Homesteaders of America

Any homesteader who has a dairy animal or two knows the importance of finding a use for all of that milk.  Making cheese at home is not only a great way to provide nourishing food for your family, it is also an excellent method of preserving milk.  Robyn began her cheesemaking journey by using her dairy cow’s milk to make cheese for her family, and she quickly realized there was a need for cheesemaking education specifically for the homesteader.  In this conversation, Robyn answers the most common questions about getting started making cheese from scratch.  If learning how to make cheese is on your list of skills to master, give this episode a listen!

In this episode, we cover:

• From the start of Robyn’s cheesemaking endeavors to her successful online education business

• An ideal time of year to make cheese

• What to look for when choosing a homestead dairy animal for cheesemaking

• The best types of cheeses to start making if you are new

• How long does it take to make cheese and what is the process?

• Choosing and working with the bacteria and acid necessary for cheesemaking

• What is a clabber culture and how can you create one?

• Deciding what kind of rennet is right for your cheesemaking

• Do I need a lot of special equipment to get started making cheese?

• An overview of the process of making and aging hard cheeses

• Contamination concerns and how to avoid them

As homesteaders and farmers, local and federal regulations around food production and property rights impact us more than we might like to admit.  Nick Freitas joins us today to break down what it looks like for average citizens to get involved in the legislative process and make a difference in their communities.  Homesteaders, it is more important than ever to stay informed and make our voices heard! 

In this episode, we cover:

• How to find out what is happening legislatively in the food freedom realm

• Easy ways that anyone can get involved in local policy

• Examining some specific food guidelines in the state of Virginia

• The importance of building a relationship with your delegates and senators

• Ways you can start advocating for change even if you don’t like politics

• The biggest impact you can make for the homesteading community may not be what you think

Jill Winger is one of the original homestead bloggers to start sharing her homesteading journey online.  She has been living this lifestyle for well over a decade, and she has gained insight and perspective over those years that she loves to share with others in the homesteading community.  In this conversation, we dive into comparison, money mindsets, community enrichment, and more.  Whether you are a new homesteader or have been living this lifestyle for years, may Jill’s encouragement meet you right where you are.

In this episode, we cover:

• Jill’s early start in homesteading

• Bringing a realistic perspective to what homesteading looks like in real life vs. online

• Examining money mindsets in the homestead world

• Keeping in mind the full picture when we are tempted to envy someone else’s success

• What it looks like to begin reaping the benefits of years of hard, unseen work and sacrifice

• Discerning when it is time to scale back in your homestead or business

• How old-fashioned living can benefit you no matter where you live

• Extending the gifts of homesteading beyond the borders of your own property

You might recognize today’s guest from her successful years-long career in Christian music, but you may not know that Francesca Battistelli is part of the homesteading world as well.  What began as a nudge to leave behind the busy pace of a traveling musician and spend more time at home with her children has turned into a full-blown homesteading, homeschooling, homemaking, home-loving life.  Join us as Francesca shares her homesteading story: how it all got started, where they are now, and what they hope and dream for the future.  Along the way, Francesca points out so many of the beautiful reasons that the homesteading lifestyle has captured so many of our hearts here in the HOA community.

In this episode, we cover:

• What led Francesca from a music career on the road to the slower pace of homestead life

• How kids participate in the homestead and what they gain from this lifestyle

• Family relationships and changes in community when embarking on a homesteading journey

• What homesteading endeavors Francesca has taken on in her first few years of homesteading

• Thinking through the long-term goal of your homestead

• What homeschooling looks like for Francesca and her six children

• How homesteading lends itself to a life of continual learning

• Noticing the everyday beauty around the homestead

For dairy cow owners who find themselves overwhelmed with an abundance of milk or an abundance of friends and neighbors asking for milk, a herdshare could be a great option for you!  Additionally, if you live in a state where it is illegal to sell raw milk, starting a herdshare is a wonderful way to provide milk to your community without legal issues.  Whether you are looking to join a herdshare in your area or start one from your own homestead, this episode is a great starting place to get your questions answered.  Michelle and Adam have been running their herdshare for a couple of years now, and they are generously sharing their insight into this process from start to finish!

