She Lost Her Calf. Does She Miss Him?

[@kthomestead9155]

We planted 6 apple trees, 5 peach trees, 2 plum, 2 apricot, 2 pear, 2 fig, 2 nectarines, and 2 sweet and 2 tart cherries. All of our trees (except 1 -- the Honeycrisp) was from Stark Brothers. We spread woven ground cover around the tree base (4 x 4) as weeds were very competitive to the young trees. We also laid thick (8") mulch over the ground cover. We used Stark tree guards, but found them expensive, so we bought their really long ones and cut them in thirds. We also built round tree cages -- small stock fencing only -- in 30" diameter circles. We also hung pie pans (to make noise and movement) and hung old pill bottles with a cotton ball of Vick's vapor rub. (Drill a hole in the bottle so the "aroma" wefts through the air. Deer have very sensitive noses.) No fence. No deer. Our trees are all going strong into their third year and we are hopeful that we see some blossoms and fruiting this year. A couple important learning points: 1) We pulled up the sweet cherry trees as there are several videos and articles that the sweet varieties attract harmful insects that will wipe out ALL of your orchard trees. So much so that in California they actually have regulations about sweet cherry trees. Weigh that into consideration. We only have the Montmorency Pie Cherry trees now. 2) All of our trees are disease resistant. That is so important. Fungus is still a problem, so make sure you have some Copper Fungicide on hand. 3) All of our trees have a pollinator variety whether they need it or not. 4) Pruning is essential. Stark trees all come pre-pruned for the first year. We prune every January to shape the tree and every July to control the tree's height; don't be afraid to do this! Do not pay attention to the dwarf, semi-dwarf, or standard classifications. All trees can be grown to the size you want by pruning off the top of the tree (in the summer months) to the height you can manage. That pruning will stop the tree from growing upwards and force growth outwards instead. (May not be an issue now, but when you are my age -- trust me!) 5) SOAK your trees in dormant oil at the same time you prune and one month later, but before the first buds appear. 6) We start fertilizing after the first buds appear and stop fertilizing in August. 7) We also have honeybees so we are cautious about what pesticides to use. We have found Neem oil to be the best -- apply it in the evening after the bees are mostly in the hive for the night. Neem will still harm bees but by doing it this way, it gives them time for the Neem to dissipate a little. 8) Irrigation is key. Our homestead is in the Appalachian Mountains so we have several natural springs on our land. We use this to our advantage for supplying water to both our gardens, berry and grape arbors, and the orchard. You can investigate a RAM Pump (lots of videos out there) for moving the water from the pond to your orchard; even if it is uphill. And it requires NO ELECTRICITY! That's all folks, and good luck! Love your channel :)

[@leesahuddle2854]

I haven't done it in years, but my family is planning on planting a new but small orchard again soon too. What we did a number of years back.... that worked was a combination of efforts. We had a tall fencing and on the outer edge of the tall fencing we had shorter 6 ft fencing. On the perimeter of the smaller fence we planted lavender, sage and echinace which we used. We also had a huge border of daffodils. They were my mom's favorite. And mum's. I don't know if they really helped but my dad had told me it would work because deer can't stand them. And we sprinkled cheap cayenne that we bought in bulk all around the place. We didn't get critters of any kind. Whatever you try....our prayers for success are with you.

[@cellpluscellplus4078]

So sorry for the loss of your little Henry,

[@DDL2728]

I love Sarah's expressions while Kevin speaks. Y'all both look very interested in what each other is saying. You're a great couple 💞 Love your videos!!

[@teeandkids937]

This!

[@lhodgens]

That's one of the first things I noticed about them! It's so obvious they are best friends and adore each other even without seeing pda... definitely relationship goals!

[@tyeamckee]

I know! Their chemistry and communication level is goals for my husband and I. Sometimes it is so hard to just communicate. Married 12 years and marriage is still a work in progress.

[@DDL2728]

@@tyeamckee My husband & I have been married 41 years, & it gets easier - always takes effort, but it's so worth it. We've worked together most of our married life & pretty much been together 24/7 & love it. We're so blessed. Pray a lot, & stay together. 😍😍

[@donnashipley3632]

Your cattle are so heathly and beautiful. Great job guys.

[@carolynstreet5325]

Our garden isn't nearly as large as the area you are wanting to fence. Our garden is about 30 x 80 feet and we have it fenced with a 4 foot fence. The deer have never jumped that fence. We see their tracks all around the outside, and if something grows outside the fence, it is completely trimmed. I have planted rosemary and it is pretty large. Every spring I trim it way back and spread the trimmings around the perimeter of the garden. The deer are not shy about coming right up to our back porch. They regularly chew off my flowers and a few of my herbs. When I cut my husband's hair, or brush our dogs, we put the trimmings or fur into the garden, as well.

[@virginiamesko6369]

I so appreciate that you share so much information but do not hesitate to admit when you have questions and guidance. You are a great, Godly pair.

[@elsadakota1021]

You are just such wonderful people! Thank you and God bless! You!

[@tinamitchell3764]

I would look into is getting a couple of livestock dogs to keep critters away. Dogs like Maremma's or Great Pyrenees are really great dogs for guarding you livestock and keeping predators and other animals away. Both are breeds that love being outdoors, do well in colder climates and are really laid back until they need to do their jobs. They are really great with people, and children and I've seen quite a few who are best buddies with cats. I've seen videos of them lying around with baby goats climbing all over them, ducks pulling their tails, snuggled up with rabbits. They love their people and love following you around while you work around the farm but are content outdoors and become more active at night, at least the Maremmas do. You might also think about putting some nut trees in your orchard or maybe elsewhere on the Homestead. Nuts are so expensive that they could be a big savings in the future or to sell. You're right about it being a blessing that Hope has Hudson. It's so sad about Henry, and that Hudson lost his playmate, but he is a handsome boy. Have you guys thought about keeping him as a permanent bull for the beef cows or will you get another bull for your cows?

