The Farmstead Revival: The Tales of Two Sisters

Summary

In this episode, Janelle Anderson and Trudy speak with Sean Pessarra, the Mindful Farmer, about sustainable agriculture, the importance of community in farming, and innovative tools that can help small-scale farmers thrive. Sean shares his journey into farming, the role of high tunnels in increasing productivity, and the significance of soil testing. The conversation also touches on the debate between raised beds and traditional gardening methods, the connection between faith and farming, and the value of education in gardening. Sean emphasizes the need for more sustainable small-scale growers and encourages listeners to fall in love with the learning process of gardening.

Takeaways

• Sean Pessarra started Mindful Farmer to support home gardeners and small-scale farmers.
• High tunnels can significantly increase productivity and extend growing seasons.
• Community support is essential for sustainable farming practices.
• Soil testing is crucial for understanding and improving soil health.
• Raised beds can be beneficial but may not be necessary for all gardeners.
• Education and hands-on experience are vital for successful gardening.
• Sustainable agriculture can positively impact community health and well-being.
• Innovative tools can help small-scale farmers increase efficiency.
• Connecting faith with farming can deepen understanding of creation.
• Gardening should be about learning and enjoying the process.

Connect with Sean - ⁠https://mindfulfarmerarkansas.com/⁠

On Instagram ⁠@mindfulfarmerarkansas⁠

⁠⁠Find The Farmstead Revival on IG⁠⁠

To share questions or topics you would like to see discussed in the future - ⁠⁠⁠The Farmstead Revival⁠⁠⁠

In need of a livestock consult? Livestock nutrition questions? Check out our resources here - ⁠⁠⁠Animal Nutrition Consult⁠⁠

Summary

In this episode, Janelle and Trudi discuss the concept of urban farming, focusing on how individuals in smaller communities or suburbs can bring the farm to their homes. They explore gardening techniques suitable for limited spaces, the importance of understanding growing zones, and the types of plants that are easy to grow. The conversation also delves into incorporating animals into urban living, discussing chickens, quail, rabbits, and more. Finally, they emphasize the significance of sourcing food locally and connecting with local farmers to support community agriculture.

Takeaways

• You can grow your own food even in the city.
• Vertical gardening maximizes limited space.
• Understanding your growing zone is crucial for gardening success.
• Choose plants that your family will actually eat.
• Zucchini can be prolific, so plant wisely.
• Chickens provide both eggs and natural fertilizer.
• Quail are a great option for small spaces.
• Rabbits are efficient meat producers and easy to care for.
• Support local farmers to strengthen your community.
• Research and prepare before starting your own farm.

Mentions:

⁠Anne Of All Trades ⁠

Jill Ragan of ⁠Whispering Willow Farms⁠

Adam Martin of⁠ Beeing Kept⁠

Cassidy Cornell of ⁠The Halftime Homestead⁠

⁠Seedtime Us⁠

⁠Find The Farmstead Revival on IG⁠

To share questions or topics you would like to see discussed in the future - ⁠⁠The Farmstead Revival⁠⁠

In need of a livestock consult? Livestock nutrition questions? Check out our resources here - ⁠⁠Animal Nutrition Consult⁠

In this episode of Farmstead Revival, hosts Janelle Anderson and Trudy Scheswald explore the decline of traditional farming and ranching lifestyles, discussing the challenges faced by farmers, including mental health issues, financial struggles, and the impact of land prices. They emphasize the importance of community, succession planning, and the need for a strong work ethic in the younger generation. The conversation also highlights the resurgence of homesteading and the value of local food production as a response to these challenges.

Takeaways

• Farming and ranching are facing significant challenges, including high suicide rates.
• The cost of land is a major barrier for new farmers.
• Market fluctuations create financial instability for farmers and ranchers.
• Succession planning is crucial for the future of family farms.
• Community support is essential for the survival of farming operations.
• Work ethic among the younger generation is a concern in agriculture.
• The homesteading movement is gaining traction as people seek self-sufficiency.
• Maintaining agricultural land is vital to prevent urban sprawl.
• Farmers and ranchers are often undervalued despite their importance in society.
• Building relationships within the community can help sustain farming practices.

Would you like to see a topic or question covered in an episode? Leave us a message: ⁠⁠The Farmstead Revival⁠⁠

Would you like to be a guest on The Farmstead Revival? ⁠⁠Be Our Guest⁠

In this episode of Farmstead Revival, sisters Janelle Anderson and Trudi Skedsvold delve into their personal experiences with schooling, discussing the pros and cons of public school versus homeschooling. They share their unique journeys, challenges, and different educational environments' impact on their children's learning. The conversation highlights the importance of individualized education and the need for parents to make informed choices that best suit their children's needs. They explore the joys and struggles of parenting and education through humor and heartfelt anecdotes.

Chapters

00:00 Exploring Schooling Experiences

06:30 Transitioning to Homeschooling

12:17 Concerns with Public School Content

17:08 The Shift to Homeschooling

21:40 Identifying Learning Challenges in Children

23:44 Navigating School Systems and Support

26:19 The Benefits of Homeschooling

27:21 Understanding Individual Career Aspirations

29:06 Social Skills and Homeschooling Myths

32:45 Making Educational Choices for Your Family

In this episode of Farmstead Revival, sisters Janelle Anderson and Trudi Skedsvold discuss the multifaceted roles women play on homesteads, from managing ranch work and seasonal chores to balancing family responsibilities and jobs off the homestead. They emphasize the importance of communication in relationships, the need for support and community, and share personal insights and experiences that highlight the challenges and joys of homesteading life.