In this episode, we cover:

• How the Barringers got started with dairy cows and eventually started their herdshare

• Various ways the children get involved in the family herdshare endeavor

• Walking through the setup and routine of a small home dairy

• The many factors to consider when deciding how to feed your dairy cow

• What are the health benefits of drinking raw milk?

• Navigating the legalities of raw milk sales and herdshares in your state

• An overview of the supplies and equipment you need to start a herdshare

• How to start marketing your herdshare to find members

Anyone who has tried to fence in livestock knows that there are many variables to consider.  Will electric fencing work for every animal?  Why might my livestock be escaping?  Do I need an additional perimeter fence?  In this episode, fencing expert Joe Putnam of Premier 1 Supplies answers many of the most common questions about livestock fencing and shares the variety of resources Premier 1 has to offer homesteaders of all kinds.  Join us!

In this episode, we cover:

• How Premier 1 got its start and what makes it a unique homestead supplier

• A description of exactly how electric fencing works

• An overview of other fencing options besides electric netting

• What is the appropriate amount of space between fence posts?

• Exploring the reasons your livestock might be escaping their fencing

• Can electric fencing serve as your perimeter fence?

• What Premier 1 offers beyond livestock fencing

• The personalized customer support you’ll get from Premier 1

What started as a mama’s desire to stay home and raise her babies has turned into a full-time income for Natalie’s family that supports their homesteading dreams.  Through the successes and failures of growing her first garden, Natalie discovered the magic of worm composting for soil fertility, and it transformed her garden.  Natalie began sharing the expertise she gained in worm farming via digital products, and she now teaches other women to do the same.  Join us for this discussion on bringing dreams to reality– both in the garden and in entrepreneurship!

In this episode, we cover:

• What led Natalie to pursue homesteading and online business

• Seeing God’s hand in Natalie’s journey to building her business

• Why worm composting is a powerful and underrated tool on a homestead

• The exciting future of Natalie’s dream homestead

• Final encouragement to those pursuing what God has called them to

After listening to this episode, you are going to be itching to add dairy sheep to your homestead!  Rachel gives an overview of all of the most commonly asked questions about getting started with dairy sheep: milk quality, sheep breeds, breeding, milking, feeding, and more!  Sheep are an incredible multi-purpose homestead animal that can thrive even on small acreage.  If you want to be part of the sheep movement in the homesteading world, this is a great episode to help you consider whether dairy sheep are a good fit for you!

In this episode, we cover:

• What makes sheep such a great multi-purpose homestead animal

• Exploring the health benefits and taste of sheep milk

• Description of dairy sheep breeds and which are best for beginners

• Managing the breeding and lactation cycles of dairy sheep

• Various approaches to the nutritional needs of dairy sheep

Thank you to our sponsor!

We are bringing you a series of episodes on the podcast about raising sheep, and in today’s episode, Janet of Timber Creek Farm is lending her expertise to the conversation!  Janet has been building her homestead and growing her skills for decades, and she has a unique passion for creating beautiful fibers with natural dyes.  Join us as we talk about acquiring and maintaining a healthy flock of sheep that is right for you and your homestead.  We also discuss what to do with the wool after shearing and why wool is such a valuable resource.

In this episode, we cover:

• Choosing the right breed of fiber sheep for your needs

• What health markers to look for when acquiring new sheep

• Options for processing wool if you don’t spin it yourself

• The differences in raising sheep for wool, dairy, and meat

• Types of plants you can use to dye wool naturally

• Benefits of wearing wool and other natural fibers

• What kind of property you need to raise sheep

I am noticing a trend in the homesteading world toward raising sheep.  There are so many great reasons to consider adding sheep to your homestead, and Grace the Shepherdess is here to share with us all about her small-scale regenerative sheep farming operation.  She talks through some of the different breeds of sheep and what they are useful for, the ins and outs of rotational grazing with sheep, and the profitability of raising sheep in today’s market.  If you are working with a small piece of land or you are simply interested in adding a smaller-scale ruminant to your homestead, join in on this conversation with the Shepherdess!

