{Farm} The importance of a Great Feed and Tack Store

Food is one of the most important things to consider when it comes to owning and raising animals on your farm or homestead. For some, homesteading means complete self-sufficiency. However, for many it just isn’t possible to have enough space or time to grow enough rations for the livestock you desire. This is not an excuse to keep from getting animals and enjoying the benefits they bring to your farm or homestead. 

If you are like me and have a hard time even fathoming what it would be like to grow all the food for your animals, there is an alternative. Patronizing your local feed and tack store is just as beneficial as growing your own feed. It can be a friendly environment that can allow you a little socializing away from your farm or homestead. It is also a reliable source for feed, even in the cooler months. 

As some of you may know, our little farm is nestled on an acre within city limits. We are blessed to have a fantastic establishment just a few minutes away. Benson’s has been serving the area for generations. Gran has shopped at this particular store for almost 40 years. It has taught me that customer loyalty pays off. I started purchasing feed for my animals from them almost 6 years ago when I purchased my first flock. Ever since then, the relationship built up with the proprietor and his employees has been priceless. Since we frequent the store for supplies, there are many instances where I no longer even have to give my order because they know what I get. 

It’s a bit like being a part of a rather large extended family-which keeps getting bigger and bigger. As a family would ask after one another, Mr. Benson always asks after my parents and the farm. He usually asks how the homesteading is going as well. We like to share with them come Christmastide in the form of cookie trays or little gifts. The store really is a family affair, as his grandkids are often in the store taking orders and helping process payments behind the counter.

Being a feed and tack store means they carry more than just feed- they supply for all aspects of life with animals. We purchase alwmost everything we need for all our animals there-including the dogs. It there is something I need, I will usually look to see if they have items in stock before searching elsewhere. I have found that if they don’t carry it in store, they are often willing to order an item for you if they have the ability to find it. I found out one day that the store accepts recycled egg cartons, which when I am in need of a particular type, I can be found rifling through their stash. 

I was blessed to become a patron of Benson’s through family tradition. Since we are a family here, I wanted to pass on a few tips to help you find a store that will allow you to have the same great experience. 

Online reviews can be misleading

In this day and age, it seems only natural to jump on one’s phone and scan Yelp or Google for reviews on a particular business. I caution against this- not everyone deems it necessary to post a review online. This means that there may be a bias one way or another with the reviews that are given. I encourage you to trust your own intuition. It will be of greater service to you in the end. 

Make a visit to the establishment. 

Actually stepping through the door can help in allowing your intuition to work. It will give you a better sense of the place. Take a walk through the store and browse their inventory. Do they carry items you use? Have a conversation with the employees. You will likely get the chance to speak with the proprietor, since it seems to be my experience that they spent quite a bit of time in the store. This will assist you in getting a feel for the store and help you make an educated decision as to whether or not the store will fit your needs. 

 Share with your new extended family.  

          This can take any form you feel is appropriate. Gran and I like to bake cookies at Christmas for the places we go to often. We make up a tin and deliver it to the store. I started sending a card to the store at Christmas as a thank you for the service throughout the year. It can even be as simple as taking your kids into the store upon occasion.  

A good feed and tack store can make all the difference in raising animals on your farm or homestead. If you don’t already give your patronage to a local store, I encourage you to find one and visit. You might be surprised.

Ms. B

{Farm} Introductions

I realized that I have never done any kind of post that explains who’s who. So here is a list of the people you’ll hear about in the blogs and even on the YouTube channel.

At the Flying V.S. Farm

 

Gran

This is my grandmother’s code name on the blog. Gran is my maternal grandmother. She was born in the 40’s during WWII. She lived during the original green movement and knows how to do all the good things like canning and sewing. She teaches me as well as any book could.

Franklin

Our nutty black and white cat.  I am not 100% sure how old Franklin is. When gran adopted him from the SPCA, he was supposed to be my cat. As is often the case, the cat chose his human and it wasn’t me. He adores Gran and is her cat… I am ok with that though. He is an absolute nut! We laugh at him quite often.

Gabe

Gran’s adopted 6 year old Border Collie from a local rescue. Gran has an affinity for animals with issues. Gabe only has 3 legs. He was hit by a vehicle before we adopted him. He can get around as well as any dog. I hope to possibly start training him to herd because he has a natural desire for it.

