Preparing Land for Cultivation with Hand Tools, Pigs, and Plows - The FHC Show, ep 15

[@Space_Pilgrim]

I admire the effort, humor, and thoughtfulness you put in every video. You truly lead an inspirational life.

[@kath5201]

1. Being productive does not always mean, gracefull. 2. There is more than 1 way to do things. I like this guy...

[@LogHewer]

Boy, it's fine to see another video. I imagine you stay extra busy with work, farming, life, and making things for us on youtube. We sure do appreciate it, too. I know time is always in short supply. Watching these is like sitting down with an old friend and chewing the fat a while. The boys are already making me promise to let them watch soon. God bless, brother.

[@cassianyhvh7220]

Right in the nick o' time, when I was going through the deepest of withdrawal symptoms for another episode of FHC, Pa Mac delivers... AND HOW! I think this is your best output so far. This is heaven on earth. Thanks so much!!!

[@farmhandscompanion]

Thank you so much, Cassian; Hope you're doin' well!

[@happilyretiredmark2964]

I think this is my 3rd time watching this video. I checked in today because I'm bored of others just in hopes I'd missed a notification of a Pa MAc video. Your channel is by far the best I have come across. Educational material of years gone by for most but still the best way IMO....and funny as all get out! Thanks Pa Mac!!

[@Jason4Star]

Like a a good rain after a long drought... is a Pa-Mac show just in time for Spring. Thanks bud! This is one of the best yet!

[@snsmystic]

I love that you are so educational in sharing knowledge about working the land and survival. I've learned a lot more from you than watching a few other homesteaders.

[@farmhandscompanion]

Thank you, snsmystic

[@sharonallen6921]

Just wanted to say how much I appreciate and thank you. So many people show us the end result of what they did or how to plant. Not many explain you don't just go out till and then throw seeds down - not if you want to be productive. You have a teacher's heart. You explain how it was done, why it was done and here's how you can do it. We bought some land in a farming community and some of those folks find us entertaining. They inherited their hundreds of acres and it was an active large farm when they got it. One guy said he enjoys watching us put in a little here or there or chopping down trees with axes and chainsaws or using old plows and tillers as we can't afford a $125,000. farm tractor. He said it's like watching his dad, grandpa or he imagines his great grandpa did it way back when their land was 1st being developed and he gets to see all they did so that he could have what he has today. I reckon those old folks started with a little piece of land like us (30 acres) and over the years they added more. That's what we hope to do. We watch your videos and have accepted there ain't no fast or easy way to do this but there is a steady, right and good way to do it over time. I had to let my son find this out for himself. He went out and plowed up the ground and threw seeds and plants in it and nothing much grew. I didn't like throwing my money and his time away but it was a good lesson he won't forget. Thank you for all you do to inspire and help us "newbies". I have learned so much from you. ~Sherrie in South Carolina

[@farmhandscompanion]

Hey there, Sherrie, You may not have $125,000 for a tractor, but you have an attitude and passion for the farm life that's worth several times that. Thank you for watchin', and for your comment (which I'm will inspire all who read it). I pray for you all the best as you continue to work your property.

[@dallasjones4696]

Phenominal videos. You are absolutley correct when it comes to satisfaction of clearing your own fertile plot of ground. These videos need some more boosting to reach more people,

[@Aermydach]

28:48 to 29:00 I once read in an old farm bulletin that: "To thus gradually improve the land is within the reach of all." and that: ". . . there is a certain sentimental satisfaction in working out the salvation of one's own place. For who would not rather improve his own wooded hills . . . than exchange them for the fields of another. The love of one's native place is happily a virtue most people possess." These are deep and profound words. Many, many more people really need to live by these.

[@farmhandscompanion]

True, Aermydiach.

[@johnmmcalhany6091]

i have always loved your videos!!! funny and educational and inspirational! That tiller!!! OMG! HAHAHA! love it!!

[@Khamomil]

Chock-full of useful info like a farmer's almanach, with folk wisdom thrown in and a humorous turn of mind, make your channel one of my top 5 favorites.

[@cherrydowns7745]

Been building my garden area for five years. Rotted Logs, limbs, leaves, kitchen scraps and lots of chicken poo from my hen house! This year looks good for a lot of growin and showin! Thanks for your entertaining and helpful videos.