In this episode, we cover:

• Revitalizing the health of a flock of sheep through grazing management

• A description of hair sheep and their primary purpose

• What research Grace did to determine that sheep were a far more profitable endeavor for her than cattle

• The difference between how sheep interact with pasture versus cattle

• Addressing parasite issues effectively in sheep

• Being prepared to care for various health concerns that may affect your sheep

• What size property do you need to raise sheep?

• The unique temperament of sheep and how to develop a trusting relationship with them

As a long-time content creator in the homesteading space, Justin Rhodes has become something of an expert in building an online business that can support your homestead dreams.  In this episode, Justin shares the journey from where he started to where he is now.  We even chat about ideas for the future and how to plan for tomorrow in a constantly changing online business environment.  Whether you are dreaming of starting your own business or hoping to take yours to the next level, may this conversation with Justin inspire you to take the next step!

Join us as we discuss:

• How Justin got started creating homesteading content

• Navigating the online world and adapting to the fast-paced changes

• Learning from mentors and teaching as you learn

• Finding the right business idea for you

• The challenges and benefits of learning from the internet

• Planning for the future of your business in an ever-changing online landscape

When it comes to raising dairy cows, pasture management requires more intentionality than you may expect.  From understanding the nutritional needs of cows to recognizing signs of poor pasture health, Suzanne of Reverence Farms is a wealth of wisdom on this topic.  Whether you have future plans of owning a grazing animal or you are looking to take your current pastures to the next level, this conversation with Suzanne is rich with practical information and plenty of education for every homesteader.

In this episode, we cover:

• Pour THIS on your pasture to increase pasture health

• What to look for on the surface of your pasture to gauge its health

• The beginnings of a healthy pasture

• How you can determine a cow’s level of nutrition by their appearance

• Understanding the nutritional needs of cows

• A real world example of a dairy cow’s diet

• What rotational grazing can look like on a small homestead

• Markers to look for in evaluating the quality of your grass

• The problem with fescue and how to manage it

• Shifting our perspective about taking care of our pastures

As homesteaders, we work hard to make our homes a refuge from the storms that rage in the world around us.  Learning to protect what we are building and prepare for the future is an essential part of pursuing homestead security.  Author John Dyslin gets fired up about teaching people to stand up against and overcome evil in the world.  For those who are believers and those who are not, this conversation will encourage you to be strong and courageous as you prepare for whatever may come in the days ahead.

In this episode, we cover:

• How John’s book helps the homesteader prepare for what is to come

• What it means to get “a knock on the door” and how you can be prepared

• The importance of assembling a community of like-minded people

• A word on arming yourself against home invasion

• Explaining how to use the tangible lists and resources included in the book

• An exhortation for strong men and women to rise up against the evil all around us

• Recognizing spiritual warfare around us and preparing to fight with authority in the Holy Spirit

• The most important area of preparation for the believer to pursue

As homesteaders, we recognize that many of the cultural systems around us are broken.  Many of us opt out of mainstream food systems, educational systems, corporate systems, etc.  As a long-time religious freedom attorney and founder of a healthcare sharing organization, Mike Sharman is here to talk to us about what it looks like to opt out of the mainstream health insurance system.  We’ll chat about how healthcare sharing can support our medical freedom, financial freedom, and religious freedom all at the same time.  Join us!

In this episode, we cover:

• How Share HealthCare was founded and what sets it apart 

• Mike’s background of advocating for religious freedom in recent years

• What exactly does healthcare sharing cost?

• The biblical basis for healthcare sharing

• What about the legal aspect of healthcare sharing?

