tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post481358369838943249..comments2024-03-28T12:01:24.909-04:00Comments on 5 Acres & A Dream: Question For My Readers: Why Homestead?Leighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-20686757719655208432012-12-12T11:21:59.319-05:002012-12-12T11:21:59.319-05:00Homesteading here, but not off-grid. We grow most...Homesteading here, but not off-grid. We grow most of our own food. Horrified every time I go to the store at the prices and the trend toward preprepared foods with all the additives, as Americans like it convenient. Don't know how families afford it, but they do and still manage to dine out regularly. That's craziness to me. We live as much as we can on a cash basis; will be completely debt-free by May and that means everything, including the house on 10 acres. I find that as important to disaster preparedness as most people see stockpiling food. Prov. 22:27 says of debt, "If you have nothing with which to pay, why should he take away your bed from under you?" We have no guarantees about tomorrow so need our ducks in a row. I'm not worried about tomorrow but feel being debt-free is our best position, and providing our own food has been our greatest resource. Gardens away!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-17382382431144904962012-12-11T20:38:29.074-05:002012-12-11T20:38:29.074-05:00I just found your blog and am enjoying it immensel...I just found your blog and am enjoying it immensely.<br /><br />As to why we homestead; I became concerned enough about the economy back in '06 that I decided a mortgage-free, productive farm was the best way to provide for my children. I bought a fixer-upper on 10 acres and have been homesteading ever since. I married a like-minded, absolutely wonderful man last year who is now sharing the adventure. Next year, the fixer-upper will be "almost" done and the farm should finally turn a profit on its own!<br /><br />What keeps me motivated? Knowing that I am providing a great life for my children--with lots of room for imagination. The satisfaction of growing/raising our own food, without the chemicals in processed food that we're allergic to. And the joy of looking at our farm and thinking, "We did that. We've done a good job."Catherinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03722267586647759484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-72200507788605372332012-12-11T12:50:49.293-05:002012-12-11T12:50:49.293-05:00I suppose it all comes down to a desire to live an...I suppose it all comes down to a desire to live an authentic life. My authentic life. I desperately crave the freedom to make choices about my family's health and well-being independent of an external system of controls (HOA for example). I also can't imagine a better day than one that starts with a garden tour while the kettle boils and an apron pocket filled with fresh berries and weeds to trade for chicken eggs. <br /><br />I enjoy the intellectual and creative challenges of making do with what we have or finding ways to make what we need. I make my own hard cider, jellies, jams, bread, soap, pasta, yogurt, some clothes, bags, medicinal salves and deodorant. These are of the best quality if I do say so, myself.<br /><br />It should be noted that my family lives in a high-end subdivision right now (read neighbors concerned about every darned thing) and am saving like a fiend to buy land of our very own. Yes, I am the odd duck around here although my neighbors seem to think I am equal parts brilliant and strange.<br /><br />Another VERY important reason to become more self-sufficient is security in the near future. Food prices have increased dramatically in the last decade and regardless of whether the SHTF anytime soon or not, I want to be on my own land when it does.<br /><br />One more factor in my determination is that I have issues with the corporate machine that is running this country and don't wish to encourage it by being more of a consumer than I have to be.<br /><br />I could go on...I'll bet most of us could.<br /><br />Oh, and thank you so much for this wonderful blog; it brings much delight and illumination.<br /><br />janamamahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00649601682840338389noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-75690378651565238752012-12-10T20:05:47.966-05:002012-12-10T20:05:47.966-05:00I'm not certain I could call myself a homestea...I'm not certain I could call myself a homesteader but we do try and make the most of what we have on our current patch of earth. We have solar hot water and PV, keep chooks, nearly 30 fruit trees, a decent sized veggie patch, insulate, ride bikes, minimise, borrow, reuse and recycle. We're a long way away from where we want to be, but we acknowledge that every step will take time and we build on the rewards that each foot forward yields. You have a wonderful blog, I'm going to book mark it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-33766609803215051022012-12-10T19:27:48.090-05:002012-12-10T19:27:48.090-05:00Living in a city, I think of "homesteading&qu...Living in a city, I think