[@arkansasjon2171]

I just wanna say that I'm glad you got back to making videos. I'm a fellow Arkansan and I absolutely love your videos and have watched every one. Please don't stop.

[@rodzorn9720]

Glad to see you're back !! Always worth the wait ! I've put your knowledge to great use on our British Columbian farm . Thank you so much from Canada .

[@rustedoakhomestead]

Glad to see some new Pa Mac material! As always, lots of knowledge and inspiration shared in an entertaining way. Your video editing/layout is quite unique and enjoyable. I've actually been using chickens paddock shifted across my suburban backyard as well as lots of mulching with fall leaves, woody material and weeds over the last three years. When we bought the place, you couldn't hardly dig without a pickaxe. Now, in spots, I can dig in my garden transplants using my bare hands. Doing my best to heal the land! Keep em coming Pa!!

[@farmhandscompanion]

Sounds like you're livin' the life, Rusted Oak Homestead! My best to you and yours

[@paulbennick2294]

Hoping to finally buy my farm in the next couple of months. Keep the videos coming! I would enjoy seeing some more about your animals.

[@hermanboing8489]

I just bought my own "farm" (mostly forest with a few small fields thrown in), and find your videos both helpful and motivating on those days when I don't feel much of either. Thanks.

[@asaultlife604]

Really glad to have you back.

[@judyhall7030]

Love your videos! Brings good memories of my dad.

[@stephenrice4554]

All good stuff , some of it learned at my mother's knee , and other low joints . Best thing is using your own animals and compost , feeding the bacteria in the soil makes the nutrients more accessible to the plants . Great video 👍🇬🇧

[@ArtistryBranson]

PaMac, ever since my bride found you and we watched the first episode together we have been hooked on your channel - and we always watch it together. My next big project on the homestead is finishing out our "partially" off-grid cabin and then a pole barn. You have re-inspired both of us to take on these challenges and do it right. Thanks for a great series, and howdy from south of Harrison, AR!

[@farmhandscompanion]

Thanks to both of you for watchin' the show, Artistry Entertainment Agency. My best to you both as you get your cabin and pole barn going! (By the way, my family and I will be in Harrison later this summer-June 2nd and 3rd-for a homestead conference to be held at the fairgrounds. The schedule of events is still comin' together. Perhaps we'll see yall there!)

[@ArtistryBranson]

farmhandscompanion we would really enjoy shaking your hand man!

[@TheOtisReport]

Wonderful! As informative and entertaining as always. Easily the best channel on youtube. Thanks for continuing to post these videos.

[@olddawgdreaming5715]

Excellent job for land to garden preparation!!👍👍👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@cuban9splat]

Thank goodness you and (very few) others are sharing this incredible wealth of practical ideas with us all. I could go on and on, repeating what others have already said about how good your videos and ideas are. Even an old phart like me can benefit from your practical genius in solving problems. Love it. PLEASE keep making these videos. I may be too old to start a farm but your tips and ideas are great for us small gardeners and I will use many of then to make my garden patch better. Regards from near Hot Springs.

[@farmhandscompanion]

I plan on keepin' the videos comin', cuban9splat (the Lord willing). Didn't realize you lived so close; maybe we'll meet up around these parts some day (I run into Hot Springs ever' now and then)

[@gretafields4706]

Great idea! Lever! My dad lifted a 1000 lb piano onto my porch, 8 feet high, by having me stand at the end of a long, thick heavy board. (I had 18 ft boards salvaged out of a bldg demolition). When I stepped on the end (on the porch) the piano rose level to my porch. Then, a helper pushed the piano along the board onto the porch. It was an old narrow upright piano that sat lengthwise along the 2x12

[@franksmith7419]

might be one of the most enjoyable 30 minutes ive spent in awhile. supper well done, wow.

[@williammcasey7650]

Dear Pa: What a great video!!!! May God bless you ,richly!!!!!

[@farmhandscompanion]

Thank you, William!

[@ElGatoLoco698]

Can't get enough of Pa Mac!

[@SnakebitegamingNet]

That feeling when I have a new Farmhandcompanion video to watch! :D good stuff, keep it up!

[@davidsonnier1690]

one of the best videos explaining how to prepare the ground for planting. comprehensive. thanks

[@duxpeccatorum]

That is so funny! I have that same cheap pair'o muck boots, and they ripped on me too! God bless you and your family Pa Mac!

