Category: Lifestyle

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Hunter Cattle Company

Trust the Process: Our Visit to Hunter Cattle Company

When you know better, you do better. That’s been our philosophy ever since we stepped into homesteading—and nothing reinforces it more than connecting with farms that are raising food the way nature intended. That’s exactly what we found when we visited Hunter Cattle Company.

Why We Chose Hunter Cattle

A lot of people only start thinking about food differently when health problems show up. We’ve seen it too many times. The truth is—what we eat either sets us up for healing or for hurting. That’s why we were determined to find a source we could trust.

Hunter Cattle raises their livestock 100% grass-fed—no antibiotics, no hormones, no corn-finishing. Just the way cows were designed to eat. That’s important because when cattle eat corn, the fat turns into unhealthy omega-6s, stripping nutrients instead of building them. With grass-fed beef, you’re getting natural nutrition, rich in omega-3s, and a difference you can actually feel in your health.

From Family Need to Community Impact

The Ferguson family didn’t set out to become a major supplier. It all started because their daughter couldn’t eat red meat without getting sick. Determined to change that, they raised their first cow, “Freckles,” 100% on grass. To their amazement, she was finally able to eat beef without any issues. That moment lit a fire, and Hunter Cattle was born.

What started as a family solution has turned into a business that now supplies restaurants, families, and homesteaders like us with clean, healthy meat. Their beef has even been the star behind Savannah’s “Best Burger” for over 15 years.

More Than a Product—It’s a Process

Walking the farm, we were reminded of something that stuck with us: “It’s not the product—it’s the process.”

That’s the heart of Hunter Cattle. Raising animals the right way. Respecting the land. Feeding people real food that fuels health instead of robbing it. When you choose farms like this, you’re not just buying meat—you’re investing in your own wellness and in a system that honors life.

Our Experience

We’ve been sourcing from Hunter since October, and let me tell you, the difference is undeniable. Buying a half cow or whole pig might sound like a big leap, but when you open that freezer and pull out meat you can actually trust—it’s worth every dime.

Not only does it taste better, but it keeps us full longer, fuels us better, and gives us peace of mind. When your food is raised right, your body knows it.

A Word to Our Community

We share this because we want more people to experience the difference before a health scare forces them to. If you’re local, check out Hunter Cattle Company and stop by Muma’s Farm Store for some farm goodness. If you’re not in the area, find a local farmer you can trust who raises animals the right way.

Your food is either medicine or poison—the choice is yours.

🎥 Want to see the full tour of Hunter Cattle and hear directly from the Ferguson family?
👉 Watch our YouTube video of the visit here!

And as always—
Don’t let nobody steal your joy.

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Raising Meat Rabbits

Raising Meat Rabbits: The Overlooked Powerhouse of Sustainable Meat Production 🐇🥩

When people think about raising their own meat, they usually imagine chickens, pigs, or maybe even goats—but what if I told you there’s a smaller, quieter, and more efficient livestock option?

Enter the meat rabbit: the unsung hero of homesteading, small-scale farming, and sustainable living. These furry little powerhouses are low-maintenance, cost-effective, and capable of producing an impressive amount of lean, nutritious meat in a tiny footprint.

If you’ve ever considered taking control of your food source or building a self-sufficient homestead, you’ll want to hop on board with raising meat rabbits. Let’s break down exactly why they’re such a hidden gem in the world of sustainable farming.

🥕 1. Incredible Feed-to-Meat Efficiency

Did you know that rabbits are one of the most efficient meat producers in terms of feed conversion?

✔ Rabbits convert food into meat faster and more efficiently than chickens, pigs, or cows.
 ✔ It takes about 4 lbs of feed for a rabbit to produce 1 lb of meat—compare that to 7 lbs of feed per pound of beef, and you see why rabbits are the smarter choice.
 ✔ Since they can thrive on pellets, hay, garden scraps, and even foraged greens, they’re affordable and sustainable to feed.

Plus, with a little homestead ingenuity, you can grow your own rabbit food (think alfalfa, dandelions, and vegetable scraps), cutting costs even further.

🏆 2. Super Fast Growth & Reproduction

One of the biggest advantages of raising meat rabbits is how quickly they reproduce and grow—nature really outdid itself with these little guys!

🐇 Rabbits reach butcher weight in just 8-12 weeks—that’s twice as fast as chickens!
 🐇 A single doe (female rabbit) can have 5-7 litters per year, producing 30-50 kits annually.
 🐇 Each litter can yield up to 5 lbs of meat—that’s a serious amount of food from just one breeding pair.

