Homestead Shop Talk

Latest Episodes:

Ep. 89 Llamas, Getting Away & Loading Pigs in Snow Mar 07, 2025

Show notes

Jason, Al, and Ben discuss various aspects of homesteading, including the potential of raising llamas and donkeys, the importance of proper drainage in foundation work, and the joys of celebrating milestones like birthdays. They share experiences of teaching the next generation about farming, the art of cooking a pig, and the challenges of navigating daily life, including trips to the DMV. The conversation also touches on building shelters, networking with fellow homesteaders, and the considerations of livestock choices, particularly sheep and guardian dogs, as well as fencing options. In this engaging conversation, the hosts discuss various aspects of homesteading, including the challenges of sourcing materials locally, the satisfaction of completing projects, and the realities of caring for livestock during harsh winter conditions. They share personal experiences related to butchering pigs, insights from their visits to butcher shops, and the ongoing construction of a walk-in cooler. The conversation also touches on cooking techniques and the comfort found in cold weather, creating a rich tapestry of homesteading life.

Sow the Land: https://www.youtube.com/@SowtheLand

Lumnah Acres: https://www.youtube.com/@LumnahAcres

Hollar Homestead: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHollarHomestead

Homestead Shop Talk is a weekly audio podcast hosted by Jason Contreras (@sowtheland), Ben Hollar (@thehollarhomestead) and Al Lumnah (@lumnahacres). Three dudes with different homesteads talking about homestead life, content creation, growing a homestead and building a life worth living for. Thanks for listening!

Ep. 88 Coffeeaholics Anonymous Over Here Feb 28, 2025

Show notes

Jason, Al, and Ben discuss the arrival of spring, their gardening projects, and the challenges of sourcing quality compost. They share experiences from a local farming conference, delve into personal health struggles, and explore the development of a new hot sauce. The conversation highlights the importance of community connections and the joys of homesteading. In this conversation, the speakers discuss various topics related to farming, health, and home improvement. They delve into the behavior of IPP pigs, sharing experiences and insights on their pasture habits. The conversation shifts to health updates within the family, followed by challenges posed by recent snowfall and the management of snow on their property. They also talk about improvements made to their workshop, including heating solutions, and the ongoing restoration project of a walk-in cooler, emphasizing the meticulous work involved. Finally, they touch on the design and functionality of their projects, highlighting the balance between aesthetics and practicality. In this engaging conversation, the hosts explore various topics related to homesteading, food storage, and innovative ideas for utilizing natural resources. They discuss the challenges of sharing meat processing techniques online, brainstorm creative food storage solutions, and reflect on historical refrigeration methods. The conversation also delves into the planning of future projects and the unique experience of making coffee from maple sap, culminating in a light-hearted discussion about their coffee consumption habits.

Sow the Land: https://www.youtube.com/@SowtheLand

Lumnah Acres: https://www.youtube.com/@LumnahAcres

Hollar Homestead: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHollarHomestead

Ep. 87 Do They Know Something We Don't Feb 21, 2025

Show notes

Jason, Al, and Ben discuss the challenges of dealing with extreme weather conditions, including heavy rain and snow. They share their experiences with plowing and snow management, as well as their ongoing project of building a walk-in cooler. The conversation also covers flooring decisions, electrical setups, and the impact of seasonal changes on plant care. In this engaging conversation, the hosts discuss various topics ranging from the migratory patterns of geese to personal experiences in the woods, bacon slicing adventures, camera troubles, building projects, and the care of pigs. They share insights on the challenges of homesteading, the importance of backup equipment, and future plans for water catchment systems. The conversation is light-hearted and filled with practical advice for those interested in farming and homesteading.

Sow the Land: https://www.youtube.com/@SowtheLand

Lumnah Acres: https://www.youtube.com/@LumnahAcres

Hollar Homestead: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHollarHomestead

Ep. 86 Brainstorming Different Homestead Problems Feb 14, 2025

Show notes

Jason, Al, and Ben discuss various topics related to homesteading, including the controversial glyphosate, weather patterns affecting their farms, the challenges of YouTube content creation, and the intricacies of animal husbandry. They share personal experiences with snow, maple syrup tapping, and the construction of new animal shelters, while also addressing the humorous side of YouTube demonetization. The conversation highlights the joys and struggles of homesteading life, emphasizing the importance of community and shared knowledge. In this conversation, the hosts discuss various challenges and experiences related to content creation, building projects, and seasonal changes in their rural lives. They explore the balance between time and quality in video production, the difficulties of sourcing materials and deliveries in remote areas, and the impact of winter on their projects. The discussion also touches on tractor maintenance issues and the excitement of preparing for spring gardening, reflecting on the cyclical nature of their work and the lessons learned over time.

Sow the Land: https://www.youtube.com/@SowtheLand

Lumnah Acres: https://www.youtube.com/@LumnahAcres

Hollar Homestead: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHollarHomestead

Ep. 85 Frostbite to Sunburn Weather This Week Feb 07, 2025

Show notes

Jason, Ben and Al discuss the unpredictable weather patterns affecting their homesteads, share updates on various projects including a walk-in cooler and tractor troubles, and delve into the challenges of managing water leaks during winter. They also explore meat curing techniques, the excitement of building a new chicken coop, and the potential of milling lumber with an Alaskan sawmill. The conversation highlights the joys and struggles of homesteading life, emphasizing community, resourcefulness, and the ever-changing nature of rural living.

