For several years, I’ve been asking myself… how can we close our chicken loop? And by that, I mean how can I reduce the outside inputs in our home food production. It's easier said than done when it comes to livestock, BUT I've hatched a new plan for our chicken operation and I'm excited to share it with you. 

Listen in to hear me answer the question: "What is the BEST dual-purpose breed?" along with the breed I decided upon and how I plan to close our chicken loop once and for all (maybe).

Podcast Episode Highlights

• How I've been successful on the homestead in "closing the loop"
• Why I have been reinspired to figure out how to close the loop with chickens
• The challenges I have had so far with closing the loop with chickens
• Step #1: Find a dual-purpose chicken breed
• Step #2: Get better at hatching eggs
• Step #3: Adjust our personal expectations when it comes to meat birds
• My wish list for a dual-purpose breed
• The top dual-purpose breeds I learned about
• Final thoughts on finding the "perfect" chicken

Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode:

Learn more about Meal Craft here: https://mealcraftmethod.com/meal-craft-main177846-9453

My podcast chat with Kate from Venison for Dinner about closing the loop: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/tph_podcasts/s4-e3-closing-the-loop-with-dairy-eggs-with-kate-schat-2

OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD:

• Sign up for weekly musings from my homestead: http://theprairiehomestead.com/letter
• Get my free homesteading tutorials & recipes here: www.theprairiehomestead.com
• Jill on Instagram: @jill.winger
• Jill on Facebook: http://facebook.com/theprairiehomestead
• Apply to be a guest on the Old-Fashioned on Purpose podcast: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/podcast-guest-application

Did you enjoy listening to this episode? Please drop a comment below or leave a review to let us know. This can help other folks learn about this podcast and we also really appreciate the feedback!

Looking for a bit of redemption after a less-than-stellar growing season? Want to reduce the pressure to preserve ALL the food right NOW? A fall garden can offer all of this and more and it's one of my secret weapons for growing more food with less stress. 

The time to start your fall crops is NOW-- join me to talk about what plants are best, some of my biggest mistakes, and how you can start your own fall garden no matter where you live.

Podcast Episode Highlights

• First thoughts on fall gardening (why I'm going to do it, why you can/should)
• Figuring out your frost date
• Learning about plant maturity dates
• Why it's worth it to have a fall garden
• Why you need to start NOW for fall gardening
• Tips for planting outdoors for a fall garden
• My plans for this fall garden 

Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode:

Learn more about Air Doctor here: airdoctorpro.com

• Use code HOMESTEAD to save up to $300 on your air doctor system

OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD:

• Sign up for weekly musings from my homestead: http://theprairiehomestead.com/letter
• Get my free homesteading tutorials & recipes here: www.theprairiehomestead.com
• Jill on Instagram: @jill.winger
• Jill on Facebook: http://facebook.com/theprairiehomestead
• Apply to be a guest on the Old-Fashioned on Purpose podcast: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/podcast-guest-application

Did you enjoy listening to this episode? Please drop a comment below or leave a review to let us know. This can help other folks learn about this podcast and we also really appreciate the feedback!

I never get tired of talking about sourdough, ESPECIALLY when it comes to ways to bake it more efficiently! 

Today I'm joined by Mike from Rosehill Sourdough to dive into some of the common pitfalls in the sourdough world that are costing you time and flour. I love Mike's engineer perspective and he gave me a lot of new ideas to chew on including sifting whole wheat flour, his rule-breaking method of adding salt, why you should let your whole wheat flour age, and more!

Podcast Episode Highlights

• Mike's backstory and how he got into sourdough
• Why it's good to slow down with sourdough
• Biggest mistakes people are making with sourdough
• Talking about salt and sourdough
• A closer look at sourdough discard
• Types of flour to use
• Tips for using whole wheat
• Favorite sourdough tools

Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode:

Learn more about Meal Craft here: https://mealcraftmethod.com/meal-craft-main177846-9453

Learn more about Mike and Rosehill Sourdough here: http://www.rosehillsourdough.com/

OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD:

• Sign up for weekly musings from my homestead: http://theprairiehomestead.com/letter
• Get my free homesteading tutorials & recipes here: www.theprairiehomestead.com
• Jill on Instagram: @jill.winger
• Jill on Facebook: http://facebook.com/theprairiehomestead
• Apply to be a guest on the Old-Fashioned on Purpose podcast: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/podcast-guest-application

Did you enjoy listening to this episode? Please drop a comment below or leave a review to let us know. This can help other folks learn about this podcast and we also really appreciate the feedback!

