Stay ConnectedWelcome to the OFFICIAL Homesteaders of America podcast! A podcast all about homesteading, gardening, livestock, natural living, and the celebration of this beautiful homesteading lifestyle. We talk about current events, inspiration, the Homesteaders of America conference, the homestead life, and more!
Enjoy interviews with some of the nation’s top farmers and homesteaders, newbies and experienced homesteaders, and tips and tricks along the way.
Copyright: © Homesteaders of America
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
View full show notes and transcript on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube.
Thank you to our sponsor!
McMurray Hatchery offers a wide selection of poultry breeds and supplies to assist you with raising your flock. Find what you need at McMurrayHatchery.com!
RESOURCES MENTIONED
Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund
Visit Michelle & Adam’s website for more information about their farm and herdshare
Check out Michelle’s podcast, Biscuits and Gravy, and follow along on Instagram
CONNECT
Michelle & Adam Barringer | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube
Homesteaders of America | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Pinterest
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
View full show notes and transcript on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube.
Thank you to our sponsor!
Premier 1 Supplies is your one-stop shop for all things homesteading! Visit Premier1Supplies.com to browse their catalog.
ABOUT JOE
Joe Putnam works as a marketing copywriter for Premier 1 Supplies. He frequently appears in Premier’s instructional how-to videos on YouTube. Putnam can be found at farm industry events, where his gentle, hands-on approach makes even the most complex farming topics simple. When not at work, Putnam spends time on his family’s 40-acre farmstead in southeast Iowa. There the family raises cattle, sheep, poultry, multiple gardens, corn, hay, and oats.
CONNECT
Joe Putnam of Premier 1 Supplies | Website
Homesteaders of America | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Pinterest
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
View full show notes and transcript on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube.
Thank you to our sponsor!
Premier 1 Supplies is your one-stop shop for all things homesteading! Visit Premier1Supplies.com to browse their catalog.
RESOURCES MENTIONED
Check out Natalie’s worm farming tips on YouTube
The Ultimate Guide to Passive Paydays eBook
The Gardener’s Guide to Worm Farming Course
CONNECT
Natalie Argo of Hey It’s a Good Life | Website | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook | TikTok
Homesteaders of America | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Pinterest
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!
McMurray Hatchery offers a wide selection of poultry breeds and supplies to assist you with raising your flock. Find what you need at McMurrayHatchery.com!
View full show notes and transcript on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube.
ABOUT RACHEL
Rachel Hester is the author of ‘The Guide to Homestead Dairy sheep’ due to be released by Sawdust Publishing in the fall of 2023. She lives in central Kentucky with her husband and son on 8 ½ acres. Using regenerative agriculture methods to reclaim denatured hayfields into a thriving farm while also supporting her husband’s occupation in Emergency Services has led her to some out of the box management styles for her livestock. In addition to dairy and heritage breed sheep, she has chickens, ducks, geese, pigs, honeybees, angora rabbits and a Jersey cow on her farm. She is a fiber artist and loves handspinning and knitting her sheep’s wool into garments for her family.
RESOURCES MENTIONED
Sign up to receive updates from Sawdust Publishing and Whoopsy Daisy Farm about the release of Rachel’s forthcoming book, The Guide to Homestead Dairy Sheep
Episode 20 of the HOA podcast with Janet Garman all about wool sheep
CONNECT
Rachel Hester of Whoopsy Daisy Farm | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube
Homesteaders of America | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Pinterest
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
View full show notes and transcript on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube.
Thank you to our sponsor!
Premier 1 Supplies is your one-stop shop for all things homesteading! Visit Premier1Supplies.com to browse their catalog.
RESOURCES MENTIONED
Keeping Sheep and Other Fiber Animals by Janet Garman
50 Do-it-Yourself Projects for Keeping Chickens by Janet Garman
50 Do-it-Yourself Projects for Keeping Goats by Janet Garman
Natural Dyes on Wool with Timber Creek Farm by Janet Garman
Margarita and the Beautiful Gifts by Janet Garman
The Fleece and Fiber Sourcebook by Deborah Robson and Carol Ekarius
Episode 19 of the HOA Podcast: Getting Started with Sheep + Starting a Farm Business
Natural Dyes on Wool eCourse by Timber Creek Farm
Check out Timber Creek Farm on Etsy
CONNECT
Janet Garman of Timber Creek Farm | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube
Homesteaders of America | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Pinterest
Join us at the Homesteaders of America Conference in October 2023!
