Keepin it Real - The Gorham Homestead Podcast

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Have you ever wondered what it takes to ensure the safety of raw milk on a homestead? Join me on Keepin' it Real as I share my journey of learning to draw blood from our cows for regular disease testing, and our excitement as we await the A2 status results. You'll also get a close look at the challenges of managing maturing turkeys and a tough encounter with a steer and a permanent weaning ring. This episode is packed with valuable insights on resilient living and the practical steps you can take to prepare for unpredictable times.
Building a new farm community can be daunting, but I've discovered the importance of a strong support network and financial resilience. I recount my personal experience of moving to a new area and the immediate need to connect with neighbors. Together, we formed a tight-knit community with diverse skills that offer emotional and practical support. Additionally, I delve into the necessity of having an emergency fund, diversifying income streams, and possessing barterable goods. By fostering these relationships and financial strategies, we create a more secure environment for ourselves and our loved ones.
Our health and preparedness become even more crucial as we age. In this episode, I explore how strength training and daily stretching can prevent muscle loss and injuries, especially for those over 50. Drawing from my experience managing thoracic outlet syndrome, I offer stretching and stress management techniques. We also discuss the importance of emergency planning, food security through a well-stocked pantry, and the peace of mind that comes from being prepared. Finally, I share a heartfelt story about my southern upbringing, emphasizing the values of love, faith, and pride that shape a resilient and grateful lifestyle.

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Ever wondered how to juggle homestead life and vacation plans without a hitch? We've got you covered! This episode of Keeping it Real at the Gorham Homestead is packed with our personal stories and practical tips on managing a busy homestead while gearing up for an exciting family trip to Colorado. Get an insider's update on the raw milk industry, learn about the minimal risk of bird flu from local dairy farms, and join us in the anticipation of attending our niece Charlotte's wedding in beautiful Steamboat Springs. Tee also shares his recent fishing adventure, and we discuss the installation of our brand-new sprinkler system and the ongoing progress of our pond project.
In a community effort that exemplifies self-reliance, we teamed up with friends from the Self Reliance Festival to relocate our smaller chicken coop and a heavy dog kennel, making our homestead more efficient than ever. Hear about the strategic moves we made, from using a tractor to optimizing livestock and compost management. We also delve into the wonders of automation with our new Wi-Fi-enabled sprinkler system and our amusing wish for an automated weed eater. As we embrace technology to ease our workload, we share our thoughts on balancing upfront costs with long-term benefits.
Efficiency and organization are the names of the game as we recount our adventures with a new battery-operated weed eater, including some unexpected mishaps. Learn how we've optimized our property layout, from moving chickens closer to water spigots to organizing feed supplies and setting up new coops for our turkeys. Beyond the homestead, we touch on the joys of canning workshops and the importance of medical training, sharing personal anecdotes and upcoming family celebrations. Don't miss out on our heartfelt reflections and invaluable advice—this episode is a blend of laughter, learning, and life on the homestead. Happy Fourth of July, and keep it real, y'all!
Today's Sponsors:
Rogina, LLC in Lakeland, FL - RoginaConsulting.com
Hermitage Embroidery Works - HermitageEmbroidery.com
Hamilton, Gorham & Duncan, PLLC HGDLegal.com
Here's the link to the new wifi enabled garden timer: (it's not an affiliate link as of right now)
https://a.co/d/0ihKzlmc

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Summary
In this episode, Dawn and Tee Gorham discuss their experiences being snowed in on their Tennessee homestead. They talk about the challenges of being stuck together 24/7 and the importance of having separate activities. They also provide an update on their pantry challenge and share their improvisation in cooking meals with limited ingredients. The couple discusses the difficulties of dealing with excess milk during the snowstorm and the importance of having a generator for power outages. They also talk about the need for chains on their vehicles for emergencies and the challenges of dealing with trolls on social media. The episode concludes with a discussion on food preservation and plans for homemade pizza night.
Takeaways
Being stuck together 24/7 can be challenging, and it's important to have separate activities and personal space.
During a snowstorm, improvisation in cooking meals with limited ingredients is necessary.
Having a generator is crucial for maintaining power during outages, especially for those on well water.
Being prepared for emergencies, such as having chains for vehicles, is important for safety.
Dealing with trolls on social media can be frustrating, but it's important to stay true to oneself and not let negativity affect you.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Topic
01:09 Snowed In
02:18 Stuck Together
03:05 Working Together
04:00 Pantry Challenge Update
05:18 Cooking Improvisation
06:12 Dealing with Excess Milk
07:10 Power Outage and Water Hauling
08:07 The Importance of a Generator
09:06 Preparing for Emergencies
09:59 Dealing with Illness
12:00 Dealing with Trolls
13:19 Designing Their Life Together
14:43 Prepping for Emergencies
16:33 The Need for Chains on vehicles
18:47 Legalizing Chains in Tennessee
20:14 Surviving the Snowstorm
21:39 Rip the Great Pyrenees
22:05 Food Preservation
23:56 Homemade Pizza Night
26:26 Uncertainty about Court Appearance in the snow
27:23 Upcoming Solo Show
28:17 Outro

