From scaling a handful of pre-sold meat chickens into a profitable farm business to running classes, events, and online courses that now support her household, Beth Declercq has mastered the art of making a homestead pay for itself all while raising eight children at home. In this episode, she shares how she focuses on core income streams, grows profitable ventures, and even employs her own kids through the family’s LLC to teach them skills and keep more of what they earn. If you’ve ever wondered how to turn your homestead into a sustainable source of income without stepping away from family life, you won’t want to miss this conversation. Listen in!

In this episode, we cover:

• Beth’s path from city living to a thriving 10-acre homestead with her husband and eight kids

• How a focus on real food in 2011 grew into a diverse, mostly self-sufficient farm

• Creating a dedicated “scullery” to handle the mess of preservation, milking, and butchering outside the main kitchen

• Setting a goal for the homestead to be financially independent—and the strategy that made it happen

• Scaling from 100 pre-sold meat chickens to 750 a year, with profits funding the rest of the farm

• Focusing on core enterprises—meat chickens, on-farm events, herd shares, and poultry processing—rather than striving to make every element profitable

• Paying kids for their work in the family’s LLC-run enterprises as both a tax strategy and life skill

• Hosting entry-level classes and community gatherings to generate income and build relationships

• Turning repeated questions from followers into online courses and a membership that now supports their household income

• Encouragement for homestead dreamers to start small, accept imperfect beginnings, and build skills and income streams before they’re urgently needed

View full show notes and transcript on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube.

Thank you to our sponsors!

Nutrimill.com | High-quality small kitchen appliance products that function well, are easy to use, and promote healthy eating

McMurrayHatchery.com | A wide selection of poultry breeds and supplies to assist you with raising your flock

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Subscribe to the Homesteaders of America magazine

CONNECT

Beth Declercq | Website | Instagram | Facebook

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

Beloved HOA speaker and returning podcast guest RuthAnn Zimmerman is back to share what life looks like right now on her family’s 21-acre homestead in Iowa. We start with a glimpse into their summer rhythms—overflowing gardens, plenty of fresh milk, and kids’ morning chore routines—but quickly move into deeper ground.  RuthAnn reflects on the beauty that homesteading has given her family beyond just homegrown food.  She offers gentle encouragement for parents who feel stretched thin and reminds us that we don’t have to do it all.  At the heart of it, RuthAnn shares why this lifestyle is about so much more than food— it's about faith, family, and building a legacy rooted in relationship.

In this episode, we cover:

• A look at summertime on the Zimmermans’ Iowa homestead— garden abundance, milk cow abundance, and finding the balance between chores and downtime

• Kids having morning meltdowns? The simple morning routine RuthAnn’s kids never skip to support mood and energy

• What RuthAnn discovered about her true passions through book writing (spoiler: it’s not actually homesteading!)

• The real reason the Zimmermans started and grew their 21-acre homestead— it wasn’t just about food

• Encouragement for young moms in the thick of it— you won’t always be in this season, and you’re right where you need to be

• A mindset shift for when life feels overwhelming: you don’t have to do it all

• Why knowing your “why” matters in homesteading; knowledge alone won’t carry you through

• How homesteading can be the perfect foundation for building strong relationships with your kids, even when the tasks don’t feel fun

• Why gaining real-life skills is just as valuable (or more!) as gaining formal education

View full show notes and transcript on the blog + ⁠watch this episode on YouTube⁠⁠.

Thank you to our sponsors!

KubotaUSA.com | Providing the right equipment to keep us moving, shaping, and growing America's farms, fields, and construction

Premier1Supplies.com | Your one-stop shop for a variety of homesteading supplies and expert advice

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Listen to RuthAnn’s previous episode on the HOA podcast

Pre-order The Heart of the Homestead through ChristianBook and use code RuthAnn to get 40% off

Check out the pre-order bonuses for The Heart of the Homestead

Browse RuthAnn’s recipes here

CONNECT

RuthAnn Zimmerman | Website | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook

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

Joel Salatin is back to share why he’s taking a bold stand against federal overreach—and what really happens when the government comes knocking. From eye-opening bird flu extermination tactics to a surprising call from RFK Jr., Joel breaks down the growing pressure on small farms, who’s profiting, and the natural solutions being ignored. He also challenges the myth of total self-sufficiency and makes a compelling case for building strong, local community ties. Whether you're in the thick of farming or just passionate about food freedom, this conversation will inspire you to think differently—and take action right where you are!

