In this episode, we’re joined by Stacey Carpenter of Hop’n Ridge Ranch — a dedicated homesteader, entrepreneur, and educator who’s building a thriving life rooted in purpose and practicality. Stacey shares her journey of starting a homestead from the ground up and how she’s turned her passion into a full-fledged business and educational platform.

We talk about the realities of balancing family, farming, and finances — from raising livestock with intention to teaching others through hands-on experiences. Stacey opens up about the learning curves, the wins, and the mission behind Hop’n Ridge Ranch.

Whether you’re new to homesteading or looking to grow your farm-based business, this episode offers a candid look at what it takes to make it work, with tips on marketing, community-building, and staying true to your “why” along the way.

Sponsored by BaseCampEd - It Takes a Village, Build Yours Today!

Episode Links

Find Hop'n Ridge Ranch on Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/hopnridgeranch

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/sheep_of_5048

Give Stacey a call at 509-944-5559

Kody Links

Website: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/

Shop Curriculum: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/shop

Speaking Events: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/events

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehomesteadeducation

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homestead_education

Watch episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@homesteadeducation

In this episode, we’re joined by Michael Kilpatrick of Farm on Central, a seasoned farmer, educator, and advocate for sustainable small-scale agriculture. Michael shares valuable insights into the world of urban farming, how to thrive within city limits, and why smart marketing is key to farm success.

We dig into the real struggles small farmers face — from navigating confusing regulations to staying afloat financially — and Michael offers practical, experience-backed advice on how to diversify your income streams to build resilience on your homestead or farm.

Whether you’re a backyard grower, market gardener, or dreaming of your first CSA, this episode is packed with actionable strategies and real talk about the challenges and opportunities in modern farming.

Sponsored by BaseCampEd - It Takes a Village, Build Yours Today!

Episode Links

Find Michael Kilpatrick on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growingfarmers/

Get 5% off using this link: https://www.farmoncentral.com/?ref=hteirdlu

Kody Links

Website: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/

Shop Curriculum: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/shop

Speaking Events: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/events

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehomesteadeducation

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homestead_education

Watch episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@homesteadeducation

In this episode, we explore the return to traditional skills like chicken processing, pig butchering, and local food production. We talk about the legacy of 5th generation farming, the role of midwives in rural communities, and the growing desire for self-reliance. Plus, get a sneak peek at the upcoming Montana Homesteaders Festival in Plains, MT—packed with workshops, demos, and community connection.

Sponsored by BaseCampEd - It Takes a Village, Build Yours Today!

Episode Links

Find out more about the Montana Homesteaders Festival in Plains, MT on June 20th-21st- https://www.montanahomesteadersfestival.com

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/montanahomesteadersfestival

Kody Links

Website: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/

Shop Curriculum: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/shop

Speaking Events: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/events

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehomesteadeducation

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homestead_education

Watch episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@homesteadeducation

Have you ever considered how the food you eat gets its nutrients? Well, it is all from the soil. This means if your soil is deficient or contaminated, so is your food.

Gregg Forster from Wisconsin Mineral Solutions shares how to balance your soil with some simple changes and great products. Tune in for insightful information on soil science and responsible land management.

Sponsored by BaseCampEd - It Takes a Village, Build Yours Today!

Episode Links

Find Gregg Forster and suggested downloads: https://www.wisconsinmineralsolutions.com/

Albrect Papers on Balancing Soil: https://amzn.to/3FCnf10

Neem oil for orchards: https://amzn.to/3ZbPMRM

Explanation of Mineral Wheel: https://vbfarms.com/minerals-what-are-they-and-why-are-they-important/

Kody Links

JUNE DOMESTIC ORDERS OVER $250 SHIP FREE WITH CODE: JUNESHIPFREE

Website: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/

Shop Curriculum: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/shop

Speaking Events: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/events

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehomesteadeducation

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homestead_education

Watch episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@homesteadeducation

If your homestead isn't compliant, you can find yourself in trouble. Alexia Kulwiec from Farm to Consumer Legal Defense Fund has helpful tips for you. 

Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund (FTCLDF) protects the rights of farmers and consumers to engage in direct commerce through legal representation and policy work. Our members receive help drafting the agreements they need to provide food directly to consumers. We are there for farmers facing inspection and regulatory issues and may provide representation of members facing litigation if it fits our mission. We work to influence state and local policy to ease the regulatory burden placed on independent farmers.

Sponsored by BaseCampEd App - It takes a village, build yours today!