[@cyfriends4liferbb]

They castrated hudson. But lots of good qs im curious too!

[@trishcraig723]

I was going to suggest the same about the working dogs. Great pyrinese are awesome at their job of predator protection. They can go days with minimal human interaction which is how they should be trained. Also they need to be trained on how to patrol, so finding an adult you could borrow to help train a pup now might be something to look into.

[@tyeamckee]

We have a Pit Black Lab mix that I originally didn't want when we lived on my in law's 20 acre land. She grew up turning into a great property dog, after finally teaching her not to eat my chickens and ducks. She kept all the wild hog, deer, and anything else away. Besides other dogs. She likes hanging with other dogs. When we moved, my mother-in-law's yard started to get torn up by hogs and started seeing more wildlife around. A dog might be a good help.

[@suemcknight9051]

I owned a Maremma that I rescued when I worked at a Humane Society. He was one of the greatest dogs I’ve ever had. A gentle giant who figured out quickly which beings were “his” to protect and which were the ones to drive away. And, the herding instinct in him was amazing. He wasn’t taught to herd ...but, he herded everything...my goats, our beef steer, the poultry and my grandchildren! 💕 it was a thing of beauty to watch him..... good times & great memories.

[@ClareKKosel]

We got a Great Pyrenees puppy a couple years ago and absolutely loved her. The problem was, she didn't stay on our 5 acre property. She roamed a LONG way, and there was no way for us to keep her close to home. We found her a new home when our neighbors said she was chasing deer across their pasture and mentioned shooting her. Since then we have lost a whole flock of laying hens and a turkey to neighbor dogs. I would get another guardian dog in a heartbeat, but you HAVE to be aware that they will roam a long, long way (think a mile plus) away from your property unless you have a way to contain them. A guardian dog would solve your deer problem AND your predator problem with your ducks and chickens. I would love to see you get one!

[@robertschroeder1978]

Kevin & Sarah, such a blessing to see you both on the second homestead. Blessings to see all the care, love and work that you both share with us. God bless you all. Rob Schroeder (Rockford MI)

[@rwatts2155]

Of course Hope misses her son. I'm so sorry for her loss. As for the orchard, I don't recall you saying you are going to have a couple plum trees. Plums and pluots make wonderful jelly, dry well, and are great for eating fresh off the trees. Also, please plant a few varieties of fig trees. You'll be glad you did! I have 8 types of fig trees and sell the figs to a few restaurants. They dry well and also are great for jam. And if you plant nothing else...plant lots of Elderberries! They make the BEST jelly in the world! And they are probably the healthiest fruit that you can find. Easy to grow...and they make great medicine for colds, flus, sore throats, and lung problems. I make cough syrup with mine. I use Everclear but you can use vodka or rum. Soak the elderberries in the liquor. I also add lemon juice and honey. I flavor the medicine with fresh ginger root, cinnamon, and cloves...You can add a slog to hot tea to make a Toddy and even if you don't get rid of the cold you'll feel a lot better while you're sick! Hey Hey! Seriously, google elderberries and their health benefits. As for the deer...they can jump 10 feet from flat foot. We have a herd of about 12 dear nearby. They ate my lily buds before they could open. I tried all kinds of chemicals to dissuade them from devouring my garden. Nothing worked. Then I got a dog. I collected his poop and hair and put it around my lily and rose plants. No more problem with the deer eating my garden! Just get a couple dogs and let them patrol the homestead at night. You can plant the elderberries in between the fruit trees. And just keep the fig trees cut back so they don't take up a lot of room and you will have more figs than you will know what to do with! The good thing about figs? They dry easily on a drying rack made of a couple old screen doors. And you can also soak some dead tree branches or logs in the pond for a few months and impregnate them with shitake mushrooms. Keep the logs in the shade and gather mushrooms to dry for stews, roasts, etc! Delicious! And as a homestead you know that you have to make the best use of every square inch of property. I really enjoy your videos...so thanks for sharing your journey with all of us !

[@johnlord8337]