 Episode Takeaways

• Women often take on the majority of livestock chores on homesteads.
• Balancing family responsibilities with homestead work can be challenging.
• Open communication with partners is crucial to avoid resentment.
• Homesteading requires flexibility and adaptability in daily routines.
• Finding support from friends and family can alleviate feelings of isolation.
• It's important to prioritize self-care and personal time amidst responsibilities.
• Planning meals and managing food storage can be difficult without a proper setup.
• Sharing chores with older children can lighten the load for parents.
• Trusting in a higher plan can provide peace during tough seasons.
• Personal experiences can offer valuable lessons and insights for others.

Would you like to see a topic or question covered in an episode? Leave us a message: ⁠⁠The Farmstead Revival⁠⁠

Would you like to be a guest on The Farmstead Revival? ⁠⁠Be Our Guest⁠

In this episode of the Farmstead Revival podcast, hosts Janelle Anderson and Trudi Skedsvold dive deep into the world of pigs with guest Nick Race from Race Family Farmstead. They discuss various aspects of pig farming, including the importance of choosing the right breeds, the challenges of keeping boars, and the significance of proper shelter and fencing. Nick shares his experiences with forest-raised pork, feeding practices, and the benefits of raising pigs for both personal consumption and community support. The conversation emphasizes the rewarding nature of pig farming and the importance of learning through experience.

Takeaways

- Pigs are intelligent animals that require socialization.

- Choosing the right breed is crucial for successful pig farming.

- Boars can be kept safely with proper management and care.

- Pigs thrive in forested areas and can help with land clearing.

- Shelters for pigs should be adapted to their natural behaviors.

- Electric fencing can be effectively used to manage pigs.

- Pigs are omnivores and will eat a variety of foods.

- Regular rotation of pigs is essential for pasture health.

- Community support is vital for local farmers.

Find Nick of Race Family Farmstead --

IG - https://www.instagram.com/race_farmstead/ ⁠Race Family Farmstead – Keeping you and nature happy and healthy⁠

Would you like to see a topic or question covered in an episode? Leave us a message: ⁠The Farmstead Revival⁠

Would you like to be a guest on The Farmstead Revival? ⁠Be Our Guest

Summary
In this episode of Farmstead Revival, hosts Janelle Anderson and Trudi Skedsvold dive into the world of pigs on the homestead and farm. They share personal experiences, discuss various pig breeds, and provide insights into feeding, nutrition, and the challenges of farrowing. The conversation emphasizes the importance of preparation and understanding the responsibilities that come with raising pigs, as well as the benefits they can bring to a homestead.

Takeaways

• Pigs are often brought to homesteads for various reasons.
• Personal experiences with pigs can shape one's perspective on raising them.
• Different pig breeds have unique characteristics and benefits.
• Feeding pigs requires careful consideration of available resources.
• Farrowing is a complex process that requires preparation and knowledge.
• Pigs can be beneficial for land management and clearing underbrush.
• It's important to have a plan for housing and fencing pigs.
• Pigs can be fed table scraps and other food waste.
• Finding a mentor can greatly assist in the learning process of pig husbandry.
• Preparation is key to successfully raising pigs.

To share questions or topics you would like to see discussed in the future - ⁠The Farmstead Revival⁠

In need of a livestock consult? Livestock nutrition questions? Check out our resources here - ⁠Animal Nutrition Consult

In this episode of Farmstead Revival, sisters Janelle Anderson and Trudi Skedsvold discuss their journey of generating income on their farm, transitioning from North Dakota to Tennessee, and the various strategies they employ to sustain their homestead. They share personal anecdotes about their experiences with livestock management, community engagement, and the challenges of balancing family life with entrepreneurial endeavors. The conversation emphasizes the importance of adaptability, planning, and the emotional aspects of running a farm while nurturing family connections.

In this episode of Farmstead Revival, hosts Janelle Anderson and Trudi Skedsvold delve into the often unspoken realities of livestock farming, particularly the inevitability of dealing with dead stock. They share personal stories, including Trudi's poignant experience with a dairy cow named Mais, and discuss the importance of observation and proactive care in preventing animal loss. The conversation also touches on the emotional challenges of processing animals for food, the necessity of making tough decisions regarding culling, and the lessons learned from their experiences. The hosts emphasize the responsibility that comes with stewarding livestock and the importance of being prepared for the realities of farm life.

In this episode of Farmstead Revival, Janelle Anderson and her sister Trudi Skedsvold share their heartfelt story of resilience following a devastating fire that destroyed their childhood home. They reflect on the impact of community support during this crisis, the lessons learned about recovery, and the importance of family bonds. The conversation also touches on their unconventional upbringing on a farm, including the unique animals they raised. Their experiences emphasize the significance of community, resilience, and the memories that shape who they are today. In this conversation, Trudi and Janelle reflect on their childhood experiences with animals, resourcefulness, and the life lessons imparted by their father. They share fond memories of raising raccoons, the unconventional foods they tried, and the skills they learned from their dad, emphasizing the importance of sustainability and self-sufficiency in their current lives. The discussion highlights the value of passing down knowledge and skills to future generations, ensuring that their children can thrive in a resourceful and sustainable manner.