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Hello Everyone,

For me (M51), owning a farm and living a regenerative lifestyle has always been a dream of mine and I thought I would never have the opportunity to live this dream out. Recently the dream has become a real possibility but with that, all the big, important, scary, questions come sharply into focus and I am trying to figure out if it’s even a good idea. It’s 160 acres of raw land in high desert conditions (7,000 ft) and not real far (25 min) from a decent sized community. There is no electricity set up but it could be run to the property as it is not crazy far and it is in an area that gets lots of sunshine. The land is flat. There is no well but It sits on top of a healthy aquifer and there is a small spring that dribbles water on to the land non stop. After a 35% down payment and closing costs (which would almost completely wipe out all my savings) I would be left with a 15yr loan at 800 a month. I don’t have any equipment, experience or large amounts of money but I am however an electrician and have been for 25 years. I make decent money as an electrician and would be able to work 6 months out of the year (tight budget though) and put six months into the land. I’m honestly scared shitless about making a forever life changing decision like this and I guess I’m just wondering if anyone else has ever been in this position and if so how were they able to make it work. Family thinks I’m crazy and don’t think I would ever be able to make this happen but then again they think climate change is a hoax and permaculture is some kind of gimmick. Any advice, insight, or anything at all you could tell me would be of great help. Thanks a lot.

And how to save it without using chemical sprays?

Trees were planted 2 years ago. No issues last winter. Just noticed this happening recently this winter

Hello! I need some recommendations on a good rain barrel. I’m applying for a rebate so it needs to be 45g or more and meet the below criteria. Does anyone have any recs? Planning to stack a few side by side and hook up spouts/hoses. I don’t have space for a pond or an under ground one.

• Openings must be protected from pests, unintentional entry by humans, andtampering.

• Barrels/cisterns must have a secure lid (for example, a lid secured byscrews or clips, a threaded lid, or similar).

• All openinlets and outlets must bescreened withat least 1/16 inchscreen or other equivalent method to preventmosquito entry and breeding.

• Must be designated by the manufacturer for storage of rainwater or potable water.

• Food grade barrels and IBC totes that have been converted for use as a rain barrel are eligible provided they meet the conditions of these guidelines.

• Must be constructed of opaque, UV resistant materials (e.g. heavilytinted plastic, metalbarrel/cistern with lining, concrete, etc.) or must be protected byspecially constructed sun barriers (e.g. installed under a shed, shade structure etc.).