I write this post for our lovely women homesteaders. Now this is a list that I have given much research to, being a widow on a homestead. The following is a list of the vintage skills that typically (I said typically, not in many cases but, usually) the men of the homestead do. This post comes from the experiences that I have encountered and the challenges of doing most by myself. The learning curve after my husband passed was off the chart and in some cases, fast. So here goes.
Barter- Most men are the ones who typically attend the farm animal auctions and know the going rate for cattle, or pigs, so get to know how to barter and what the going prices are. Also, the men have used the barter system to trade such commodities of the homestead for hay, or animal feed, for meats or produce. Or is could be a skill for skill, like a good farm mechanic for the tractor for an afternoon of cutting and stacking firewood. But do know your worth.
Basic Vehicle Maintenance- This is important. You should know how to pump up your tires, and not at the garage with a couple of dollars, but by using a compressor and a tire gauge. You should be able to check your oil and fill your windshield washer fluid. Also you should be able to know how to CHANGE A FLAT TIRE. This means using the jack and a x iron bar to take the lug nuts off. Also you should know how to change a fuse and the windshield washer blades, and know how and which fuses and blades to purchase for your vehicle.
Prune Fruit Tree- This is also equally important to the success of the homestead. Having abundant apples, pears, plums etc, give you the options for more with your meal planning. If your tree's start dying then you need to replace them and it can be costly. You should know how to graft another tree from the mature one, and recognize pests and diseases typical of fruit bearing trees. You will most certainly need to know how to prune it back to help the yields, and protect from diseases.
How to breed Livestock and chickens- Any farmer can tell you that it is cheaper to breed your livestock then to buy more. This is an important skill to learn how to breed them and to bring their babies into this world, I admit I have not got a clue so this is an area that I have challenged myself to learn. Also would you ladies know how to butcher a cow, a chicken, or a pig. That is so important to learn, because you wont have to pay someone to come in and do it for you.
How to use Basic Tools- Basic tools by that I mean, a power saw, or a hand saw, a drill and how to put the drill bit in properly. Safety is the biggest factor when using tools. However some of the basic tools such as an ax when cutting wood is also a tool that needs respect and their is a safe proper way to use it. Also for those daring women,. a chainsaw......but I would think that is a small amount of women who would do that.
Cut the Lawn- You ladies, you all need to learn to run and start, both the sit down lawnmower and the push lawnmower. You need to find out what kind of gas goes into each, is it mixed and how do you mix it, or is it straight gas. Also how to clean the blades when done properly, so that when you tip it over, the gas does not run into the filter, etc.
How to live without Technology- This is my last skill, that I want to emphasize the importance of learning. It has probably formed a habitual nature within us all, using technology, Pinterest, Googling a recipe, or a How-to and that is all great and fine, but what if the Internet disappeared would have the How-to books on hand, or at least one cookbook. Would you have a means to satisfy your downtime. (I know you must be say, are you kidding there is no downtime for a homesteader women). Learn to enjoy Jigsaw puzzles and get some to have on hand. Teach yourself how to play cards, even if it is Solitare. Do you have a bunch of good books that you have been just itching to finish or to start reading? Is there a hobby such as crotchet or knitting that you would love to learn, would you have wool, and knitting needles and an instruction pamphlet? What do you like to do, you should sit down and figure that out.
Well Ladies that is my list. I am sure I have missed oodles of things, and this is why we have come together here on Steemit as a community, to help each other and expand our minds and my list. Please do share what you would add to the list, even if it is a skill you swear you will never do. ..LOL
Happy Trails
Sources:
http://163.musicway.cn/order/itingsid-null/sdmain-imgarcade_com/women-cutting-grass.html
https://howlingduckranch.wordpress.com/category/animal-issues/butchering/
http://www.davelundtreeservice.com/you-should-prune-now/
https://www.thoughtco.com/cars-4132715
This is a great start point, I especially like the bartering skills topic! I would add that the husband and wife need to work on projects and chores together, They both need to know how to do everything, you may not be good at it, but you can do it if you need to. You never know when one side of the partnership goes down because illness or injury, the other need to pick up the slack! I have to say that my wife is very good at most tasks on the homestead, I am more efficient at say cutting wood, but she is better at caring for the animals. Stick together and learn from one another!
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Oh hang on husband of a lovely lady on the homestead, Your turn is coming. I will be doing a blog post on the things that the gentlemen of the farm need to learn, like making bread and darning a sock. But your right, learning from each other is the best.
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Can't wait! It goes both ways that's for sure, I am a terrible baker except for our natural sour dough bread, got that down pat! muffins and other baked stuff, not so much..... Oh and don;t forget dishes! I hate washing dishes, don't know why, always have, but I do them. Who ever cooks the other washes.... So I do a lot of cooking!
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LOL, good for you at mastering the Bread. That my friend is the one thing that I have tried and tried and it just never turns out. I have tried many recipes and bought new yeast but nope. So I am still a work in progress. LOL
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In the fall and winter we make a natural sough dough starter using and a loaf is made once a week, it took about ten disasters before I got it right, now we make everything from our starter, including Irish bread, muffins even pancakes! Keep at it, We will do some blog posts in the fall on it, maybe they will halp you get started in the right direction....
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I will keep my eye out for that post. Thanks
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Happy to say I can do most of these things, except the livestock stuff. I made a point of learning to chainsaw a few years ago cause my partner doesn't have time to prep our firewood.
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You go girl! You are a valuable steem friend to have to seek advice. LOL Now following. Thanks
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Is like advice for the Stepford wives if they were tomboys.
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As an older lady (64) and married to my high school sweetheart, it is a sad reality to plan for the day when I shall live alone or have the need to provide for us both. We live each day as our last and laugh often. Learn skills now. And the list is really good. Thanks for your insight.
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Aw good for you guys. Eat healthy, drink plenty of water and get at least 7 hours sleep a night and you will both live to be 100. Happy Homesteading
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