I am an EPIC Failure

I have lots of experience with failure. That's how I've learned most on the farm.
TikTok: vm.tiktok.com/...
Instagram: / goldshawfarm
Facebook: / goldshawfarm
Twitter: / goldshawfarm
Patreon: / goldshawfarm
Web: www.goldshawfar...
Send us mail:
Gold Shaw Farm
PO Box 225
Peacham, VT 05862
About Gold Shaw Farm: Gold Shaw Farm is more of a farm-in-progress than an honest-to-goodness farm. Our dream is that someday we are able to transform our 150+ acre parcel of land into a regenerative and productive homestead and farm.

[@heartlandokie4485]

The difference between a Master and a Student is that the master has failed more than the student has tried. It's an Asian proverb. Since you have terraced your property for an orchard, the land may be retaining more water which is the purpose of terraced planting and why the Mayans were so successful in the forests. This would result in less water reaching the bottom of the hill.

[@crypticmirror]

Also the terraces are straight on, they should be on a slight zi-zag to allow for water flow. So it flows left to right on one level, then right to left on the next, all the way down the hill to pool at the bottom. Very slight zig-zags, you don't want it fast flowing, but to prevent stagnation and squito breeding you want some degree of flow. It allows for more efficient water management. It is difficult to tell the contours of the hill on video and googlemaps, but the water ditches don't appear to allow for flow as such.

[@heartlandokie4485]

@@crypticmirror exactly and if you watch the video closely when he passes the rows, you can see the small channels where the water did flow through the terraces.

[@Samuraid77]

I was thinking it'd be a problem for him when I watched him standing in the snow with the camera overlooking the terraces saying he was hoping it'd do that after the snow melted! 😅

[@MattieAMiller]

@@crypticmirror since re-doing all the terraces into zig-zags isn't the most feasible thing, he could cut a few small swales into each terrace staggered to the side from openings on the terrace before them. That would allow water to overflow a bit sooner and make its way downhill, while still being slowed by the terraces. Though you might have to worry about erosion at that point. Depending on the weather, there could be a lot of water rushing through those swales at once. If erosion became a problem, rip-rap (aka rocks) can be added after the opening. I'm civil engineer with a focus on stormwater, so this is fun for me to think about.

[@jaridkeen123]

You should introduce Duckweed to the pond. 1. Your ducks will eat it 2. It will clean the ponds water 3. It will capture carbon and store it at the bottom of the pond

[@lynxacresb5331]

that’s a great idea! have you ever seen takota coen’s video on duckweed?

[@lukezachman]

This is a great idea but I do think adding a pond liner may help before hand. I’m not an expert but it will help hold water so it doesn’t seep into the ground

[@skroozscrungus6738]

@@lukezachman Morgan has already done this, no?

[@lenayacraby]

Also check if duckweed is invasive in the area, since the pond floods! There are lots of floating water plants that would also probably work!

[@amandahartung6287]

I believe Jack spirko is using duckweed for his ponds

[@holdenedwards8506]

The way Toby and Pablo interact makes me heart happy

[@AFAndersen]

Yarrr... :)

[@frederickmoller]

I love Toby and Pablo the best, but that's just my opinion. I also can't wait for Toby's protege to arrive, it will be cool see.

[@dvdgalutube]

When will Toby get a buddy LGD?

[@shannongnazzio6844]

My grandfather always said “every failure is an opportunity for success”! I admire that you can at least admit you have failures 💕🥰

[@willgaukler8979]

...keep on making those new mistakes ...

[@WanderTheNomad]

I would replace "success" with "improvement"

[@lowearthsurfer]

You misspelled grandfather, it's spelled "sage"

[@deborahharding647]

My grandfather, who lived into his early nineties with a sharp brain, used to say, "The day you stop learning is the day you start to die". Making mistakes is the way to learn. Love the relationship betwen Pablo and Toby.

[@nevinmurtha1670]

Hydrogeologist here. By sealing your pond to stop it draining into the surrounding soil, you also stopped groundwater from coming into the pond. You probably will have to fill it.

[@joconnor3567]

Unforeseen consequences?

[@goldengryphon]

Is there a way to open up a channel while benefitting from the bentonite?