By keeping a small breeding stock, you can have a continuous, year-round supply of fresh meat without ever worrying about store shortages or supply chain issues.

🐰 Fun Fact: A well-managed rabbitry can produce over 200 lbs of meat per year with just a few breeding does and bucks!

🌱 3. Minimal Space Needed—Perfect for Backyard Farming

Unlike cows that need pastures or chickens that need coops and runs, rabbits are tiny space-savers.

✔ They thrive in hutches, cages, or colony setups, making them ideal for urban and suburban homesteaders.
 ✔ Even if you have just a small backyard, balcony, or garage, you can raise rabbits for meat.
 ✔ Their vertical-friendly setup means you can stack hutches or build tiered systems to maximize space.

This makes meat rabbits one of the best livestock choices for people living in apartments, small homes, or urban areas where space is limited.

🐰 Pro Tip: Some urban homesteaders even keep rabbits in a garage or basement (with proper ventilation) to avoid weather issues!

🍽 4. Rabbit Meat: Lean, Nutritious, & Delicious

If you’ve never tried rabbit meat, let me tell you—you’re in for a treat.

✔ High in protein (more than chicken or beef!)
 ✔ Low in fat & cholesterol (great for heart health)
 ✔ Packed with essential nutrients like B12, iron, and phosphorus

Not only is rabbit one of the healthiest meats you can eat, but it’s also versatile in the kitchen. It works beautifully in:

🔥 Grilled & Roasted Dishes – Rabbit BBQ, anyone?
 🥘 Slow Cooked Stews – Tender, fall-off-the-bone goodness.
 🍲 Casseroles & Soups – Soaks up flavors like a dream.

🐰 Fun Fact: Rabbit meat is so lean that you need to cook it low and slow or add fats (like butter or bacon) to keep it juicy!

🌎 5. Eco-Friendly & Sustainable Meat Production

Compared to traditional livestock, rabbits have a tiny environmental footprint.

✔ Less Water Usage – Rabbits use far less water than cattle or pigs.
 ✔ Lower Carbon Emissions – No methane burps like cows!
 ✔ Garden-Friendly Fertilizer – Rabbit manure is a goldmine for gardeners. It’s a cold manure, meaning it can be used fresh without composting.

This makes rabbits one of the greenest meat options out there—perfect for eco-conscious homesteaders.

🐰 Pro Tip: If you garden, use rabbit poop as fertilizer to grow food for both you and your rabbits—a true closed-loop system!

🤫 6. Stealth Mode: No Noise, No Complaints

Ever had a rooster wake you up at 4 AM? Yeah, not fun.

Rabbits, on the other hand, are completely silent. No squawking, no mooing, no oinks—just peaceful, quiet farming.

✔ Ideal for suburban or urban homesteads where noisy livestock might annoy the neighbors.
 ✔ No need for special zoning permits (in most areas) since they aren’t considered “livestock” like chickens or goats.

🐰 Fun Fact: Because they’re so quiet, many people don’t even know their neighbors are raising meat rabbits!

🧵 7. Bonus: Meat AND Fur!

If you choose breeds like Rex or Angora, you get both meat and high-quality fur—a two-in-one bonus.

✔ Rabbit pelts can be tanned and used for crafts, clothing, or resale.
 ✔ High-end rabbit fur is used in gloves, scarves, and even luxury fashion.

It’s a great way to maximize profit from your rabbitry!

🐰 Pro Tip: If you aren’t into tanning, you can still sell raw pelts to artisans and crafters for extra income.

💰 8. Low Cost & Low Maintenance—Great for Beginners

Raising rabbits is affordable and beginner-friendly.

✔ Minimal equipment needed – Hutches, feeders, and waterers are all that’s required.
 ✔ Simple diet – Pellets, hay, and garden scraps keep them well-fed.
 ✔ Hardy & Low Vet Costs – Rabbits are generally healthy animals with few medical issues.

🐰 Pro Tip: Start small with one breeding pair and expand as you gain experience!

🎯 Final Thoughts: Is Raising Meat Rabbits Right for You?

If you want a sustainable, space-saving, and efficient way to produce your own meat, rabbits are the ultimate homestead hack.

✔ High yield, low cost
 ✔ Perfect for small spaces
 ✔ Sustainable and eco-friendly
 ✔ Healthy and delicious meat

So, what are you waiting for? Start your rabbit-raising adventure today, and enjoy the benefits of fresh, homegrown meat!

🐇 Have you raised meat rabbits before? Drop your tips and experiences in the comments! 🐇

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Regrow Your Groceries

Regrow Your Groceries: Foods You Can Grow from Kitchen Scraps

Save Money, Reduce Waste, and Grow Fresh Food at Home!