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Summary
In this episode, Dawn Gorham discusses the topic of keeping a family milk cow. She shares her personal experience and opinions on the matter, emphasizing that there are many ways to keep a milk cow and what works for her may not work for everyone. Dawn covers various aspects of keeping a milk cow, including calf sharing, breeding, weaning, equipment, feeding, potential illnesses, and disease testing. She also discusses her future plans for expanding her microdairy and the challenges of processing milk. Overall, Dawn provides valuable insights and advice for those interested in keeping a family milk cow.
Takeaways
There are many ways to keep a family milk cow and what works for one person may not work for another.
Calf sharing can help minimize the daily milking commitment and provide flexibility for vacations or breaks.
Artificial insemination can be a cost-effective alternative to keeping a bull but it may not have the same success rate.
Testing for diseases like brucellosis, tuberculosis, and Johnes is a personal choice and depends on individual preferences and circumstances.
Expanding a microdairy may require additional equipment, such as a milk parlor and cream separator, to improve efficiency and processing capabilities.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Snowmageddon 2024
01:40 History of Keeping a Family Milk Cow
03:18 Personal Opinion and Individual Approach
04:17 Controversy of Raw Milk
05:10 Old Timers' Perspective on Milk Cows
06:03 Calf Sharing to Minimize Milking Commitment
07:25 Vacations and Breeding Timing
08:25 Bulls or Artificial Insemination
09:23 Weaning and Grafting Calves
10:47 Equipment and Milking Process
17:31 Feeding and Minerals for Milk Cows
27:06 Potential Illnesses and Testing
29:23 Choosing a Milk Cow and Disease Testing
37:08 Expanding the Microdairy and Future Plans
41:37 Cream Separation and Processing
42:07 Dealing with Spent Cows
44:30 Conclusion and Call to Action

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Can herbs truly transform your life and boost your homesteading journey? Join us on this enlightening episode of Keeping it Real, the Gorham Homestead podcast, as we unravel the mysteries behind our latest beekeeping endeavors and share valuable lessons from our meat chicken processing experience. From the health of our new colony to the challenges faced with an older hive, we provide a comprehensive update on the buzzing world of bees. Plus, gain practical tips on timely ordering and choosing the right feed types to enhance your homestead's productivity.
Ever wondered how lemon balm can soothe hyperactive children or St John's wort can ease anxiety and depression? We delve deep into the powerful healing properties of these herbs, revealing their cultivation secrets, preparation methods, and various forms of use. Discover how lemon balm's antiviral benefits can be amplified with licorice, and learn about St John's wort's potential side effects and the importance of consulting healthcare providers. This episode is packed with actionable insights that can help you harness the natural remedies around you for better health and well-being.
As we venture further into the world of herbs, we explore the benefits and precautions of using Queen Anne's Lace and wild lettuce, highlighting their significant roles in managing blood sugar levels and relieving pain. Plus, the heart-health benefits of motherwort and the immune-boosting powers of echinacea are uncovered, offering you a holistic approach to herbalism. Reflecting on the importance of utilizing natural resources, we provide inspiration for you to embrace the art of herbalism in your own life. Don't miss out on our upcoming episode about essential oils, and be sure to connect with us on social media and our website to stay engaged with our homesteading journey.
***Thank you to our sponsor "A Bee's Closet". Be sure to go see Joe Ellis for the best service and help on all your beekeeping needs!

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