[@nevinmurtha1670]

@@goldengryphon I will think about it but I don't think so. Natural ponds have water in them either because they really are wide parts in a stream or they are low points such that the water table is above the bottom of the pond. You are only getting the run-off that goes directly into the pond. Think of it like a built in pool for your ducks and geese. You will have to fill it and periodically top it off.

[@nevinmurtha1670]

BTW, I think the bentonite was a good idea. Without it any water in the pond would just percolate down till it met the water table, draining your pond.

[@goldengryphon]

@@nevinmurtha1670 Makes sense. I had previously lived on acreage that had a "tank" (it's Texas. We have lingo.) that was constantly emptying. At the time I had thought it was badly sited and too high above the water table, plus while there were a few low spots in the yard, they weren't anywhere close to this thing. The tank was constantly "drying up". It's good to know that my Wildlife and Fisheries almost degree was worth the price. :) Good thing we moved, then. I would have gone mad trying to solve the problems with that mess.

[@snapon454gaming6]

I just want to say that I'm not a huge bird fan, but yours have kinda adjusted my attitude. I started watching your channel because of toby dog, and I can't put my finger on it, but I can't stop watching your videos. You are so honest, and just a genuine person, and I find that more entertaining than anything else. I would not consider you a failure, I would consider you a true man for admitting you make mistakes like every other human on the planet. You live you learn good sir

[@elisemiller13]

@Snapon454 Gaming Well said!

[@bonnieandclydeshomestead2477]

More like an epic real person.

[@unethicallyvoid2888]

For real man!

[@s.leemccauley7302]

Because of this disaster,i does Not make him a gailuer!!!!!!!!!

[@s.leemccauley7302]

@@unethicallyvoid2888 and Bonnie and Clyde's homestead👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@saraschneider6781]

And as long as the animals aren't hurt, I quite like his stupid tax videos lol.

[@joannpriepke7938]

Concerning the pond, try planting water loving plants and foliage. Marsh grass, Cattail, water Lilly, River Birch, Weeping Willow. Do a Google search of plants found in wet lands. Lay down rock formations. It all will help to prevent ground erosion which is a big contributor to filling the pond with mud and sludge.

[@ShindaRatto]

THIS.

[@briangriffith4574]

The ducks and geese will eat it all

[@goldengryphon]

@@briangriffith4574 Yes. They will. The great thing about local plants is that they are adapted to their environments. Put up a bit of fence to protect the plantings until they get seated, and they'll keep growing back. I use a similar system in my chicken/poultry yard, where I pile brush in areas so that the perennial plants can get growing. Once they have a decent start, I move the brush to another spot. The poultry have something new to eat and play in, and I have a good idea of what I need to plant/replant.

[@briangriffith4574]

@@goldengryphon Morgan seems like a great guy but judging by the way he does things I doubt he will be able to make that those plants work. I have a property similar to his with ducks but no geese. I looked up some decent tutorials and was able to set a pond up pretty easily. Even bigger than his. His pond will continue to have no water in it this sunmer going on two years because he chooses to do things his own way.

[@frankfreeman1444]

Do you think you could avoid being QUITE so positive in your comments?

[@HerEcolife]

I love that we bought our farms at the same time. It's cool to see how far along you are 4 years after compared to us. Keep it up!

[@Kilometoru]

I hope your farm flourishes as well, like Morgan’s Farm, Quebec Homestead!

[@HerEcolife]

@@Kilometoru Oh thanks Karl :)

[@tas22222]

oh great I will subscribe Im in Ontario

[@HerEcolife]

@@tas22222 Nice! Hello neighbour :)

[@debojyotibhattacherjee3674]

Iam 21 now, and believe me I've already made my plans for my 50s. And that's this. After a hard day work at construction site ur videos r soul soothing 😇

[@corurachi7054]

I love listening to this videos to draw and relax, I think I discovered this channel a few weeks ago and I've probably already watched half of the videos :)

[@newguy3588]

I do the same when I work :)

[@corurachi7054]

Yeah! It's really relaxing, just listening to him doing his daily chores and the ducks and geese screaming. It's great :))

[@minigolfkid]

Oh dude. the rain is coming. take it from someone who felt like March was too dry. April Showers are gonna come. Also, listen, a pond not filling up entirely is out of your control. It doesn't make you a failure. There's just some things that happen.