of "homesteading" more as community building. I really want my life to be focused on growing good food for people who may only have a convenience store in walking distance to their house for food, working with schools and community groups to change that (or to take ownership of their own food-worlds, a la community gardens or canning or whatever that might mean), putting gardens in schools, etc. We can do all we want on our 1/8-acre of land, but I think, for me, what it comes down to is community.famousthecathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05199392183036556514noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-72202972204917013392012-12-10T15:40:49.125-05:002012-12-10T15:40:49.125-05:00We are in the early stages of "trying" t...We are in the early stages of "trying" to homestead. We have 6.3acres, mostly because I always wanted to keep horses on my own property. Once we got here, we decided we wanted more than just horses, even though they take up most of our space (4 of our 6 acres). But, we plan to add chickens in the Spring 2013 and maybe honey bees the following spring. I have the privilege of being home part time with our new daughter since hubby got a new and better paying FT job. We hope one day that we can be sustainable enough for both of us to be full time homesteaders!Autumnhttp://highlandheightsfarm.tumblr.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-38641750547359788442012-12-10T02:50:10.491-05:002012-12-10T02:50:10.491-05:00I'm interested in homesteading because of my g...I'm interested in homesteading because of my growing awareness of the questionable food practices in our country. The more I learn, the more unsettled I am. I want to provide local healthy food to my family and myself. Growing or raising it and supporting the local Farmer's Market seems like the only sure alternative. Working as a nurse, I see how bad food and bad habits are literally killing people. A bigger factor is that morally, I can't turn a blind eye to how livestock are treated or how companies are genetically modifying seeds. It's my very small way of trying to make a difference. Using my wallet to send a statement that I want better practices is my method of sending a message to Monsanto, Cargill...Bernadinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16587313532492965871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-78364114591002180262012-12-09T20:11:10.723-05:002012-12-09T20:11:10.723-05:00I think Mamma Bug could have written my comment fo...I think Mamma Bug could have written my comment for me! But I wanted to add that there is a great sense of satisfaction when a job is well completed... whether that be building a new chicken coop or expanding the garden. There is nothing better than the feeling you get in the dead of winter when you have a fire in the stove and a pantry full of food! We won't ever be "homesteaders" since we enjoy being linked to the world but I love the animals and working God's land.SarDeehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04396256032027475106noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-54339596304973263012012-12-09T16:02:59.485-05:002012-12-09T16:02:59.485-05:00Great question! My husband and I are young and gre...Great question! My husband and I are young and grew up in cities, lots of people ask us why the heck we moved to the middle of nowhere to grow food and animals. I think it has to do with our desire as humans to connect deeply with something. For many people, they get that through the work they do, the people they know, or some other identity they have in life. For us, it was about understanding the earth we live on, how we nourish ourselves and others, and how can give back and truly enjoy our time here.Amandahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01988346474447033794noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-8938635500323267222012-12-09T14:14:51.649-05:002012-12-09T14:14:51.649-05:00As an aspirational homesteader, Why do I want to h...As an aspirational homesteader, Why do I want to homestead? I guess the answer is I don't. I want to buy healthy food for my family that is grown locally with out chemicals or hormones. I think Carolyn sums it up well in a note I shared on my blog: 10 steps to eatting locally year round. Here's an excerpt:<br /><br />In 2000 I moved to Iowa and bought a house with an acre of land assuming that I was going to do exactly what I had done in North Dakota, grow all our food. But it became clear that the deer, groundhogs, raccoon and other beings thought they owned the land. <br /><br />Growing a large garden would require declaring war—not something I was willing to do. The creatures taught me a new goal, community sufficiency. <br /><br />By community I include the farmers, the animals, the pollinators, the prairie grasses, the disabled man down the block, my neighbors – all of them. This means that I attend to all these relationships when I am growing, buying, preserving and storing food. <br /><br />In Iowa I raise some food but mostly get it from two CSAs (community supported agriculture farms) that deliver boxes of produce every week and the farmers market.