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Modern Homesteading in North Dakota: Growing Roots in Watford City
In this episode of Open Range, host Gary Emineth explores the growing movement of modern homesteading with two Watford City residents who've returned to their North Dakota roots. Daniel Stenberg and Rebecca Engbretson share their journeys from urban life back to rural living, where they're raising families with intention and connection to the land.
Daniel, who worked at the Federal Reserve and Midwestern Governor's Association in Washington DC, returned to live just two miles from where he grew up. Now working for the local soil conservation district, he shares a milk cow with his brother and raises chickens while teaching his young children about food production. Rebecca, a mother of four daughters and dedicated homeschooler, moved from North Idaho back to North Dakota in 2003. She's built a thriving homestead on 20 acres north of Watford City, focusing on large-scale gardening, food preservation through canning and freeze-drying, and raising her children with a strong work ethic.
Both guests emphasize that modern homesteading isn't about complete self-sufficiency—it's about intentional living and reconnecting with food sources. They discuss the challenges of gardening in North Dakota's harsh climate, dealing with grasshoppers and drought, building soil health through composting, and preserving harvests for year-round eating. Rebecca stresses growing what thrives locally and what your family actually eats, while Daniel highlights the importance of soil testing and using native plants like honeyberries and chokecherries.
The conversation culminates with details about the Prairie Roots Homestead Summit, scheduled for May 15-16 in Watford City. This conference will feature keynote speakers Justin Rhodes and Tim and Sophia Ang, along with practical workshops on beekeeping, cheese making, butchering, soil health, and more—all taught by North Dakotans who understand the unique challenges of homesteading in the northern plains. #ModernHomesteading
#NorthDakotaLiving #gardening #northdakota
#IntentionalLiving
#GrowYourOwnFood
#PrairieRootsHomestead
By garyeminethModern Homesteading in North Dakota: Growing Roots in Watford City
In this episode of Open Range, host Gary Emineth explores the growing movement of modern homesteading with two Watford City residents who've returned to their North Dakota roots. Daniel Stenberg and Rebecca Engbretson share their journeys from urban life back to rural living, where they're raising families with intention and connection to the land.
Daniel, who worked at the Federal Reserve and Midwestern Governor's Association in Washington DC, returned to live just two miles from where he grew up. Now working for the local soil conservation district, he shares a milk cow with his brother and raises chickens while teaching his young children about food production. Rebecca, a mother of four daughters and dedicated homeschooler, moved from North Idaho back to North Dakota in 2003. She's built a thriving homestead on 20 acres north of Watford City, focusing on large-scale gardening, food preservation through canning and freeze-drying, and raising her children with a strong work ethic.
Both guests emphasize that modern homesteading isn't about complete self-sufficiency—it's about intentional living and reconnecting with food sources. They discuss the challenges of gardening in North Dakota's harsh climate, dealing with grasshoppers and drought, building soil health through composting, and preserving harvests for year-round eating. Rebecca stresses growing what thrives locally and what your family actually eats, while Daniel highlights the importance of soil testing and using native plants like honeyberries and chokecherries.
The conversation culminates with details about the Prairie Roots Homestead Summit, scheduled for May 15-16 in Watford City. This conference will feature keynote speakers Justin Rhodes and Tim and Sophia Ang, along with practical workshops on beekeeping, cheese making, butchering, soil health, and more—all taught by North Dakotans who understand the unique challenges of homesteading in the northern plains. #ModernHomesteading
#NorthDakotaLiving #gardening #northdakota
#IntentionalLiving
#GrowYourOwnFood
#PrairieRootsHomestead