In this episode, we cover:

• Why Joel is taking a hard stand against federal overreach on his farm

• The shocking methods used in bird flu extermination

• How a sheriff’s bold promise gave Joel the confidence to push back

• The surprising call Joel got from RFK Jr. and how it sparked national momentum

• Why small farms are getting squeezed out—and who’s profiting most

• Natural, non-vaccine treatments for bird flu that no one wants to talk about

• The real reason some hatcheries are canceling your meat bird orders

• Why building your “farm team” might matter more than being self-sufficient

• Practical ways to serve your community now—so they’ll show up when it counts

• What really happens when the government shows up without a warrant

View full show notes and transcript on the blog + watch this video on YouTube.

Thank you to our sponsors!

McMurrayHatchery.com | A wide selection of poultry breeds and supplies to assist you with raising your flock

Nutrimill.com | High-quality small kitchen appliance products that function well, are easy to use, and promote healthy eating

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Watch The Lunatic Farmer by Angel Studios

CONNECT

Joel Salatin of Polyface Farm | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube 

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

In this episode, Kate Tietje, founder of Earthley Wellness, shares her inspiring journey from a mom experimenting with herbal remedies to leading a thriving natural wellness company. Kate shares how her daughter’s health challenges sparked her passion for herbalism, the rapid growth of Earthley, and her commitment to clean, effective products. Discover her top herbal remedies for cold and flu season, favorite herbs like calendula and ginger, and tips for incorporating natural wellness into your life. Whether you're an herbalist, a homesteader, or simply curious about holistic health, this episode is packed with valuable insights and inspiration. Tune in to learn how Earthley is revolutionizing natural wellness with transparency and education!

In this episode, we cover:

• Kate’s journey into herbalism, inspired by her daughter’s health challenges

• How Kate started Earthley Wellness, from blogging to launching her first product

• Rapid growth of Earthley Wellness and its milestones since 2015

• Impact of the 2020 pandemic on the demand for natural remedies

• Incredible testimonials from customers about Earthley’s life-changing products

• Discussion of Earthley’s top-selling products and how they can help your family: Good Night Lotion, Feel Better Fast, and Elderberry Elixir

• Challenges faced by Earthley, including FDA scrutiny and media criticism

• Kate’s self-taught herbalism journey and her favorite educational resources

• Recommended herbs for cold and flu season: elderberry and mullein

• Kate’s top two favorite herbs: calendula and ginger, and their versatile uses

• Earthley’s commitment to clean, additive-free products through the “Revive and Restore Promise”

• Kate’s book Natural Remedies for Kids and how it can serve your family

• Closing thoughts on empowering consumers with education and holistic wellness

View full show notes and transcript on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube.

Thank you for supporting the sponsors that make this show possible!

KubotaUSA.com | Providing the right equipment to keep us moving, shaping, and growing America's farms, fields, and construction

Premier1Supplies.com | Your one-stop shop for a variety of homesteading supplies and expert advice

ABOUT KATE

Kate and Ben are parents to 6 children, ranging from 16 years down to 6.5 years. They are a homesteading, homeschooling family who have an extensive garden, including herbs! They love teaching their kids to enjoy and be good stewards of the Earth, on and off the job. 

Kate loves medical freedom, sharing natural remedies, developing real food recipes, and gentle parenting. Her goal is to teach you how to live your life free from Big Pharma, Big Food, and Big Government by learning about herbs, cooking, and sustainable practices. 

Kate is the author of Natural Remedies for Kids and the owner and lead herbalist at Earthley.

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Check out Earthley’s many offerings on their website

Some best-selling products: Good Night Lotion, Feel Better Fast, Elderberry Elixir

Herbalism books and authors:

- Books by Rosemary Gladstar

- Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year by Susun S. Weed

- The Herbalist's Way: The Art and Practice of Healing with Plant Medicines by Nancy & Michael Phillips

- Books by Matthew Wood

- Medical Herbalism: The Science Principles and Practices Of Herbal Medicine by David Hoffman

- Natural Remedies for Kids by Kate Tietje

Recommended for cold and flu: elderberry syrup DIY kit, elderberry tincture, DIY elderberry recipe, Cough B Gone

Earthley’s Revive and Restore Promise

Check out Kate’s blog filled with education and recipes

CONNECT

Kate Tietje | Website | Facebook

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

As a homesteader who values organic and sustainable farming practices, Adam looked around and wondered why he couldn’t find these same principles applied to the production of honey.  He made it his mission to learn everything he could about raising honeybees with the most natural methods possible.  Today, he writes and teaches homesteaders how to start their own honeybee farms.  In this conversation, we chat about selecting and building a hive, keeping bees through the winter, the adaptability of naturally-raised bees, and more.  We hope this episode leaves you feeling empowered to start on your own beekeeping endeavor!