Linus

 My 4 year old Border Collie mix. When Gran adopted Gabe, we couldn’t only have one dog. So I talked her into adopting a second. The same rescue had two 4 month old puppies listed on their website. We went back to pick up her dog and met them both. I settled on Linus because his personality stood out. Little did I know what kind of personality I was getting into.  He is a bit bouncy as you will see in the future. He also talks- a lot. 

Woody

My nine year old Miniature Dachshund. While I am a supporter of the adopt don’t shop movement, I am glad to have Woody. He balances out the size ratio in our home. My parents bought my brother and I dogs back in 2008. After losing his brother, he was the only dog in our house. He needed a canine family. When my parents moved to their apartment in the city, they couldn’t take him with them. That was fine and he became my dog. He is the class clown here on the farm.

My Family

 Mom & Dad

My parents are, well, my parents. I haven’t come up with any creative code names for them yet. They live about a half hour north of Gran and I. When they moved from their apartment to a house, my mom became a little keener on the idea of homesteading (at least having a garden and a few chickens anyway.) I am hoping to get Mom to contribute a bit to the blog. and maybe even Dad.They were the original creators of the Flying V.S. Farm. To keep them as a part of the farm, they have become the Flying V.S. Farm North 40.  I attribute my love of animals and history to them. 

Mom

This is usually the view I have of Mom.

Mom is a fantastic photographer. I will be sharing some of the period inspired portraits she's taken of me lately on the blog soon.  There are somethings you just can't learn from a book. My natural affinity for photographing life comes from her. When she isn't crafting or cooking. she works as an elementary school teacher. 




Dad
Dad is retired going on 10 years from his job as a state employee. Now that he has all this free time, he works as a US missionary associate with the Assemblies of God church and is an AG certified minister. His heart lies with the intercity people, particularly the homeless.  

Scooter

This is the code name for my “little” brother. Even though we live apart, we are still very close. When you grow up in a neighborhood where you’re the only kids, it’s bound to happen that you become best friends with your siblings.  

The G’s

My code name for my second cousin’s family. They moved to the area a few years back and it’s been nice having them closer. Family dinners and shared holidays, what could be better?’

Mrs. G

Mom’s cousin on my grandfather’s side of the family. She is a stay at home mom and homeschooler extraordinaire with their two kids. She loves doing Pinterest projects in her spare time.

Mr. G

 I don’t mean to point out the obvious, but this is Mrs. G’s husband. He works as a guardsmen and a pastor.

Lil’ Sis

My 5 year old cousin who feels like my little sister, thus her codename. She enjoys playing with Legos (they are actually Duplo blocks, but hey, what is the difference?) She started dance last year and is really good. And her sense of humor… wow. Lil’ Sis also enjoys the animals and we have great fun when she visits the farm.

Lil’ Bro

My 2 year old cousin. Now that this kid has started walking (and running) he is into everything. He has also started talking. If he isn’t running away he is telling you what he thinks. When they visit, his favorite toy is a wooden Ark that I had when I was a kid. It is attacked with great fervor and within 5 minutes there are giraffes and lions scattered about.  We introduced him to the chickens this past fall and he kept trying to feed them… constantly.He seemed to enjoy it.

I hope this gives you a better understanding of who everyone is when you are reading posts here on the blog. I know it can get confusing sometimes. Hang in there!

Ms. B

{Create} May Photo Hunt

Mom and I spent Memorial Day at our favorite spot taking a few pictures of the beautiful spring time bounty at Rancho San Rafael state park in Reno. My challenge to myself was to play with light and composition.  Here are a few pictures I wanted to share.

The covered bridge near the entrance to the arboretum is one of my favorite places to photograph.

These Oriental Poppies were just gorgeous. I loved how the light went through the delicate leaves.

I love taking pictures of roses when the light is shining in through the top like it was here. The shadow play is amazing.

Same rose from a different angle and a bit closer up. I took this one to practice drawing or painting at some point.

Mom and I kept hearing turkeys... I remembered that the park had been raising them in the barn that was a part of the original ranch. Isn't he handsome?

His lady was out in one of the paddocks taking a sun bath... when we walked up she dropped to the ground, stretched out and started chirping.

I couldn't resist getting a few pictures of the ducks...

I hope you enjoyed these pictures.
Love always,
Miss B