Country Life — Andy Arthur.org

Tankless water heater ??? OFFGRID Pros and Cons Installation!!

Andy | July 24, 2025

Tankless water heaters have long been a go-to for off-grid properties. They quickly turn propane into hot water, which is good. But I'm wondering about the pros of cons with solar and even batteries being so inexpensive these days - compared to a heat pump water heater or even a conventional water heater. Water heating is pretty energy intensive, but if you can do it with solar, it's one less thing to bring on the homestead. Not to mention the possibilities of traditional water heating using a solar collector, as has been popular with eco-conscious families and homesteads since the 1970s, though there yo uhave

Map: Shindagin Hollow State Forest Ortho

Cattle Branding – The How and the Why

Andy | July 4, 2025

Over the Independence Day Weekend, swimming in the Moose River I was listening to this podcast by Cody Creelman, Cow Vet: #18- Branding Time!!! - Calfhood vaccination, castration, implanting, and deworming strategies, and think that this is a good follow up to this video. Definately think about subscribing to Cody Creelman's podcast -- because even if you not intimately involved in the agriculture industry, his podcasts are very interesting.

Map: Green Mountain National Forest North

Learn To Score Body Conditioning (BCS) For Dairy Cows

Andy | June 22, 2025

One of my pass time activities I do usually when waiting on something is to look at show cattle on Facebook and try to score them in my head. There are some real super cattle out there thanks to modern genetics.

Incorporating Manure – Chisel Plowing

Andy | May 28, 2025

I chisel plow the manure that we spread so it breaks down faster! By incorporating the manure, you'll lose less Nitrogen to volatization.

SVGZ Graphic: Central NY Population Density

Lakenvelder koeien met kalfjes – Dutch Belted with calves

Andy | May 24, 2025

The colour markings are the main characteristic for the Lakenvelder. A Lakenvelder is either black or red, with a white belt over the middle. In Dutch this belt is described as 'laken' (sheet). The lakenvelder is a curious and quiet breed. The breed began to flourish in the Netherlands in the 17th century. The cattle were highly prized for their milking and fattening abilities. Nowadays, the Lakenvelder is a rare breed.