If you run an orchard, please don't do the square pattern, where trees are all planted on the 4 corners of a square design "[][][][][][]". Shift the second line of trees a half distance (parallelogram) so that the trees have their own sun, and don't crowd out each other. You can plant the tree rows a "little closer" saving some space. Plant on an E-W line. Plant them the correct distance apart - for their adult size. Also notice if Stark (or others) doesn't tell you, look at the root base. Note where they have grafted (if they have done grafting onto a root stock), for the notching. Align the tree with the notch to the north, away from the sun and heat. Notice where the outermost leaves of the tree are - that is the dripline for the tree. It is also where the tiniest of searcher roots are for the tree. This dripline is where you want to fertilize - as all other inner areas have already been depleted, as the tree grows up and outward in diameter - even so the roots expand outward under this dripline. Fertilize in the fall and winter, allowing rains and snow to percolate the nutrients down to the "spring" growth and fruit production. Fertilizing in spring and summer is redundant as that only produces more foliage (not fruit production). If you plant a nitrogen-fixing crop (alfalfa, clover, lupines, vetch, ...) around the trees this is good. No grass or hay or flowers etc - as they will suck up the nutrients that the fruit trees need. One can harvest and leave the grass crop on the ground for the fall, protecting the tree roots for harsh winter weather, and this further decomposes for more nitrogen for the plant in the future. This also keeps down weeds, keeps the roots warm, dry, and moist, vs water-soaked. Fruit trees like deciduous leaf-dropping trees shed their leaves with special properties. Red colors are anthocyanins - highly antibiotic and help keep down molds, mildews, fungi. Yellow colors are sugar and calcium magnesium sweet ph leaves helping the soil ph. If you can find puffball mushrooms (little or giants) ring their spores and work around the trees. It is now documented that puffball fairy rings are entirely sterilized of any other molds, mildews, fungi (soil blight virus etc ...) and this will help keep the trees healthy. The ancestors especially planted the trunks and major branches with 1/2 "indoor" latex paint and 1/2 water. This helps seal the bark for intruding bugs and molds/mildew/fungus that attempt crawling up the tree, or getting into the cambium and then transported to higher areas of the tree infecting it. It also stops soil blight crawl, or soil blight rain splash onto the bark and cambium. Birds also notice the bugs crawling up the white trunk and eat them (ants, termites, etc). Especially paint the dark purple barked cherries and plums - as they will suffer the greatest in summer South temperatures - even getting sunburn. The white bark surface also creates more light bounce back up and into the tree for greater photosynthesis in the leaves, and also sunlight to the under-leaf surface, stopping apple moth, caterpillar, lacewings, aphids etc from hanging out there. And while it might sound gross, get your own human urine and outside of the dripline (ahem) make your own dripline ring. Deer are used to all the wild and farm animal scents, but don't like human scent - especially #1. So having it outside the dripline the deer smell that and don't like to step in it or smell it - even with some especially strong garlic or asparagus urine. It also stops critters (squirrels, chipmunks, possums, raccoons, rats, mice, rabbits, hares) from passing the dripline up into the tree for the fruit or chewing off the bark (same for rabbits or running goats in the orchard with all that great fodder, and chewing off the fruit bark. Watch the YT Dave Wilson nursery videos - they are absolutely the best in keeping your orchard in prime condition. As for deer and birds (crows and tweeties diving into a fruit tree), if you put out old CDs on the dripline branch ends, this sometimes stops the deer from feeding at that level. It also somewhat deters the birds as the sunlight and movement keeps the birds thinking that their is predator movement against them. Dealing with apple moth, and other flies, use the same technique and have a brightly painted hanging CD or such from the branches. Apple moths etc go for the red - like an apple skin to lay eggs and eat into the apple. Paint the red sides with Tanglefoot and they will land and get stuck. Also (after whiting the legs and skirts of the trees - yes female appelations in orchards) paint tanglefoot at the base for 1 foot height (for the small bugs and ants) and another 2 feet high (smaller critters) and then another 3 feet high (raccoons, possums, jumping squirrels and chipmunks). This will catch the bugs and ants, and the critters attempting to crawl up the sticky (flypaper goo) Tanglefoot drives them nuts - as they don't like the feel - let alone sticky feet walking after that. Annual applications of Tanglefoot will have very healthy trees. Consider dwarfing the trees to 6-8 feet (harvesting height), the smaller tree with less height and branches and foliage will produce more fruit that is easier to pick - this also creates greater incentive for deer and birds to go after these trees (unfortunately). YT vids of Paul Gautschi (Noob) in Olympic Peninsula Washington (with deer there) has his drooping tree branches - is another method of using the flowing sap to flow DOWN the branches to the fruit for greater production. Deer can jump 15 foot mesh fences so there is no real way of dealing with this, unless you truly fence off (at 15 foot height) your orchard - natural or dwarfed height trees. And I have seen trapped deer in Minnesota city park inside such an enclosure - not being able to jump back out as they have no running distance to spring back over the fence - so that is an issue as well. Hope this gives some good info (and others who read it). And no matter what others say, the ancestors were right, tree painting of cut branches that are bigger than a quarter (1 inch and bigger) tree tar paint them. Big wounds allow in rain, drying of cambium cracking, introduction of airborne molds etc. Paint those cuts ! Smaller cuts (yes) they will grow and reseal themselves (in time). But bigger cuts take years to heal or never do - and this leads to heartwood rot and the trees are holed out from the inside. Paint those cuts ! Also cut off the water shoots on the ground (hey I need water here !!! - and water the trees) and the airshoots (vertical non-productive branches). Watering of fruit trees is very special technique. Must water only at the drip line and outward. Having a double ring in that area then fill the ring totally full of water. Deep watering important in hot climates, sometimes 1-2x/month, unless your water table is close to the surface. Deep watering also drives the roots to seek deep water. Deep roots mean firm and stable root base against weather disasters. And another methodology. If you do have deer, then save (diluted !!!!) human urine and spray the dripline foliage up to 10 feet of leaves. Deer are known to eat cherry and apple leaves (seen it myself). Yum, yum, ugh - tastes like pee !!! And any deer poking their nose in for an apple has to push past some really smelly #1 foliage. And that ainta gonna happen, when deer snozzolas are 4x bigger than a dog's nose that is 4-10x bigger and sensitive-smelling than the human nose. You know very well that a deer with 16-40x more smelling power gets a whiff of urinated dripline foliage or dripline ground ring smell - they will think twice about wanting to chew some fruit - when all they smell is #1. Eventually, the rain will wash off the urine off the dripline foliage - and it is natural nitrogen that will continue to fertilize the tree. And it also gives a good protectant against ants, aphids etc being on the leaves - and in direct contact with "whew !" If you want to spritz the first 3 feet of the tree base, it does the same repellant for small critters and climbers. Who wants to step on pee, and then have pee feet from an orchard feast for the rest of many days. Not even me ! And if you do have deer and other critters wanting a feed, then diversion is also a good deterrence mode. Give them sliced apples at the forest edge or the acreage fence tree lines - far away from the orchard. They will associate those areas - instead of the actual bounty with a payoff. Hopefully, that isn't an appetizer and free snack enticement - and "come see what else we have for you in the orchard for dinner !!!"