• How medical freedom, financial freedom, and religious freedom work together at Share HealthCare

• Where to start if you want to advocate for health insurance reform in your area

• How healthcare sharing begins to change the culture

We get a lot of questions about what it looks like to involve your kids in your homestead.  As a mother of seven and multigenerational homesteader, RuthAnn does this really well.  Join us as we discuss age-appropriate responsibilities for children, having realistic expectations for your season of parenting, the gift of boredom for our children, and more!

In this episode, we cover:

• Prioritizing tasks in a busy household

• How to implement chores in your family for the first time

• Involving children in chores according to their age and ability

• How motherhood changes over time as we grow and our children grow

• The vital role of mothers as the hub of the family

• Why it is important to bring our children along as we work through our daily tasks

• A case for letting kids be bored

• Heartfelt advice for the new homesteader on social media

• Accomplishing your homesteading goals even if you are not a planner

We fondly refer to Joel as the grandfather of the homesteading community.  With decades of experience in the farming and homesteading world, he brings incredible insight to this discussion of the current state of homesteading.  Joel’s upcoming book, Homestead Tsunami, serves as a source of inspiration and aspiration for those who desire to articulate a solid “why” behind their decision to live a homesteading lifestyle.  No matter where you are on the homesteading spectrum, may you find encouragement that this way of life is worth it.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why are so many people flocking toward homesteading right now?

• Rejecting fear-based motivations and moving forward in faith

• A picture of homesteading in Israel

• How homesteading is like building an ark

• Raising hard working children of integrity in our current culture

• The power of disconnecting from manmade things and connecting to God’s creation

• Exploring what is behind the urban vs. rural mindset

• How to ignite meaningful change in our current climate

Ann has been homesteading for nearly a decade now, and she places a particular emphasis on growing as much of her family’s food as possible.  In fact, she estimates that they produce around 80% of their own food on their Tennessee homestead.

In our conversation, we discuss what it looks like to plan and grow a year’s worth of food for your family.  We talk about adapting to your climate, evaluating your family’s unique needs, optimizing the harvest, and more.  Grab your garden planner and pen, and join us for this episode!

In this episode, we cover:

• Considerations for gardening in various climates
• The surprising benefit of gardening in clay soil
• Choosing what to grow based on your climate
• Arranging your garden spatially
• How to factor crop yield and pantry inventory
• Optimizing your harvest through succession planting and preserving
• The importance of documenting the details of your garden
• Why planning ahead makes all the difference in your garden
• Tailoring your garden to your unique family
• How less might actually be more in the garden

With springtime fast approaching, homesteaders and backyard chicken keepers are planning ahead for their next round of chicks.  In this conversation with Tom of Murray McMurray Hatchery, we discuss everything a brand new chicken owner needs to know to get started.  Tom also shares about some of the rare breeds being raised at McMurray; you don’t want to miss it!

In this episode, we cover:

• Three chicken breeds that are great for getting started
• Speciality breeds raised by McMurray Hatchery
• What you need to know about ordering meat chickens this year
• Ordering trends of backyard chicken keepers vs. homesteaders
• Legislation concerning shipping live chickens
• Considerations for raising multiple types of poultry together
• Is it possible to get healthy chicks through the mail?
• How to prevent and treat the most common chicken illnesses

It is the time of year when gardeners get the itch to start seeds.  Depending on your zone, you may have already begun the process of sprouting seeds for your future garden.  Whether you are already watching tiny sprouts emerge or you have many weeks left to wait, you will love this conversation with Paul Hutcheson, owner of Windmill Heights Garden Center.  He breaks down how to achieve the perfect timing in starting seeds and transplanting, how to pursue ideal conditions, plus some incredible advice for new gardeners.  Join us for this rich conversation as we look forward to spring and summer gardening.

