This is a fun episode where we dive into funny stories and lessons learned from the first year homesteading. Many of these stories stem from simple inexperience, various resource constraints and other circumstances that ultimately have allowed us the opportunity to grow Little Way Farm and Homestead into the educational farm that it is becoming.

Do you have a great homesteading story to share? Send us an email at [email protected]. Let us know!

We are also looking for contributors to our website blog. If you are interested in having a homesteading, small-scale farming, or Catholic faith themed post included in the blog - send us submissions directly at [email protected]

Interested in the Little Way Farm and Homestead Little Farmer's Immersion Experience? Check out littlewayhomestead.com/events.

Are you a Catholic farming, homesteading or otherwise producing an agricultural good (e.g., beeswax candles, etc.)? Consider listing your business on the Little Way Farm and Homestead website. There is no charge at this time to do so. Visit www.littlewayhomestead.com/directory


For more information about Little Way Farm and Homestead including the farm, podcast, and upcoming events, check out https://littlewayhomestead.com/.

For media inquiries, advertising, speaking requests, guest referrals, consulting and more - email us at [email protected].

This episode features Shawn and Beth Dougherty. You might have heard our prior episode with the Doughertys discussing low-input farming, but this episode focuses much more on dairy cows. One of my favorite questions that came up was whether or not a dairy cow must be fed grain - this questions and more are covered throughout the episode and we hope you find the discussion inspring and of value to you, wherever you are in your homesteading journey.

To learn more about Little Way Farm and Homestead, including the farm or for other Podcast episodes - please check out littlewayhomestead.com, or email us at [email protected]. 

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Shawn and Beth Dougherty have been farming together since the 1980's

Using intensive grazing as the primary source of food energy, the Doughertys raise dairy and beef cows, sheep, farm-fed hogs, and a variety of poultry, producing most of the food, and feed, on the farm. Their ongoing project is to identify and test the potential for operating a farm and homestead with minimal off-farm inputs.

They are the authors of The Independent Farmstead, actively contribute to Plain Value magazine, have written for Mother Earth News, Hobby Farms and more. They have been featured in various interviews, podcasts, and conferences

Shawn and Beth promote an outline of farming and homesteading that is inspiring to us as we consider the ways we engage in a stewardship model which considers homesteading, farming and the Catholic Faith.

We are excited to bring you this interview as a production of Little Way Farm and Homestead. If you are interested in helping this podcast grow and reach a larger audience, please consider leaving a review wherever you are listening to the episode, and share with someone you know!

Helpful Links:

The Independent Farmstead by Shawn and Beth Dougherty https://www.chelseagreen.com/product/the-independent-farmstead/

The One Cow Revolution Website https://one-cow-revolution.com/

For more information about Little Way Farm and Homestead including the farm, podcast, and upcoming events, check out https://littlewayhomestead.com/.

For media inquiries, advertising, speaking request, guest referrals, consulting and more - email us at [email protected].

On this episode of the Little Way Farm and Homestead Podcast, Mathew and Carissa share their excitement for the upcoming Springtime growing season. During this episode they discuss things to consider when preparing to plant seeds for the springtime, helpful tips from their own experiences at the farm and more. There is so much to consider when beginning a garden and considering growing some of your own food that it is imperative we take time to consider what we want to grow, how we want to use what is grown, and schedule the planting, growing and harvesting tasks so that we can be successful and have an enjoyable experience.

Real Estate for Life is a real estate brokerage with over 1,400 Prolife Real Estate Agents worldwide. They have completed over 10,000 real estate transactions and they report 65% of their revenue goes to a Prolife or Catholic Apostolate. You can quickly find an agent near you through their website at Realestateforlife.org. And if you let them know that you learned about Real Estate for Life from Little Way Farm and Homestead, that helps support our family in continuing the work of Little Way Farm and Homestead. Now, back to the episode.

Link: https://realestateforlife.org/

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For more information about Little Way Farm and Homestead  including the farm, podcast, and upcoming events, check out https://littlewayhomestead.com/.