[@helenmarshall5705]

Wow! I needed this information. Thanks for sharing all this.

[@cottageonthedunes]

Lacewing larva are aphid eating machines, I'm confused why you would recommend keeping lacewings away.

[@marymarysmarket3508]

Wow...super comment and info. Appreciate you sharing. 👍

[@johnlord8337]

@@cottageonthedunes Yes, I saw that last night on a TV episode. But veggies and low growing bushes with aphids is one issue, having aphids in fruit trees (this topic) or in sugar sap trees is another matter. Here in SanFran we have (&^%%) aphids in sugar maples and other trees. They do their dooty on your cars at the library, sticky sugar poop sidewalks and houses (anywhere they drop their doo and is also windblown). Albeit aphids can be in an orchard or vineyard (and lacewings also) etc - they are sucking out the sugars from the tree and vine leaves. For the most part, ants will come running (little black ants, red ants, black and red ants to protect them - and then eat their sugar poop - all the while attacking and eating lacewings, ladybug lions and beetles, and praying mantis et al - which means that you now have ants and aphids in your trees - and not the beneficial critters. Tweeties are the best preventative methods for eating aphids (!), ants (!!!), bugs and other critters, instead of lacewings for orchard trees and vineyard vines and berry bushes. Just saying. Proper critter - proper work. Ducks in gardens eating slugs, snails, and bugs vs geese grass-eating and eating up all your greens !!!

[@anitablades6033]

Thank you so very much, great info. for everyone !

[@maryblair3618]

Use dogs inside the fenced area. They can chase away any wildlife that gets close to the orchard. Of course they would also need a warm dry place to get out of the weather. I really appreciate the way you care for your animals. God bless and take care!❤

[@virginiamesko6369]

Your cattle are in great shape. They look very healthy. Congratulations!

[@doreennovak692]

It’s so nice to be able to show that Americans are not a bunch of nuts. I love what you do.

[@iprincessirene]

Unknowingly, you guys gave her the son she was going to lose. It's a blessing in disguise. God is so good.

[@janetk9536]

Ameb

[@janetk9536]

Amen

[@45Colleen1]

Amen!! 💜

[@dusttodusthomestead]

👍

[@sherriek3476]

In 2years Henry would of been pot roast on thier table so no harm besides no potroast lol

[@debbielente4766]

I am so happy that Hope and Hudson sre bonding. Loved beloved dear Henry Bless his young soul. Thanks for update Take care

[@bobbieg3220]

Something you want to keep in mind is wilted cherry tree leaves are toxic if eaten by cows. So you may want to plant them where the wind won't blow the leaves into the cattle areas. You have a lovely farm and I'm sure you will get everything figured out.

[@deborahpelletier4573]

Love your animals. Patches doesn't mind the cold. Love the mischief. Happy Hudson is doing well.

[@DeepSouthHomestead]

I would put up and 8 ft high fence with an electric fence few feet from it so the deer or other critters never get close to it. I've tried all types of scented deterrents. The only thing I've found that worked is cheap perfume and Irish spring soap. Pink flagging tape waving in the wind has really helped keep them out also.

[@MsK-xm7vw]

I agree, it's a lot of work, but your best bet is a double fence. Deer can easily scale an 8 ft fence. I"ve seen some farmers go so far as to put a ditch in between the double fencing, plant thorny brambles between, and even barbed wire in coils along the top. No matter what you do, Deer somehow still manage to filter through now and then. I hope you find a solution that works for you.

[@cindymobley8926]

Flagging tape that is not shiny as some critters, like raccoons, steal shiny things.

[@teeandkids937]

@@cindymobley8926 I’m not sure why but this comment just made me full blown belly laugh thanks for that :p

[@lyndabuchholz1216]

I haven't found anything that deters deer on my property. They are curious and check out the tape, soap they just ignored. I haven't tried cheap perfume. I do spray my plants with Tabasco and they don't like that. I am sure if they get very hungry they will eat that too and thank me for seasoning their meals.

[@carolinebaines8735]

I grew up in apple county in Washington State (lots of deer pressure!). Orchardists use an 8 to 10’ fence. When they use the shorter fence as an outside perimeter, they space it no more than 3’ from the tall fence. The objective is to not give the deer enough room to make that second, very high, jump. You’ll see red flagging or reflective tape all over both fences. I can’t wait to see what you come up with!

[@juliedalgardno3361]

Gold Shaw farm has wonderful videos on their guardian dog. I'm amazed at how gentile he is with their geese, chickens, and ducks. He does an amazing job at pushing preditors back and their fences are only 3-4 feet with some electric. Also, roses are deer candy! I wouldn't have believed it if I had not tried it but cutting up Irish Spring soap, tying it up it cotton cloth and hanging it every 3-4 feet along our rows of roses really did the trick. Thank you for your videos! It's heart warming to experience your homestead!

[@jackiekitchennowordsneeded587]

You both are such a sweet couple, your goodness spills over to your animals. You can see it in your videos. I love how you say good morning to your animals.

[@yogalejour7317]

Agree,great👍👍

[@imari2305]

I do miss Henry. Hudson is starting to look a lot like him; totally different than when he first arrived on the homestead. Glad to see Hope is doing better. Looking forward to see all the plans in full swing for the orchard.

[@jonkzak]

You need to get an appointment with your local "Hank Kimball" (county agent) and see what he has to offer in direction and suggestions on pests, fences, orchards, etc.. Our county agent help us so much, from canning to raising animals, etc... Our local Co-Op also was another source for information from fellow farmers... Our starting days were pre internet but these avenues always helped...

