|
This is what I've been up to last dec/Jan trip to the farm! The usual walk around it took more time- its so dense now full of these grass(pang sumpit) Langtana (lantana). saw the papaya trees,fruiting tamarinds all year (it seems). The gemelina is getting bigger, Took a picture of the soil (at the top most) where pan-aw /weeds thrives, extend our beaver dam to collect those seeping water(3cu.meter at least), install the water driven pump!(not yet successful in commissioning it, many things to do yet),see through the electricity (Pole) is installed up in the hill and up to Kalapaw#2 (Hut),tried my skill in creating my fire before it got too dark and cook my meal. Stayed there overnight,(I don't have a good camera to click on the heavens- its so beautiful at night!!!) windy but not cold. Paniki(bats) in 4 pairs hovering,hawks gliding above, hearing a not so familiar sound(maybe the echoes) sounding their claim, tried making the mosquito attractant (Success- while they are there, they don't bother us!).Now that electricity reached Kalapaw#2(Hill top), tried to test the radio, it still doesn't work, the antennae probably-, genset is still ok, tried making my own chick's feed concoction, and many many more. What a life! Time is not enough really.... [LA Chickens], Live, Love and Lay Anywhere!!! ( Hopefully soon, they will have a better coop!- naturally...! It all dawned on me while thinking how to minimize expenses at the farm.
While I was so occupied on the "how's" ; to build the planned infrastructure bearing in mind where to get the funds. How to generate funds using what we have in the farm for our miscellaneous expenses, and how much effort we are expending in order to meet our small objectives little by little. To add to my concerns, Farm tilling expenses, fertilizers, buying seeds, or borrowing seeds, manpower etc for livestock's add on source of feeds and internal consumption. But at the end, I am not sure if we achieved what was planned and are we heading to our goals. Searching for information, and compiling each one and trying to connect the many pieces of information, wow- its very hard but it is interesting and to know that there is a solution waiting to be discovered, it becomes exciting and I love it all the more.I don't know what I will find out next but something is prodding me, Keep searching Barnfeet! This Late September, October, I watched a presentation made by Mr. Mushroom 1.5 hrs, the incredible mycelium, about Rhizosphere etc., the technology about Natural Farming, the advocate's postings about organic farming, PERMACULTURE DESIGN (601 pages) and a farm in Palawan practicing and harnessing the blessings of NATURAL FARMING, 2 hours of reading and trying to understand it. I have to review again and again. What can I say, They are all inter connected- it is about LIFE, the People and NATURE that co-exist and how they exist. Once we know how to work on these, we could achieve our not so illusive dreams. Wow, what a ride of knowing so little that it is in fact, it's already available and dangling in front of us. It is not too late, we are just starting- let's refocus,pause, step side ways, and then move again. This is our new direction, NATURAL FARMING Methods applicable to the farm.Lets learn it fast from others and aim to share it with the rest. Regain back what we lost, 2 years of wandering, hearsay's and inefficient practices, this can go on and on and we still live,It would be a waste. We need to be on track again. By the way, We need all the help we could get to sponsor the 4 months internship for BarnFeet team and all the necessary infrastructure we will need to implement it, pray hard it works. Cheers! . Available Materials: Bamboo fibers and Pan-aw (weeds used to make roofs for a traditional hut in the Philippines, La Union) and what appropriate binders to form it and make it weather/termite proof as well? Similar to fortified rammed earth? Other provinces uses the leaves of a tree (palm specie).
My idea is to make it in block forms like the roof shingles used in the west. (Panel board)- and can be categorized as natural? Rationale: To exercise "natural building making" with aesthetics and not costly and could become as alternative to the usual practice. Our place is HOT and yet we stick to what we know- GI roof- pronto! This could help the live stocks and even people to have a more cooler environment. Or if not yet available, how to make a Thatched roof? they look nice although requires more weeds in terms of volume. by the way, a bundle of Pan-aw versus GI roof to cover a 3x4 meter roof- GI wins in terms of material cost and labor (Lump sum contract). Rainy season is on, The "bath tub " is again ready for enjoyment. 1 week after the heavy rains. Elevation: 100 meters above sea level. Below this place, about 60 meters is our main water shed (water for the house Kalapaw #1 and for the garden and adjacent farms. You cannot enjoy this during summer (March-May)- it dries up. Future plan is to develop this so people could have easier access. The Legumes and Orchids, Indigofera, Bamboo, Maguey, Napier and the ducks After almost 1 year+ after transfer from OSB, they have adapted in their new place at last. Whew, I thought the report before is that they have reached their time and need to be dispatched. We were learning and we do not know what is true or not. Anyway, thanks to the bakerros (cattle dealers)- got an insight from them while dealing on the price and how they do it to make it ready for the market. Thank you Raymond for taking care , I hope you can multiply them successfully. Also, for the tight control of the sponsors- OSB (Owners), we have to wait and see and it paid off.
