We talk a lot on this podcast about raising our own food, but today we are chatting all about preparing and serving the food we have worked so hard to produce!  Stacy Lyn Harris is the perfect person to join us for this conversation because she has been using produce from her garden and meat from her husband’s hunting trips to prepare delicious meals for her large southern family for decades.  We are not only diving into the practicals of creating amazing meals, but we are also digging into the heart of hospitality.  Feeding good food to our families and friends is a beautiful way to put our love into action!

In this episode, we cover:

• Diving into the heart behind Stacy’s cookbooks

• What is hospitality and why does it matter?

• A look at hospitality when you are in the trenches of early motherhood

• Practicing hospitality in your marriage and family

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 Stacy Lyn’s cookbooks

CONNECT

Stacy Lyn Harris | Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Pinterest

Homesteaders of America | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Pinterest

You are going to love hearing the Fuhrmanns inspiring homestead story in this episode!  They share about the health scare that led them to the homesteading life, how their homestead has become a blessing to their community, what it’s like to raise and homeschool nine children, and what has led their children to stay involved in the family business as they have become adults.  The Fuhrmann family’s hearts for the Lord, for true health, for their family, and for community will encourage you to cast an intentional vision for your own family and homestead.

In this episode, we cover:

• How Jack and Kim’s homesteading story began with time spent overseas

• The evolution of the Fuhrmanns’ family homestead into a ministry hub in their community

• The unique beauty of raising kids on a homestead

• How a family health crisis led Jack and Kim to pursue natural healing through food

• The practicals of managing a large homeschooling family on a homestead

• Overcoming academic challenges and watching our children flourish into adulthood

• How establishing a strong vision turns your homestead into a haven for family and community

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 JACK & KIM

After serving as overseas missionaries in Chad, Africa God toughened Jack and Kim up in preparation for a calling to homesteading life.  They have owned and operated Our Father's Farm in Gretna, VA providing southside VA with grass-fed, A2A2 dairy products through herd shares, pastured poultry, and grass-fed beef, as well as training in natural health.  The farm has grown with the family and is more diverse every year.  The Fuhrmanns are passionate about God, His Word, the family, and others.  They love to encourage, educate and support others on their journey to whole health wellness.  They are committed to raising the most nutrient-dense foods possible while stewarding as a family their land for God's glory.  They love teaching others why this choice is worth the effort and sacrifice. 

RESOURCES MENTIONED

HOA podcast episode with Joshua Fuhrmann

Journey Back to Health by Kim Fuhrmann

CONNECT

Jack & Kim Fuhrmann of Our Father’s Farm | Website
Homesteaders of America | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Pinterest

On a recent episode of the podcast, we talked about how the homesteading lifestyle is a call back to home-centered living: homesteading, homemaking, home cooking, home business, homeschooling, etc.  Today’s conversation ventures off from farm and homestead topics and dives into an equally important aspect of homestead life: raising our kids. This chat with Durenda, author and homeschooling mother of eight children (five sons), takes us through the importance of raising our boys into strong men who will lead homes and communities.  When the world teaches us to devalue the role of men in our homes and in society, we hope this episode encourages you to drown out the noise and embrace who your sons are made to be.

In this episode, we cover:

• Recognizing and supporting the God-given nature of boys

• Taking a counter-cultural stance in raising our boys to be strong men

• The value of seeking a father’s input in raising sons

• Two different approaches to discipline

• Why it is so important to take a step back and pause before disciplining

• How even our imperfect efforts make a profound impact

• Tailoring your homeschooling approach to your son’s learning style

• Embracing the challenges and rewards of the teen years

• Considerations for parenting a son with special needs

• An exhortation to steward our boys into strong, godly men

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 DURENDA

Durenda Wilson has been married to Darryl for thirty-four years. They have eight kids and ten grandkids and have been homeschooling for thirty years. She is a trusted voice and resource at homeschool conventions and on The Durenda Wilson Podcast.

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Raising Boys to Men: A Simple, Mercifully Short Book on Raising and Homeschooling Boys by Durenda Wilson

CONNECT

Durenda Wilson | Website | Instagram | Facebook | Podcast

Homesteaders of America | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Pinterest

I hear from many homesteading families who have the dream of sustaining their families by making an income right from their homesteads.  This is the American dream, right?  In today’s episode, Emilie is sharing with us the story of how she and her family did just that.  What began as a quest to overcome health issues in her own family became a thriving skincare business that helps families all across the globe.  Join us for this inspiring conversation all about entrepreneurship, homesteading, skincare, health, and more!