For media inquiries, advertising, speaking request, guest referrals, consulting and more - email us at [email protected].

On this episode, I had a solo-interview with Suzan Sammons, author of The Stations of the Cross in Slow Motion, A Daily Devotion for Lent. 

This is a powerful interview that reminds me of the importance of building a homestead on the proper foundation - prayer and the Sacraments.  Like any other pursuit in life, the development of a productive homestead is truly lacking if it is not characterized by a strong presence of prayer. 

Suzan discusses her new book, but also provides great insight into prayer in the home, fasting, and commentary on some of our historical practices concerning Lent. This is an interview that I hope you find encouraging and inspiring as we prepare for the upcoming Lenten Season. 

If you are enjoying this podcast, please consider leaving a review or sharing it with a friend. And if you'd like to message us directly, please feel welcomed to email us at [email protected].

Order Suzan's new book, The Stations of the Cross in Slow Motion, A Daily Devotion for Lent: https://sophiainstitute.com/product/the-stations-of-the-cross-in-slow-motion/

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Real Estate for Life is a real estate brokerage with over 1,400 Prolife Real Estate Agents worldwide. They have completed over 10,000 real estate transactions and they report 65% of their revenue goes to a Prolife or Catholic Apostolate. You can quickly find an agent near you through their website at Realestateforlife.org. And if you let them know that you learned about Real Estate for Life from Little Way Farm and Homestead, that helps support our family in continuing the work of Little Way Farm and Homestead. Now, back to the episode.

Link: https://realestateforlife.org/

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For more information about Little Way Farm and Homestead  including the farm, podcast, and upcoming events, check out https://littlewayhomestead.com/.

For media inquiries, advertising, speaking request, guest referrals, consulting and more - email us at [email protected].

In this episode, I had a unique opportunity to speak with Brandon Sheard and Ross McKnight We recorded this episode ahead of The Art of Foie Gras, presented by Ross and Brandon at Backwater Foie Gras in Louisiana. In this episode we cover an array of topics including meat production, culture, the Catholic faith, hands on learning and more. This was a great interview and presents another example of the Catholic Faith active in the world today.

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing it with someone you know.

Guest Notes:

Ross McKnight of Backwater Foie Gras offers courses to help instruct people in homesteading and farming methods. Be sure to consider joining Ross and team at Backwater Foie Gras during an in-person course including the upcoming Art of Foie Gras at https://backwaterfoiegras.com/foiegrasclass.

Check out the Backwater Foie Gras website at: https://backwaterfoiegras.com/

Brandon Sheard of Farmstead Meatsmith is known for his excellent demonstrations and training in animal butchering. You can find information about upcoming, on-farm courses at the Farmstead Meatsmith Website: https://farmsteadmeatsmith.com/.

Upcoming Farmstead Meatsmith Events: https://farmsteadmeatsmith.com/upcoming-classes/

Additional Notes:

If you're looking to stock up on beef - consider purchasing from Ripley Cove Farms. You can find them at https://ripleycovefarms.com/. Be sure to use code LITTLE WAY for 10% off your order.

Real Estate for Life is a real estate brokerage with over 1,400 Prolife Real Estate Agents worldwide. They have completed over 10,000 real estate transactions and they report 65% of their revenue goes to a Prolife or Catholic Apostolate. You can quickly find an agent near you through their website at Realestateforlife.org. And if you let them know that you learned about Real Estate for Life from Little Way Farm and Homestead, that helps support our family in continuing the work of Little Way Farm and Homestead. Now, back to the episode.

Link: https://realestateforlife.org/

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For more information about Little Way Farm and Homestead,  including the farm, podcast, and upcoming events, check out https://littlewayhomestead.com/.  

For media inquiries, advertising, speaking request, guest referrals, consulting and more - email us at [email protected].