At Black’s Tropical Homestead, we believe in making the most of what we have—whether it’s preserving food, raising animals, or turning everyday kitchen scraps into a thriving garden. What if we told you that some of the fruits and vegetables you buy from the grocery store can be regrown right at home?

Not only is this a sustainable and cost-effective way to produce fresh food, but it also helps reduce waste and makes your homestead more self-sufficient. If you’re looking for an easy way to start regrowing your own produce, here are some of the best foods to try!

1. Leafy Greens: Lettuce, Collards & More 🥬

Did you know that leafy greens like romaine, collards, and bok choy can regrow from scraps? Instead of tossing the base, try this simple method:

  • Place the base in a shallow bowl with water and set it in a sunny spot.
  • Change the water every few days to keep it fresh.
  • Once new leaves begin to sprout, transfer the plant to soil for a continuous harvest.

💡 Homestead Tip: Growing multiple heads at once ensures a steady supply of fresh greens!

2. Green Onions & Regular Onions 🧅

Onions are one of the easiest foods to regrow—no soil required!

  • Green Onions: Place the white root end in a glass of water, and within a week, you’ll have fresh green onion stalks ready to cut and use.
  • Regular Onions: Cut off the root end and plant it in soil. Over time, a new onion will develop beneath the surface.

💡 Homestead Tip: Keep a cup of green onions by your kitchen window for quick, fresh cuttings whenever you need them!

3. Root Vegetables: Carrots, Beets & Radishes 🥕

Root vegetables can regrow both their leafy tops and root systems if given the right conditions.

  • Cut off the tops of carrots, beets, or radishes and place them in shallow water.
  • In a few days, new leafy greens will sprout, which can be used in salads, smoothies, or stir-fries.
  • If planted in soil, some may even regenerate their root structure!

💡 Homestead Tip: Don’t throw away carrot tops! They make a great addition to homemade pesto or a nutritious green smoothie.

4. Garlic & Ginger 🧄

Garlic and ginger are kitchen staples that you can regrow indefinitely!

  • Garlic: Plant a single clove in soil, and in a few months, you’ll have an entire bulb ready for harvest.
  • Ginger: Place a fresh ginger piece in moist soil, and it will sprout new shoots in no time.

💡 Homestead Tip: Many store-bought garlic bulbs are treated to prevent sprouting. Choose organic garlic or buy from a local farmer’s market for the best regrowth results.

5. Potatoes & Sweet Potatoes 🥔

Potatoes are incredibly easy to regrow from scraps!

  • Cut potatoes into chunks, ensuring each piece has an “eye” (sprout). Let them dry for a day before planting.
  • Bury them 4 inches deep in soil, and within months, you’ll have fresh potatoes ready to dig up.
  • Sweet potatoes require a slightly different method: place a section of the sweet potato in water until it sprouts, then plant the slips in soil.

💡 Homestead Tip: Use deep containers or raised beds for maximum potato yield!

6. Peppers & Tomatoes 🍅🌶️

If you love fresh tomatoes and peppers, you’ll be happy to know they can be regrown from their seeds!

  • Save the seeds from a ripe tomato or pepper, rinse them, and let them dry completely.
  • Plant them in soil and keep them warm and moist until they sprout.
  • Once strong enough, transfer them to a garden bed or container for continued growth.

💡 Homestead Tip: For better germination, ferment tomato seeds in water for a few days before drying and planting.

7. Pineapple 🍍

Pineapple takes a little more patience, but it’s worth it!

  • Twist off the leafy top and let it dry for a day.
  • Place it in water or soil and keep it in a sunny, warm area.
  • While it may take a few years to produce fruit, once established, a single pineapple plant can keep producing for years!

💡 Homestead Tip: Grow pineapples in pots so you can move them indoors when temperatures drop.

Homesteader’s Guide to Regrowing Success 🌱

Regrowing food from scraps isn’t just easy—it’s a great way to become more self-sufficient while cutting down on food waste. Here are a few tips to help you succeed:

✅ Use fresh scraps for the best results.
✅ Be patient! Some plants grow back fast (like onions), while others take time (like garlic and pineapples).
✅ Sunlight & water are essential! Place your regrowing scraps in a bright area and keep the water clean.
✅ Experiment and have fun! You might be surprised by how much food you can grow from simple kitchen leftovers.

By making regrowing food part of your homesteading routine, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown produce while reducing food waste. It’s an easy and rewarding way to bring sustainability into your kitchen!

Have you tried regrowing any of these foods? Let us know in the comments or tag us on social media with your regrowth success! 🌿💚