In this episode, we cover:

• What inspired Emilie to create skincare products that are actually beneficial to the skin

• How the homesteading lifestyle led Emilie to start her business

• A few key factors in the success of Toups and Co

• Day in the life of a homesteading, homeschooling, business owning wife and mother

• How a business owner’s role changes as the business grows

• What it looked like for Emilie’s husband to leave his full-time job to work for the family business

• How to organically market your business when you don’t have a marketing budget

• Making decisions about selling online, opening a storefront, expanding your space

• How Emilie maintains the quality of her products by carefully sourcing ingredients

• Why it matters what we put on our skin and the importance of educating those around us

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 EMILIE

Emilie Toups is the founder of Toups and Co Organics, a company dedicated to clean and natural skin care and makeup. She began Toups and Co right in her own kitchen with a passion for products with recognizable ingredients. Emilie also has a passion for teaching holistic skin care practices and other women how to be entrepreneurs and own their own businesses. 

Emilie lives on a small farm in south Alabama with her husband and five children. She enjoys gardening, cooking nourishing food and baking sourdough bread. 

CONNECT

Emilie Toups of Toups and Co Organics | Website | Instagram | Instagram | Facebook

Homesteaders of America | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Pinterest

Mike’s journey into farming and conservation may not be what you expect, but he is a wealth of wisdom on this complex yet important topic of pasture management.  While Mike manages a thousand-acre cattle farm, he breaks down the principles of pasture health to apply to the everyday homesteader.  We talk about first identifying where the health of your pastures stands, how to take steps toward improvement, managing multiple species on the same acreage, and more.  For anyone looking to cultivate thriving pastures on your homestead, you will find this conversation with Mike so valuable!

In this episode, we cover:

• Mike’s unique journey into farming

• How Kinloch Farms emphasizes conservation in their beef cattle operation

• First steps to take if you want to improve your soil health

• How to initiate new growth in your pasture

• What rotational grazing can look like on a small scale homestead

• Considerations for rotational grazing with multiple species

• Navigating mineral supplementation options for your ruminants

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

Sea-90 Ocean Minerals

Use code MPETERSON to get 10% off Baja Gold salt https://bajagoldsaltco.com/?rfsn=7626437.f718fe

Order from the Kinloch Farms shop!

CONNECT

Mike Peterson of Kinloch Farms | Website | Instagram | Facebook

Homesteaders of America | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Pinterest

If you are paying attention to current events, you know how important it is to prepare your home and family for an uncertain future.  In this episode, John shares why it is also equally important to protect what you have prepared.  We dive into why and how to prepare, where faith meets preparation, choosing your community wisely, and more.  If you are feeling compelled to ready your family for the coming times, let this conversation inspire and guide you as you take your next steps.

In this episode, we cover:

• How John’s desire for freedom brought him to homesteading

• How John is helping men access both the lion and the lamb mentality

• Why it is important to secure your homestead for the future

• What signs to look for as the world begins to experience bad times

• Is preparing for hard times rooted in a lack of faith?

• Answering the most common question John gets about securing your home

• The role of building community in light of protecting your homestead

• Where to start if you want to learn from The Warrior Poet Society

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

The Warrior Poet Way by John Lovell

Watch Warrior Poet Society Network

Become an HOA member to hear John’s lectures

CONNECT

John Lovell of The Warrior Poet Society | Website | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook
Homesteaders of America | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Pinterest

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

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

The Christmas Cheeseboard ebook

The Milkmaid Society

The Art of Natural Cheesemaking by David Asher

Inkbird

CONNECT

Robyn Jackson of Cheese from Scratch | Website | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook

Homesteaders of America | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Pinterest

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

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

VDACS

VICFA

PRIME Act

Virginia’s Legislative Information Services

Rogue Food Conference

Institute for Justice

CONNECT

Nick Freitas | Website | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Facebook
Homesteaders of America | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Pinterest

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

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 JILL

Jill is the founder of The Prairie Homestead, one of the foremost homesteading websites since 2010. She is dedicated to helping others learn how to grow their own food and live a more fulfilling, old-fashioned life. 

Her practical and authentic style of teaching and storytelling has won the hearts of hundreds of thousands of homesteaders across social media and through the top-ranked Old Fashioned on Purpose podcast and best-selling The Prairie Homestead Cookbook.

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Old-Fashioned On Purpose by Jill Winger

CONNECT

Jill Winger of The Prairie Homestead | Website | Podcast | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Pinterest
Homesteaders of America | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Pinterest

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

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

HOA podcast episode with Joel Salatin

CONNECT

Francesca Battistelli | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Spotify | Apple Music | Pandora

Homesteaders of America | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Pinterest

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

RealMilk.com

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