Ross & Dorothy McKnight, of Backwater Foie Gras, are an inspiration and pioneering Catholic couple. They have built a reputable farming business without a background in farming or homesteading. This was an exciting interview where we learned about Foie Gras, the McKnight's journey to farming and manners in which the Catholic Faith can be unpacked on the homestead. 

The Mcknight's interview is one that echoes many themes in our own lives - that a lifestyle firstly inspired by the Catholic Faith, is good. That raising children on a homestead is beneficial and that a life in pursuit of Heaven is always worth living. 

We are inspired by this interview, and not just about our newfound understanding of Foie Gras, but about the need for perseverance and continually striving to respond to God.

Additional Notes:

Backwater Foie Gras offers courses to help instruct people in homesteading and farming methods. Be sure to consider joining Ross and team at Backwater Foie Gras during an in-person course including the upcoming Art of Foie Gras.

Real Estate for Life is a real estate brokerage with over 1,400 Prolife Real Estate Agents worldwide. They have completed over 10,000 real estate transactions and they report 65% of their revenue goes to a Prolife or Catholic Apostolate. You can quickly find an agent near you through their website at Realestateforlife.org. And if you let them know that you learned about Real Estate for Life from Little Way Farm and Homestead, that helps support our family in continuing the work of Little Way Farm and Homestead. Now, back to the episode.

Link: https://realestateforlife.org/

For more information about Little Way Farm and Homestead, including the farm, podcast, and upcoming projects, check out LittleWayHomestead.com.

This interview was conducted between Mathew (Little Way Farm and Homestead) and Dr. Doug Darnowski of Sts. Therese and Isidore Farm College. The discussion covered an array of topics pertaining to growing plants and plant biology. This interview is fast-paced and opens the opportunity for consideration of how to best plan, cultivate and harvest crops for homesteading.

Check out Sts. Therese and Isidore Farm College by Clicking Here.

Additional Notes:

Real Estate for Life is a real estate brokerage with over 1,400 Prolife Real Estate Agents worldwide. They have completed over 10,000 real estate transactions and they report 65% of their revenue goes to a Prolife or Catholic Apostolate. You can quickly find an agent near you through their website at Realestateforlife.org [https://realestateforlife.org/] And if you let them know that you learned about Real Estate for Life from Little Way Farm and Homestead, that helps support our family in continuing the work of Little Way Farm and Homestead. Now, back to the episode.

Link: https://realestateforlife.org/

For more information about Little Way Farm and Homestead, including the farm, podcast, and upcoming projects, check out LittleWayHomestead.com.

This Episode included guests Alex and Melissa Dee - of the Saints Alive Podcast. 

We have found that storytelling is particularly important to developing a homestead that brings forward a place of encouragement, excitement and wonder amongst children.

The stories of the Saints are unique as their commitments to God are inspiring and challenging and we are grateful to Alex and Melissa, and all of the team-members of the Saints Alive Podcast, for their work to bring these stories to our children, and many more families throughout the world. 

We hope you enjoy this episode as a production of Little Way Farm and Homestead. 

Saints Alive Podcast: https://saintsalivepodcast.com/

St. Padre Pio Episode: https://www.saintsalivepodcast.com/episodes/saint-padre-pio-part-i

Additional Notes:

Real Estate for Life is a real estate brokerage with over 1,400 Prolife Real Estate Agents worldwide. They have completed over 10,000 real estate transactions and they report 65% of their revenue goes to a Prolife or Catholic Apostolate. You can quickly find an agent near you through their website at Realestateforlife.org [https://realestateforlife.org/] And if you let them know that you learned about Real Estate for Life from Little Way Farm and Homestead, that helps support our family in continuing the work of Little Way Farm and Homestead. Now, back to the episode.

Link: https://realestateforlife.org/

For more information about Little Way Farm and Homestead, including the farm, podcast, and upcoming projects, check out LittleWayHomestead.com.

Welcome to another episode of the Little Way Farm and Homestead Podcast! Today we are honored to have a genuine conversation between close friends of ours - Mike and Frances. 

