Living off the land..

[RachelMarie]

I forgot...as far as livestock goes...We have VERY limited land. City life! But I have no problem eating the family pet. lol. I'm looking into having a few rabbits on hand, maybe some frogs....lol. You can only do what you have room for. I do have one thing going for me...I'm surrounded by farmers...I know LOTS of pig farmers, dairy farmers and goats....I'll jack 'em if I have to! I HAVE recently been studying butchering. So, Hopefully that will help!

 

[jeremy]

I know LOTS of pig farmers, dairy farmers and goats....I'll jack 'em if I have to!

Try it I dare you! Because if **** has truly hit thine fan, I have no problem at all about being neighborly and supporting my community. However, do remember theft WILL NOT be dealt with by a call to the authorities...

 

[RachelMarie]

Try it I dare you! Because if **** has truly hit thine fan, I have no problem at all about being neighborly and supporting my community. However, do remember theft WILL NOT be dealt with by a call to the authorities...

The ones I'm talking about are family members who do not believe s will ever htf. I doubt they will shoot me. lol
What you are saying though...was exactly my point. When people are starving...they will do things that normally are un-acceptable. I'm not a thief...never have been. But if it comes down to my daughter starving...I'll do ANYTHING to prevent that (ANYTHING). I wouldnt care if I'm getting shot at or....(use your imagination!) . I think ANYONE would.


You sound rather deffensive....sorry if I offended. But like I stated...my families well being is more important than hurting feelings. That's why I'm a prepper, so I dont have to do things I normally wouldn't. Seriously though...not meant to get your feathers all ruffled.

<I like this little guy!

 

[jeremy]

Sorry about that Rachel. I am a farmer. Have heard that kind of statement from many here before, and were actually serious about it. Just had a long weekend playing Army and am tired trying to catch up on here. Feeling a little snappy right now...

 

[RachelMarie]

Sorry about that Rachel. I am a farmer. Have heard that kind of statement from many here before, and were actually serious about it. Just had a long weekend playing Army and am tired trying to catch up on here. Feeling a little snappy right now...

Understandable. Like I said, I have farmers (LOTS) in my family...I worry about them. Because I truely believe that if s ever did htf...all the ignorant people who have been blinded by stupidity will think they can just go to thier local farmers. So more power to you for standing up and saying "HELL NO"!

 

[oldfb]

It seems like most of us weighing in have a clue. My situation is who in my community do I approach. I figure I will just keep a low profile until things go south. I have to buy seeds to convert our open areas to plant food and I could use the financial help but I just am not ready to go public with a community that I barely know. I guess after all the sheep end up bugging out it will be safer and easier. You all know there are executive orders regarding hoarding right? I thought I read at one time that it was illegal to have more than a thirty day supply or some said a year supply of food on hand. I guess the idea is that we can turn it all in and share.
I don't know where we will draw the line at charity or working together. I do know there is one thread writer that I don't want knowing where I live when their supplies run out.lol Jeesh! Me and my wife figure with our water and stores rationed combined with our bmi we will outlast most all of the people that turn their heads because of our size. I read about one pow who went from 250 to 135 while being held. Thankfully we aren't sickly. I am just disabled and fat. Call it the EOW diet plan.
Cannibals beware we are armed. I gave my wife permission to carve the tender parts with our surgical kit if it got that bad...lmao

Ya know if every one pulled together now like we want our msg's to after the shtf we would be called cults or communes. Funny how we are all dead set against socialism until the shtf. We won't have a prayer surviving unless we all combine our resources, talents and wills with a group. But if we try getting our block to pull together now it would be a joke. Just like NYcity pre vs post 9/11 it took a tradgedy to unite that city and it lasted for what? Just long enough for the Gov't to screw over the responders when they got sick. By telling them the air was safe to breathe. Ok enough bitchin! Sorry, on to a brighter topic tonight. Take care all. Keep pulling together and stay safe.

 

[CarmelHP]

The ones I'm talking about are family members who do not believe s will ever htf. I doubt they will shoot me. lol
What you are saying though...was exactly my point. When people are starving...they will do things that normally are un-acceptable. I'm not a thief...never have been. But if it comes down to my daughter starving...I'll do ANYTHING to prevent that (ANYTHING). I wouldnt care if I'm getting shot at or....(use your imagination!) . I think ANYONE would.


You sound rather deffensive....sorry if I offended. But like I stated...my families well being is more important than hurting feelings. That's why I'm a prepper, so I dont have to do things I normally wouldn't. Seriously though...not meant to get your feathers all ruffled.

