Farm Hack Talk

I started a Pinterest board concerned with rural "methods, tools, and equipment,” and it’s currently updated to edge toward 1000 practical-site links. The "pins" (descriptive entries with pics) link to sites explaining methods, technologies, repurposing options, and tips of potential value to small farms and to homesteads.

   https://www.pinterest.ca/joelbc/homestead-methods-tools-equipment/

Just after sunset on September 6, 2017, celebrations erupted on a farm in the quiet county of Shropshire, England. After a year of hard labor and careful planning, researchers achieved the previously impossible: the world's first fully automated harvest—from barren land to flourishing crops—had been successfully completed. The "Hands Free Hectare" used nothing but robots, and was yet another step forward in revolutionizing how we feed the world.

Over the past 70 years the number of family-run properties in Australia has dropped by two thirds, and there is concern if other farms aren't passed on correctly that number will keep declining.

Do you ever get into awkward conversations with your parents?

For many young people keen to take over the family farm that conversation is figuring out what happens when their parents retire or, in some cases die.

It's called succession, and it's traditionally been a dirty word in farming families.

I'm looking to start drying herbs without electricity in Florida, and I'm concerned about them reaching a low enough moisture content. Anyone have experience with drying in a humid climate? I'm thinking some kind of solar box with sawdust floor to soak up moisture, but I also want to retain medicinal compounds of herbs. Open to all the ideas! 

Recently began researching Pedal Powered agricultural machines, more specifically grain cleaning machines. Have found some great videos of finished products. Ultimately wanting to build something to clean and dehull millet and/or sorghum. I am getting hung up on Torque and how it applies after the initial torque from the pedals.

I am currently researching vertical farming and urban agriculture practices in regard to the role of urban design for my dissertation. As part of this research I am conducting interviews with a mixture of professionals who have insight into urban design practices, specifically urban greening, and vertical urban farming. I am looking to speak to innovators, architects, farmers, ecologists and people who work on the policy surrounding the implementation of urban agriculture and greening projects. 

I have looked on a few different websites and have read numerous pages on ideas for the Solar Dehydrator that I am looking to make. I wanted to get the communities ideas and suggestions before I commit to one single style!

I am looking to make one as inexpensive as possible, and hopefully mostly out of wood as I do not have access to a wielder, nor am I one myself!

Thank you for all the help and I look forward to the great ideas!!!!!

Peace

Hi.  Hey, I miss FarmHack activity.  Ideas??  What would it take to get the dialogue & illustrated technical posts happening again?

My question isn't rhetorical.  I want to find out what you think.

All the best to you, your family, your land, and Planet Earth.