What is a Homestead | Homesteading FAQ’s Exposed

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What is a Homestead or Homesteading?

Have you ever been asked what something was and couldn’t find the right words to explain it? I came across this problem recently. My best friend recently moved to the middle of nowhere and she was telling me about the farms she would pass on her trek into town.

I responded with “ I am going to start homesteading” which was followed by the question, “What is homesteading?” In that moment all I could quickly muster was “It’s a small farm.” Which was true. But it’s so much more than that. Which sparked a greater contemplation in me. What in the world is a homestead? Why would anyone do it? Can anyone do it?

My friend’s question was not a silly one by any means. She grew up in and around the city just like me. We were both untouched by a rural lifestyle unless it appeared in a Laura Ingles-Wilder novel. Which at the time I found intriguing, however, the fascination left me as quickly as I finished the book.

I believe that’s where I discovered pouring maple syrup on the first snowfall of the year as a delicious winter treat. One tradition that I would repeat with my little brother for many childhood years.

Why Would Anyone Start Homesteading?

Life brought me far away from that city. To a southern rural town. The beauty and fresh air captivated me. It would still be quite a few years until I would even consider beginning a homestead. Now it’s on my mind constantly. I am sure the pandemic gave me a good nudge when I couldn’t find fresh fruits and vegetables in the grocery stores. Soon milk was limited and with as many children as I have, I wished we had our own source.

Many people have a small family farm with the intent of being self-sufficient. They don’t want to rely solely on what the local stores have available. Some begin gardening because they like to know where their food comes from and what may have been used (such as pesticides) while growing.

There is something beautiful about the love and care that goes into raising livestock on a small farm. Most likely they have a name and are kept in meticulous conditions. Unlike how some (not all), large-scale operations might be in closed quarters, treated like a mere product. And the devotion it takes to milk a goat or a cow on a daily basis is astounding.

Is It Unclean to Eat Your Own Animals?

You may be someone (and I was once) who would never want to eat anything that had a name. Even chicken eggs that were straight from the farm had a bad rap as being unclean or gross. After all the stark white eggs at the grocery store had to be superior, didn’t they? Now, I know better. I have tasted farm-fresh eggs and let me tell you, they are amazing!

As for eating animals? We have become so far detached from our food we neglect to acknowledge that all meat we eat has a life and a face at some point. We should think about that and appreciate what it takes for that meat to be raised and eventually end up on our table.

Is Homesteading a Lifestyle Choice?

A homestead might start out of necessity or tradition. But there is also a growing trend of people who are seeking something deeper by getting back to a simple life. Our world has changed so drastically into a self-centered, consumer-driven machine.

Our every need and want is instantly satisfied by the click of a button. Marketing surrounds us everywhere we look. There is nothing off limits except peace of mind. Something about the mix of hard work and simplicity draws those craving meaning in their existence.

Dirty hands: clean money is something my husband often tells our children. Even Hollywood actors like Bug Hall have abandoned fame and money for a minimalistic off-the-land lifestyle. I watched him in a heartbreaking interview on Youtube explain why he was pursuing a homestead with his wife and children and leaving Hollywood behind.

When the light shines and reveals the truth (which it always does), a choice has to be made. We either choose to ignore it and become part of the problem, or we can be the change.

What Does Homesteading Add to Society?

Growing your own food is a great way to cultivate generosity. Most likely you will grow more than your family can consume and what should you do with the rest? Of course, you can sell it at a local farmers market or a vegetable stand at the side of the road. That’s a good option, but you may want to consider just giving it away!

Feeding others is a level of kindness that can be underrated. I have considered it a great blessing when I have received fresh produce or eggs from friends. Being on a tight budget with a large family, I can’t spend the extra money to get the organic produce at the store. You never know who you may be blessed with your excess.

Take the Leap

Living self-sufficiently is not for the faint of heart. It involves learning new things. Being willing to fail. Putting others before yourself even on days you may not feel like doing anything. Working hard from sunup to sundown and sometimes after. 

Can anyone homestead? Yes, you can.

Will you succeed? That is ultimately up to you.

I suggest speaking to someone who is already doing it. Learn as much as you can before you begin. Realize there will always be something new to learn as you go.

Have an ultimate goal in mind, especially for the days you may want to give up. Each day the sun rises on your tired self, smile, brush off your dirty hands, take a deep breath of fresh air ( which may or may not smell like manure), and be thankful for the life you have been given.

Let’s be friends! Subscribe to my monthly newsletter and I will keep you updated on my journey as a city girl from the North, discovering this wonderful world of Southern living and modern homesteading with fresh eyes. Hopefully, you will be encouraged in your journey and possibly learn something new! Let’s grow HOPE!

Helpful Homesteading Resources

• Chicken Guides
• Gardening Guides
• Garden Insects

As always, thank you for meeting me AT FORESTS EDGE, it has been a pleasure!

Until we meet again,

Raeanna