Cooking for larger groups used to stress me out SO much, but over the years, I've honed my skills in putting food on the table for big groups WITHOUT spending all day in the kitchen. 

In today's episode I'm sharing a few of my favorite old-fashioned strategies for cultivating community with food.

Podcast Episode Highlights

• How cooking for large crowds is an old-fashioned idea
• Goal #1: Staying in the action despite being in the kitchen
• Goal #2: Not expensive, still tasty, and not stressful
• Tip #1: Investing in certain tools
• Tip#2: Food inventory and types of meals
• Tip #3: What to skip...
• Strategy #1: Keep a repertoire of group meals
• Strategy #2: My thoughts on freezing meals ahead of time
• Strategy #3: Maximize your mornings and evenings
• Strategy #4: Using a self-serve buffet style
• Strategy #5: The stone soup approach
• Final thoughts

Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode:

Learn more about Meal Craft here: https://mealcraftmethod.com/meal-craft-main177846-9453

My Old-Fashioned on Purpose book: http://oldfashionedbook.com/

OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD:

• Sign up for weekly musings from my homestead: http://theprairiehomestead.com/letter
• Get my free homesteading tutorials & recipes here: www.theprairiehomestead.com
• Jill on Instagram: @jill.winger
• Jill on Facebook: http://facebook.com/theprairiehomestead
• Apply to be a guest on the Old-Fashioned on Purpose podcast: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/podcast-guest-application

Did you enjoy listening to this episode? Please drop a comment below or leave a review to let us know. This can help other folks learn about this podcast and we also really appreciate the feedback!

I get the question constantly... "Where's the BEST place to homestead?" 

Listen in as I share my (probably surprising) answer, as well as the lessons I've been learning lately about community, flexibility, and leaning in.

Podcast Episode Highlights

• Why this question seems to come up a lot lately (for others and myself)
• My first casual response to this question...
• My official answer to this question about the perfect place to homestead
• The potential for people to adapt to conditions
• Building ROOTS 
• Thoughts on the current restlessness trend
• What happens when you invest into a place
• Pondering the different seasons in all of our lives
• Thinking about creating and restoration
• When the problem is the solution...
• Final thoughts on this question

Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode:

Learn more about Air Doctor here: airdoctorpro.com

• Use code HOMESTEAD to save up to $300 on your air doctor system

Podcast episode mentioned: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/tph_podcasts/season-12-episode-1-when-the-problem-becomes-the-solution-with-rob-avis

OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD:

• Sign up for weekly musings from my homestead: http://theprairiehomestead.com/letter
• Get my free homesteading tutorials & recipes here: www.theprairiehomestead.com
• Jill on Instagram: @jill.winger
• Jill on Facebook: http://facebook.com/theprairiehomestead
• Apply to be a guest on the Old-Fashioned on Purpose podcast: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/podcast-guest-application

Did you enjoy listening to this episode? Please drop a comment below or leave a review to let us know. This can help other folks learn about this podcast and we also really appreciate the feedback!

I love to share the mental health benefits of gardening, but what do you do when your garden makes you feel STRESSED, not serene? I've been there (more than once).

Today I'm sharing my 3 non-negotiable garden strategies that I use every single year to ensure my garden is a place of joy and not overwhelm. A must-listen if you're trying to grow food in the midst of a busy life!

Podcast Episode Highlights

• My current struggles with streamlining my life
• It's fine to question gardening (and even taking a break!)
• Strategy #1: Automate your watering
• Strategy #2: Cover your soil
• Strategy #3: Create garden zones
• Final thoughts...

Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode:

Learn more about Aquatru here: www.aquatru.com

• Use the code HOMESTEAD to save 20% on your order

Listen to my podcast episode on mulch here: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/tph_podcasts/season-15-episode-1-mulching-magic-unlocking-the-secrets-to-a-thriving-garden

OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD:

• Sign up for weekly musings from my homestead: http://theprairiehomestead.com/letter
• Get my free homesteading tutorials & recipes here: www.theprairiehomestead.com
• Jill on Instagram: @jill.winger
• Jill on Facebook: http://facebook.com/theprairiehomestead
• Apply to be a guest on the Old-Fashioned on Purpose podcast: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/podcast-guest-application

Did you enjoy listening to this episode? Please drop a comment below or leave a review to let us know. This can help other folks learn about this podcast and we also really appreciate the feedback!

This episode blew my mind! I've been around plenty of working dogs, but they've always been used for working large numbers of livestock on huge pieces of land. 

However, this conversation with Jordyn Kelly of Working Aussies Homestead completely changed my mind. Listen as she shares the creative, time-saving ways she uses dogs around her homestead (even for handling chickens!), plus training tips and more.

Podcast Episode Highlights

• Why working dogs are important for a homestead
• The tasks of a working dog
• Tips for helping your dog be chicken-friendly
• Best working dog breeds
• The possibility of training a dog you already own...
• Basic training tips for working dogs
• Biggest challenges when training working dogs
• How to keep working dogs stimulated
• Advice on how to start with working dogs
• Resources from Jordyn Kelly

Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode:

Learn more about Jordyn Kelly and Working Aussie Homestead here: www.workingaussieshomestead.com

Never run out of meal ideas again! Learn about Meal Craft here: https://mealcraftmethod.com/meal-craft-main177846-9453

OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD:

• Sign up for weekly musings from my homestead: http://theprairiehomestead.com/letter
• Get my free homesteading tutorials & recipes here: www.theprairiehomestead.com
• Jill on Instagram: @jill.winger
• Jill on Facebook: http://facebook.com/theprairiehomestead
• Apply to be a guest on the Old-Fashioned on Purpose podcast: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/podcast-guest-application

Did you enjoy listening to this episode? Please drop a comment below or leave a review to let us know. This can help other folks learn about this podcast and we also really appreciate the feedback!

Ever wondered what happens when a social media influencer with a million followers swaps the digital spotlight for a tech-minimal lifestyle? This episode features Erin Lochner, the inspiring powerhouse behind "The Opt-Out Family." Erin takes us on a journey from her high-profile career in social media to her decision to embrace a technology-minimal lifestyle. We delve into her new book, "The Opt-Out Family," and discuss how she and her family choose to engage more meaningfully with the world around them, rather than through screens. Erin's insightful and empowering narrative offers a refreshing view on how conscious choices about technology can lead to a more balanced and fulfilling life.

We explore the intentional decision-making that comes with living a low-tech lifestyle, especially in a family setting. From avoiding smartphones for children to steering clear of facial recognition apps, Erin shares the micro-decisions that help maintain a balanced life. The conversation also highlights the joy and opportunities that arise from offline interactions and the preference for face-to-face connections. Erin's experiences provide a compelling case for the benefits of a tech-minimal environment that fosters direct human engagement and thoughtful problem-solving.

 We discuss the invaluable lessons of healthy challenges and fostering independence in children, emphasizing the importance of real-world experiences over digital consumption. Erin's perspective on parenting, managing overstimulation, and reclaiming our intuition from technology offers practical strategies for anyone looking to create a more intentional and enriching lifestyle.

Podcast Episode Highlights

• Erin's background and how they became an opt-out family
• How some algorithms that are very harmful to us
• What Erin's family looks like now as a low-tech family
• Adjustments and resistance to becoming a low-tech family
• The dangers of completely trusting the "authority" of the internet
• Creative ways to stop using the phone so much
• The concept of strewing...
• Boredom and over-stimulation
• Talking about hormesis
• The argument about it being a privilege to opt out of technology
• Encouragement if you also want to opt out

Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode:

Learn more about Erin Loechner here: https://www.optoutfamily.com/

Learn more about Air Doctor here: airdoctorpro.com
Use code HOMESTEAD to save up to $300 on your air doctor system

OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD:

• Sign up for weekly musings from my homestead: http://theprairiehomestead.com/letter
• Get my free homesteading tutorials & recipes here: www.theprairiehomestead.com
• Jill on Instagram: @jill.winger
• Jill on Facebook: http://facebook.com/theprairiehomestead
• Apply to be a guest on the Old-Fashioned on Purpose podcast: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/podcast-guest-application

Did you enjoy listening to this episode? Please drop a comment below or leave a review to let us know. This can help other folks learn about this podcast and we also really appreciate the feedback!

