In this part of our homage to  International Homesteading Education Month, we are going to explore the possibilities for raising animals which will help reduce our own food bills and allow us to make some money.  

Our views may differ slightly from others in regards to animal husbandry and animal raising and we do not mean that as a slight of any sort or to start any feuds, it is merely our take on things.  We try to offer our animals as natural and comfortable a setting as possible, we treat each animal with respect and compassion, even up to it's last moments alive.  For us, they are more than just meat or eggs or milk, they are living creatures that we have taken responsibility for their well being.  Our way is not better or right, it is simply how we choose to run our homestead.  I guess coming from a large corporation has helped me develop that viewpoint, which I hadn't thought of until just now.  For years I was just a cog or employee number and my well being didn't mean squat to the company so long as I kept producing for them,  I didn't like being treated that way and I won't treat other living things that way. 

We wanted to share author  Patrice Lewis's thoughts on the subject of Local activism.  Part of Arid Acres Homestead's message is that by Homesteading or Prepping, you are relying on yourself and acting locally.  You are trying to achieve independence from relying on County, State or Federal entities of any sort. 
 
This excerpt also touches on Urban Ag Proposals like those being proposed in Tucson.   Most of Tucson had been zoned Residential when annexed from the county and these ordinances would have similar consequences here.  Even though some of the activities on properties with acres of land were Grandfathered when annexed and they are not technically or expressly permitted, they are not written into the codes as prohibited. 

 Like most growing cities in the U.S., Tucson Arizona is struggling with the concept and regulating of Urban Agriculture.  In one of the Face book groups, I posted a picture like this and story from Orlando, Florida where the homeowner is facing fines of $500 per day for having a garden in the front yard.  The family is charged with violating section 60.207 of Orlando’s Land Development Code (failure to maintain ground cover on property).