Making Pasture out of Forest (Simple Ways) - The FHC Show, ep 22

In episode 22 of The Farm Hand's Companion Show, Pa Mac demonstrates simple, timeless, and inexpensive methods and tools to clear land and turn forest into pasture for the small farm or homestead. And it can be accomplished by partnering with the very livestock (milk cow and other cattle, goats, sheep, horses, hogs, chickens, and geese, etc.) that will eventually benefit from a healthy, fertile pasture and hay meadow! Pa Mac also explains how all sizes of trees and brush can be put to good use to benefit soil fertility, as well as providing solutions for heat and homemade lumber needs.
Be sure and subscribe to the Farm Hand's Companion channel to keep up with the progress as Pa Mac takes an undeveloped piece of property and turns it into a small subsistence farm. Watch for new episodes as often as Pa Mac can crank 'em out and still run a small farm. (As long as he's alive and kicking, he's most assuredly farming and filming!) Also visit www.farmhandscompanion.com to find articles, posts, photographs, and encouragement for today's self-sufficient farm, homestead, or permaculture lifestyle. (And be sure to check out the General Store for Pa Mac's books or DVDs at www.farmhandscompanion.com/gen...) And if you enjoy the show and want to gain a little more knowledge, insight, and inspiration for "farmin' ways", become a supporter of The Farm Hand's Companion Show by going to the FHC Patreon page here: / farmhandscompanion
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Born Again Dirt: Farming to the Glory of God: amzn.to/2HYffpM
Joel Salatin Books: www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=... salatin&index=aps&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=ur2&linkId=49c7e73861e5b5037897d4b980baf54b
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Thank you for your support! I appreciate you watchin' Farm Hand's Companion!

[@lunarrn]

Thank you for this wisdom. We live in a world where you are lead to believe you must spend thousands on heavy equipment to clear land then thousands on soil amendments, seed and fertilizer. We have forgotten the lore of patience and persistence.

[@kenthorsen4558]

Story time for adults, love it when you have an episode. Thanks

[@lehampton1]

Waking up and finding a new video from FHC is like waking up Christmas morning as a kid to find Santa came during the night! YAY!!!

[@farmhandscompanion]

Merry Christmas, Larry.

[@AaronBrewer1973]

This is by far the Greatest Thing on KZbin, the pole barn series was life-changing!

[@farmhandscompanion]

Well, that's a kind thing to say, Aaron. Thanks for watchin

[@bobbynash282]

Noticed new critters on the homestead. I also like the hearthstone you have. I think u put more work into your videos than anyone lve ever seen.

[@johncourtneidge]

Oh yes, dream then act. Then dream again,! Thanks! Grandpa Quaker John in England 😊

[@terrysavage825]

As you said - proper motivation is the key. Well done!

[@JohnSmith-fd7dl]

Pa Mac, you’ve got the best channel on KZbin. Made me start collecting hand tools, building wood sheds and growing gardens. You’re an inspiration to us all.

[@farmhandscompanion]

I appreciate that, Jesse.

[@grant3hanson]

I didn’t want this video to end

[@serenityplantation7638]

First found your videos about 3 years ago…. Still today are the BEST things on KZbin.

[@nanvestal1147]

Love it. This is how my son is clearing to expand our pasture. It's amazing how fast sheep and goats can clear.

[@_.goded._]

nice verse..the word is true😊😊love you brother

[@tamarawheeldon1060]

Awesome as usual! Love your fireplace too😃

[@farmhandscompanion]

Thank you, Tamara!

[@warrenschwartz5653]

Patience, persistence and ingenuity. This is so much more respectful and sound than bringing in heavy equipment in a seek and destroy mission as we see too often with reclaimed fields.

[@michaelbray3468]

Brilliance always seems to go hand in hand with simplicity !

[@cassianyhvh7220]

FHC makes me yearn to own some acreage. I've seen a lot of how-to small farm KZbin videos, but I swear, my confidence that even I too, a city boy for life, could pull it off by seeing every step of the way you do things. I think FHC doesn't skip any of the steps involved to get things accomplished given raw land. Most of the other videos have so many gaps in the many-step processes that it takes and that doesn't lead to a lot of confidence that it can be done. With FHC, I see and you explain very well the continuum from raw to finished. Thanks, Pa Mac. Keep a churnin'.

[@farmhandscompanion]

I appreciate you, Cassian YHVH

[@dongilley3273]

Awesome , I'm in the process of clearing about 3 acres for grass . I needed a little motivation to keep going.