[@jonijarvis6391]

We use cattle panels. The deer don't want to jump it however it doesn't do anything for racoons and rabbits. I would suggest multi strands of electric fence wire. Different gauges will have different prices but it is the most affordable. It will stop bears, deer, racoons, rabbits, loose cattle, etc. Hang some holographic tape on it for birds and better visibility for the other critters. You could try solar but make sure there is a constant charge, as you already know. One problem I can think of is you will have to trim grass under the lowest wire. You wouldn't want a Weed Chopper elec. as they can cause sparks. I have seen them cut a 4" diameter evergreen in half. I would not suggest a Livestock Guardian Dog with someone living in the house. They do a wonderful job but one of their jobs is to patrol and that involves barking when they do it. I know, I've had one in the past. On the plus side we never had a single problem with a predator. If you do get a LGDog you will have to show it your farm boundaries several time when young or they will choose their own patrol boundaries. JMHO Love your gardens!

[@scrappyquilter102]

Cheapest way to deal with the deer is to acquire a taste for venison.

[@jillysd884]

ha ha that’s funny

[@GenevieveGarbutt]

😁

[@michelebushnik2874]

I'm still heartbroken for Henry. Thank you for showing Hope and how she is doing. God bless you kind hearted beautiful homesteader

[@marciaolson5708]

I thank you guys for your videos, watching them gets us away from the craziness of this world right now! You’re a true blessing!

[@dusttodusthomestead]

Glad to see the jersey cow is doing well after loosing her calf 👍

[@monalawhorn707]

Thanks for showing the animals I love it when you show the animals it's almost like them there I'm 64 and in Wisconsin and I'm legally blind and I'm a shut in and I love animals I love farm life I wish I could have it but at least I can have it a little bit when I watch y'all and not to be ugly but you remind me so much of way my mom and dad were and they're in heaven today my dad did come from farm living my mom didn't but it never ever left him even though he couldn't go back to it cuz he couldn't afford it it was in him always and yes Kevin he did carry a salt and pepper shaker in his pocket out in his garden that he had and he loved tomatoes as well so I love you all may God bless you and smile on you and your in it you have his peace always and shout out to your daughters and the animals may they have God's peace and love as well in Jesus name amen

[@marilynray5797]

So sorry to hear about losing Henry 😞 glad Hudson and Hope are doing well now. 🤗

[@kirstenufkin7144]

No new video Wednesday and I really missed it. Y'all ok down there?❤️

[@yvonnegilmore712]

You have some very pretty cows the color of them is beautiful ❤️❤️❤️

[@debbiemorris2478]

On “Hollis and Nancy’s Homestead” they had fence installed because of deer. Pretty tall fence due to how high deer can jump. Hollis had gates installed.

[@johnhinson9866]

I agree! I don't see how any fencing could beat what they installed! Gonna last many years!

[@donj1561]

I agree!! I've used an 8' fence as well--certainly not as good as Hollis'--but mine worked too. One like this one should work for a lifetime. Or at least until the posts rot.....

[@garyash4823]

dont know about the US but iv seen Deer clear a 12' fence with out problems here in the UK but plant a rose garden they just cant resist them good luck with the deer though (Racoons we dont have here)

[@boondragon6999]

Here in the Pacific NW we have mostly wheat fields but folks put in there gardens and fruit trees too. 8' to 12' chain link fencing and a trench under it to bury a part of and at least 18" up onto the fence using a fairly heavy gage small holed chicken type wire attached to the chain link. Be assured that porcupines and raccoons will do the most damage to trees and gardens. Deer really don't do much damage to trees at all and since you are going to put in a new orchard how about planting a couple apple trees outside the fence for God's creatures.

[@garyash4823]

@@boondragon6999 yes Deer are wonderful jumpers a real pain in the butt again here in UK digging a trench might not help as they tend to run & jump as for porcupines and raccoons we dont have them here & planting outside the fence just might encourage them to pay a visit

[@suefanning2067]

I love your videos and you are good stewards of your animals. Thank you ..... ps: I love your wife’s hat!!!❤️

[@waisangyau8653]

I note from previous videos that you like to forage on your original property. One of the options you might want to consider is whether to take cuttings or even transplant some young plants and actively cultivate them in your orchard. Although you are active enough to forage now- with the additional work the new land will bring, it might be difficult for you to take the time to forage in the future. Plus you have the advantages of knowing that these are plants suited to your land and climate and by doing this- you ensure that there is a stock of these items which you are not competing with other wild life to harvest.

[@carmendoyle9786]

So sorry for loss it hard to see them like this ! 🇨🇦🥰

[@judyabernathy80]

So sad about Henry, but pleased that Hope and Hudson are well. You’re such good animal parents! Blessings always!! ❣️

[@thinkingheart171]

Good animal parents?? Really ??? They are parents to animals that they force to live in little cages and that are totally board out their minds with no freedom to run , eat grass , cuddle with other animals, and forced to walk and lay on a hard metal cages. It's called greedy selfishness. Maybe those of you that agree with this type of treatment of poor innocent animals should try living in a large dog cage that would fit a human and see how you like it.

[@cynthiahiebert5023]

I am so sorry you lost Henry! I have not been able to watch for awhile! Lord bless!

[@petrhoward]

Research golf clubs in and around your area and find out from them how they keep deer off their greens and fairways. You will be surprised how reliable their methods are. You could also go to your nearest dog groomers and pick up the hair trimmings , bag it and hang from fences at 6 to 10 ft intervals. (you would need to change them out quite frequently). Size the bags (porous to let out the predator scent) 6 inches long x 2 to 3 inch diameter.