Episode Links

Find FCLDF: www.farmtoconsumer.org

Phone: 703-208-3276

Email: [email protected]

Digital Thermometer: https://amzn.to/4mv48Xn

Find Kody

Website: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/

Shop Curriculum: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/shop

Speaking Events: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/events

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehomesteadeducation

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homestead_education

Watch episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@homesteadeducation

Many people in rural communities are silently facing the pain of sexually related trauma. Amy Ebat from SRT Services shines light on getting help for yourself or someone in need. 

Sponsored by BaseCampEd App

It takes a village, start building yours today!

www.basecamped.com

Episode Links

Learn more about SRT Services: https://srtservices.org/

Kody's Links

Website: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/

Shop Curriculum: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/shop

Speaking Events: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/events

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehomesteadeducation

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homestead_education

Watch episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@homesteadeducation

Solutions for controlling the chaos of adult ADHD can be as diverse as the people who manage it every day. Jaclyn Paul shares how she approaches ADHD with her family.

Jaclyn Paul lives in Baltimore with her family and is the author of the bestseller Order from Chaos: The Everyday Grind of Staying Organized with Adult ADHD.

Sponsored by BaseCampEd App - The Free Way to Start Your Community Today

Episode Links:

Find Jaclyn: https://jaclynpaul.com/

Get Jaclyn's ADHD Book: https://amzn.to/4m7e5tW

Comfort Crisis: https://amzn.to/3EToYi5

Little Critters Books: https://amzn.to/42IihIP

Getting Things Done by David Allen: https://amzn.to/43eZhBQ

Find Kody:

Website: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/

Shop Curriculum: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/shop

Speaking Events: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/events

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehomesteadeducation

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homestead_education

Watch episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@homesteadeducation

Rural women are forces of nature because they are determined and strong. They are also leading the charge in creative entrepreneurship. Jessica Garza from Moose Valley Ranch joins me in exploring growing a rural business and the challenges with marketing, kids, and time management. 

Plus, Jessica shares some spot-on social media marketing tips and diversifying cash flow.

Sponsored by BaseCampEdApp! It takes a village!

Episode Links

Find Jessica: www.moosevalleyranch.com

Jessica's Social Media: www.instagram.com/moosevalleyranch

Find Kody

Website: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/

Shop Curriculum: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/shop

Speaking Events: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/events

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehomesteadeducation

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homestead_education

Watch episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@homesteadeducation

Running a successful homestead business goes beyond marketing and accounting. You need to understand the economics of your homestead as well.

The principles of economics are not just a global issue; they should guide the operation of any business.

Homestead Economics & Business Course: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/homesteadeconomics/

Episode Links

Farmer's Defence Sleeves: https://farmersdefense.com/HOMESTEAD_EDUCATION

Survival Garden Seeds: https://survivalgardenseeds.com/?ref=KODY10

Livestock Culling: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/culling-livestock/

Incubation Course: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/courses/incubating-eggs-for-profit/

Homestead Business Resources: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/homestead-business/

Legal and Regulatory Considerations: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/how-to-navigate-food-laws-while-diversifying-income-with-your-homestead-business/

Find Kody

Website: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/

Shop Curriculum: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/shop

Speaking Events: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/events

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehomesteadeducation

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homestead_education

Watch episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@homesteadeducation

The snow is melting (hopefully!), the birds are singing, and there's a palpable energy in the air – it's SPRING on the homestead!

Today, we're diving into essential tasks and tips to help you make the most of this vibrant season and set your homestead up for a productive year.

Whether you're a seasoned homesteader or just starting out, spring is a time of renewal and action. Let's dig in!

Take some time to check out The Homestead Education Podcast's sponsor, BaseCampEd! This free new app helps families connect with like-minded people to build community. Visit https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/basecamped

Episode Links:

Tuttle Twins: https://tuttletwins.com/

Homestead Economics Waitlist: https://thehomesteadeducation.myflodesk.com/lko4k06t8x

True Leaf Ground Cover: https://trueleafmarket.com/products/garden-cover-crop-mix

How to Test Your Soil: https://shop.redmondagriculture.com/products/soil-test-kit?srsltid=AfmBOooYStGEezf75syXE-0USSxaAtEbbqrlh0sMSiMpM6ijr1Met2d1

Incubation Course: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/product/incubation-course/

Business Coaching: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/product/business-call/

Find Kody

Website: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/

Shop Curriculum: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/shop

Speaking Events: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/events

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehomesteadeducation

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homestead_education

Watch episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@homesteadeducation