A few days ago, we talked about logistics and how important they are for just about everything, from military to business. Without the raw materials, manpower, energy, intelligence, or knowledge it is difficult to get things done.
Right now, it seems like major global conflict or WWIII is in the early stages. With reports of fertilizer disruptions worldwide and disruptions to the oil infrastructure all over the world. Both will raise food prices. Meat has already reached an almost unaffordable level in the grocery stores for many people. The future doesn’t look cheap or bright either. I say this not to sound like the sky is falling, but rather because it has become quite apparent and I still need to eat.
In Revelation 6:6 NLT And I heard a voice from among the four living beings say, “A loaf of wheat bread or three loaves of barley will cost a day’s pay. And don’t waste the olive oil and wine.” Now I am not saying we are living in the end times. It is not for me to know when that will happen. All I can say is that those words will come true one day. I will also say that periods of famine and hyperinflation have affected different areas of the world repeatedly in the past. There are indicators that famine and hyperinflation are in America’s and the world’s future. So do with that what you may.
If you study Joseph’s story at the end of Genesis, Genesis 37-50, Joseph interpreted Pharaoh’s dream from God in Genesis 41. About a coming seven-year period of plenty, followed by a seven-year period of famine. Joseph was put into a position of power in Pharaoh’s kingdom and put things in place that allowed the kingdom, him, and his family to survive and prosper during this period. Those that didn’t know or store for the future lost everything just trying to feed themselves and their families.
Most in the preparedness world focus on stockpiling stuff. Rice and beans, MREs, freeze dried foods, etc. It is worth having some food on hand, I agree. But stockpiling is never a permanent solution. What are you going to do when you run out of those stores?
Everyone talks about growing food when the time comes, if that is your plan that you need enough food on hand until your harvested crops are ready to be eaten.
It takes real skill to grow enough food to feed yourself. If that is your long-term strategy, I would suggest you give it a try if you have never tried it before. It is springtime all, so plant a garden or at least a few plants.
When we lived in Idaho, we managed to hunt or raise over 90% of our meat. That was for a family of seven with one or two people hunting, plus whatever we raised on a 10-acre property. Down in Texas the goal this year is for 100% of our meat is raised, hunted, or fished. I am not farmer, but we are making a valiant effort this year with gardening.
Now I realize that not everyone has moved to a rural area where this is possible. Even most urban places have a farmers’ market where locals will sell you locally grown food. If you start supporting the people making those happen then you are going to be closer to your food source. This goes for not only fruits and vegetables but also contacting the local farmers who can sell you half a beef or a whole hog, which you can have butchered.
If you are in a Mutual Assistance Group, or similar like-minded community hopefully there are people who specialize in food production. There will be times throughout the year where your community will, or should, come together to help with the major food processing tasks: planted, harvesting, preserving, butchering, etc.
This is how I envision the near future looking for long term food logistics. Either you are growing, raising, hunting, or foraging it yourself or you are trading/buying it from someone local to you who does.
Long-term shipping restrictions could have a very real impact on the things we buy, and it is worth considering these things so you can feed your family and yourself.
-Joseph
Outpost 95 