[@HughLau]

I am a sophomore at UC Berkeley and I want a farm because of you. Chill dude you gotta lotta love, we all learning:)

[@Milioem]

How are you paying for school? You can afford rent to?

[@mridg9464]

Your the best small farmer even throught the small failures and adventures on the farm your still a good farmer

[@W01f.]

Hello your first to chat

[@camicri4263]

I agree!

[@JayWall]

If it makes you feel any better, I sent you something fun for the pond. It should be there tomorrow!

[@mango9829]

Respect, there's a great guy over here

[@janiefox3458]

I didn't realize that those channels would fill like that and that the ducks would visit them - I just love to watch them. I can remember sitting on a downed huge tree across our stream and watching the ducks by the hour - and even having ducklings in the kitchen near the woodstove when the weather turned cold. Oh the duck memories.

[@barrywest3758]

Morgan, you have too much water amongst your chestnuts. They don't require that much water. Learn how to or hire someone to map the grade/slope on the hillside. Then cut yourself drainage ditches to your pond. Good luck and oh yes, a Toby does what a Toby does. Enjoyed 👍👍

[@Dontworryboutit315]

This, proper grading would do wonders

[@sandradelvecchio6894]

Who do you hire for that kind of survey? I need to do that for my property and I keep going around. County extension was no help.

[@barrywest3758]

@@sandradelvecchio6894 Look for contractors who do bulldozing, driveway installation, property leveling for buildings and so on.

[@keptinkaos6384]

yeah too much water drowns the roots

[@justanothertokki9947]

The ducks looks so happy in the water.❤️

[@tas22222]

Hi !!! Just so lovely to hear the ducks in the stream :) such a comforting sound you do your best Morgan we all see it here Cheers to a great week ahead.

[@athenanazario8702]

My husband and I enjoy your videos! My husband, retired marine environmental tech from the Coast Guard, suggested that perhaps when you clayed your pond to keep the water in you it also blocked most of the ground water that would fill it up. Perhaps you could consider a well with a solar pump to pump water from the ground to the pond consistently to keep those water fowl happy! This way, any overflow would go to the creek and it would keep your pond filled and it would not be as foul during the hot months of the summer.

[@jenaswartout4709]

ok Dude. You yelled "Release The Quacken!" and that egg beat everyone down the ramp. You really really teach them early!

[@wilmaoliveros]

BRAVO. Great DIY project! I admire how you care for Toby, Pablo and the farm animals . Providing a comfortable and safe shelter speaks on how you value their health and safety!

[@anthonyhargis6855]

The ducks look like they're having a wonderful time. LOL

[@elenahofmann-smith5723]

You are a marvelous treasure that I enjoy watching y’all in my older years. I am an old farm girl I just love watching your adventures on the GS farm. I love your happy poultry and enjoy your vigilant dog and his antics. Your happy cat just makes me happy too. Wonderful garden and harvest! Seedling forest in-the-making...That’s all I can say really, that you share your heartful approach to farming. You are a treasure and don’t forget it!!! THANK YOU!

[@danmanfre5209]

"I never lose. I either win or learn"....Nelson Mandela

[@susansuewwilliams]

I love your channel. Love the fact that you are really a great farmer. I grow up in the Red River Valley of Minnesota; trust me you are a great farmer. Thank you!!!!

[@bettinah.7429]

Hey Morgan,face it,you’re just an epic dude(failure and successes). It is neat to see the ducks so far up the hill,they are definitely getting their daily cardio in. 😉

[@tsgshsjwh]

Yes another upload thanks for providing awesome content for us!

[@TheDealDepot]

Great video! We can’t wait to get more animals on our farm. This video kinda hits home with starting a channel also! Just gotta keep putting in the work! And learn from the mistakes! Have a great day everyone!

[@MtnNerd]

One of the things I really respect about you and your channel is that you're willing to show your mistakes and how you learn. Don't be so hard on yourself.

[@genevievegreene1595]

You are an adventurer. So am I. The idea comes in, you think through ways of making it happen, try the one you think will work best with what you have at your disposal. And maybe it works fine until... something happens and you readjust. Hiya Toby and Pablo.

[@ladyicondraco]

Pablo and Toby hanging out is so cute!

