![2018 header .jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmPxPyGJPxmiP9ZKUDH69RH6BPRaA89xe5dKgwdQA1x28h/2018%20header%20.jpg)

2018 is going to be the year of growth for us here at Autumn Rayne Acres. We have only been living on our property since June 2017 so have little in the way of infrastructure for our homestead.  Last summer we put in a very small garden and were able to enjoy fresh peas, green beans, carrots, okra, tomatoes, summer squash and cucumbers.  
For 2018 we plan to expand our garden with the goal to be able to preserve enough food to reduce our need to purchase store bought produce by 50%. 
below is the site of our new garden for next year.  We have sectioned out a 70 foot by 70 foot space, tested the soil and have amendments lined up once the ground thaws.  We will also keep the space from our garden next year too.  One will have full sun all day where last years garden is partially shaded most of the time. 
   
![2018 Garden Grow.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmR1wWDtZDyXq7eEXXeM2zr2k1AekMZDUZ2MayEeYt1C6L/2018%20Garden%20Grow.jpg)

Our second goal for our homestead is to expand our orchard.  Right now we have two very mature apple trees, a pear tree, and a peach tree that produces rotten fruit (not sure what that's about - still researching). So, our goal is to plant several more apple trees and a few cherry trees this year. Our goal for the orchard is to be able to produce wine next fall from the apples and berries grown on our property for personal consumption. 
![2018 orchard .jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmVzz1vsUM9MgyRKpXKSLGKnypdiAW6Tyi2iDS7FLDtkim/2018%20orchard%20.jpg)

In keeping with the growth theme for our resolution for the coming year we would also like to increase or chicken flock.  Right now we have 2 roosters and 9 hens. They produce more than enough eggs for our family of four. However, I would love to see some revenue be generated through the sale of farm fresh eggs.  With the space we have and the ability to free range our birds we should be able to increase our flock with another 9 to 12 hens.   My goal here is to generate enough revenue with the eggs to cover our costs for feed and bedding for our animals.
![2018 chicken flock.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmW7xZCvBVVEw6AToY1LeKszRyXd4DYoYLQf9e1fwNRzYp/2018%20chicken%20flock.jpg)

Not pictured - but also something we plan to grow is our goat heard.  currently we have two Nigerian Dwarf Goats.  Once our female is old enough in the spring we plan to breed her for the purpose of milking and selling the kids.  I may re-evaluate the breed of goats we have to something larger. But ,for now Frigg and Loki are more like pets and don't particularly serve any real purpose other than to provide me entertainment and manure for the garden.  
I am aware the dwarf goats are not particularly great for milk production - which is partly why I chose them.  My family does not care for goat milk.  So, the milk would solely be used for the production of my soap and possibly cheese.  So, I don't really need a lot of milk. 

As you may have noticed in the first picture our resolution is to grow in Faith and Sustainability.  I am newly awakened to the Tora and am desperately seeking to learn more and grow my faith and live my life as was designed by our creator. I look to this new year to grow my faith and relationship with the Lord. 

Happy New Years from our Homestead to yours!