[@dadnova1]

As I live in N. Arkansas, I can so much relate. The one thing that grows great here, are rocks.

[@dareking1808]

I love your show! Look forwards to more! I know they’re a lot of work. We appreciate it!!

[@WoodchuckNorris.8o]

One who tills the ground will be content with his bread, but one who chases vanities lacks sense. I love your videos, brother.

[@farmhandscompanion]

I appreciate that, Kyle

[@toaster1795]

The intro is a vibe 😂👍👍

[@SecondWindFarmstead]

I am so glad I found your channel. the wealth of information is amazing and is exactly what my wife and I want our little farm to emulate. Thank you for the well produced and simple to follow tutorials as well as the entertainment and abundant history sprinkled throughout.

[@bluenorthnw]

Those slash piles can offer some great habitat for small birds. We usually have one or two for that.

[@mapleleaf3803]

This is a beautiful video. My husband and I are hopeful to purchase a ten acre wooded property within a month if everything works out. Seeing you work your land, investing in permaculture, laboring so much for the land and animals you love is simply beautiful. Such a simplistic and wholesome life God has granted you. Thank you for sharing your efforts and knowledge. It's something our people have forgotten and lost sight of. I pray more people can see the integrity and beauty that comes from working your land. We currently own a five acre plot that was once farm land. The soil was raped and abused of it's nutrients and microbes. We have let it rest and worked with our goats, pigs, and chickens for the last 6 years to bring life back to this earth. We are so proud and honored to have worked this land.

[@orionespy]

Very inspirational, thank you!

[@devinwilcox9318]

Well now I am going to buy a few more goats , some chickens and a few cows to turn 3 acres of woods back into pasture like it was 30 years ago. Great video thanks for the info and motivation.

[@largefamilyruralliving7434]

Smart and efficient, love this.

[@kevintulak9987]

I watched this before going out to do more chores in the snow, ice and mud that we still have here. Made me long for spring. This video was just the right length, it ended as I took my last sip of tea. You make the best videos on you-tube, thanks for sharing.

[@farmhandscompanion]

Thank you Kevin

[@___PK__]

Wow, the before and after pics here are really striking! They really manicured those woods for you!

[@tcotroneo]

I’d use some logs for mushroom spore inoculation too! And I like to burn brush piles from the top to produce biochar over ash! Thanks for sharing your process..

[@MrManic52001]

Guy...... this was a great motivational video for myself. Here I was trying with a huge quote to clear land and I find your video. Thank you.

[@farmhandscompanion]

Glad it was helpful, MrManic52001

[@douglasvantassel8098]

Always makes my day when I see a new video from you, thanks!

[@boostninja4257]

I enjoyed this so much

[@webbsuperiorbelties5800]

Always like your videos, hopefully by years end I'll be beginning this process myself making some good useful land out of scrubby brush and popples. Keep up the great work.

[@markbarrett5516]

A common sense approach to small agriculture. Glad I found you.

[@farmhandscompanion]

I'm glad you did, too, Mark!

[@austinsvideos5399]

Always good to see you pa mac

[@2CanChewBoo]

Thank you for this video glad to see you again hope you're doing well

[@cowboy2180]

Ha! That was very witty and educational at the same time, brilliant! Subscribed (from New Zealand fyi)

[@larryr.johnson3048]

It’s been awhile since I caught an episode. It dovetails well the the homestead shows that I follow.

[@HoneyHollowHomestead]

Another video so soon! AWESOME! I have the goats, I have the small trees, I have the "poor" soil. I have horses, and guineas (for ticks), and hope to have chickens and Muscovy ducks soon. I have been cutting my young mostly sweetgum and poplar trees, doing very much like you are. I'm afraid my little battery powered chainsaw can't handle the big stuff, but it is knocking out all the little stuff. Your goat "experiment" cracked me up! 😄 My goats don't seem to be too keen on the cedar, but love the pine. Thanks for brightening my day. Now I need to get out there and get to work. 😜

[@oldironsfury]

Some beautiful work with beautiful land as a result ! 😍

[@lauriejerome9179]

I just loved this delightful and instructive production. My hubby and I just purchased our 4 acre, mostly wooded retirement situation. Going to be tapping your brain!! Thanks

[@yoanngrange]

Always surprisingly simple, smart and fun.

[@lavrentichudakoff2519]

Very educational. Thanks.