[@fallenangelwi25]

I'm glad hope has came around. Henry still crosses my mind. Y'all did all you could and then some and I know he had a wonderful life the short one he was here for.

[@michael7423]

I’m so sad for Hope, Henry will be missed!

[@danalegris2569]

Hi guys! I live in Connecticut and we have a huge deer population. As others have stated, an 8 ft fence is the way to go. It really stinks having to go so tall but they can JUMP! We have black coated heavy gauge metal attached to cedar posts. To keep out the smaller critters, we ran steel hardware cloth up about 2 ft all around and buried it coming out from fence 2 ft. However, we have a much smaller area to cover. We do tie colored tape all around and spray with Bobex around the exterior every few days. You will want to cover the berries when they start to pop to prevent the birds from eating them. We have not had a problem with animals getting to our garden or blueberries in the 3 years since we built the fence. Good Luck!

[@joeolander7216]

I had 8ft fencing around my garden & I still had some deer jump the fence. I put some fishing line around the outside & hung colored strips of cloth on the fishing line & it helped.

[@davidj.mackinney6568]

Your cows are so pretty. Love the red color. A calf video would be exciting.

[@penelopepenobscot4475]

You will need cattle fence cages around your fruit trees. We stake these in with t posts. Once your trees start bearing fruit I suggest you learn to like squirrel pie because you'll probably get more squirrels than apples. Ask me how I know.

[@rebeccahewitt4310]

We live here in WA and deer are terrible on the fruit trees at our nursery after fighting for two years we ended up getting a dog. No more deer problems. We tried fencing of all kinds and Chief (our nursery dog) was our saving grace.

[@marcoferryhouse6658]

Good morning from Germany, nice to see that hope is OK. So sad 😔 that there only two now

[@maryhuddleston8767]

One good thing is that there are 10 more beef cows and some are pregnant so they will have many before long!

[@hopeking3588]

Great!

[@cilandialane3084]

The black fiber rolls like you use in the garden, will make a tree/bushes grow faster if it goes out to the drip line. it also helps with the work load of keeping control of the grass and weeds.

[@kathleenconte3360]

Your fruit trees will give produce before tomatoes. Apricots should be moorpark ones, they are the most juicy. Id be puting in citrus trees as well, pick the stone fruit in summer and citrus in winter. Ducks will help scrounging around to pick up the bugs etc that effect apple trees. Get yourself a good duck flock n build the pen inside orchard. I miss those photo bombers!

[@judymoore6982]

Probably too far north for citrus

[@helengarrett6378]

Citrus can't stand frost and freeze

[@anitablades6033]

@@helengarrett6378 neither can peaches but they can grow in their area close to the same as Oklahoma.

[@aleshiasterland460]

Good morning from Helena, MONTANA. Your videos bring me joy. Raised as a farm kid with animals orchards, harvesting huge gardens and canning. 9 of the 14 years of life there -- everything on the table was from our farm.... butter, bread, vegetables, meat... rabbit skin hats. Wonderful life. Blessed to watch your videos

[@elisabethashe628]

Good morning from North Carolina fixing to do the butchering of two pigs today . Watch your video over and over .wish us luck

[@lhodgens]

Two! What a blessing and so ambitious in one day! Y'all will do great!

[@calmahoney5959]

let us know how you came out !

[@hamrad645]

Kevin and Sarah, I am so sorry that you lost your calf, Hank. Even an animal you raise for food, well you get attached to that animal, so I know that was quite a loss for you. Best wishes with your 'new' orchard, berries and grapes. May God Bless you and yours.

[@MsTitanic99]

Sorry to hear about the calf. Hope is such a beautiful cow. She looks like she is wearing a coat of velvet.

[@hannayoung9657]

We couldnt put up high fences here in Sweden, so we had fox / wolf sent pads hanging near the fruit trees, we where the only ones that didnt have drunk moose in the garden.

[@dsr8223]

I'm curious why you can't put up high fences there.

[@hannayoung9657]

@@dsr8223 A lot of rock and flat sheets of rock in our garden, so not enough foundation for anything high. The gardener that built that house, made trenches in the rock, built up areas so the would places for trees to grown and spaces for veggies, but the rest was rock with moss or rock with thin soil and moss.

[@dsr8223]

@@hannayoung9657 Oh, that makes sense. I didn't think about the geological differences in the soil base there.

[@hannayoung9657]

@@dsr8223 Well the area I lived in was right before the big plains, so fertile soil if you found it. It took 20 minutes from our house before the big fields came. But yeah scent pads was amazing, a bit stinky when the sun was really hot but not too bad.

[@debbiegallagher314]

I extended my fence poles with wood and put up the prayer flags that The Cog farm uses. They worked great for keeping the deer out!!! 😊😊😊

[@angelacartmel7577]

Can I just say , I’m in the North West of England but I tune in every day with you guys . I’m not a homesteader but I found my love for growing food during our fist lockdown . But what I love most about your videos is the absolute love you put into them and fir the benefit of your selves and your family . God bless you all and I look forward to following you daily for years to come . Angela in a very cold and bleak Uk

[@jeffreyrhine1956]

I just don't know what to say, but you two always have a calming effect on me. I believe like you said in an earlier video that we need to become more self sufficient with this virus and the state of our country. God bless you and your family.

[@psum6537]

Patches is the new ducks!

