Ruby Burks

Ruby is a first generation Californian who grew up in the heart of the Central San Joaquin Valley farming community. She's been involved in agriculture for 40 years and learned to preserve food, traditional home arts, to hunt and fish, raise livestock and garden from her Ozark native mother.

Which Kind of Chicken Breed Is Best For Your Backyard Flock?

At the end of the day, every flock is as unique as the homesteader who tends to them. What works best for you may not work best for your neighbor living just down the road. Here’s a primer on the best types of chickens for the homestead.

Sustainable Farming: Starting a Quail Flock

Whether you choose to get started with chicks or eggs, quail are an easy way to provide sustainable meat even in small spaces. They’re prolific layers, can be eaten without the meat becoming tough at any time during their lives, and are a great way to get into poultry for the small scale homesteader.

Black Gold: Creating Perfect Compost with Kitchen, Yard and Garden Scraps

Composting is a great way to reduce the amount of food waste and yard debris from going to landfills, it provides a wonderful “free” amendment to poor soils, and can even reduce your water use and save you money.

Sustainable Farming: Raising Quail

If you’re trying to get by and want a self-sufficient meat source, but are limited on space or are trying to do it on the sly so your landlord and neighbors won’t find out, quail is an excellent option.

Food Pantry: Take Care of Your Basic Needs

No matter what stage of life you’re in, it’s always a good time to become more self-sufficient. Here’s how to get started homesteading.

Time Is Money: 4 Frugal Tips for Self-Sufficient Living

Time is money and if you’re one of the Broke Folk, it’s important to free up both of these. For a better quality of life, here are some frugal living tips to get your simplified life on track.

Aprons: The Essential Homesteading Garment

There’s a style of apron for every homesteading chore and every budget. Pick a style that suits you and your needs best and I know you’ll love them just as much as I do.

Hunting Dogs: Eight of the Most Popular Breeds for Game and Fowl Hunting

The value and utility of a good hunting dog cannot be overstated – especially in an off grid environment.

Put These Essential Supplies In Your Pantry Today

Growing herbs and spices to reduce your current grocery bill or to enhance your diet after a disruption in trade is essential for any well-stocked pantry.

Pantry Basics: Staple Foods Focus on Bread

Bread, in all its forms is the most widely consumed staple in the world. Whether you’re living paycheck to paycheck or trying to stretch the foods you put up for winter, homemade bread can play an important role in filling bellies and nourishing the soul.

Sustainable Farming: Raising Kits to Harvest

Part three of our sustainable farming series where we focus our attention on raising kits to harvest.

Preserving the Season: All About Apples

Whether you choose to buy your fruit from a local grower or decide to start your own orchard, apples are a great fruit to add to your homesteading pantry and garden and have many uses beyond the sad little red thing in the lunchbox.