<I like this little guy!

Not about hurt feelings. It's about making someone else starve because of your failings. Looters should and will be shot.

 

[RachelMarie]

Not about hurt feelings. It's about making someone else starve because of your failings. Looters should and will be shot.

I agree. But if you think that is not what it's going to boil down to, you're nuts. Seriously...being a prepper, I've thought about what it "could" be. And you cant tell me that if your supplies ran out, (or whatever the situation may be) and you and your family were starving, that you wouldnt do the same thing. It's human nature. If you are watching your little 5 year old child and your wife starve to DEATH...you will or would do ANYTHING to stop it.
Like I said, I have mad respect for Farmers, and my family and I are prepping more than most, so hopefuly it would never come down to that. But if it came down to fighting for food or watching my family die from malnutrituion, you can bet I'm going to fight.
Like I said though in my first post...I'm confident that I could and will live off the land. I've done my research I've stocked up on lots of things that are needed.
I hope the s doesn't htf though. Because that's what I predict it would be like. No electricity, no food, no water...nothing. I KNOW I could survive for atleast a month or 2 with the preps we have, but those people who haven't prepped at all are going to be desperate, and mark my words...when people are starving...it will turn violent! It'll be everyone for themselves. It's just a fact.
If you disagree, you are blind. I know people dont want to here the truth sometimes...because the truth is scarey, but if it's a situation where there is no food/water you can bet there is going to be blood shed and war.
I do not know ONE parent who would sit back and watch thier family starve off.

 

[CulpeperMM]

for urban/suburbanites, a $500 trip to Sam's Club today can hold you, your child, and spouse for up to 6 months as far as food goes. you will have to ration and plan out your meals. you will need to do that now, while you have computer to assist the planning. Water can be cleaned for the usual bacteria / virus / "impurities" (i do not know if chemical "poisoning" of the
water can be treated or even detected). you protect your store with your own firearms. i highly suggest getting a shotgun and plenty of shells.

my point is, good people should not include looting as part of their plan. you can survive a fairly long time without treading on others.

I, for one, will endeavor to make my "Don't Tread On Me" motto reciprocal.

 

[mikea46996]

I do have one thing going for me...I'm surrounded by farmers...I know LOTS of pig farmers, dairy farmers and goats....I'll jack 'em if I have to! I HAVE recently been studying butchering. So, Hopefully that will help!

I understand this was tongue in check so you get a freebie...lol
Just remember the make up of a swine vs a human are very close if you are caught stealing from me you my very well become dinner for those same swine you were trying to steal.

It seems like most of us weighing in have a clue. My situation is who in my community do I approach. I figure I will just keep a low profile until things go south. I have to buy seeds to convert our open areas to plant food and I could use the financial help but I just am not ready to go public with a community that I barely know. I guess after all the sheep end up bugging out it will be safer and easier. You all know there are executive orders regarding hoarding right? I thought I read at one time that it was illegal to have more than a thirty day supply or some said a year supply of food on hand. I guess the idea is that we can turn it all in and share.
I don't know where we will draw the line at charity or working together. I do know there is one thread writer that I don't want knowing where I live when their supplies run out.lol Jeesh! Me and my wife figure with our water and stores rationed combined with our bmi we will outlast most all of the people that turn their heads because of our size. I read about one pow who went from 250 to 135 while being held. Thankfully we aren't sickly. I am just disabled and fat. Call it the EOW diet plan.
Cannibals beware we are armed. I gave my wife permission to carve the tender parts with our surgical kit if it got that bad...lmao

Ya know if every one pulled together now like we want our msg's to after the shtf we would be called cults or communes. Funny how we are all dead set against socialism until the shtf. We won't have a prayer surviving unless we all combine our resources, talents and wills with a group. But if we try getting our block to pull together now it would be a joke. Just like NYcity pre vs post 9/11 it took a tradgedy to unite that city and it lasted for what? Just long enough for the Gov't to screw over the responders when they got sick. By telling them the air was safe to breathe. Ok enough bitchin! Sorry, on to a brighter topic tonight. Take care all. Keep pulling together and stay safe.