<br /><br />To read the whole article go here: http://foyupdate.blogspot.com/2012/07/notes-on-eating-locally-year-round.htmlFhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15806422800093554729noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-84382025753437260882012-12-09T12:45:27.009-05:002012-12-09T12:45:27.009-05:00I'm doing the urban version, working full time...I'm doing the urban version, working full time. Luckily I have summer off, so that helps! I find a huge satisfaction in growing and preserving ssome of my own food- fruits, herbs, veggies, eggs. We planted 3 fruit trees so far, berries, and other perreniall veggies. Between "food security" (knowing what's in it) and caring for what you ingest, there's nothing like it. <br />Hubby won't move out of town (yet) but I'm hoping towards movig to a more rural area and getting about 2-5 acres. I'd get a couple of goats, some ducks and establish more of a permaculture food set up, with a more low impact home. It all takes time and planning...Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00576053785355324560noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-91665762195999465142012-12-09T08:46:39.699-05:002012-12-09T08:46:39.699-05:00Homesteading is rather a grand term for me -smile-...Homesteading is rather a grand term for me -smile-. I've known since I was 6 years old I wanted to live on a farm and have animals. Daddy always had a garden and Mom taught me how to can when I was 13. It's my life...not a lifestyle...my life. Dave and I bought Thistle Cove Farm in 1995 and spent those years re-building the farmhouse, the barns, fences and our lives. Eventually, I'll sell this place but will buy another place, closer to family, that has acreage. My horses, sheep and alpacas will go with the dogs, cats and I. <br />I've given up the huge garden but keep a few herbs, tomatoes and the like for personal use. For canning purposes, I buy from young folks up the valley and will, as long as possible, can, dry and put up my own food.<br />Dave's death and age are now dictating how much I can do; I'm trying to be wise in deciding what can and can no longer be done.<br />God blessed Dave and I; He continues to bless me.Thistle Cove Farmhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15722295191884810953noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-72104205491986614032012-12-09T08:22:42.836-05:002012-12-09T08:22:42.836-05:00I thought I wanted to be a homesteader, but when I...I thought I wanted to be a homesteader, but when I moved here I realised I just wanted to be an observer of nature. <br /><br />Nature doesn't ask you to justify your reasons for anything. Sometimes it embraces you and other times it rejects you. I found that intriguing.<br /><br />I found my systems were far inferior to the sustainability I saw happening to animals in nature. I found it so hard to compete, so inevitably gave in to adapting to nature instead of fighting it. <br /><br />I don't know what to call myself now. I attempt to nurture eco-systems before I attempt to nurture specialised plants or animals. They just don't do so well without the eco-system to buffer them. I found I didn't do too well either, when I didn't embrace the eco-system first. <br /><br />It's weird, I set out to be something in a system which ended up changing me instead. Perhaps it doesn't make much sense, but that's what it is. ;) Chris https://www.blogger.com/profile/13715819899708384147noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-40419665714572270012012-12-08T22:46:59.592-05:002012-12-08T22:46:59.592-05:00My Mom was a great gardener, so that part is in my...My Mom was a great gardener, so that part is in my blood. I love to garden, to cook from scratch and to make my own stuff here at home rather than buy it in a store. I have always loved "natural" foods and natural ways. In the '70s I read books about solar energy, straw bale homes, making my own furniture, etc. I have the Foxfire book collection and really enjoy reading them. I collect cookbooks and gardening books and "how to" books. I live on 3 acres of land in the Sierra Foothills of CA and have an organic veggie garden in the summer, a year round herb garden and I keep chickens for eggs. I planted several fruit and nut trees the first year that I lived here. I buy produce and fresh goat milk from a local organic farm. When I buy stuff, I do try to buy local or at least made in USA products. Not always possible though. I try to increase my knowledge daily and learn to make or grow what my family needs and uses. The quest keeps me active and engaged in life. Farmer Jenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10333209660043535465noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-85164167566387938912012-12-08T21:45:50.832-05:002012-12-08T21:45:50.832-05:00I think it is in my blood. I come from a long line...I think it is in my blood. I come from a long line of farmers on both sides and have always loved the country and the idea of being self sufficient. It is also to do with emergency preparedness and a lot to do with health and nutrition. I have just always found being in nature, growing things etc SO much more fulfilling and interesting that any modern forms of entertainment... except maybe SOME computer games haha. Emhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07776481723125911564noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-4440757078371687412012-12-08T10:31:00.723-05:002012-12-08T10:31:00.723-05:00I was a back-to-the-lander wannabe in the '70&...I was a back-to-the-lander wannabe in the '70's, and never grew out of it. After the divorce and college (I'm a late bloomer), I hooked up with a guy with a big garden. I started growing culinary herbs for sale at a local farm stand.