they graze!

8. Pigs

Pigs are smarter and easier than you might think. They’ll eat almost anything—kitchen scraps, grains, and forage—and some breeds like Kunekunes are even good at grazing. Just make sure you have sturdy fencing because pigs are notorious for testing boundaries.

• What They Need: A well-secured pen, a shaded shelter, and constant access to water (a kiddie pool is a fun bonus for hot days!).

• Why They’re Worth It: They provide delicious meat and help turn over your soil naturally. Plus, watching them root around is oddly entertaining.

7. Bees

Bees are the ultimate low-maintenance farm addition. Once you’ve set up their hive, they mostly take care of themselves. They’ll pollinate your garden and provide you with honey and beeswax—perfect for gifts, baking, or even selling.

• What They Need: A hive, access to water, and flowering plants nearby.

• Why They’re Worth It: Low effort with sweet rewards. Plus, they’re essential for pollinating crops and flowers.

6. Dogs

Farm dogs aren’t just pets—they’re hardworking members of the team. Breeds like Great Pyrenees or Australian Shepherds protect livestock and keep predators away. They’re also great companions, making farm life a little less lonely.

• What They Need: A good diet, a place to sleep, and plenty of space to roam.

• Why They’re Worth It: They’ll guard your property, protect your animals, and greet you like a hero every time you walk outside.

5. Rabbits

Rabbits are super easy to care for and great for small spaces. They’re quiet, eat mostly hay and forage, and can provide meat, fur, or just some adorable moments on your homestead.

• What They Need: A well-ventilated hutch, fresh bedding, and clean water.

• Why They’re Worth It: They reproduce quickly, so they’re a fantastic option if you want to raise your own meat or sell baby bunnies as pets.

4. Quail

Quail are tiny birds with big benefits. They’re easy to house, require very little space, and start laying eggs in just a few weeks. Their eggs are small but packed with nutrients, and their meat is considered a delicacy.

• What They Need: A simple coop with nesting boxes and basic feed like grains or seeds.

• Why They’re Worth It: Quail are low-cost, low-maintenance, and incredibly productive.

3. Chickens

Chickens are the classic go-to for any homestead. They’re easy to care for, lay plenty of eggs, and can also be raised for meat. Let them free-range, and they’ll help with pest control while fertilizing your soil.

• What They Need: A clean coop, balanced feed, and some protection from predators.

• Why They’re Worth It: They provide fresh eggs almost daily and are simple to manage, even for beginners.

2. Cats

Cats might not come to mind when you think of farm animals, but they’re natural pest controllers. They’ll patrol your barn, field, or house, keeping rodents and other pests in check. And let’s be real—they’re adorable and independent.

• What They Need: Food, water, and a cozy place to nap (which might just be your favorite chair).

• Why They’re Worth It: They’re a chemical-free solution to pest problems and require little maintenance.

1. Guineas

If you want a bird that practically takes care of itself, guinea fowl are your best bet. They eat ticks, bugs, and even small snakes while roaming freely. Guineas are hardy, self-sufficient, and great at protecting your yard from pests.

• What They Need: A place to roost at night and plenty of room to forage during the day.

• Why They’re Worth It: They’re excellent pest controllers and incredibly low-maintenance. Just be ready for some noise—they’re chatty birds!

Low-maintenance animals make it possible to enjoy the benefits of a farm without feeling overwhelmed. Overall, there’s an option for every type of homestead.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

A Time Capsule for Growth – Writing a Letter to Your Future Self ✍️

Have you ever thought about writing to your future self? It might sound a little unusual, but it’s actually a powerful way to reflect on where you’ve been, dream about where you’re going, and keep yourself on track.

Think of it like planting a tiny time capsule filled with your thoughts, goals, and hopes for the year ahead. When you read it later, it’s a gift from your past self to remind you how far you’ve come.

How to Reflect Before You Write

Before you start writing, take a little time to think about where you’ve been and where you want to go. Here are some questions to guide you:

Looking Back on This Year

• What are you most proud of? Maybe it’s learning to can vegetables or spending more quality time with loved ones.

• What challenges taught you the most? Think about what you learned from any tough moments.

• What routines or habits worked really well?

Dreaming About Next Year

• What’s one big goal you’d love to achieve? (Maybe it’s starting a new hobby, finishing a DIY project, or making time for yourself.)

• What small habits could improve your daily life?

• How do you want to feel by the end of next year? Think about emotions like “calm,” “fulfilled,” or “strong.”

Writing Your Letter

1. Start with Gratitude

Kick things off by thanking your future self for all the hard work they’ve put in.
Example: “Dear Future Me, thank you for staying committed to our goals, even when it wasn’t easy. I’m proud of everything you’ve accomplished.”

2. Set Goals and Milestones

Write about what you hope to achieve in the coming year. Be specific and don’t be afraid to dream big!
Example: “I hope we’ve planted that herb garden and are finally enjoying fresh basil and thyme in our cooking.”

3. Focus on Feelings

Describe how you want to feel. This keeps the focus on your emotional and mental well-being, not just achievements.
Example: “By this time next year, I hope we feel more balanced and at peace, knowing we’ve made time for ourselves and our family.”

4. Encourage Accountability

Ask your future self reflective questions to keep them honest.
Example: “Did we stick to our goal of journaling twice a week? Have we become better at saying no when our plate is too full?”

5. End with Encouragement

Wrap up with some kind words for yourself.
Example: “No matter what, I’m proud of how far we’ve come. Keep believing in yourself and enjoying the little moments.”

What to Do with Your Letter

Once you’ve written your letter, decide how you want to save it:

• Physical Option: Write it on paper, seal it in an envelope, and hide it somewhere safe. Add a note to your calendar to open it next December.

• Digital Option: Use a tool like FutureMe.org to email the letter to yourself on a specific date.

THE STEADY HOME’S GIGGLE CHAMBER

What’s a farmer’s favorite way to celebrate New Year’s?

By planting a resolution!

TODAY'S TOP PICKS

LET’S KEEP IT REEL!

I've put together some fantastic farm videos that are sure to make you laugh. Take a look and enjoy the fun!

1. When you love gardening but bugs give you the creeps:

@gardenwithnani

Now handle a lady bug or two but these ugly demon looking bugs can miss meeee! 😂 #urbangardening #gardenhumor #beginnergardener #fallgarde... See more

2. Who needs a midlife crisis when you can dive straight into granny hobbies?

@kylewjax_realtor

In my “granny era” and not mad about it. 👵🏻🌱🪴 #thatrealtorwhogardens #thatgaygardener #garden #gardening #gardeningtips #homegarden #garde... See more

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