[@kjhull4409]

In two different houses we owned, we lost our peach trees to borers. We did some research and if we ever plant fruit trees again, we’re going with nectarines. Also, we had kieffer pear trees. The pears don’t ripen until late September/early October. It let me finish up canning tomatoes, potatoes and our apple products. PS - We have a six foot tall chain link fence surrounding our sewer lagoon. It keeps a lot of our resident deer out. Hubby says it keeps the short ones out. LOL

[@lynnbetts4332]

Love Keifers. My mother used to make a pear chowchow relish. I planted one this year. Will take years, but I want to make pear butter.

[@12micastro]

I'm happy to hear about Hope is doing well since she lost her baby, but God is good He always has a plan. She is now a happy cow taking care of another baby even though it's not her own. Well, it looks like you guys have a Huge project instore and it looks like a lot of hard work, but I know at the end God will send helpers. Once again you guys demonstrate what team work is all about as a loving couple that cares about their family and their lives together at the Homestead. May God bless you

[@swianecki]

Great video. Beautiful land. Can’t wait to see those gardens and orchard. Hope and Hudson are looking good and healthy.

[@susangardner8305]

You guys are great your animals are very well looked after Hope is looking really well after loosing her baby and that is partly due to both of you cause of how you tried to save him and how you handled the situation . God bless both of you and your family

[@pinschrunner]

There is non-toxicn"Deer Away" spray that is made from eggs. It works. I use it for perimeter around garden. We LOVE deer on our property just not eating our produce. If you provide something away from the garden, they can leave it alone. We need to co-exist with other species. We all have a role in the ecosystem.

[@JillUdart]

You could set up a feeder (further down your property) so the deer can learn where the new food source will be. Keep moving it every couple of weeks.

[@kenbacchus4388]

Liquid Fence, deer deterrent.

[@rosiec1974]

Deer.. id go 8-10 foot fences with a Hot Wire at the 8 foot mark. Check out what Goldshaw farm has done to keep his orchards safe .. its a deer fence then the hot wire at the top to ensure the fence works to its best!

[@nancymcdowell9607]

Morning from Virginia. Everything looks really good. Yall are great stewards!

[@suepeterson5675]

Great to hear that Hope has adjusted & Hudson is so playful. Your Beefers are absolutely Beautiful. You All are doing a supppper job with your homestead. Take Care Be Safe Blessings to All. 👍😊

[@LindaCBMediaGroup]

I agree that you'll need a good 8 foot high fence, I'd electrify around it to keep the raccoons and possum out. Squirrels, you'll have to find a good deterrent to keep them out of the trees, berries etc. One other thing, invest in some really good bird nets, to keep the birds from eating the fruit in the trees before you can harvest them, especially the cherries and plums!

[@theallenshire268]

My son’s grandma on his step mom’s side has a large orchard and has all her trees the standard size. She prunes up the lower branches so that the deer can’t reach the fruit that is on the tree at all. She has to have her son bring in his cherry picking equipment to harvest but they make that into a family fun time then she leaves all the windfalls for the deer and they help keep the yellow jackets away by keeping it all picked up. She works hard to make the deer feel safe even when the big beautiful buck is standing in the yard during hunting season but she swears she loves her system because at 80 she can’t bend down to pick up the windfall fruit.

[@OneOfADozen]

Hi from lockdown in Australia 😍

[@pattyriley9662]

Hello from Michigan. We feel you ❤️

[@jenniferhenrich2852]

Hi there from Toronto Canada. Covid still going strong here. Wishing you well.

[@lorettasunshine8435]

So glad you had another baby there. You didn't know but that helped. Blessing

[@setdown2]

One of the best things I planted in my garden is asparagus...takes a few years to get established but I have fresh asparagus every other day for six to eight weeks and starts Early...after initial planting not much work at all...should come up for 15 to 20 years...love it love it !!! Stay safe...

[@teeandkids937]

If not longer haha my mom has some in her garden that was there when she moved there about 60ish years ago and it’s still there to this day haha mind it’s my brothers wife’s garden now but it’s still there haha

[@lorindav5549]

Grilled asparagus is one of our very favorite things to eat. When we lived in MO, you could find it growing in the fence lines.

[@happyheartgardening]

I was so glad to hear about Hope. Those first couple of days would have broke my heart, to hear her calling for him. But so glad that she is settling back in and her and Hudson are moving forward.

[@lorrainebarnes4633]

Thank you for the update on Hope. Hudson's antics are hilarious

[@letsdiscoverwine]

Starks have been THE BEST for many decades. Great choice!

[@brody6103]

Have you considered planting a couple of pawpaw (custard apple) trees. They have amazing tasting fruit.

[@patmccrady6063]

Pawpaws grow better in lowland areas.

[@dsr8223]

That jogged a memory from my childhood back in the early 60s: Pickin’ up paw-paws, puttin’ ’em in her pockets, Pickin’ up paw-paws, puttin’ ’em in her pockets, Pickin’ up paw-paws, puttin’ ’em in her pockets, Way down yonder in the paw-paw patch.

[@melanieramos7505]

That red cow is so pretty,Glad Hope is doing better

[@andrewlittlefield3425]

Y’all’s channel warmes my heart ❤️

[@maryreynolds5310]

I’ve seen a lot of people put fencing up but NOT think about the wild life, so thank you for caring! Being I’m all about save the wild life, maybe make sure the deer don’t get stuck in the fencing. I’ve seen this happen so many times. Lots of rescues! Sounds like you two are moving right along...I’m so excited to see the beginnings, and say 5 years from now. Your plans are definitely so very promising! :) I know you both are very excited.

[@phyllisbowling3551]

There was a reason for getting Hudson so she would have a baby when she lost Henry.

[@mattgross3478]

Amen

[@cynthiawheeler8978]

No, it was to help drink the milk she was making as it was way too much for them and Henry her calf to drink

[@kellygarnet6329]

@@cynthiawheeler8978 You don't get it. It was predestined.