Mike and Frances are one of the first families to welcome us into the homesteading lifestyle. It was at their house that we learned how to process chickens. I still remember running around the front yard trying to catch those Cornish cross. Not only that, but Mike and Frances continue to inspire us in their commitment to live a life characterized by the Catholic Faith, even when times are challenging. 

Together they have seven children and live a homesteading lifestyle. Their home is surrounded by goats, chickens, rabbits and a garden. And it is clear that they are committed to growing in holiness and building a homestead where the Catholic Faith is evident.

This recording was conducted months prior to its release, at Little Way Farm and Homestead when both of our families spent time with one another. You will hear the sounds of children playing in the background and the general chatter of many people gathered under one roof. This is a unique insight, via the podcast, into the joy and realties of bringing together growing Catholic families. 

We hope this conversation is inspiring to you. We love our Catholic faith. Its place within our farm and homestead is foundational as we hope it is in yours. Let's get into the episode.

Timestamps:

02:15: Introduction to Mike and Frances. Living in 800 square foot and a barn!

03:00: More about Building in and living in a Post-Frame building

04:30: Talking about the Catholic Faith in the home

07:50: Inviting a priest to dinner

09:25: Discussing religious life with your children.

11:55: How do you promote the joy of the Catholic faith in the home?

14:35: Promoting peace, joy and happiness in the home

19:00 Mercy & Justice

20:25: Traditions, Saints and More - The Catholic Faith in the Home

22:32: Real Estate for Life - Realestateforlife.org - let them Little Way Farm and Homestead sent you!

23:18: Catholic Faith and the Land - Homesteading

24:23: Catholic Homesteading - What is different than just homesteading?

29:18: Weaknesses

30:45: Community, supporting on another on the journey to Heaven

33:15: How to get started building a homestead inspired by the Catholic faith

36:35: Happy Thoughts and Encouraged about Marriage

Show Notes:

Real Estate for Life is a real estate brokerage with over 1,400 Prolife Real Estate Agents worldwide. They have completed over 10,000 real estate transactions and they report 65% of their revenue goes to a Prolife or Catholic Apostolate. You can quickly find an agent near you through their website at Realestateforlife.org And if you let them know that you learned about Real Estate for Life from Little Way Farm and Homestead, that helps support our family in continuing the work of Little Way Farm and Homestead. Now, back to the episode.

Link: Realestateforlife.org

For more information about Little Way Farm and Homestead, including the farm, podcast, and upcoming projects, check out LittleWayHomestead.com.

On this episode we spoke with Eric and Suzan Sammons about raising children, developing strong Catholic families, and more. 

Eric and Suzan Sammons are the parents of seven children. Suzan is the author of The Stations of the Cross in Slow Motion: A Daily Devotion for Lent which will be available through Sophia Institute Press in January of 2024) She is a homeschooling mother and editor of several Catholic publications and has published numerous articles in Catholic outlets on topics including child-rearing and education, the dignity of the unborn, holistic health, and Catholic spirituality. 

Eric Sammons is the Editor-in-Chief of Crisis Magazine and the author of eight books, including Deadly Indifference: How the Church Lost Her Mission and How We Can Reclaim It. Together, they wrote The Jesse Tree: An Advent Devotion.

This episode reminds us of the importance of consciously striving to build a home that supports the flourishing of the Catholic faith, in the home, on the homestead, and everywhere. We are excited to bring you this episode as a production of Little Way Farm and Homestead and hope you find it as inspiring as we do. 

Other Notes:

Crisis Magazine: https://crisismagazine.com/

Purchase the Jesse Tree: An Advent Devotion by Eric and Suzan Sammons at: https://sophiainstitute.com/product/the-jesse-tree/

More from Eric Sammons, including links to his books: https://ericsammons.com/

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Check out more from Little Way Farm and Homestead, including information about the Farm and More at Littlewayhomestead.com.