With gardening scaled back due to some timing issues with the milk cows, the spotlight is on the lifesaving benefits of mulch, especially as we brace for an impending drought. Learn how mulch can transform your garden by saving time, reducing weeds, and conserving precious water.

Get ready for a treasure trove of practical gardening advice as we explore the world of mulch. From grass clippings to wood chips, I break down the benefits and potential pitfalls of various organic materials. Discover why grass clippings are my go-to mulch and the critical importance of avoiding sprayed grass. Hear my firsthand experiences with different mulching materials, including tips on avoiding nitrogen depletion with wood chips and dealing with slugs. We also touch on inorganic options like landscape fabric and black plastic, offering a comprehensive guide to choosing the best mulch for your garden's health and productivity. Tune in for an episode packed with insights and personal stories designed to inspire and inform your homesteading journey.

Podcast Episode Highlights

• Personal updates 
• Benefits of mulch
• Which mulch is best...
• Biggest mistake people make with mulch
• Mulch #1: grass clippings
• Mulch #2: old hay or straw
• Mulch #3: cover crops
• Mulch #4: compost
• Mulch #5: shredded leaves
• Mulch #6: pine needles
• Let's talk about using wood chips (aka Back to Eden method)
• Thoughts on using inorganic materials as mulch...

Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode:

Learn more about Aquatru here: www.aquatru.com
Use the code HOMESTEAD to save 20% on your order

My garden story on using contaminated hay: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2016/08/curled-tomato-leaves.html

Details on how I'm fixing my tainted soil: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2023/06/how-to-fix-tainted-soil.html

Learn more about using cover crops here: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2019/10/garden-cover-crops.html

Check out my Instagram reel on cutting down cover crops and planting tomatoes: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6JyfUNrybT/

OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD:

• Sign up for weekly musings from my homestead: http://theprairiehomestead.com/letter
• Get my free homesteading tutorials & recipes here: www.theprairiehomestead.com
• Jill on Instagram: @jill.winger
• Jill on Facebook: http://facebook.com/theprairiehomestead
• Apply to be a guest on the Old-Fashioned on Purpose podcast: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/podcast-guest-application

Did you enjoy listening to this episode? Please drop a comment below or leave a review to let us know. This can help other folks learn about this podcast and we also really appreciate the feedback!

I love to cook... I love to plan... but I've never been able to stick with a consistent meal planning system.
And it bugged me for YEARS.
However, when I realized our unconventional life requires an unconventional meal plan, everything changed.
In today's episode, I'm sharing my best tips for getting from-scratch food on the table without rigid recipes or confining plans. If you prefer a more laid-back approach to meal planning, listen in!

Podcast Episode Highlights

• Feeling guilt & shame about meal planning
• Learning an important realization about conventional meal plans
• How our ancestors cooked
• Struggle #1: different ingredient priorities
• Struggle #2: grocery list struggles
• Strategy #1: buy in bulk
• Strategy #2: use appliances
• Strategy #3: no obsessing over breakfast and lunch
• Strategy #4: using frameworks instead of recipes
• What I've been working on behind the scenes
• Final thoughts and encouragement

Resources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode:

Join the Meal Craft Waitlist here: https://meet.theprairiehomestead.com/waitlist-7649

Check out Azure Standard for bulk foods: https://www.azurestandard.com/?a_aid=ANnu0O8ySU

My Prairie Homestead Cookbook: http://homesteadcookbook.com/

OTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD:

• Sign up for weekly musings from my homestead: http://theprairiehomestead.com/letter
• Get my free homesteading tutorials & recipes here: www.theprairiehomestead.com
• Jill on Instagram: @jill.winger
• Jill on Facebook: http://facebook.com/theprairiehomestead
• Apply to be a guest on the Old-Fashioned on Purpose podcast: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/podcast-guest-application

Did you enjoy listening to this episode? Please drop a comment below or leave a review to let us know. This can help other folks learn about this podcast and we also really appreciate the feedback!