[@psum6537]

God in His infinite wisdom. Praise to the Almighty!

[@hopeking3588]

What happened to hope baby?

[@farmermom]

Another vote for dogs here! We've had great luck with our dogs keeping all sorts of predators away. And when trained properly, they will be kind and protect your own animals but keep away the interlopers.

[@patbarnitz4631]

A pair of guardian dogs. Electric fencing does ok till deer realize they can jump it. The dogs will keep deer away.

[@kjvonly2451]

I have sat here today and watch a mother cow look for her calf and would not stop calling for her all this day. 🙁😢. It hurts my heart to watch. Hopefully she gets better soon. I did notice that other cows went where she was and followed her. That was new to see but I guess they were just staying by her side. The neighbors have about 50-100 cows so I know she’s not alone. Oh, I think I see new colored tags 🏷 on their ears so it looks like they may have gotten rid of the cows I’ve been watching for at least 6 months. 🙁 Learning a lot about cows now. The good and the bad. Thanks for the video. So glad that Hope is doing better. Oh and yes, these cows run and make my day when the calf’s play together.

[@wakeandbakewithmaryjane1767]

" Seeing " him playing with the camera answered my question : do the animals have shenanigans while filming. Heres my answer :D :D

[@cottageonthedunes]

That was cracking me up.

[@marypage3147]

Beautiful and fluffy cattle!

[@wykeishacraft6820]

Good morning to Living Tradition Homestead and all others too. Nice lil rabbit cages with those lovely rabbits. Yeah they happy fot the water. I'm sad for Hope and i miss Henry.

[@z144000]

Thank you Kevin & Sarah. Love your videos. God Bless you all in Love. Love the orchard ideas. ( shared to f/b )

[@georgeearls3338]

disposable aluminum pie plates loosely tied to a fence post so they can flop and rattle in the wind will help, it also helps with the birds going after your berries.

[@dchat30]

I am so happy that Hope and Hudson is doing good.

[@kelleyskitchen9046]

You all take great care of your animals. Thank you

[@kurtsimmons1587]

Definitely look into planting some elderberries!

[@Felkelf]

I added 3 varieties to my yard last spring. Bob Gordon, Ranch and Wyldewood. I found out pretty quickly they'll need to be netted next year so the birds don't get all of them.

[@sandramyers7744]

Yes.... BLACK elder berry. Absolutely amazing miracle for staying healthy or treating a condition.

[@45Colleen1]

Glad to see Hope and Hudson doing well. And also the 5 of the 10 cows you purchased. That was also great seeing the bunnies. Our daughter wants to do that also. And collecting all manure from your animals would make great manure. Thank you fir sharing everything with us. God bless! 💜😊

[@journeytohomestead6188]

Everybody looks so great!! Thanks for sharing, have a wonderful day

[@marleneshaw277]

So happy Hope is feeling better. Hudson looks. Your other cows are a amazing. You are a true couple and Team players. Hope the grandparents ar E doing well from Dartmouth Nova Scotia 🇨🇦🎁🎁

[@stevengoshey6600]

Believe it or not, besides deer we had a little problem with birds too. Needed to put up a few shinny streamers to deter them. Not a big deal.

[@lindathompson5464]

My husband just said, "What about the birds? How do they plan to control them?"

[@laurieherron1634]

My folks had a cherry tree and the birds went CRAZY when cherries started to ripen, gotta plan for deterring birds too !!! Love love LOVE your channel, I grew up on a horse farm as a kid, love watching you two caring for your animals and feeding them, doing your chores. 💜💜💜

[@lattelolly6925]

We have Peach and Apricot trees. Lost most of them to the Peach Borers. Then I read about planting garlic bulbs around the trees when you plant them and it keeps the borer fly from laying their eggs at the soil level on the tree. Did that with the next trees we planted and they are doing good so far. It's been 5 years now. Just a little something that might help and certainly won't hurt. Love y'all.

[@paulpowell9579]

Just be sure to cage your fruit trees, otherwise the bucks will use them as rub trees in late summer and early fall. Just ask my Dad. When I was a kid I went with him to our farm where we planted several varieties if pecan trees. 50 trees in all. When we went back up there the next weekend, the bucks had rubbed everyone of them. All dead. When we replanted, Dad made cheap cages out of concrete mesh wire. It worked, and when the trees matured, they were simple to remove.

[@graniteridgegreens6278]

Been off line for 5 months but bought a 200 acre farm that hasn't had real crops in 60 years. Garden 1st then let the pigs loose to each area to clean up. Following again, Cheers and hope Sarah is well and recovered. Peace Out

[@stanguthrie9198]

Check out Stefan Sobkowiak's permaculture orchard system.

[@robinwilson9008]

I agree. And he has a KZbin channel. Such great information growing permaculture orchards!

[@susanfoster1227]

Sorry for your loss of Henry. I would love to see your garden layout you have planned for spring.

[@childoftheuniverse2644]

Good morning family! Nice to see you again! You're doing a great job, even it's not easy all the time, your life is amazing.

[@drqseeker1]

We have a 3 acre fenced orchard / garden and we have 2 rescue dogs that live in the orchard. An Anitolian Shepherd and a Rat Terrier. The two dogs do an awesome job of keeping the deer, raccoons, possums and other vermin out of the orchard and garden. They are on a self water / feed and have a calf hutch for their shelter. We interact with them daily, but they have a job. We originally installed hi tensile deer fencing, but that height would not be necessary with the right dogs. They do not need to be large dogs to keep the deer and other vermin out, they just need to be out there all the time.

[@thomasdesmond2248]

It is actually good for cows to climb hills. God bless