[@farmhandscompanion]

You're welcome, Lavrenti

[@marynielson1705]

Our place looks very similar to your "before" pictures. Thanks for these great ideas on clearing land.

[@JavierRodriguez-mc5fj]

You inspire me to go towards country life, thank you, there's no better reward than a simple life! Wish I could buy some property and start doing what you do!

[@farmhandscompanion]

You got the dream down, Javier. Now just start walkin toward it!

[@homewiththeholmes3432]

Good job. God Bless you

[@farmhandscompanion]

Thank you, Illinois Buggy

[@LSUfan-mn3oc]

Were on a roll of farmhandscompanion videos now!

[@farmhandscompanion]

That's right, tractor b...I mean, LSUfan 8240!

[@skippytwonder]

I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say, "It's about time!" Dang it, Dude!.

[@bigfriend89]

This is a very good video. I learned a lot. I’m only getting started and I found this video very helpful. Thank you

[@orajohnson2612]

Thanks you renewed my hopes for the same here

[@andyroo4887]

Just found your channel last night. I love your content! Looking forward to more :)

[@martinaoreilly5419]

Wow this was actually really good and funny too lol. A great way to clear your land as well as raise stock. The land benefiting the animals, the animals benefiting the land, meanwhile both are benefiting you. :)

[@donald6427]

Keep the videos coming. We love it

[@user-ge2qn6gp4o]

Always look forward to a new video from you.

[@nemanjadj1493]

Good work man!

[@joyousfive]

I sure enjoy your videos , i LOVE !!! life on the farm !!!

[@farmhandscompanion]

Me too, joyous five

[@TheBereangirl]

Huh...😄I have to make breakfast for the youngin' and then I'm watching this video!💗

[@olddawgdreaming5715]

Definitely have to share this one with a few folks. I think they will appreciate it. Great job and thanks for sharing with us.

[@farmhandscompanion]

Thank you, Old Dawg

[@riflebear1711]

Awesome video. Fun to watch, and exactly the info I was looking for.

[@LadyKatharina]

Love your videos! Informative & fun. Our whole family enjoys watching!

[@farmhandscompanion]

Tell the family Pa Mac says "Hey!", and thanks for watchin

[@antoniocesardonascimentoar4976]

Muito top o seu trabalho, tá de parabéns...👏👏👏👍👍👍💪

[@sneak6654]

Another great video, thanks for sharing it and I can’t wait for the next one. Take care.

[@farmhandscompanion]

Thank you, Sneak 66, and everyone else for your kind words!

[@LolitasGarden]

One of my tools for those briars is a claw hammer. Down low the canes are strong and get themselves clutched into the claw all right. Then you can pull up on the handle like pulling a carrot and out comes a healthy bit of root. Much preferred to having the stubble up my pants leg. I do appreciate the tips on making pasture from forest. I am fat with the latter and lean with the former.

[@farmhandscompanion]

Great to hear from you, Lolita's Garden! Hope you all are doin fine

[@johnsonr9]

Absolutely concur on goats!

[@OpekiskaWood]

I love your videos!

[@jackhummel4465]

Awesome video style!

[@lanevotapka4012]

Very neat to see the farm coming together, Pa Mac!

[@farmhandscompanion]

Thank you, Lane, for watchin

[@FlutyLickHomestead]

Great video, I’ve done a lot of brush cutting this winter and hope to get electric fence around it soon. Your animals sure took a lot of work off of ya clearing!

[@sillyarms8493]

Good info, I appreciate it

[@zachtindell7751]

wow great explanation and funny too. subscribed

[@voomaproducts]

Fantastic video, very informative in a great package.

[@michaelharris2502]

Excellent video as always!

[@maingun07]

I used to miss the woods when I moved to the High Plains. Trees can be an asset in so many ways. But here's one place where they ain't. Thanks for making me feel better about living out here. Now if we could just do somethin' about this cursed wind...

[@crpth1]

maingun07 - "Now if we could just do somethin' about this cursed wind..." Does "trees" ring any bell?! LOL ;-) On my neck of the woods in every spot that's windy or drier , or simply scorched by the Sun. The best grasses are ALWAYS under the protection of the trees! Not a big surprise to be honest. Silvopasture as been going on in there for a few thousands years. ;-)

[@bretdavisdmd]

outstanding job.