[@renees766]

It's so satisfying watching you work, grow & learn your farm. Thank you for taking the time to video, edit n share it with us... good and bad. Thumbs up

[@ahmedabdelhalimomer7713]

Could you do a video about what medical precautions you take to keep the poultry healthy?

[@LM-wz9yw]

Please please please!!!

[@vero8496]

Ooouk! You killed Pablo n Toby's momento... Btw that pond is so cool, those 🐦🐦🐦 are enjoying their Spring. 🔴 talking bad about Morgan, he is an inspiration, l will be a newbie but lm going to have my lil farm soon, one of these days. Always waiting for a new video. Chao now!

[@RoseThistleArtworks]

Your improvements have made it even more beautiful there.

[@jessicaoppegard6578]

I admire you Morgan! You’re a true self-reflector! Many people like to say they are many things! It is NOT true! But with you it really is! And I have a great respect for you and the content you create! Now believe in yourself and stop allowing viewers to call the shots! If they don’t like then they shouldn’t watch! Plain and simple truth, is best!!!

[@avilacanario]

Toby and Pablo are fun to watch. Listening to your narrative is any added plus. There is so much to learn from you. You make this channel.

[@MiddleEarthAcres.]

Ok, but that hoodie, though. Need that. Love your channel, you're a realist and funny. I appreciate your videos!

[@mango9829]

This channel is underrated, it deserves way more subs than that one teenager making damn subways on KZbin which got over a million subs in a month or two

[@mishkybishky]

During the winter, you should plow as much snow as possible into a big pile uphill from the pond .. it’ll take longer to melt and might help with water levels in the pond throughout spring. Just an idea :)

[@OnaMuir]

"As an expert failure . . ." Love it Morgan! Keep going strong.

[@ash2lar]

So cute! Watching the ducks swimming in a canal, all in a row.. quacking along happily.,

[@I_like_pears]

I like that about your videos: you are just a regular human like the rest of us who screws up and hopefully learns from the experience. So much better than those carefully cultured KZbin channels who are unnaturally perfect and who probably fart pixie dust (or at least want to make us think they do). I enjoy living vicariously through you!

[@jobell7356]

No such thing as failure, just incremental steps to success where we realise we haven't got there yet. Sometimes I think you are a touch too hard on yourself; you pour your heart out to us every video and it takes a man who knows where he is to be able to do that. I admire you bud

[@littlebugwest]

I love watching your happy ducks, chickens, dog and cats! This vlog made me very happy!

[@stephenriley9084]

Morgan, Nice update sharing a walk around and some thoughts. Have a look how Japanese Koi breeders make their growing ponds. Might give you some ideas. Regards Stephen.

[@Jay-hg7uw]

Love ‘greet the day’ being followed by so much productive activity. Might have to add greeting living creatures to my superficial sun salute - good morning sparrows, it’s a webonderful day corner spiders, wake up & march for sugar kitchen ants.

[@willgaukler8979]

..hint ... spiders do not like blue rooms... they think it is the sky ...

[@goldengryphon]

I do a similar thing. I allow myself a cup of coffee before it's time to go out and release the geese to the front and side yards, then Feeding Time For Chickens! My elderly dog loves having the yard to herself for those few minutes. I find the trouble the birds get into to be part of the joy of waking up one more time. It's a blessing. I may have to remind myself that it's a blessing after I herd the geese out of the neighbor's yard across the street 1 more time, but my neighbors have good senses of humor and don't seem to mind too much.

[@Jay-hg7uw]

@@goldengryphon ❤️

[@rick9977015]

Love watching your birds. This time around with you walking with them kinda makes me feel like I'm there with ya! That Justin has always been a mean one, huh? Very protective of his girls. Really hope Jamima stays healthy. It was hard watching the other puddle duck go.

[@donnaseese1663]

The Puddle Ducks have always been my fav. When Jemima is mo longer with us I hope you decide to add more.

[@Lonesome__Dove]

That's funny. It's was like toby was waiting for you to get close before he jumped up, he seen ya coming the whole time.