<br /><br />My son always said that I was allergic to sidewalks, and even when I moved to Reno, and had the only house on the block with a sidewalk, I turned my front yard into the veggie garden. I then got sheep, bought 10 acres, and couldn't garden at all because of the climate (bottom of a lake bed at 4740 ft - lots of wind, 6 week growing season), but I wanted to.<br /><br />Then I moved to Oregon. I lived for about 6 years in the Willamette valley and in the coast range. I couldn't get a handle on growing things there - it never got hot enough for tomatoes and peppers...<br /><br />During this time, I raised sheep, chickens and turkeys. When the cougars killed 1/4 of my flock in one night, I decided the Universe was telling me I didn't need to do that anymore, and dispersed the flock. <br /><br />The development of an allergy to fungus led me to move to Central Oregon (Hi, Sue!!), and I KNOW how to garden here! I still have poultry, and have plans to develop a breeding program so that I don't have to buy poults for the turkey project each year. I have access to home-raised lamb, beef and pork, as well as my own poultry. <br /><br />My boss in Eugene is a vegetarian because he can't raise animals and eat them. I admire his honesty. I have friends who can't eat anyone they've met - that's ok too. However, I want to know what I'm eating, how they were treated and what they ate. I raise my own (or friends do) meat for that reason. <br /><br />My veggie garden is developing, and I currently have beets and carrots in a "hoop" raised bed. <br /><br />It's a start. I would love to own my own land again, but I'm not sure that's in the cards. I'm hoping that I can continue to live in the country for the rest of my life - I am truly allergic to sidewalks!!Laurahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08421589409738817614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-91407738273777891712012-12-08T07:07:56.155-05:002012-12-08T07:07:56.155-05:00I live in the city, and just like your posts. I wo...I live in the city, and just like your posts. I would consider it, but now, as I am alone, I don't think it's possible. <br />Tina <br />Tinanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-69042394147114658682012-12-07T23:19:45.802-05:002012-12-07T23:19:45.802-05:00I would put myself in the "curious" cate...I would put myself in the "curious" category.<br /><br />I am interested in homesteading mostly as a spectator, a hobby, or maybe as an insurance policy. The idea of homesteading appeals to me, possibly more than the reality. <br /><br />In some ways, you would think homesteading would be far outside my list of interests. I am the breadwinner for my family, I love my stable job as a system analyst in education. I love being surrounded by technology, and I love acting as a bridge for others to help them understand and make use of technology. Most people I work with would be surprised that I read homesteading blogs.<br /><br />However, I also find many aspects of the natural world quite appealing. I enjoy gardening, I like the idea of having a beehive, I love the country, and I've wanted a horse for as long as I can remember. My husband grew up in a rural setting and remembers it fondly. These things have lead our family to purchase 10 acres in the country, where we will have a modest home built next year. Now, our home will be largely modern standard dwelling. But, it is important for us to have a fire box. I also want to consider alternate means for powering our well pump. The same efficiency drive which has lead to my success in the workplace also bleeds into my personal life.<br /><br />Last but not least is preparedness. I don't anticipate a catastrophic loss of infrastructure in my lifetime, but I like the idea of being somewhat prepared. I will probably have a larger garden when we are established in the country, maybe I'll try my hand at freezing and canning. I do think I will keep an emergency seed stock in case we need to grow more food. I like the idea of managing our "livestock" (a horse or two? a sheep? a goat?) on our pastures as much as is feasible. I do knit a little, and would love to learn to spin wool. While I don't suspect we will ever need to live apart from modern conveniences, I like to think I could gear up for that if I had to, and that my little family of three would do OK.