The pictures was taken in July 2013. We are now planting the designated area by sections the legume salad for the goats and cows whereby they could just grazed on it during nice weather. If they are confined in the barn, we will do this; 1st phase method: Cut (Legumes)and drop(next to the animal) to feed (Napier and Indigofera + other available legumes (corn,peanut, rice straw, cassava leaves, malungay). 2nd phase method: shredded and mixed 3rd phase: hopefully we could combine pelleted feeding Indigofera: Direct (straight to the ground) and Indirect planting (Using plastic bags and transfer later)  Thanks to you Papa and Mama. It was your 7th milestone and a new milsetone For me today.
This day I celebrate with joy and sadness.Joyfulness, to reach this point, sadness to leave my happy youth. Blessing and Gifts you have provided Lord I thank,and life I consider well gaited. Glad to cherish the moments and pray it would lasts. Please continue to give the strength, the wisdom to guide, determination and faith, hope and charity to move. Browsing, browsing, reading, reading, watching, still cannot find a suitable solution that is made of bricks &/or CHB + technology, indirect) for the place. And if ever I find some leads, they don't show what I need. It only encourage people to yeah,its proven and lets do it for a better world. Or they will do it for us, and if ready made, like industrial type, that's too deep for BarnFeet pocket and using used drums, etc, it wont last.
what to do?, What if we do it ourselves, study the different types available, the chemistry of it and apply mechanical engineering to come up with the design? I think we can convince a 2 or 3 some young ladies who will support the funding for it. We do hope the design to be available by year end and build it early 2014. Feasible? Rationale: We have wood & bamboos and twigs, etc, turn this to a better quality charcoal than our current practice. Its wasteful and in-efficient. If we have enough livestock waste in future, the future bio gas can then be implemented and use to fire this charcoal kiln. Just a thought, Maybe you can integrate an oven too? Dear Sir, We are pleased to send you a sample, let us know if its acceptable. We are having a hard time uploading your logo. please return if not happy and will modify it according to your satisfaction. We will be glad to act as soon as possible. cheers! Barnfeet PL
Click to set custom HTML These 3 terms descriptions were modified a little bit to suit the present needs of BangarFarmland and its present capabilities while still preserving their very essence under our local setting;
We will be looking at this options in the coming months for those who; 1. Want to experience rural/ farm life. 2. Enhance their work experiences, skills and improve their resumes 3. Vocation, learning to know oneself. When: As soon as 2HCY 2014.(May or June) . Where: at the farm What: HOME STAYS-- These are people who want to experience homesteading experience for a reasonable fee for the services rendered and materials which will be used. The farm will offer the very basic necessities to create a meaningful experience. The period may last for 3 days 2 nights, or depending on how long is the preference and status of the farm and availability of personnel. -Broadly defined, homesteading is a lifestyle of self-sufficiency & self reliance. Provisions of what you need will be available, help and support will be assigned to accompany you and guide you. Example ( How to cook rice on bamboo but before that, how to create your fire? how to catch night birds? and farm frogs? and at night? Kibbutz- Please search this in the internet- A modified version is being conceptualized suitable for our needs. -These are persons who want to experience work or do work for free in exchange for place to stay, food to eat and life experience. You will be working side by side with our team. This can last from 1 month to 3 months or more, depending on the situation. You may be even hired for some small projects that is planned. Of course we are not rich but we don't starve. If you have a skill, example (wood carving, bamboo basket weaving) you create, sell the product, we share the proceeds. We can discuss what is fair share for you. This scheme can be further expanded. like, do you have a family, you want to stay there? This can be explored. OJL - On the Job Learning- A minimal allowance is provided. Depending on lifestyle this may not be enough. Free farm style accommodation is provided but food and personal needs is excluded and can be arranged. The job is suitable for 2 year or 4 year Agriculturist/Horticulturist, Agronomist /Veterinarian or Husbandry or related discipline graduates in waiting for the result of their board examinations or next schooling or get immersed to real work life quickly. Expand the knowledge on the different aspects of SUSTAINABLE FARM LIFE as a career and livelihood using combination of different methods/practices on Biodynamic,NATURAL, Organic etc. This may last from 