This topic has come up pertaining to Farm Hack several times, and is worth exploring further. It would be a great project for a localized farm hack crew to take on in their area. There are a few examples of farmer groups who have done this.
We have talked about a sketchup library, but I thought I would make sure that this GrabCad was included in the discussion - Here is a link to a recent Wired article.
http://www.wired.com/business/2012/10/grabcad/
I see Farm Hack operating as a similar community with a very particular utilitarian focus.
Hi my name is Peter Gambino and I am interested in attending Farm Hack Ithica on October 20 & 21. I saw that I am supposed to send an RSVP for this event but did not see any place to do so. My email is pmg6364@yahoo.com Thank you
Hey guys,
I attended the Open-Source Hardware Summit (OSHWS) last week in NYC. It was basically a full day of back-to-back-to-back speakers who talked anything from their experiences giving/taking from OSHW or running an OSHW business to more meta-questions about the ethos of OSHW. I think a lot of it ties into what we're doing in this Farm Hack community. Once I find the slides and videos of the presentations become available, I'll be sure to link them here but until then, I'll share some initial notes of mine.
I've begun work to create a simple, scalable Open-Source Multi Planter suitable for large seeds and roots, including potatoes, garlic, onions, shallots, hazels, walnuts, etc. Version 2.0 will include a rotor for transplanting, Version 1.0 will nail my immediate needs first (garlic).
EASY The majority of components are off the shelf. Very little welding on this one, as I want to make the design accessible for everyone.
TOOLBAR Repurposing an old 3-point row crop cultivator ($70, auction, market value) for its toolbar, 3 pt mount, and cheap steel.
HAND TOOLS
These take some practice, but you may find that these hand tools are, in certain situations, faster and more accurate than power tools.
HAND SAWS
Hello All,
hey all,
wondering if anyone does their own feed mixes, rather than buying the mash from the local feed companies. any tips on this?
another thing i'm looking for is cost/planning spreadsheets for raising geese/pork/rabbits/other. initial costs, reoccuring costs, time to market, market prices, etc.
thanks, dan
I was glad to find out about today's event on remote sensing in Lee, NH. I will be developing hands on courses in sustainable agriculture for UNH so I will post special events that we will be hosting at our research/teaching farms. Thanks for welcoming me to the event. It seemed like a great combination of backgrounds and interests. I look forward to participating with this group more often.
Cheers,
Andrew
Ill make the idea short and quick. Have a chicken tractor made out of recycled pallets mounted on two metal studs or 2 skis/snowboards (something that will slide on the grass easily). Have a timed Big Wheel (kids toy) or electric motor with wheels to move the tractor a certain amount a feet a day. You c=could also program it to move the tractor twice a day. To keep the battery charged if your super lazy you could always attach a mini solar panel to the Big Wheel. That would be your biggest expense.