[@crazeddonkey]

Dude your wholesome approach to education and animal care is admirable... weekly you provide us with a glimmer of insight into the farm life! Im slytherin so give my love to mr justin finch fletrchley

[@CHILLZkryptex]

Hey Morgan hope you’re having a great day

[@elderberryfarmlife4258]

The more you learn, the more WE learn! Morgan my husband and I really enjoy your VLOGS! We really look forward to them. LOL! Your a winner in my book buddy!!😃 keep up the good work!

[@APennyForYourCropsHomestead]

I bought Ducklings the other day because of how much you like your ducks! So exciting!

[@caubengoan1326]

I love the fact that CC says 15:57 "Laughter"

[@Meiestrix]

Maybe you could use the rain water from your barn to fill up the pond? Greetings from Germany :)

[@rustyshackleford2902]

Or line the pond with plastic?

[@bertjang9622]

@@rustyshackleford2902 he didn't want to put plastic because it's not naturel

[@Voltaic_Fire]

I must have missed the part that explains the title, I see no failures here.

[@arnljot9030]

There's a difference between an EPIC failure and a failure. You're a great person with a kind heart.

[@jessicapedroso528]

Your videos make me happy. Keep them coming. Give a big hug to your supportive wife.

[@fannyrosani8715]

You are doing well by being so humble .all the best ..love to watch ur ducks n goose..Toby dog n the cats ....

[@cynthiaweems5026]

Love the music in the beginning of this video, goes perfectly when the ducks and geese come out.

[@camicri4263]

We all fail every day even if we don't like to admit it, we still do...at least I am. When you humble and recognize that you screwed up, you learn from it but when you are not humble you make the same mistake over and over. Keep on doing better! Have a blessed week! Hugs🤗

[@firsttimefarmer4666]

Your my hero! I evaluate myself more thanks to you I'm a better me today then I was yesterday!

[@Dhemize]

I look forward to your content more than any other! thank you for the amazing videos, you're doing fantastic morgan!

[@jeradserdar9746]

I like how you think about mistakes. Learning and being honest about our mistakes can be used in other parts of life other than farming as well. Thanks Morgan

[@batpherlangkharkrang7976]

Hi...... Morgan, thank you for sharing your video homestead 👋 bye 👋 bye 👋 bye 👋 🎥👍👍👍

[@samwingender]

I just found your videos. You seem like a good dude. I don't eat animals but I like watching them run around freely.

[@pamlee7841]

I love your videos and your storytelling! Thank you! 😊

[@barbarabigelow9110]

Ducks and geese in the pond!!! 🦆🦢🦆🦆 🦢 Way!! Also, it would be great to see periodic drone tours of the farm... maybe once a month???

[@dyannejohnson6184]

No wonder I enjoy you so much...”I’M AN EPIC FAILURE TOO’” oh joy I tuned in and followed your amazing site with anticipation and delight

[@sarahkmon4276]

"This process of failing and trying again is part of farming." Yes it is. "I keep finding new ways to screw up," Yes! Absolutely. Speaking from experience. Loving your channel.

[@shirleycourtney1138]

For your water situation. Thete is a laundry disc filled with ceramic balls that cleans as good as tide leaving water from the washer just water & dirt. You could divert your washing machine water from into your septic to your pond

[@hollyadkins4729]

The birds are REALLY loving the water channels you dug. They look so happy. I don’t know how you will ever get them to go to bed 😃

[@denkeylee]

Could it be that the water he was expecting for the pond is in the water channels. Maybe thats why it didn't fill?

[@hollyadkins4729]

@@denkeylee right on 👍

[@Martiriak]

Wow I really liked this video, it felt like a walk with the animals, admiring their everyday in and outs

[@kazbleasdale1310]

Geese are so protective of their eggs. My geese have started to hide their eggs all over so I won’t find them. I’ve decided to let them go broody as my incubator is full.

[@mikegurney9278]

Excellent content every time I watch, I’m in Newfoundland Canada. I’m an artist and failure is the name of the game but it works out going forward. Good luck 🤞

[@79Gravity]

im not sure i can just allow you to say this xD i havent ever seen you beeing a failure - by all my standards, what u do and still is doing is genuine :) its the most honest human approach to farming i can see, not only is your video editing wonderful, but ur dead honest.. let me tell you - that comes with its own special cost - but it makes you sleep oh so well at night :) your doing it right, everyone can tell you where to end up, but only you can make the road there.. trust me - by experience - most things takes like 2-3 tries xD but ur doin it :) love it

[@jaypeabee]

My sister is on a small acerage (20) where there is low rain-fall. Her solution to a pond that didn’t capture enough water to last the dry months was to build several channels around the property to re-direct water into it. Then, any time rain fell, it would travel towards the pond.