2 or 3 to 6 months or more. 60/40% Physical work and paper work respectively can be expected. BangarFarmland is getting data and producing records. (Taxonomy, area status, weather and rearing of pilot live stocks, bamboo propagation, tree nursery all to be used for the place and starting to implement Sustainable farming). At the end of your learning depending on the farm situation and your preference, you may be in for a long term or just put your achievements in your resume. As a graduate, you are expected to have the initiatives to self supervised yourself and work with our team in accordance to the details of the agreement. Will report to the Director for Operations. More details will be discussed to shortlisted candidates. We are thinking for at least 2 Trainees at the same time (buddy buddy system) for each discipline or combination- Learn by doing to have an integrated skills (SALAD SKILLS), from sourcing, preparation, networking, post harvest, selling and management as a start and specialized as you move and evaluating your own self, "What do you like to be,How do you see yourself after this or in 5 years". Catch this opportunity while the fund's last. I urged newly graduates to try and learn and establish your ideas together with us, who knows it works... A specific terms and conditions for any on the 3 cases will be applied. Please check the webpage for some insights of the place and what we have in mind- Sustainable farming, Trees and Bamboo Nurseries etc.. and where are we now. We are learning! These two characters I consider my friends- they keep me company when I need them, I go away from them when I don't need them. Its my human side. Thomas keep saying to me : To see is to believe. My girl friend Faith keep saying to me (sssh..... Thom doesnt know shes my GF): I believe in you what ever you say. I'm yours, faithfully! But mind you, It took hard for me to get her YES. I went crazy, drink hard, throw expletives and do all those not written to get her, I felt demotivated and frustrated too, my elaborated plans is not working for her. Well, what can I say? In doing business money generation or whatever, we need to have both. Nobody will put trust if they don't see anything that will give them the reason to believe in the first place. If you have Faith then, she could energize and motivate you to carry on, like "anyway I am doing this for Faith". However, There will be lots of Thomas out there who will engaged with us soon and if we cant prove our point by SHOWING our records, then were wasting their time and effort just as we do. so what to do? If you can MEASURE it, then you can CONTROL it. That phrase is evident in every day life. try baking pastry?, or just Di-ning-deng or to humans, what about your wifey or hubby? . If we don't practice recording our data good or bad, what to show and how to analyze? Who will believe it? Well, once Faith is with us, I am sure we can make it and keep Thomas with you when in doubt. There are 4 key functions that will form BangarFARMland inc. to exercise the Vision.
Where are we now? : Development Phase II- Target : 2013-2014. 1. Business Operation (Husbandry, Eco park & Agro-forestry.) 2. Human Resource and Marketing ( Staff selection, Compensation, Business development, Code of business ethics 3. Administration ( Community Relationship, Property/Assets,Government Transactions,Rules and regulations 4. Legal/ Finance and Audit (Shareholder/Investor management, Sourcing and Procurement, Profit and Loss) Based on above functions, What: We will need to assign or hire people or service provider with appropriate skills and experience in due time- a person who wants and loves to do it and have a stake on the business success. Either from inside the family or outside. We need to recognize that these skills will dictate how we go about writing our history. Nobody wants it to become a folly. When: By 2015 - we should have a functionally ready people to do it. We should speed up our actions to, gain experience, learn the intricacies of putting it up. So if anyone inside the family has finally decided, please inform immediately. You don't need to be there full time but if you want to learn and be useful, it is imperative that you be there. Why: Its not straight forward. So many disappointments, many places and people to visit and inquire, and paper work has to be done at the same time learning the jargon of terminologies they use.as an example( how to get it titled? and "bahala ka na mam"?) and during the survey?. we got confused! Where: Generally the people who would be running the operations should be available there at the place. Some functions like legal/finance and audit may be on an "on call service" via private consultants or service providers. These functions is mostly related to Government transactions like paying tax, registration, BOI maybe, so we could import tax free the equipment needed for our business if we qualify and some one got to prepare our financial statements, registration, compliance documents that is s required. How: What comes first to your mind? 1. Money to pay the services? 