SKU: 51552859601

The Independent Farmstead

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Description

The Independent FarmsteadBy: Beth Dougherty, Shawn Dougherty With in depth information on electric fencing, watering, and husbandry for ruminants, poultry, and pigs, plus butchering, dairying, and more If we work hard, we sleep well. Twenty years ago, when authors Shawn and Beth Dougherty purchased the land they would come to name the Sows Ear, the state of Ohio designated it not suitable for agriculture. Today, their family raises and grows 90% of their own food. Such self

By: Beth Dougherty, Shawn Dougherty     
With in-depth information on electric fencing, watering, and husbandry for ruminants, poultry, and pigs, plus butchering, dairying, and more

“If we work hard, we sleep well.”

Twenty years ago, when authors Shawn and Beth Dougherty purchased the land they would come to name the Sow’s Ear, the state of Ohio designated it “not suitable for agriculture.” Today, their family raises and grows 90% of their own food.

Such self-sufficiency is largely the result of basing their farming practices around intensive pasture management. Pioneered by such luminaries as Allan Savory, Greg Judy, and Joel Salatin, the tenets of holistic grazing—employed mostly by larger-scale commercial operations—have been adapted by the Doughertys to fit their family’s needs. In The Independent Farmstead, The Sow’s Ear model for regenerating the land and growing food—“the best you ever tasted”—is elucidated for others to use and build upon.

In witty and welcoming style, The Independent Farmstead covers everything from choosing a species of ruminant and incorporating it into a grass-based system to innovative electric fencing and watering systems, to what to do with all of the milk, meat, and, yes, manure that the self-sustaining farm produces. Within these pages, the Doughertys discuss how to:



  • Find and improve poor, waste, or abused land and develop its natural water resources;
  • Select and purchase the appropriate ruminant for regenerating your farmstead;
  • Apply fencing strategies and pasture management basics;
  • Implement basic, uncomplicated food processing, including large and small animal butchering and cheese making; and
  • Integrate grass, gardens, and livestock to minimize or eliminate the need for off-farm inputs.

As the Doughertys write, more and more people today are feeling “the desire for clean, affordable food, unmodified, unprocessed, and unmedicated and the security of local food sourcing for ourselves and our children.” The Independent Farmstead is a must-have resource for those who count themselves as part of this movement: both new and prospective farmers and homesteaders, and those who are interested in switching to grass-based systems. Best of all it’s the kind of rare how-to book that the authors themselves view not as a compendium of one-size-fits-all instructions but as “the beginning of a conversation,” one that is utterly informative, sincere, and inspiring.
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SKU: 51552859601

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Rene' Fields
Lake Worth, US
★★★★★ 5
A great boredom‑buster that works perfectly as a distraction.
Color: Blue, Color: Blue
I ordered the Excdesolns Slow Feeder Dog Bowl for my 15‑month‑old Lab. This is my first time using a slow feeder, but I knew I wanted one made from safe materials—this bowl is 100% food‑grade silicone, BPA‑free, and non‑toxic. It’s solid and sturdy, not flimsy at all, and the quality really shows. The suction bottom works great too—once you set it down, it stays put. I’ve been using it as a boredom‑buster or distraction tool, especially when it’s time to trim her nails. A little peanut butter in the grooves keeps her busy for a good while. It actually works better than I expected, and I’m considering using it for her fresh food as well. Overall, it’s a well‑made, functional bowl that does exactly what it promises. Highly recommend.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 20, 2026
L
Leon
Alexandria, US
★★★★★ 3
Practical Slow Feeder Bowl, Works as Expected
Color: Blue
I tried this slow feeder dog bowl for my pet, and overall it’s fairly well made. The suction cup keeps the bowl in place on smooth surfaces, and the reinforced rim feels sturdy. The puzzle design slows down eating, though it may take some getting used to for certain dogs. Made of BPA-free silicone, it seems safe and easy to clean. It works for a range of dog sizes, though the 3-cup capacity might be a bit small for larger breeds. Overall, it’s an okay option for slow feeding.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 11, 2026
M
Mixed Media Muse
Charlottesville, US
★★★★★ 4
From 2 minutes to 10—he actually enjoys his meal now
Color: Orange, Color: Orange
I’m really happy with this slow feeder, and my dog seems to love it too. He used to just chomp his food down in about two minutes, but now he actually takes his time and it keeps him busy for at least 10 or 15 minutes. I usually mix a little dry food with some soft food and use the included blue spatula to really mash the soft food down into the grooves. Doing that makes him eat even slower because he has to lick it out, and I think he enjoys his food a lot more now that he isn't just rushing through it. It’s actually pretty cool to watch him because he’ll eat a little, then sit or lay down and just watch his bowl before getting back to it. He’s very territorial about his food and doesn't want the cat coming anywhere near it, so he stays right there to guard it while he takes his breaks. The suction on the bottom is extremely strong and stays put on the floor, so I don't have to worry about the bowl sliding around. I even tested it on a hallway wall and it stuck so well I was worried about the paint, but I figured out that if you pull it down instead of straight out, it releases just fine.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 2, 2026
J
Jennifer S
Waukegan, US
★★★★★ 5
Easily Replaces the Linking Mat
Color: Orange, Color: Orange
This slow feeder bowl has been a great upgrade from the flat lick mat I used before. The deeper design allows for so much more food, which is perfect for spreading soft foods like yogurt or peanut butter. The textured sides really help hold everything in place. It’s made of flexible silicone but still holds its shape well. I love that it comes with a mini spatula-a handy little bonus for spreading food. I’ve also put it in the fridge to freeze treats, and it works great for longer-lasting enrichment. The suction base keeps it securely on the floor, which is important because otherwise Maverick would absolutely try to run off with it! 😊 It’s also dishwasher safe (top rack), making cleanup easy. Overall, a well-designed, practical slow feeder that both my dog and I are happy with.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 21, 2026
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Verified Purchase
Ladybug27
Massapequa, US
★★★★★ 5
Best Balls Ever!!!
Size: Medium
These are the best balls ever! We have 2 very active ball loving dogs and these bounce very well and they actually hold up with active play and chewing. They still look brand new after daily use for months!
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Reviewed in the United States on May 15, 2026

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