OLDFB I would suggest because you do have a disability if you do not have family or friends in the area the best way for you to survive would be just as you are thinking. Lay low!!!! I prefer the Greyman approach even the information I share on here is limited. If you are in an urban area get out now, if you are in a rural area plan ahead make sure you have heritage seeds not hybrid in you LTS.
Most people believe the order is Water, Food, Shelter as do I but I will add at this point it is more like Defensive ability, water, food, shelter. As horrible as it sounds look at society as a whole today if the SHTF tomorrow there will be millions that are currently on welfare or other guberment aid that will take from the haves(preppers) if they(we) are unable to protect what is ours. I am more then willing to help out when and where I can but myself, my family, and trusted friends in the group come before charity.

for urban/suburbanites, a $500 trip to Sam's Club today can hold you, your child, and spouse for up to 6 months as far as food goes. you will have to ration and plan out your meals. you will need to do that now, while you have computer to assist the planning. Water can be cleaned for the usual bacteria / virus / "impurities" (i do not know if chemical "poisoning" of the
water can be treated or even detected). you protect your store with your own firearms. i highly suggest getting a shotgun and plenty of shells.

my point is, good people should not include looting as part of their plan. you can survive a fairly long time without treading on others.

I, for one, will endeavor to make my "Don't Tread On Me" motto reciprocal.

 

[RachelMarie]

for urban/suburbanites, a $500 trip to Sam's Club today can hold you, your child, and spouse for up to 6 months as far as food goes. you will have to ration and plan out your meals. you will need to do that now, while you have computer to assist the planning. Water can be cleaned for the usual bacteria / virus / "impurities" (i do not know if chemical "poisoning" of the
water can be treated or even detected). you protect your store with your own firearms. i highly suggest getting a shotgun and plenty of shells.

I too highly suggest getting a gun and ammo...and standing up for what is rightfully yours. Because my plan is to prep, it sounds like your plan is to prep...but 90% of people out there (sheeple) are not even thinking about it. Point Blank. And when shtf...the sheeple will go and grab thier guns and rob from people like you and I if we let them (or they get away with it). It's a fact.

I get the vibe that you didnt read my previous posts. I AM A PREPPER....I have a stockpile that is always growing and I have no doubt that with what I have (and getting new things EVERY day) that my family and myself will be just fine. My point is....if something happened to my supplies and my family was starving...I would go to any lengths to feed them...ANY lengths. It's not my "plan" to tread on anyone. I'm just not sugar coating the facts. People who are desperate will do anything. It's just how humans work.
So everyone can chime in and say they wouldnt loot...but if you HAD to to feed your family...you WOULD. Obviously, chances of having to if you are a prepper are slim to none...but you have got to look at the whole picture. Things happen....and if someone takes your preps (even if you do put up a fight, it can happen and will be tried.), you have got to care for your family.
.

my point is, good people should not include looting as part of their plan. you can survive a fairly long time without treading on others.

I, for one, will endeavor to make my "Don't Tread On Me" motto reciprocal.

Like stated above...Looting is NOT part of my plan....Prepping IS my plan and has been for a while now. But yes...I do look at all the possibilities that come along with a shtf situation. Doesnt make me a bad person and quite frankly....I'm pissed that you imply that I am.
What are you going to do if your preps are taken or no good? You will not loot to feed your family? Are you saying that you will sit there and watch your children and wife die a horrible death? Seriously?

I'm a true believer in "Dont tread on me"...But I'm also a true believer that there are a bunch of idiots out there who WILL try to do so. It's just my ....and you can think what you want but if the time arises...you would be doing the same thing.



Now, on that note.....LISTEN UP PEOPLE.....PREPARE FOR THE WORST and hope for the best( AND PRAY). I agree with CulpeperMM on prepping. Take his advice, go to sams club and spend a week or 2 worth of your income on food/water. Pack a BOB (bug out bag) with everything you MIGHT need...Stand up for what is yours. BUT remember...DO NOT automatically think that you are okay in a shtf situation...because there are plenty of people out there who haven't taken the time to prep...and they will be coming after yours. My suggestion....dont tell anyone you are a prepper unless they too are a prepper.

 

[RachelMarie]

I understand this was tongue in check so you get a freebie...lol
Just remember the make up of a swine vs a human are very close if you are caught stealing from me you my very well become dinner for those same swine you were trying to steal.

If I have to go as low as stealing livestock...know that I am fully aware of the consequences (spelled wrong I'm sure). That is persisly(also probably spelled wrong..lol) why I AM a prepper. What I'm saying is, the only reason to steal is because it's the last hope for my family. and if that is the case...I most likely wouldnt mind being "put out of my misery" if I did not succeed. I'm just speaking the truth!