2. Who to talk to? 3. Where to get these people? 4. Who will do to start this activity? 5. When? Great! Lets discuss it one by one. But before this, we should acknowledge that money alone cannot be the only factor- Developing and exercising our human relationship skills to establish long term partnership is a key to help us out, either you like it or you don't like it, we've got to, and your time dedicated just for this. " from employee with rank to an entrepreneur mindset and style cannot be easily transformed" its takes a simple, "try it first!" For Item 1. Money to pay the services Revenue generation from available resources and future income there can be utilized. We could put up a fund just for this to kick start it. Easy!, right? No, not yet, until such time item 2, 3 and 4 is established. What about those pro-bono? or deferred payment schemes? or those who wished us succeed? do you know them? have you met them? did we tried searching? Please remember ALTRUISM- This is the best word to define it. "You help them help you" For Item 2: Who to talk to? For the labor part, Although we have it internally sort of, we cant make use of it. Until such time she/he decided to go for it. We cannot stop time, In this case, we cant wait. We have to decide sooner or later. In the meantime, we need to continue searching, engaging people. Who knows, they are the one! 3. Where to get these people? In any order, internal, our relatives, our friends and others. The key factor is, can do attitude and must have a stake on the business. If not, selection will be just similar to any company, Build it! If we can afford, Import it. If interested but got no skills, everything else is pass, remember- skills can be learned, if your action name is initiative! & focus i.e (Simon Poe Jr. " Fire fly") 4. Who will do to start this activity? There are 3 aspects to this. - At the back end, anybody can help by utilizing the internet and share the info. and help those in the front line. - At the fore front- they will need some funds. We can discuss this. - The adviser, the connector, the fellow who has time to evaluate information, check with others and provide advises. Now, who? -this I cannot answer. You tell me! then we act. 5. When, NOW! to be continued............... Looking for a partner for your Farm/livestock business idea?
If these are all set, what can you do further as partners?
Following are possibilities with minimal investments 1. Home industries- Bamboo products and loom weaving, kitchen utensils., frames/building materials. 2. E- bamboo- processing of bamboo to become alternatives to traditional woods. 3. Small Carinderias with specific specialties aiming to form a full Restaurant/functions- majorirty of your meat and veggies can be harvested and processed right there. 4. Water/Ice- for tourists, and affiliate businesses. 5. Meat /Veggie/ processing, Papaya? 6. Rentals- Biking, rock climbing, harnesses, camp fire utensils/accommodations. Planned future investments; 1. Building Challets- Based on bamboo and bamboo by products. 2. Swimming pool and recreation 3. Exclusive Memorial Place- the hobbit style 4. Chapel and rosary ground 5. Workshops- Carpentry/fabrication shops (wood/Bamboo/metal) 6. Biogas/Fertilizer processing- from livestock/ waste. Helpful investments : we need this now. 1. Charcoal Making facility (Raw matl: Wood/ Bamboo): augment our rolling funds. 2. Hollow Blocks/ (concrete and clay): for development purposes 3. Thresher /Tiller/Hand tractor: to start organic composting, livestock feed concentration ...................................Anything that is related to the vision is possible. Possible Careers 1. Veterinarian/Agriculturist/Carve artisans/ Carpentry 2. Challette( Semi hotel) and Restaurant/Food Catering Management 3. Crooners and baristas 4. Butcher/ Chefs/Masons/landscaping/ 5. Eco park operations- Zip line, Swimming pools, biking/hiking/ edu-tour managers, gimmicks,banners etc. 6. Training - Provide Or facilitator: On the job training, HomeStay or Kibbutz style 7. maintenance skills- electro-mechanical/automobile, 8. Seller/Dealers/Traders 9. Flowers/Plant propagation/ arranger/supplier 10. What about function services like wedding planners? 11. What about call center? pwede? Note: we expect to start our revenue generating operation by 2015 on selected businesses while we continue to develop the place. I think not, I need help! The "doing part" help.
Would you volunteer to make it more appropriate? Thanks  Do you know there' s an easy way to have your own website?
Visit http://www.weebly.com If you consider yourself a "barn footer", or a member of Bangar Farmland, Why don't you create here your own sub page? Let me know. I will provide you access so you can work on it during your free time. Cheers. |
AuthorProject Manager: BarnFeetPL Archives
September 2016
Thanks for your Rabbit work!
Categories
All
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