[@jeffreyheld8652]

Fantastic! So glad to see your place again.

[@dwjbakpaker]

Yay, finally another video. I've been missing them. You are one of the reasons I bought my own homestead.

[@rogerdrisdelle5645]

my favorite farmer is finally back .I enjoy you vids very much love the humor and the knowledge you have in all your vids

[@angiebarnard5200]

Happy to see you back

[@judyhildebrant8803]

So glad you are pack. Hi, Pa and Ma!

[@thewindhowler]

Great video as per usual. Your hard work and production quality are appreciated. God bless.

[@annamixner3168]

I'm addicted to your videos! They're so full of helpful information and humor. You have a wonderful, creative way of presenting detailed knowledge by including the why's of the rules. The videos must take a long time to prepare and I thank you for the extra effort and all of the knowledge that you share! Hey that rhymes :-)

[@farmhandscompanion]

What a very kind compliment, Anna. I appreciate that so much (as well as your poetic gift of rhyme). Thank you for takin' time to watch the show

[@Mvince2011]

As a farmer i enjoy watching this video.way to go mate.😇 godbless

[@cdscott]

Gotta be my favorote video you've done in a long while.

[@m229329r]

So glad to see another episode published. Thanks for sharing. I know it's double hard work to work & film your work, & then work to edit your work. I Appreciate all your work.

[@farmhandscompanion]

You and all the other viewers make it worth the efforts. Thank you, Matthew!

[@pcking2008]

Gotta love the tiller...LOL Angel from The Bay

[@davidpowell5504]

I just learned many things about soil and how to prepare the land. Thank You!

[@farmhandscompanion]

Thank YOU for watchin', David!

[@tropifiori]

Some good tips there. ThanksFb

[@Joshua-mu2ck]

One of my favorite channels! Reminds me of my old friend Grandpa Frank G. N.

[@franciscoporras4461]

my friend i'm new to watchin your videos, and they are an absolute Godsend, i live on a small 6 acre plot in texas and could use all the learnin i can get, to prep and live well with nature on my own slice of heaven i'll be watchin with enthusiasm. your friend Frank

[@farmhandscompanion]

Thank you for watchin', Frank; and my best to you on your Texas property!

[@silencz1]

Informative and hilarious.This guy needs a legit show

[@sjeanmeekins3285]

Cool and cute way of teaching ...thanks

[@bigal7454]

I love all of your videos. We used to use a plow exactly like yours when we harvested our potatoes. It's fine for a garden, but I think you will need a bigger one if you want bigger fields in the future. Please keep up the good work.

[@reesemoore1546]

It was another great video, by far the best on youtube, you have so much useful knowledge that you share in a useful way. And your comedic timing is impeccable. Thank you for sharing.

[@farmhandscompanion]

Thank you for the kind words, Maurice! And to everyone else, too.

[@samiam7]

Another great video. It's always a good day when I get to watch a new fhc!

[@davidlyons9632]

I sure am happy to see you getting active again on KZbin Pa Mac. Your style and approach is both unique and enjoyable to watch, always full of good information with a yard of humor tossed in. I'm still hanging in as a contributor over on Patrion for as much as I can for now. Now I'm going to have to share you again on facebook as well.

[@farmhandscompanion]

I can't thank you enough for supporting the show on Patreon, David. (And thanks for spreading the word on FB, too.) Take care, my friend

[@houndsmanone4563]

So true. Enjoyed the lesson. I am going to try a gardening area this year. wish me luck. Humorous and educational video. 👍🏽🙂

[@farmhandscompanion]

You're gonna do real good, Houndsman One

[@lawrencehp1]

Great Job Pa Mac. You never fail to deliver. Nice Hogs.......

[@theineffablehomestead3378]

Sharing some great info here. The use of animals to help clear land, recognizing soil health, improving soil health, and all the rest. Great job making this info fun and interesting. I look foreword to more episodes as the year progresses. It is always a delight to see you have posted a video.

[@farmhandscompanion]

I appreciate that, Ineffable Homestead. You keep up the great videos as well!

[@theineffablehomestead3378]

I hopefully will be putting out a lot of videos this year, as I work on infrastructure. Getting started on building an earthsheltered home, setting up my solar and wind power, getting my water system set up, and start planning out where I will be putting gardens and raising livestock.

[@jeffrivero3620]

Your Chanel is one of the best, thanks for all your hard work

[@ratherbecampin]

Another amazing episode. Thank you so much for putting the time in for the videos.