 

[jeremy]

If I have to go as low as stealing livestock...know that I am fully aware of the consequences (spelled wrong I'm sure). That is persisly(also probably spelled wrong..lol) why I AM a prepper. What I'm saying is, the only reason to steal is because it's the last hope for my family. and if that is the case...I most likely wouldnt mind being "put out of my misery" if I did not succeed. I'm just speaking the truth!

Even in bad times it has been proven that most farmers have been more than happy to help someone out. You may have to work for me for your room and board. And your room may mot be what you have had in the past, but that is far better than the alternatives...

There is so many different alternatives to actual thievery, that it is usually actually more labor intensive to steal from someone else.

 

[mikea46996]

If I have to go as low as stealing livestock...know that I am fully aware of the consequences (spelled wrong I'm sure). That is persisly(also probably spelled wrong..lol) why I AM a prepper. What I'm saying is, the only reason to steal is because it's the last hope for my family. and if that is the case...I most likely wouldnt mind being "put out of my misery" if I did not succeed. I'm just speaking the truth!

Rachel I understand that and don't think any less of you for that. I would suggest however askimg first, I know if I had a family or even an individual come to me and ask for food or help I am pretty sure i would and if you and your husband are healthy and able to work I would be more then happy to trade labor for food, hell I would trade room and bored for labor. The survivors will be willing to work together nobody no matter how prpared will be able to go it alone.

 

[RachelMarie]

I understand what you guys are saying...and I think I worded it wrong. When I say stealing would be my LAST resort, it means in a situation where I have exerted ALL my other options. I'm just being honest in saying that if there was NO ONE willing to hire I would do it to feed my daughter. It's not even about me or my husband. It's about my daughter! I would not expect handouts...so I wouldn't ask for it. I would (and do) work for everything I have and wouldnt expect it to be diff' in a shtf situation.
I believe you dont think less of me for it (Mikea), but at the same time, there are people here who do. But ONLY because they haven't thought about a shtf situation equally to as bad of a shtf situation I have! Like I said, I plan for the WORST. Because if I dont, and the worst is what happens......Is my daughter going to have a good life? Are we going to know what to do? The answer is YES...I have a PLAN. From begining to end....start to finish....Bad to HORRIBLE!

 

[CarmelHP]

I agree. But if you think that is not what it's going to boil down to, you're nuts. Seriously...being a prepper, I've thought about what it "could" be. And you cant tell me that if your supplies ran out, (or whatever the situation may be) and you and your family were starving, that you wouldnt do the same thing. It's human nature. If you are watching your little 5 year old child and your wife starve to DEATH...you will or would do ANYTHING to stop it.

Just as long as you're prepared to let your family starve without you. If you loot, you will be killed. If not the first time, then one of the next times, but you will be killed. Your family is now more likely to starve or God knows what horrible fate. It's a bad idea.

 

[Mr.Hoppes]

With the direction this thread is taking I will add this tidbit.

Have you actually sat down and made a written plan of action for "When" that time comes?
A list of people you have basically prepared to join you>?
A list of skills you may need from them?
A list of places that any stragglers could go to beyond your place?
A diagram of your physical home setup for sleeping and best flow.
A list of jobs and those who would be doing them.

This is in addition to any documentation you may keep on your stocked items.
In addition to your rotational schedule, and locations of stocked Items.
As the HOH I also plan and train my second, so that the plan goes on even if I am not able to enact it.

At this stage in the game we tend to focus too much on preparing by stocking up on things. A plan ahead of time well thought out over years of time revisited and revised, and used in training. This is valuable tool.

As time goes on people who I thought initially would be good for the household, have proved to be a liability, and removed from the list of welcomed to the list of a alternative package.

Our alternative package would be a map of other ares where people can go from here, and a small food portion to help them along. An outer area on our property designated for those who wish to "camp"- "out" with us for a short period of time.

Why put it in writing? because you may not be home at the exact moment and your house may need to do things for themselves before you can get back. Keep it secure, keep it encrypted, keep it alive. Just make sure you do it.

As a Micro Farmer or Rancher, I have a security perimeter, and various other measures in place that add to my security. I won't say more than that, but to add may God have mercy on the soul of them that attempt to breach my perimeter. The act of attempting to breach, is in my view a physical attack on me and mine and would be dealt with accordingly.

People say why do all this?

Because I believe a bad situation will happen. I know God will see use through it but I don't want to be like the masses who Jesus had to feed. I can not make wine from water nor can I make 3 fish feed all those that would show up. For me it isn't so much about survival but surviving and thriving there after. But that's me. I am looking out for my grand children and their grand children. OK ....

