Welcome to the Latest Episode of the Backroads Homesteading Podcast!
Greetings, fellow homesteaders and listeners! We’re excited to bring you the sixth episode of the Backroads Homesteading Podcast, where we dive deep into the ins and outs of sustainable living and homesteading in today’s challenging times. Here’s a breakdown of what we covered in this enlightening episode:
Episode Summary:
Hosts: Ryan (joined by Justin in discussion) Episode: Season 1, Episode 6 Main Focus: Homesteading Challenges, Agricultural Insights, and Preparing for Economic Shifts
What We Discussed:
Homesteading Updates and Challenges:
We’ve been busy planting a variety of crops like core beans, peas, turmeric, and more. Despite some struggles with early frosts and pests, our efforts are in full swing, including innovative methods like planting under woodchips for better yield.
Our discussion also covered the logistical challenges of shifting plants to safeguard them from late frosts, utilizing spaces like our pole barn effectively.
Animal Husbandry Insights:
Our experiences with starting with chickens and the learning curve involved have been enriching. We delve into why starting with rabbits might have been more advantageous due to their sustainability and low maintenance.
We share our hands-on experience in modifying a chicken coop into a tractor, enhancing our poultry care.
Economic Considerations for Homesteaders:
With economic instability looming, we discussed the importance of preparing for inflation and potential depressions. Strategies like using goldbacks for trade among homesteaders and setting up sustainable business models are essential topics we touched on.
We also highlighted the crucial role of community networking and barter systems in maintaining a resilient homestead.
Sustainable Practices and Preparedness:
The episode covers essential survival skills and preparedness, including first aid, the use of natural remedies, and the importance of community support systems.
We emphasize the value of communication through GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) for off-grid contact and the benefits of being well-versed in various communication methods.
Spiritual and Mental Wellbeing:
Reflecting on the pressures of modern homesteading, we discuss the importance of mental health, maintaining positive relationships, and leveraging community support to handle stress and uncertainties.
Looking Ahead:
As we continue to navigate the complexities of homesteading and sustainable living, our podcast aims to be a resource for practical advice, heartfelt insights, and a supportive community platform. We encourage our listeners to engage with us through comments, share their experiences, and suggest topics for future discussions.
How to Listen:
Catch this episode and more by subscribing to our podcast on major platforms or directly from our website at BackroadsHomesteading.com/podcast. Stay connected, stay informed, and let’s thrive together in our homesteading journeys!
We hope this episode inspires you to explore new aspects of homesteading and strengthens your resolve to live sustainably. Thank you for tuning in, and don’t forget to subscribe for more insightful episodes from Backroads Homesteading!
Every journey begins with a first step, or sometimes, it doesn’t begin at all. Many of us observe others embarking on new endeavors, often giving the illusion that we are following a similar path. However, the necessity of cultivating your own food cannot be overstated.
In these times, as we face difficulties unparalleled since the era of our great grandparents, the importance of self-sustainability becomes increasingly clear. The world, including the USA, is experiencing a level of instability and turmoil unprecedented in history, with negative forces seemingly gaining ground rapidly.
Instead of fixating on factors beyond your control, it’s time to roll up your sleeves, seek guidance and strength through prayer, and strategize for your family’s survival in these uncertain times. At The Backroads Homestead, we are committed to sowing the seeds of liberty and inspiring others to do the same. Our community not only encourages each other in these endeavors but also rewards such efforts.
Approach this as an enjoyable challenge. Avoid getting bogged down by overthinking or succumbing to despair. Recognize the grim state of the world, but choose to plan for survival rather than sinking with the metaphorical ship. Many people are overwhelmed by the fear and negativity broadcasted in the media, leading to a sense of helplessness. However, it’s crucial to move past these feelings and take action. Surround yourself with positive, action-oriented individuals, and distance yourself from naysayers.
Make it a game. Ya, I mean, keep it fun. Don’t suffer from analysis paralysis or woe be me stuff. That’ll end with your doom. Know enough to make the conscious decision to say “ok, the world is kinda sucking right now, need to plan on how to not go down with this ship”. I see so many people take the negative, fear-mongering garbage on our screens and just throw a pity party… or even a puddles pity party (below, ya, that’s a thing). Sure, everyone hurts sometimes, but then get over it! DO SOMETHING. Wipe away those tears, get with people who do the things, and get rid of the negative people who tell you you can’t. Jess, Link and I care about you, and want you to live and even thrive when the next crash goes hard-core.
Take us, as an example. Back in 2014ish, neither my wife or I had any clue how to garden, but we had a child now and parental instincts started kicking in about the world around us not heading in a good direction for our child. While we can’t control what God does, what wars happen, or how the earth goes round, we CAN start to take some effort in making things, and learning how to do things, and getting ready to deal with people who didn’t see the writing on the wall.
Let me put this a different way, to be more Frank. As society erodes, those of us who are doing the things, will gravitate towards others who are doing the things. Many will begin to see those who are not doing the things as a threat to those doing the things. Don’t be a threat, do the things. Matter to the people who will help protect you, your family, and your property. And it doesn’t take much! Those who do the things are always looking for those taking the effort to do the things, even if they fail, they are really trying, the folks doing the things may step in and help where needed.
People think you need a big farm setup and lots of land and big bucks to launch food production. Nope, grab some soil, seeds, and time to care for them, and you too, can be part of this new culture of independence resurgence. Here’s a video of how we took the simple, small backyard of our last property and turned it into a little Garden of Eden. We started with one thing, then we did another. And before you knew it… the entire back yard was producing produce, even the old hot tub! Myself, Jess, and Link are dedicated to your well-being and aim to see you not just survive but thrive in the face of future adversities. Our own journey began around 2014, with no prior knowledge of gardening, driven by parental instincts to provide a better world for our child. While we can’t control divine will, global conflicts, or the natural order, we can certainly strive to be proactive in learning and preparing for challenges.
In closing, I’d like to really put the emphasis on putting your thoughts into action. Join us and share your results with us! We all need to encourage one another and make things happen.