[@thaboomer53]

Back in my gardening days, I used a Troy Built Horse to plow up a 1/4 acre plot. The manufacturer claimed you could take care of up to an acre with this tiller. I believe it. This machine was the mac daddy of tillers. Plus it was much cheaper to take care of than a tractor. But for someone just starting out, it might be a good way to go.

[@thomaserke4197]

I love the tiller.👍🏻👏🏻👍🏻

[@pcharliep61]

Well hello again, we missed seeing new videos. They are an enjoyment to watch. Looking forward to more.

[@rickdearmont9950]

I do enjoy watching your videos! My only complaint is there is too much time in between them! But work the land or edit the videos. I think we know your answer! Thanks for bringing us along.

[@schaedig]

i just found your channel. I've only watched a few videos so far but I am really enjoying them. Thank you!

[@ncooty]

+farmhandscompanion Great to see the new video! We used to plow like that, but after going to a workshop with our local ag extension office about 15 years ago, we've barely plowed. We use a ton of cover crops and never leave the soil barren. It's really improved our soil in terms of moisture, quality, production, etc. We also plant on contour now, which has really cut down on erosion. Looking forward to seeing how your place continues to progress!

[@farmhandscompanion]

Good word, ncooty. There'll be more to come about improvin' the soil in future shows. Didn't have time to cover it in this episode, but the truth is, the more you practice good soil principles (like the materials I spread on the garden in this show), the less you have to plow (or till) in the future-once your topsoil is as deep as you care for it to be.

[@markroeder2491]

Love your videos. You hit the nail on the head with your ground prep! Have you ever heard of Ray Archuletta or Gabe Brown? After your initial "clearing", both have made the suggestion that excessive tillage, can actually degrade your soil structure, water retention and burn off that carefully added organic matter. Another option may include planting a cover crop that winter kills, such as clover, radish, peas, ect to keep improving your soil's fertility year to year and ready it for spring planting. As they say, "Keep it covered and keep it growing". I can't wait to see what you plant! Thanks for sharing.

[@jbossnack]

Woke up early and started looking for land online then found this video...maybe someday this may be my life :)

[@farmhandscompanion]

I'm sure it will be one day, John. My best to you as you find your way there!

[@thefranks8726]

This was very helpful! And humorous as well!

[@johnshirley633]

BWAhahahahaha ! Loved it as always! I like the open soil method as well, even though it is not well thought of with the newer generation and their "cover" crops. I like it because it has worked for a few thousand years, and it's the way nature does it...burn it, rip it with a tornado, rip it with hogs, blow a tree over...then what happens...wow, a fantastic renewal! You reminded me of that old saying about plowing, also: "deep in the fall, shallow in the spring" great advice that I had forgotten! Thanks. Wonderful, and a ton of humor sprinkled in...my 12 year daughter said a while back, "Dad, you act like that!" So you MUST be wayyy cool!! Keep up the good stuff!

[@johngallagher2313]

Good video. A lot of real practical ideas unlike a lot of others I see. Good to see you back. I often wonder what you are up to.

[@sidneywallace48]

Very well done video and very helpful content. You get an A+ on this project!

[@pierreb03038]

I am so glad to see your new video. I always tremendously enjoy the learning and the entertainment it brings. Keep up the good work!

[@farmhandscompanion]

Thank you for your usual kindness, pierreb03038!

[@JohnnyRay920]

Excellent! Another instant classic!

[@warp9988]

I do so love this show. Hooray.

[@scottkline938]

Superb!!! Some really funny moments too!!!

[@JavierRodriguez-mc5fj]

Really informative and entertaining, i am learning quite a bit!

[@farmhandscompanion]

Thank you for watchin', Javier

[@johnny30127]

Nice ! just watched half the video. paused it and went out and plowed my garden. You gotta tell us what your going to plant. I am a third year gardener so I need help in Georgia.

[@mazda62632]

Thanks for the laughs and the common sense solutions!

[@busvlogger]

Genius, as always. That's a fine tiller; I need to keep tools on mine as well. I believe in using animals to manage the soil too. I raised a hog in half of our garden, and intentionally let him make a hard wallow, to accommodate the garden ducks' a swimming hole. Our resident chicken hawk thought they tasted like chicken...