In this episode, we cover:

• What makes Adam’s natural and organic beekeeping methods different from conventional practices

• Tips for maintaining healthy bees through the cold winter months

• Making an argument for why horizontal hives are better than vertical hives for the backyard beekeeper

• A few options for those who want to create their own DIY horizontal bee hive

• Adam’s encouragement for those who dream of starting or growing their homestead

View full show notes and transcript on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube.

Thank you to our sponsors!

McMurrayHatchery.com | A wide selection of poultry breeds and supplies to assist you with raising your flock

Nutrimill.com | High-quality small kitchen appliance products that function well, are easy to use, and promote healthy eating

ABOUT ADAM

Bee Kept is located in Middle Tennessee and is founded by Adam and Leslie Martin. Their bee adventure started using all of the traditional methods taught and promoted by beekeepers and bee clubs all over the western world. After failing miserably in their first season of beekeeping, they used these failures as opportunities to learn outside-of-the-bee-box thinking with their beekeeping methods. They learned God’s Creative Intelligent Design for honey bees and more natural and sustainable beekeeping practices. The rest is history! 

Since then their bees have enjoyed great success in overwintering without feeding sugar water or treating for pests, and they have naturally begun to share what they have learned with others.  Adam loves teaching others about bees almost as much as he loves the bees.  

If you have tried keeping bees and failed, or if you are just learning and wanting to get into it, Adam will inspire you to get going!   Adam teaches that anyone can learn how to trap feral bees, keep them in a low to no maintenance system, and manage the colonies in horizontal hives that are better for the bees and the beekeeper!

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Check out Adam’s new book,Bee Kept With Wild And Free Honey Bees by Adam Martin

Free plans to build the Langstroth Long Hive

Come see Adam in May at our Learn to Homestead in a Weekend event

CONNECT

Adam Martin of Bee Kept | Website | Instagram | Facebook

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

If you have had the privilege of hearing Jill speak at one of our events in the past, you know what a powerhouse she is when it comes to all things homesteading.  Not only is she an expert in a variety of homestead pursuits – market gardening, cut flower gardening, sourdough, and more – she is a very creative and intentional businesswoman.  And she does it all on only four acres!  If you have a desire to use your small acreage to provide both food AND income for your family, don’t miss this episode.  We cover a lot of ground in this episode, so buckle up!

In this episode, we cover:

View full show notes and transcript on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube.

Thank you to our sponsors!

Earthley.com | Clean, natural, and affordable herbal remedies and body care that support health and wellness naturally 

Nutrimill.com | High-quality small kitchen appliance products that function well, are easy to use, and promote healthy eating

ABOUT JILL

Jill Ragan is a small farmer and online educator, balancing life as a wife and mother of four beautiful children, three girls and one boy. Her journey into growing food began when she saw a largely unmet need in our society; with broken food systems, unfortunate waste, and an overall lack of connection to our Earth. She started growing food for her family instead of sourcing it from the grocery store, reducing waste as much as possible, and learning how to compost. Shortly thereafter, Jill began teaching others how important it is to do the same for themselves. She started documenting the simple changes she was implementing to contribute to the health of our planet and has since grown an extensive following on YouTube’s Whispering Willow Farm channel. 

Jill now grows food full time on a much larger scale on her family’s tiny but mighty home farm. She teaches others daily and takes advantage of any opportunity to demonstrate how even the smallest environmental action can make a significant impact. With passion and personality, Jill is committed to sharing her hard-earned knowledge with anyone and everyone she can.

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Join us at our annual Homesteaders of America event in October 2025

CONNECT

Jill Ragan of Whispering Willow Farm | Website | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook

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

Get ready for a deep dive into the world of all things salt!  Darryl of Redmond Real Salt brings his expertise to our most important questions: what is wrong with modern day salt?  What should you look for in a good quality salt?  How much salt do our bodies need?  And more!  Whether looking for the best salt for maintaining livestock, cooking from scratch, food preservation, everyday use, or mineral balance, this educational conversation will equip you with the information you need to make intentional food choices.

In this episode, we cover:

View full show notes and transcript on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube.

Thank you to the sponsors that make this show possible!

Earthley.com | Clean, natural, and affordable herbal remedies and body care that support health and wellness naturally 

Nutrimill.com | High-quality small kitchen appliance products that function well, are easy to use, and promote healthy eating

ABOUT DARRYL

Darryl Bosshardt is passionate about healthy living, healthy eating and life-long learning. Darryl grew up working for the family mineral business in Redmond, UT and then earned a Bachelor of Science degree at Southern Utah University followed by an MBA at Western Governor's University.

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Check out all of the Redmond products mentioned here!