 

[CulpeperMM]

RachelMarie,
There will be some that will do anything they can to help feed those that are without, especially children. I think most people in this country still have compassion for children.

I would suggest that by staying away from looting that your chances of survival increase tremendously, and if you survive, you child's odds improve as well. Most people that live on the farm are going to be armed and ready to defend their property, and will have had a lifetime of practice.

I sympathize with your sentiments of doing whatever it takes to provide for family (my wife and I are expecting a little girl any day now, after waiting many years for this blessing). I will certainly "do whatever it takes", but i'm not pre-contemplating any looting. If worse comes to worst, i'll just have to see what the Lord provides. He will provide for our needs, not always our wants.

You mentioned praying. ultimately, our survival is in the hands of the Lord Allmighty. if it is His will that we die, then no amount of prepping will matter. If it His will that you and your family survive, then He will find a way. That way may be the kindness of strangers, or could be be rummaging through the remains of ruined cities, who knows. Remember, ALL things happen to bring Glory to the Heavenly Father. He can remedy your fear.

Isaiah 25:4
You have been a refuge for the poor,
a refuge for the needy in his distress,
a shelter from the storm
and a shade from the heat.
For the breath of the ruthless
is like a storm driving against a wall

Our bodies will die, without a doubt, whether because of a catastrophy or because you slip getting out of the bath tub and bump your head or just plain old age. Whether SHTF or not.

Your relationship with Jesus Christ is what your eternal life depends on. Only you and He know whether you trust him as your savior. You can plant that seed with your child. We should be planting that seed with neighbors as well.

In the meantime, we are instructed to defend ourselves:

Luke 22:36

He said to them, "But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don't have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one.

I pray for my family, you and all of us that the Lord deliver this country from evil. The Lord answered the prayers of Sam Adams, John Hancock and the others in 1775 and following years of the war of independence. That didn't mean that men didn't have to fight and die for it.

 

[Donnelly]

(I have no idea what baby pigs are called)

Piglets, Mike. Think Winnie the Pooh.

Had a great uncle that was a corn transporter, too. Easiest way to take corn to market was in jars

I thought corn was sold by the bushel.

Unless you are talking about...

Oh.

Where can i find an IR heater?

Rural King around this area sells them, but only when the weather starts getting cold. They have pulled them off the shelves by now. Occasionally you can find one of the small, portable ones that they sell for camping or ice fishing at sprting goods stores like Dick's, Dunhams's, etc. Otherwise, for the room size heaters, you will probably have to wait until Rural King gets them in, unless someone else knows of a summertime source.

 

[Sailor]

Exactly and if you better have this down before shtf. And you better train together as a group.

Be careful who speak to about your planning and be extra careful how you vet members into your group. You have to take into consideration who the members will be bringing with them.

Great post.

With the direction this thread is taking I will add this tidbit.

Have you actually sat down and made a written plan of action for "When" that time comes?
A list of people you have basically prepared to join you>?
A list of skills you may need from them?
A list of places that any stragglers could go to beyond your place?
A diagram of your physical home setup for sleeping and best flow.
A list of jobs and those who would be doing them.

This is in addition to any documentation you may keep on your stocked items.
In addition to your rotational schedule, and locations of stocked Items.
As the HOH I also plan and train my second, so that the plan goes on even if I am not able to enact it.

At this stage in the game we tend to focus too much on preparing by stocking up on things. A plan ahead of time well thought out over years of time revisited and revised, and used in training. This is valuable tool.

As time goes on people who I thought initially would be good for the household, have proved to be a liability, and removed from the list of welcomed to the list of a alternative package.

Our alternative package would be a map of other ares where people can go from here, and a small food portion to help them along. An outer area on our property designated for those who wish to "camp"- "out" with us for a short period of time.

Why put it in writing? because you may not be home at the exact moment and your house may need to do things for themselves before you can get back. Keep it secure, keep it encrypted, keep it alive. Just make sure you do it.

As a Micro Farmer or Rancher, I have a security perimeter, and various other measures in place that add to my security. I won't say more than that, but to add may God have mercy on the soul of them that attempt to breach my perimeter. The act of attempting to breach, is in my view a physical attack on me and mine and would be dealt with accordingly.

People say why do all this?

Because I believe a bad situation will happen. I know God will see use through it but I don't want to be like the masses who Jesus had to feed. I can not make wine from water nor can I make 3 fish feed all those that would show up. For me it isn't so much about survival but surviving and thriving there after. But that's me. I am looking out for my grand children and their grand children. OK ....