[@farmhandscompanion]

Now that's a good use of a hog: garden management...and duck recreation. Hope yall are doin' well, busvlogger!

[@wolfmanwolf4656]

I like your videos, because they are entertaining and edjucating. You are one of a kind. Greetings from Germany.

[@farmhandscompanion]

Thank you, Wolfman!

[@Pierced777]

Very very well done entertaining and informative. I'm moving onto 50 acres of woods (10 on a hill 40 flat) but have a goal to make a good 10 acres workable for my daughters to use as they hopefully build an appreciation for living and working off the land God willing. Not going to be an easy job but generally nothing worthwhile is ever easy. Thank you!

[@farmhandscompanion]

My best to you and yours as you get goin' with your place, J.R.!

[@StanleyJGunter]

You are insightful and amusing. Thank you.

[@prestonlafarge5641]

Ever though about adding cover crops to the fallow stage? Some kind of semi wild legume or native wild legume or silage weeds beyond what will naturally take hold?

[@notsunkyet]

Starting at 1:36, the cow closest the barn has a look on her face that she tries to hide, as you look back around at her, after your duct tape modification. She's thinking, "It'll never hold." lol Thanks for sharing, I love your content!

[@yurets929]

very informative and entertaining channel!

[@brianphilbrook5262]

So glad to see another video!!!! Love that tiller at the end lol.

[@farmhandscompanion]

Thank you, Brian. And thanks to everyone else, too, for the kind comments!

[@shellywelsh2316]

Great to see you are back! I'd love a video on goats for brush clearing as that is what I have been looking into.

[@farmhandscompanion]

It's in the works, Shelly! Thanks for watchin'

[@sleepermd2]

Thanks for posting another video! I would love to see a short video on that very interesting fence you built.

[@farmhandscompanion]

You will, sleepermd2; it's in the works! Thank you for watchin'

[@vermontmapleman7504]

farmhandscompanion Great!!! I was going to mention too that an idea for a video would be to do one on the fence with the rock columns as support. The rocks may seem like a curse to most farmers, but look how useful they can actually be! Keep the great videos coming. Love them. If I can add my own "two bits", I would suggest leaving the words on the screen just a little longer each time. I have time to read them, but not time to read them and absorb what's going on in the video as well. Many times I need to rewind a little to catch what you are doing as I missed it the first time reading. Don't want to miss any little nuggets of wisdom!! Keep them coming! My new favorite videos on KZbin!!

[@HoneyHollowHomestead]

As always, informative, entertaining, and well worth the wait!

[@farmhandscompanion]

I appreciate your watchin' the show, MotherOfManyHorses!

[@RAYOFSONLITE]

I really appreciate your humour. I enjoy your channel s lot.😄😂😊

[@farmhandscompanion]

Thank you so much for watchin', Shirley

[@TyrelHatfield]

So glad I found your channel. Fun and informative! Can't wait to see more. Thank you. :)

[@farmhandscompanion]

Thank you, Tyrel!

[@orenshemesh6237]

Brilliant as always. Thank you for the videos!

[@Reciprocity_Soils]

Great lesson using leverage with those persnickety stumps. Although the need for open space is necessary to grow crops, I wonder how you are balancing needed woodlands around your farm. A balance with trees and farm or garden is a good thing, right? Plowing can be avoided and nutrient rich topsoil can be built layer by layer, year after year, with subsequent mulching and livestock rotation. Chicken follow cows with a 3-day lag time to spread the manure and eat fly larvae (maggots). All sorts of good info. Thank you so much for sharing these informative videos. Peace and health.

[@luckynutable]

nice to see another video!

[@trooperturner]

love your vids! again and as always we look forward to everyone. thanks for sharing your little patch of heaven with us all.

[@andrewpowell5886]

I love your videos. I hope to be doing what you're doing one of these days.

[@shanehartley1957]

Good stuff, as usual.

[@Warcraft_Traders]

great info for myself, thank you much! Enjoyed the vid extensively. -All the best.

[@EdOfTheNorth]

Another excellent video Pa.

[@farmhandscompanion]

I appreciate that, EdOfTheNorth!

[@blin7509]

Great video!

[@Theartisticgardener]

So much great information ! Thank you

[@thebutteredbiscuit1472]

glad youre back posting another great video. entertaining and educational. but some of your facial expressions...bwahaha!! priceless!! keep em coming. 👍👍