[@Michaelleger77]

thanks for the great info. I think this method will take some time but will yield better results...or so I am guessing. We just moved from the gulf coast of Texas (Feb 2021) where everything will grow just about anywhere...to NW Arkansas where there's more rock than soil in some places. We also just bought 19 plus acres that has been neglected for the past few years and is overgrown. I figure we will start out with goats then maybe move up to a few head of heritage cattle along with chickens and guineas to keep bugs down!

[@Planzman1]

Always informative’n entertaining

[@mateuszwasniowski9261]

I just watched a short video with you on VOA News. I just wanted to say thank you. Its really fun and amazing to watch you do things you love. You learned me a great deal of things and Im greatfull for that. Definetly you infected me with your passion, just like you said.

[@farmhandscompanion]

Thank you for your kind words, Mateusz

[@nolebloodedfarmer7445]

nice little video. makes me wanna shy away from over priced pasture land and go work on working the land over and have a shade canopy silvopasture style if i can get the grass to grow in it nice enough to have stock piles of rotational grazing.

[@LittleCountryCabin]

Love the beginning scripture! One of my favorites. Yes sir I love trees too but I need grass, and lots of it! GREAT video and so glad to see you posting again. Keep up the good work!!! God bless y’all ❤️

[@abaddon2479]

Good episode. Like the natural way, not clear cutting

[@twc9000]

I'm looking for land to buy to start a homestead and this is great information.

[@farmhandscompanion]

Thank you, Thomas

[@marciajenkins819]

Another interesting and fun to watch video. More please.🙂

[@farmhandscompanion]

Comin' right up, Marcia! Thank you for watchin'

[@Crash-N-Smash]

Always love the videos! Please give an update on the things you have done in the past. The barn interior, the chicken coop and especially the fruit trees!! I would love to see how they came out.

[@farmhandscompanion]

Will do, Steve

[@hootnannyhomestead8338]

I’m at the WEED EXPLOSION point and I think the weeds are winning. Awesome video my fellow Arkansan.

[@farmhandscompanion]

Good to hear from y'all, Hoot & Nanny; hope you're doin well

[@johnsonr9]

We are in SW Va. and have a similar "pasture. Love all your videos!

[@farmhandscompanion]

Thank you Richard, and thanks to everybody else for the kind comments!

[@heyyoubuddy6749]

You Sir are awesome absolutely love you videos. God bless you and yours

[@farmhandscompanion]

You too, Heyyou Buddy!

[@BryceThe2011]

Thanks for making these videos!

[@farmhandscompanion]

Thank you for watchin, Scott

[@awldune]

Great episode! I need to get me some of those goats :)

[@JaySmith-vq9oy]

Love it.

[@dylanapple9411]

Just found your videos! Love that your here in Arkansas!

[@DCPorter71]

Love this channel

[@DoomSquadTennis]

love all your vids!

[@bobbynash282]

Alabama loves fhc show. Alright got mysef just what l need. Get ready to laugh lm sure. Thanks my friend.

[@farmhandscompanion]

Thank you Bobby!

[@bobbynash282]

@@farmhandscompanion no thank you very much. Early this morning l saw a video of you an your family. Im very impressed with it all. An my wife an l think you've got a very nice family. An such a great sense of humor. GOD really blessed you. Thats why FHC show is so great. I bet he likes it to.

[@hart796]

Great video. Ty vm

[@jmanchild]

that was awesome my family of 6 is moving to minnesota and this video helped alot thank you very much for your hard worker and videos to show afterwards i wasnt going to do cattle just chickens pigs and goats but after video i will add 3 or 4 dispite i only want the meat and offspring not milk so much

[@farmhandscompanion]

My best to you and your family and the big move. May God bless you all.

[@BryceThe2011]

I moved to the coast of Maine and bought some acreage that I will clear this spring and summer. The soil is loamy though. Yet, I see fields around here. I suppose I must work on the soil and mix in organic matter.

[@FarmFilmProductions]

Excellent! You always do such a great job.

[@farmhandscompanion]

Why, thank you, young man. Great job on your own Farm Film Productions!

[@FarmFilmProductions]

@@farmhandscompanion Thank you!

[@mashoutman]

First video that I've come across. Informative and very entertaining. You've put plenty of time into this video and it shows. Anyone, who puts out quality content like this more than deserves a sub from me. Well done.

[@petey899]

I love your videos, they always get me in a good mood and motivate me get out on the farm and finish projects thst ive lost motivation on

[@farmhandscompanion]

That's my master plan, Pete. Thank you for the feedback!