[@amandajarboe1131]

Those ducks swimming are so stinkin' cute!

[@FleaChristenson]

Here on the windswept prairies of Oklahoma, we were so excited to find our property already had swales to capture moisture. Otherwise the wind just steals it away. And your trees are looking great!

[@honeyy79]

You are not a failure! The more you speak negative to yourself the more negativity you get. Stay positive! Farm life is hard and not everyone get it right away. Its my 4th year aswell. It takes time and it is ok!

[@kimmanning4989]

It’s been a dry spring this year in Montréal. You are so close to us, don’t give up on pond !

[@Ham.rigs07]

Cool vid dude lol there's alot of birds in chat who love your ducks. You must be doing something right. Always a pleasure to watch.

[@cmel7841]

the pond will work out you have all the natural features for it, just need some rain, its been a very weird spring for most of the country. We had 78 degrees here in MN last week, that is crazy hot for April. and now today its 45 high. So you will probably get that week of rain. i wonder if you could "carve" channels in your hill to allow even more water to drain down? Im no landscape expert.

[@TheoriginalQward]

Is there a way to divert the creek to the pond and trench a run off to go back to it. That way you are supplying your pond with fresh water and sending the excess back to the creek?

[@annesweeney5552]

Morgan you are talking truth..Love Toby and Pablo

[@gaylewatkins4685]

Morgan, thanks for keeping your channel real. I never miss a video. 🙂

[@purplebunny7728]

Hate to tell you the Epic Failure highway has been paved for generations. Welcome to the crowd. Let the learning begin. Love your channel. B

[@FaisalAddas007]

Every time I see the notification of your video I be like so excited !

[@sandravanlankvelt6537]

So happy to hear you are an EPIC FAILURE...it is just "SUCCESS TURNED INSIDEOUT" lololol I just love your VIDEO'S because you are so down to earth. Where's the Toby the PUP??? Ohhhh there he is and he is so adorable and smart. There's NO such thing as Perfection but, we can certainly continue to attempt to achieve perfection for sure. God bless and thank you for your video!!!

[@ced1106]

Just so long as the ducks and geese are happy. Thanks for the videos!!!

[@permiebird937]

To add more water to the pond, build earthworks to direct some of the run off to the brook in toward the pond. It can overflow back to the brook from the pond later. If you can retain water better this year, the action of the waterfowl will help seal it more.

[@someone9578]

You should look into putting some small trenches along the sides to stream the water into the pond. The problem is when the water follows the slope, it doesn't stop at the pond. Trenches will develop into natural looking streams that will drain into the pond and with the right mix of plants for the pond, you can create a really good plant root seal that will hold in the water and reduce the draining from the pond downwards. I would also advise have the soil laboratory assessed to see what you actually have in it. It could be that the soil is just too loose to hold the water and so it drains very quickly.

[@liswhetstone6567]

Your vlogs are so interesting. You are a normal guy and that. makes you a great sharer of things. TSC is one of my favourite stores. I am not sure they are as bad here as there. They will show themselves over time I guess. Keep up you farming and thanks for sharing with us. PORT PERRY ONTARIO CANADA

[@glengillis7542]

Your OK you will do great

[@coraleereid1585]

Your videos I always look forward to. The ups and downs, the round and rounds, and the interactions shared by all. The feathers, the furs, the flesh, the earth and everything on this beautifully created piece of peaceful living inspite of all it's challenges. Show us more ;~}. From beautiful Las Vegas Nevada 😍

[@ritamulloy3522]

I love how the ducks run free and are well taken care of. Also I love Toby! 🥰🥰

[@georgeian3243]

In eastern Ontario we’ve had much less flooding too...had lots of snow but not so much melt flooding and very little rain, so far. What about putting eavestrough on your barn roof and collect the water into IBC totes. I have 3 totes @1000 litres each harvesting water from my shed roof. I’ve only got 600 litres, should have been full by now. Totes used for shipping food grade oil and such are cheap, less than $100 each.