Homestead mailing list

[Judy Anderson <illiinnarra AT verizon.net>]

Hi,

My name is Judy and I have just joined this list, so I thought I should 
introduce myself.  My husband and I have 5 children, ages 5 months to 
almost 11 years, and we are starting the process of looking for land to 
homestead here in southwestern New Hampshire.  I have some (ancient) 
experience with dairy goats, having raised Toggs in 4H when I was a 
child, but I don't remember much of the details of it.  I mostly just 
remember playing with them and taking care of them for showing.  My 
family is interested in raising goats for milk and meat, sheep for meat 
and wool, chickens (ducks and geese) for meat and eggs (and feathers), 
dogs for all they things they do on farms, cats (ditto), a pig or two 
for meat, and of course, our girls want horses.  My husband is 
interested in hunting and trapping, too, with fishing being a thought as 
well.  (He worships Ted Nugent. :)  )We also want to grow as much of our 
own grains and vegetables as we can, and perhaps we will be lucky enough 
to find a place with an orchard as well.  We are prepared (mentally, at 
least) to build our own home if need be, so our main search right now is 
for acreage.  We know we want a fresh water source, and I am trying to 
calculate how much pasture and field we will need.  We want timber for 
heating and cooking fuel.  I noticed that often times large lots will 
have a good sized chunk of swamp around here.  I have so many questions 
for you, but I will try to stick to the land-related ones first.  We 
have been in urban and suburban places for far too long, so I apologize 
if some questions seem a bit ... elementary.

1.  Aside from the variety of wildlife, what benefits can we gain from a 
swamp?
2.  How can I calculate how much acreage to plant for hay to provide all 
of our own needs?  For other crops for ourselves?
3.  What variety would be a good mix of hay to meet all their needs?  I 
remember my folks would sometimes get timothy, but usually it was 
generic hay.  What is in generic hay?
4.  Is there any reason not to barn all of the animals together?  We 
want them all to be free ranging to the greatest extent possible, but 
everyone needs shelter still.
5.  How can we tell (when considering a property) if a field will need 
irrigation?

Of course, I have many other questions, but these will do for a start.  :)

Thanks,
Judy