Maintaining adequate caloric intake during prolonged grid failure requires systematic planning beyond foraging. A 2000-calorie daily requirement can be met through a combination of animal products and garden yields. This article outlines detailed strategies for ensuring a steady supply of essential nutrients and calories in a post-grid scenario.

Animal Products

To meet the daily caloric needs, one must consider the following animal products:
– Beef: Aim for 10 lbs per person per month. This can be achieved through hunting, raising cattle, or a combination of both. Hunting requires knowledge of local wildlife and seasons, while raising cattle involves managing pastures and feed.
– Pork: Similarly, aim for 10 lbs per person per month. Pork can be sourced from hunting wild boar or raising pigs. Pigs are efficient converters of food into meat and can be raised on a variety of diets, including kitchen scraps and garden waste.
– Lamb: Also target 10 lbs per person per month. Sheep can be raised for meat and wool, making them a versatile addition to a survival farm. Sheep require less space and water compared to cattle and pigs.
– Chicken: Aim for 10 lbs per person per month. Chickens are excellent foragers and can be raised for both meat and eggs. They require minimal space and can be integrated into garden spaces to help control pests and fertilize the soil.
– Fish: Aim for 10 lbs per person per month. Fish can be sourced from local waterways through fishing or aquaculture. Aquaculture involves raising fish in tanks or ponds, which can be integrated into garden systems for nutrient recycling.
– Eggs: Aim for 20 lbs per person per month. Eggs are a valuable source of protein and can be sourced from chickens, ducks, or geese. These birds can be raised in small spaces and provide a steady supply of eggs.
– Milk: Aim for 10 gallons per person per month. Milk can be sourced from cows, goats, or sheep. Dairy animals require careful management of their diet and health to ensure a steady supply of milk.

Garden Yields

To meet the caloric needs through garden yields, consider the following high-yield crops:
– Potatoes: Aim for 2000 lbs per acre per year. Potatoes are a high-yield crop that can be grown in a variety of soil types and climates. They can be stored for long periods, making them a valuable food source during winter months.
– Corn: Aim for 1500 lbs per acre per year. Corn is a versatile crop that can be used for food, feed, and fuel. It requires a long growing season and ample water, but can be grown in a variety of climates.
– Beans: Aim for 1000 lbs per acre per year. Beans are a high-protein crop that can be grown in a variety of soil types and climates. They can be used for food or feed and can be stored for long periods.
– Tomatoes: Aim for 500 lbs per acre per year. Tomatoes are a high-yield crop that can be grown in a variety of soil types and climates. They can be used for food and can be stored for long periods.
– Onions: Aim for 200 lbs per acre per year. Onions are a high-yield crop that can be grown in a variety of soil types and climates. They can be used for food and can be stored for long periods.

Gardening Techniques

To maximize garden yields, consider the following techniques:
1. Use raised beds with 30% compost for optimal yields. Raised beds can be built using a variety of materials and can be designed to fit any space. They improve soil quality and drainage, leading to higher yields.
2. Implement ‘three sisters’ planting (corn, beans, squash). This traditional Native American technique involves planting corn, beans, and squash together. The corn provides a structure for the beans to climb, while the beans fix nitrogen in the soil, and the squash provides ground cover to retain moisture.
3. Aquaponics systems: Use 100-gallon fish tanks with 100 lbs of fish. Aquaponics combines aquaculture (raising fish) and hydroponics (growing plants without soil) in a symbiotic environment. The fish provide nutrients for the plants, while the plants filter the water for the fish.
4. Use 1000 sq ft of garden space with 100% compost. Compost provides essential nutrients for plants and improves soil structure. It can be made from kitchen scraps, yard waste, and other organic materials.
5. Maintain 1000 sq ft of pasture for livestock. Pasture provides a natural diet for livestock and can be managed to ensure a steady supply of forage. It can be integrated with garden spaces to create a self-sustaining system.

Key Considerations

  • Foraging alone is insufficient for long-term survival. While foraging can provide a valuable supplement to a survival diet, it is not a reliable source of calories. Foraging requires knowledge of local flora and fauna and can be unpredictable.
  • Prioritize high-yield crops and livestock. High-yield crops and livestock can provide a steady supply of calories and nutrients. They require careful planning and management but can be more reliable than low-yield options.
  • Calculate exact caloric needs based on activity levels. Caloric needs can vary based on age, sex, and activity levels. It is important to calculate exact caloric needs to ensure a steady supply of calories.
  • Plan for 100% compost availability for maximum production. Compost provides essential nutrients for plants and improves soil structure. It can be made from a variety of organic materials and can be used to improve soil quality.

Practical Tips

  • Start small and build up. It can be overwhelming to plan for a large-scale survival garden and livestock operation. Start with a small garden and a few livestock animals and build up over time.
  • Learn from experienced growers and livestock keepers. There are many resources available for learning about gardening and livestock keeping. Seek out experienced growers and livestock keepers and learn from their experiences.
  • Be prepared for setbacks. Gardening and livestock keeping can be unpredictable. Be prepared for setbacks and have a plan in place for dealing with them.

In conclusion, maintaining adequate caloric intake during prolonged grid failure requires careful planning and management. By prioritizing high-yield crops and livestock and using effective gardening techniques, one can ensure a steady supply of calories and nutrients.

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