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
View full show notes and transcript on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube.
Thank you to our sponsor!
McMurray Hatchery offers a wide selection of poultry breeds and supplies to assist you with raising your flock. Find what you need at McMurrayHatchery.com!
ABOUT GRACE
Grace is an entrepreneur, Shepherdess, and rotational grazing enthusiast. This eclectic mix converges as she shares her small scale sheep farming operation. Through YouTube Grace shares about regenerative farming for profit, raising Dorper sheep, and daily life as a small-scale, regenerative farmer!
RESOURCES MENTIONED
Salad Bar Beef Joel Salatin
Storey’s Guide to Raising Sheep
Be sure to follow Grace’s website and Instagram for updates about her upcoming book The Basics of Raising Sheep on Pasture.
CONNECT
Grace the Shepherdess | Website | Instagram
Homesteaders of America | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Pinterest
Join us at the Homesteaders of America Conference in October 2023!
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
View full show notes and transcript on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube.
Thank you to our sponsor!
Premier 1 Supplies is your one-stop shop for all things homesteading! Visit Premier1Supplies.com to browse their catalog.
RESOURCES MENTIONED
Where Are Your Shoes, Mr. Brown?
CONNECT
Justin Rhodes | Website | Instagram | YouTube
Homesteaders of America | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Pinterest
Join us at the Homesteaders of America Conference in October 2023!
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
View full show notes and transcript on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube.
Thank you to our sponsor!
McMurray Hatchery offers a wide selection of poultry breeds and supplies to assist you with raising your flock. Find what you need at McMurrayHatchery.com!
RESOURCES MENTIONED
Treating Dairy Cows Naturally by Dr. Hubert Karreman
Understanding Ag with Allen Williams
Grass Productivity by André Voisin
Managing Cover Crops Profitably by Andy Clark
CONNECT
Suzanne Nelson of Reverence Farms | Website | Instagram | Facebook | Reverence Farms Instagram
Homesteaders of America | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Pinterest
Join us at the Homesteaders of America Conference in October 2023!
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
View full show notes and transcript on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube.
Thank you to our sponsor!
Premier 1 Supplies is your one-stop shop for all things homesteading! Visit Premier1Supplies.com to browse their catalog.
ABOUT JOHN
John Dyslin has been a student of ‘alternative’ history and world events since 2007, and a lifelong student of Scripture and Christian doctrine.
Following careers in finance and as an internet entrepreneur, he turned his attention to today’s emerging issues, including training in counter-human trafficking, pistol and rifle tactics, Ham radios, comms, and scout tactics.
John was turned around in his life by Jesus Christ in 2014, and is a blood-bought chief sinner who strives to do his imperfect best to follow Jesus’ plan for his life.
John is the author of Nehemiah Strong, a 480-page reference guide equipping believers to stand, occupy, and overcome when the enemy comes in like a flood.
RESOURCES MENTIONED
Use code HOMESTEAD at JohnDyslin.com for 15% off any purchase
Nehemiah Strong by John Dyslin
Download John’s free Advent guide!
Nightlock Door Security Devices
CONNECT
John Dyslin | Website
Homesteaders of America | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Pinterest
Join us at the Homesteaders of America Conference in October 2023!
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
View full show notes and transcript on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube.
Thank you to our sponsor!
McMurray Hatchery offers a wide selection of poultry breeds and supplies to assist you with raising your flock. Find what you need at McMurrayHatchery.com!
RESOURCES MENTIONED
Check out ShareHealthCare.com or call (844) SHARE-HC for more information
CONNECT
Mike Sharman of Share HealthCare | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | LinkedIn
Homesteaders of America | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Pinterest
Join us at the Homesteaders of America Conference in October 2023!
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