CONNECT

Darryl Bosshardt of Redmond Incorporated | Website | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok

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

We get questions all the time about how to find local community with a shared mindset around homesteading.  After asking the same question in her community, Samantha decided to make the first move and create the network she was looking for.  Not only has she grown a thriving local homesteading community in her area, she teaches people all across the country to do the same.  This episode will inspire you with a reminder about why camaraderie is so important and will equip you with the practical steps to build a network of your own.

In this episode, we cover:

View full show notes and transcript on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube.

ABOUT SAMANTHA

Samantha is passionate about helping local homesteaders in her area tap into the tools and resources that they need in order to build stranger, more self-sufficient, and resilient communities that can’t be overrun by government regulations and restrictions. 

Samantha is committed to pointing families towards food freedom and creating opportunities to cultivate deeper connections through the work she does at Frederick County Homesteaders.

ABOUT FREDERICK COUNTY HOMESTEADERS

Frederick County Homesteaders proudly serves our homesteading and farming community by connecting farmer to farmer and farmer to consumer. Our mission is to revitalize agriculture within the Valley through community interdependence, education, and good clean fun!

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Check out the Frederick County Farm Crawl

CONNECT

Frederick County Homesteaders | Website | Instagram | Facebook

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

Preparedness is an important aspect of most homesteads, but it can be an overwhelming topic due to its multifaceted nature.  Many of us have some level of food storage for our families, but what about things like safety and emergency medical care?  Jake Drumm of Drumm Emergency Solutions has a passion for helping families prepare for a wide spectrum of crisis situations.  He has a special word for homesteaders today to get you started in preparing for both short and long term medical crisis situations.  

In this episode, we cover:

View full show notes and transcript on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube.

ABOUT JAKE

Jake Drumm is a career paramedic with a passion for preparedness, homesteading, and education.  He has worked in all areas of emergency services medicine during his career.  The past 15 years have been spent in the delivery of emergency medicine education, spanning the spectrum from graduate medical education to U.S. Special Operations medicine.  He continues to practice medicine as a paramedic in rural East Tennessee, as well as working to actively spread his message of medical preparedness and austere lifesaving through Drumm Emergency Solutions, LLC, a family company.  Jake is also heavily involved in ongoing wilderness medicine, permaculture, and homesteading projects on several properties in East Tennessee.  

RESOURCES

Medical planning and preparedness:

Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs)

Medical Beginner's Resource List

Guerilla Medicine: An introduction to the concepts of austere medicine in asymmetric conflicts

Ditch Medicine: Advanced Field Procedures for Emergencies by Hugh Coffee

Where There Is No Doctor: A Village Health Care Handbook

Improvised Medicine: Providing Care in Extreme Environments, 2nd edition

Tourniquet Conversion A Recommended Approach in the Prolonged Field Care Setting

Preparing for Operations in a Resource-Depleted and/or Extended Evacuation Environment

10 Essential PFC Capabilities

Skills for non-medical team members

CONNECT

Jake Drumm of Drumm Emergency Solutions | Website | YouTube | Facebook | X | Pinterest

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

As homesteaders, we know the importance of preparing our homes and families physically for an uncertain future.  In this conversation with Pastor Mike, we dive into the importance of spiritually preparing for the days ahead too.  Pastor Mike shares how preparation is rooted in scripture, how occult activity is more dangerous than we may realize, how we can impact our communities, and more.  This conversation with Pastor Mike covered a lot of ground, and we know it will be an encouragement to you.

In this episode, we cover:

View full show notes and transcript on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube.

ABOUT MIKE

Mike Signorelli wears many hats - content creator, pastor, YouTuber, author, philanthropist, and speaker. He is a dynamic and inspiring individual who has touched millions of people worldwide through his online content. His humble beginnings growing up in the projects of Hammond, Indiana, led him to pursue higher education and eventually to answer the call to preach and lead.

Aside from his work as a content creator, pastor, author, and philanthropist, Mike is also a sought-after speaker who travels the world speaking at church gatherings, large conferences, tent revivals, and festivals.

Mike's unique blend of talents and passions makes him a truly remarkable individual. His ability to inspire and connect with people from all walks of life is a testament to his unwavering commitment to communicating the message of Jesus on every platform he has, both online and in person.

Mike and Julie have two daughters, Everly Faith and Bella Joy. They currently reside in New York City.

RESOURCES MENTIONED

The Breakers Creator Academy

Video: 10 Items to Remove Right Now

Video: Why God Removes People

Video: Ex-Witches Expose Demonic Agendas

⁠Inherit Your Freedom: Break Generational Curses and Reclaim the Future God Has for You⁠ by Mike Signorelli

CONNECT

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