<br /><br />To make a long story short... as long as I have a job I love and a "geek tooth", I don't see us homesteading. But, it will be a hobby as time and energy allows.faedrakehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14971637685939592979noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-45425413648055685622012-12-07T19:56:40.862-05:002012-12-07T19:56:40.862-05:00I guess I feel like Carolyn. People drive me nuts....I guess I feel like Carolyn. People drive me nuts. Small doses are fine and I would like to find a man of my own. I spent my summers on the family farm and loved it. I read the Foxfire books and was enthralled with the wisdom of our elders. Been working towards this for a very long time. And it's almost here!!!xoxohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06075222241533527246noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-21969361728574186282012-12-07T15:38:26.910-05:002012-12-07T15:38:26.910-05:00In Louisville, KY at this time. In the past, I liv...In Louisville, KY at this time. In the past, I lived on a section of land just off the Oregon Trail in KS. I miss the country and I miss the solitude. I am concerned about the direction our country is taking and would prefer to take care of me and mine.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-55278764445034782192012-12-07T13:50:11.643-05:002012-12-07T13:50:11.643-05:00We always dreamed of homesteading . . . living off...We always dreamed of homesteading . . . living off the land, off the grid when we were young marrieds. But we were never able to pull it off. I suppose we really never had the guts to just "do it!" Now that we're retired and living in the country we do enjoy growing our own veggies and raising egg-laying hens, supplying our own wood for the wood-burning stove for heat. I guess that'll just have to do for now.<br /><br />I love reading your blog and admire all you and Dan are able to do for yourselves. You guys are awesome!CaliforniaGrammyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05137556336315915924noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-27309045598871513662012-12-07T13:31:46.437-05:002012-12-07T13:31:46.437-05:00I am not sure that I'd qualify for a homestead...I am not sure that I'd qualify for a homesteader - we don't have enough land to keep animals other than chicks etc. but like all the others here I like not being dependent on everything we need! I can't produce everything myself, but I can do something more than just shop in a supermarket! same for textiles - I can make a lot myself, why should I order stuff from china etc..? I think at some stage in the future we will have to go back to a simpler lifestyle - and I'd like to be well prepared to do so! the future can be scary - but it would be even more so if I knew that I couldn't live without outside help at all!<br /><br />Woolly Bitshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11961632742998726155noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-11649599996693675332012-12-07T13:29:42.793-05:002012-12-07T13:29:42.793-05:00To homesteaders:
Why do you homestead? It's w...To homesteaders: <br />Why do you homestead? It's what I am,<br />What motivated you to get started:<br />I was born this way,<br />what keeps you motivated? I haven't changed and still love what I do.Mimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10489112728247120646noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-48950027596232092182012-12-07T11:49:44.599-05:002012-12-07T11:49:44.599-05:00I was raised in the country. We grew a big garden....I was raised in the country. We grew a big garden. We had horses, dogs, cats, and chickens. When I was little my parents raised pigs for meat as well. Daddy hunted, which also put meat on the table. Homesteading is in my blood. It is what feels right for me. Without active involvement in my own food production, and all those little lives depending on me, I would have no reason to get up in the morning.<br /><br />I believe the day is coming when the skills of homesteading are going to be desperately needed by the majority of the population. I hope to be able to minister to those in need by teaching how to work with God's creation to provide for the needs of one's family.<br />Michellehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16852320721216631639noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-44616376522680932012-12-07T11:13:53.444-05:002012-12-07T11:13:53.444-05:00I don't know that I'd ever do the full hom...I don't know that I'd ever do the full homestead thing, but I'd definitely like a lifestyle that is closer to the earth. A place where your life revolves around the seasons and the weather and your own efforts to feed yourself. I miss that connection to the earth so bad living here in suburbia. I may get to live in the country again one day, but it'll be a task to achieve the rest because DH is a city boy and just doesn't see the need for a lot of the things I'm talking about. So, meanwhile, I live vicariously through folks like you and I appreciate all your efforts. Sue, a Florida Farm Girlhttp://floridafarmgirlsworld.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.com