This is just a short note, but the ramifications are big.
I’m watching a series about monastary farms in England’s 16th century. Here’s the shocker…
6 acres of barley per person.
These people lived on bread and ale, as well as pottage. Up to 80% of their intake was from food/drink derived from barley.
There are some things to keep in mind.
First, they didn’t have potatoes. I’m betting you can get more energy per square foot from potatoes vs barley. I’m not sure, but it seems likely.
Secondly, they HAD to drink ale. The water wasn’t safe and the alcohol in ale killed bugs.
Still. You may want to have 6 acres per person in your family for food crops. Plus pasture?
wow.
I say let’s substitute some of the barley for Apple trees…hard cider 😉
Seriously though, I was surprised at that figure too.
I’ve been trying to figure that out myself. How much feed to plant per animal…humans included. I’m planning on doing the barely fodder system to supplemental feed in the winter. I would’ve never thought so much would be needed….hmmmm.