Keith Smith

What about using canning jars and a vacuum sealer. I have a vacuum sealer that has a jar lid vacuum. You place the canning lid on, screw the vacuum attachment and pull a vacuum which pulls the lid down creating the seal. Remove the adapter and then put the jar ring on. I am not sure if it gets enough air out to preserve the dry ingredients long enough for you or not. Worth a try.

I am trying to raise free range layers. I used to let them out to roam my yard and a couple of acres that have trees. I have had to quit letting them and the ducks out without watching them. I lost several to hawks. The trees didn't stop them. One day I heard something ping and turned and saw a hawk that had just tried to take a dove decoy off a low limb in a redbud. Last year I lost six laying hens to a mink. The first mink I have ever seen in Arkansas. A few days ago, I caught a great horned owl in my covered pen that had killed my only laying brown duck. He couldn't figure how to get back out. It seems that Arkansas Raptors don't have a problem with trees.

I understand your frustration with some of the comments about being a money grubber. I have been a Baptist Preacher and pastor for over 35 years. Also had to hold down a paying job on the side to feed my family. I have been called lots of names, some of which I will not repeat. I was not preaching for the ones that called me names. I was and am working for my Lord Jesus Christ. Not everyone will like what we do or will everyone support or care about what we do. As long as our conscience is clear and we feel we are doing what we should be is all that matters.
The one request I have for anyone putting anything in print, please refrain from using language that detracts from your intelligence. Not meant to be offensive.
Thanks for all of your good info, because I can't help with $s, I do appreciate the free stuff, because as my user name says, I am dirtpoorsmith.

I am trying a semi below and above ground huglekultur. I have a L3500 Kabota with a backhoe attachment. I dug out the top soil, which was about six inches or less and then dug a foot or more of pure red clay out of a space 5X12 feet. In this I placed branches, dry leaves, grass and lots of compost from a landscaper. The landscaper wanted to give me what he pulls out because I will use it. Otherwise he had to pay to get rid of it.
Win, win for both of us. So far over the past 6 to 8 months, I have a pile six feet high. I can't wait for spring to plant in the mound.