In this episode, we cover:

• Paul’s story of growing up in a gardening family and taking over the family business
• The two most important dates for a gardener to know each year
• Doing the math on when to start different seeds
• Choosing the right soil for seed starting
• Creating the ideal conditions through light, temperature, and nutrition
• The process of hardening off and transplanting outdoors
• Continuing to care for your seedlings after you have planted them in the ground
• Deciding whether to start your own seeds or purchase started plants
• Advice for the beginning gardener
• The value of keeping a record of your garden over the years

Now that we have discussed how to choose a family milk cow, we are diving into how to keep your cow healthy the natural way.  If approaching natural livestock care seems overwhelming to you, you will definitely want to join us for this episode because Joshua does an amazing job of explaining his holistic approach in simple terms.  We address the most common fears cow owners have: mastitis, parasites, antibiotics, supporting the overall immune system, and more.  As a farmer raising grass-fed A2A2 dairy cows in a holistic way, Joshua is a wealth of knowledge on raising the healthiest cows possible.

In this episode, we cover:

• What A2A2 means and why it matters
• Reasons why you might cull a cow when building your herd
• Grass-fed genetics are more important than you think
• Exploring some root causes of mastitis
• The ramifications of using antibiotics in your cow
• Simple and effective ways to treat mastitis at home
• How to boost your cow’s immune system naturally
• What minerals cows need and why you want to mix them yourself
• Top three areas of health to assess your cow’s overall wellbeing
• Beneficial and harmful grasses and forage for cows
• Treating and preventing parasites naturally

The family milk cow is quickly becoming the new backyard flock of chickens.  More and more people are realizing the amazing benefits of adding a dairy cow to their homestead.

This month on the podcast, we are focusing on all things dairy cow.  Shawn and Beth Dougherty are the perfect couple to lend their voice to this conversation as they have over four decades of experience farming and perfecting the art of grass conversion through dairy ruminants.

If you are considering adding a family milk cow to your homestead or are new to the world of home dairy, this discussion is for you.  We dive into the most commonly asked questions when it comes to getting started with dairy cows: breed, acreage, feed, health, and more.  If a dairy cow is in your future, start here!

In this episode, we cover:

• Making the switch from dairy goats to dairy cows
• What breeds make the best dairy cows
• Other factors that may be more important than breed
• What’s the big deal about A2A2?
• Is your land appropriate for a milk cow?
• The practicals of feeding a 100% grass-fed cow
• Top features to look for when purchasing a dairy cow
• What makes a perfect milk cow for a first-time owner
• How important is disease testing?

It's time to start winding down the season in 2020. That means you're prepping for winter and the end of the business year. As you put the garden to rest, prepare livestock for harsh cold weather, and prepare those dreaded taxes...here are a few things you may not have considered as you close out the homestead this year. 

Join us online at https://www.homesteadersofamerica.com 

• • FROM THIS EPISODE:

In their brand new book, Beyond Labels, Sina McCullough and Joel Salatin walk us through some pretty incredible truths about living a healthier lifestyle and our food system. A conversation between a doctor and a farmer about food, labels, where our food comes from, and living a healthy lifestyle—this book needs to be in everyone’s hands!  Join us for a LIVE chat with Sina and Joel on Tuesday June 8, 2020 at 9 am EST on the Homesteaders of America Youtube Channel!  This is a great time to listen about the book, ask Sina and Joel questions in the live chat, and more!  

Here at Homesteaders of America, we're constantly growing, learning, and sharing! We hope we can do that by bringing this brand new podcast to you! It's another way for us to reach homesteaders all across the country, and beyond. In this episode learn who we are, what we're about, what we believe, and what you can expect from our brand new podcast!

• • • Join us online here

Welcome to the official Homesteaders of America podcast—where we bring homesteading to life through interviews, current events, tips and tricks, and more! Whether you’re homesteading on 500 acres, or in an apartment in a big city—this podcast is for you. Join us as we learn and share about vintage skills and self-sufficient living in a modern world. And don’t forget to check out the Homesteaders of America conference, held each and every year in October right here in Virginia! Where we come together in a big homesteader family reunion, learn together, grow together, and just have true homestead fun together. We hope you enjoy the show—thanks for being a pioneer and trail blazer in this homesteading community. We can’t wait to learn with you!