JOIN FOOD STORAGE FEAST FOR $2.99 PER MONTH Learn skills to turn basic foods into delicious meals all year long. The Food Storage Feast Membership pays for itself with a bounty of amazing meals, it’s the education you can eat! Food Storage Feast Endorsement: “Food Storage Feast is one of the most important recommendations I can make for your preparedness. Chef Keith has changed my entire perspective on how to really enjoy living off food storage.” -Joel Skoussen, Author Strategic Relocation, Publisher World Affairs Brief WHAT’S Cookin: Chicken larb (laab) salad White Bean soup on grilled bread Rice and beans (Food storage feast recipe) Rigatoni Amatriciana FOOD INDUSTRY AND HARVEST NEWS: Using poison bait to kill feral hogs-what could go wrong? Kansas Law For Warrantless Inspection are B.S, period TODAY’S MAIN TOPIC: WHY TREES & BUSHES SHOULD BE THE FIRST THING PLANTED ON THE HOMESTEAD When establishing a homestead, planting fruit trees and bushes should be prioritized as the most important task. These bountiful plants provide a multitude of benefits that are not only sustainable but also essential for a thriving homestead. Firstly, fruit trees and bushes yield a generous harvest of delicious fruits rich in essential nutrients. This ensures a readily available and diverse source of healthy food, reducing reliance on external markets. Additionally, these trees and bushes can provide shade, contributing to natural cooling and reducing energy consumption. Furthermore, they serve as a natural habitat for beneficial insects and birds, encouraging a balanced ecosystem on the homestead. By planting fruit trees and bushes as the first step, not only do we guarantee a sustainable source of nutrition, but also lay a strong foundation for the overall biodiversity and self-sufficiency of our homestead. Best Types Of Fruit Trees When it comes to a homestead, having fruit trees is a productive and practical addition. Among the best fruit trees for a homestead are apple trees, which offer a diverse range of flavors and textures and can be used for various culinary purposes. Another top choice is the peach tree, which produces sweet and juicy fruit, perfect for enjoying fresh or preserving. I suggest growing Elberta peach trees as the fruit is to die for and also a heavy producer. Additionally, cherry trees provide a burst of vibrant color with their blossoms and a delectable harvest of cherries for pies, jams, and fresh snacking. Lastly, the versatile plum tree thrives in many climates and is known for its abundance of fruit and delicious flavor, excellent for canning or baking. These fruit trees not only provide a bountiful yield but also enhance the aesthetics and self-sufficiency of any homestead. Best Berry Bushes For the new homesteader, getting started with berry bushes can be an exciting and rewarding endeavor. When choosing berry bushes, it is important to consider factors such as ease of care, adaptability to different climates, and productivity. One of the best berry bushes for beginners is the blueberry bush. Blueberries are hardy, and adaptable, and produce bountiful harvests each year. Another excellent option is the raspberry bush, which comes in various varieties and is known for its sweet and tangy flavor. Raspberry bushes are relatively low maintenance and can thrive in different soil types. Lastly, the blackberry bush is a fantastic choice due to its vigorous growth and abundant fruit production. With proper care, these berry bushes can provide delicious and nutritious berries for years to come, making them ideal for the new homesteader. More Exotic Trees and Berry Bushes for Certain Plant Hardiness Zones Many North American homesteads plant trees and bushes that many people are not familiar with but produce a crop and are perfect in a guild such as red or white currants which make amazing jams and jellies or even sauces for game meats. Other trees like mulberry produce heavy harves