Sow the Land: https://www.youtube.com/@SowtheLand

Lumnah Acres: https://www.youtube.com/@LumnahAcres

Hollar Homestead: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHollarHomestead

Ep. 84 Back from Texas, Sausage making and a Moose Jan 31, 2025

Show notes

Jason, Al, and Ben discuss their recent experiences, including Jason's trip to Texas for the APPA Conference, where he learned about pasture poultry production and enjoyed some delicious barbecue. They also delve into Jason's plans for mushroom inoculation and the winter activities Al has been engaged in, including snow grooming and wildlife observations. The conversation highlights the challenges and joys of homesteading, as well as the importance of community and shared experiences in this lifestyle. In this engaging conversation, the hosts discuss various topics related to farming and homesteading, including the recent unusual weather patterns, the process of butchering pigs and making sausages, decisions regarding breeding livestock, and the intriguing process of maple syrup production. They share personal anecdotes and insights about animal behavior in different weather conditions, the joys and challenges of food production, and the excitement of trying new recipes. The conversation wraps up with a light-hearted discussion about the future of their farming endeavors and the importance of community in their homesteading journey.

Sow the Land: https://www.youtube.com/@SowtheLand

Lumnah Acres: https://www.youtube.com/@LumnahAcres

Hollar Homestead: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHollarHomestead

Ep. 83 I Think Changes Are Coming Jan 24, 2025

Show notes

Jason, Al, and Ben discuss their recent experiences with homesteading, including the challenges of cold weather, a charcuterie class they hosted, and their plans for tapping maple trees. They share insights on meat processing, the joy of learning new techniques, and the camaraderie built through shared experiences in homesteading. In this conversation, the speakers discuss various aspects of farming, including batch production, market trends, and preparations for new livestock arrivals. They delve into the challenges posed by cold weather and the construction of barn additions, as well as the potential impacts of political changes on food systems. The conversation also covers feed choices for animals and the importance of quality feed in livestock care. Finally, they share personal anecdotes about winter challenges and equipment issues, highlighting the realities of farm life.

Sow the Land: https://www.youtube.com/@SowtheLand

Lumnah Acres: https://www.youtube.com/@LumnahAcres

Hollar Homestead: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHollarHomestead

Ep. 82 Biggest Expense on the Homestead Jan 17, 2025

Show notes

Jason, Al, and Ben discuss their recent experiences with winter weather, including unexpected snowfalls and the challenges of sledding. They also delve into animal care, particularly focusing on the health of Al's pig, Sweet Potato, and the impact of winter on their livestock. The conversation shifts to the complexities of sourcing animal feed, weighing the pros and cons of bulk versus bagged grain, and the challenges of finding affordable, organic options. The hosts share insights on their homesteading experiences, emphasizing the importance of preparation and adaptability in the face of changing seasons. In this conversation, the hosts discuss various aspects of farming and homesteading, focusing on seasonal changes, organizational strategies, winter challenges, and community engagement through classes. The conversation highlights the balance between work and enjoyment in farming life, emphasizing the satisfaction derived from organization and preparation for busy seasons.

Sow the Land: https://www.youtube.com/@SowtheLand

Lumnah Acres: https://www.youtube.com/@LumnahAcres

Hollar Homestead: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHollarHomestead

Ep. 81 The Week in Review Jan 10, 2025

Show notes

Jason, Ben and Al reflect on their New Year's celebrations, discuss the challenges of cold weather on their homesteads, and share experiences with animal health issues, particularly a prolapsed rectum in pigs. They also delve into breeding decisions for their pigs, the importance of organization in their homesteading projects, and the recent uptick in chicken sales after the holiday season. They discuss their preparations for upcoming chicken shipments, the challenges of building and organizing farm equipment, and the ongoing issues with tractor maintenance. They also share their experiences with curing meats and the joys of charcuterie, culminating in a celebration of their podcast's milestone of reaching a million views.

Sow the Land: https://www.youtube.com/@SowtheLand

Lumnah Acres: https://www.youtube.com/@LumnahAcres

Hollar Homestead: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHollarHomestead

Ep. 80 What if We Did Get Together Jan 03, 2025

Show notes

Jason, Al, and Ben reflect on their holiday experiences, including Christmas dinners and winter weather challenges. They share stories about their homesteading projects, equipment updates, and the impact of sickness during the holiday season. The conversation also touches on hunting season reflections and the challenges of managing livestock and equipment in winter conditions. In this conversation, the speakers discuss various topics ranging from innovative cooling solutions for road trips to the creative process behind a year-in-review video. They also touch on personal fitness routines during winter, the importance of organization in their workspaces, and plans for spring projects involving chickens and Christmas trees. The dialogue reflects a blend of practical advice, personal anecdotes, and insights into their respective lifestyles and projects. In this conversation, the hosts discuss various aspects of homesteading, including the management of chicken supply and processing, building projects for the year, water management for livestock, and the importance of workshops and community engagement. They also touch on event planning and the skills necessary for tasks like pig castration, emphasizing the need for practical knowledge in homesteading.

Sow the Land: https://www.youtube.com/@SowtheLand

Lumnah Acres: https://www.youtube.com/@LumnahAcres

Hollar Homestead: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHollarHomestead

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