a version of Oliver and Lisa Douglas of Green Acres

[Senile_Texas_Aggie]

My wife and I recently retired. After selling our house in McKinney, TX, we bought a farm in western Arkansas. We have never lived in the country before, so we are like Oliver and Lisa Douglas from the TV show "Green Acres". We have 100 acres of pasture and 60 acres of timber. We have a LOT to learn, so any guidance would be appreciated.

 

[promiseacres]

sounds like a fun adventure!

 

[greybeard]

Well, one good thing about moving to Arkansas...you will, according to my deceased brother..save a bundle on footwear.
His grandson in an East Texas cafe to anyone that would listen:
"Hi..we're from Arkansas!"

Reply from the Texas couple in line behind them:
"Oh and look honey..they're wearing shoes!"

 

[Southern by choice]

I had family that lived in McKinney many moons ago. Small world.
Congratulations on your move and your new adventure.

Best advice I could give is go SLOW!
If you hope to do anykind of livestock learn your land first. Go through every season so you know exactly where the bad areas are.
Building in the wrong spot (barns etc) can be costly.
When it comes to livestock stick with one species before adding in another. Keep it small and manageable. Find out what kind of testing that species should have and only buy from clean fully tested herds.
Same with any kind of poultry.
Connect with your local extension services as well. They will have folks that can test your soil, show you poisonous plants etc, many have classes that teach on things from pasture management to health on cattle, sheep, goats etc.

Lots of amazing people here at BYH that are always willing to help. Welcome to the BYH community.

 

[bethh]

Good luck is the only advice I have. We bought 3 acres and often say it’s like Green Acres. I’ll live vicariously through you. Can’t wait to hear more.

 

[Latestarter]

Greetings and welcome to BYH from NE TX! So glad you joined us. Sounds like you have a great place with some space and breathing room. If you plan to heat (or augment) with wood, I'd say start with blow downs and standing dead wood in your forested area as soon as you can. With 60 acres I doubt you'll run out any time soon and may not have to cut a live tree for years. There's a wealth of info, knowledge and experience shared in the multitude of threads. Browse around and see what interesting stuff you can find. By all means post away when the desire strikes you, especially if you have questions (provide as much detail/info as possible and pictures truly help)... With all the great folks here, generally someone will respond in no time at all. Please make yourself at home! Hope you enjoy the site!

 

[Baymule]

Hey! You did it! Now we'll get you hooked on BYH and you'll have all kinds of fun here! We have lots of information on the forum, from building fence to barns, to feed troughs and chicken coops. There is information on all kinds of farm animals, studying the different forums might help you decide which ones to start with. I recommend starting with chickens, they are pretty easy to house and feed. Now get out there and take some picture of your place so we can oooooh and aaaah over it!

 

[RollingAcres]

Hello and welcome! Glad you joined us! Congrats on your new place and new adventure!

Now we'll get you hooked on BYH and you'll have all kinds of fun here!

Truth!!!

 

[Baymule]

Hey! So glad that you signed up for BYH, this is a great place full of friendly, helpful people. There is lots of information in the forums that cover practically all the farm animals that you can study and see what is the right choice for you.

We have hair sheep, usually keep a couple of feeder pigs, chickens, horses and we and having a great time.

Go take pictures of your place so we can admire it!

 

[animalmom]

Welcome! Glad to have you here. Please consider starting a journal of your new farm. You will soon forget what you have done as you go on to new projects and a journal is a great way for us to share in your progress. And lots of pictures! We love pictures. Please and thank you.