The Simple Joys of Homesteading: Raising Animals, Growing Food, and Building Community

The Simple Joys of Homesteading

On today’s episode, I have a conversation with Troy McClung about the simple joys of homesteading. Troy homesteads/farms 100 acres in Southern West Virginia and shares about his journey at RedToolHouse.com.

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Homesteading is more than just growing your own food or raising livestock—it’s about building a lifestyle that embraces self-sufficiency, sustainability, and a deep connection to the land.

In this post, we’ll explore the highlights from a conversation with Troy McClung, a seasoned homesteader who is passionate about sharing what he has learned on his journey.

Why Homesteading?

Homesteading isn’t about how much land you have. It’s about what you do with the land you have, whether it’s a hundred acres or a backyard. For Troy McClung, homesteading on his 100-acre property in West Virginia was an unexpected adventure. Originally, the land was covered in trash and had been abandoned for years. But after cleaning it up, Troy and his family turned it into a thriving homestead.

Homesteading teaches self-reliance. It’s about knowing where your food comes from, raising animals responsibly, and growing your own produce. Most importantly, it offers the chance to live in harmony with the land and contribute to a sustainable future.

Raising Livestock: Chickens and Hogs

For those just starting, raising chickens is often the “gateway” to more complex homesteading activities. Troy started with just a few chickens, and today, he raises around 100 for both eggs and meat. Chickens are great because they don’t require a lot of space and provide a reliable source of food. Plus, they’re fun to raise!

Troy also raises hogs, which have become a major part of his homestead. He uses a pasture system where his pigs are free to roam, forage, and fatten up naturally. The pigs enjoy grazing in both wooded areas and open pastures, which improves the quality of the pork. His pigs especially love acorns from the oak trees, which adds a rich flavor to the meat.

One of the key takeaways from Troy’s experience is that starting small and gradually growing your operation is the way to go. He didn’t raise 30 pigs overnight. Instead, he worked his way up, learning through trial and error.

Utilizing Every Resource

Homesteading is all about resourcefulness. On Troy’s property, every tree, spring, and plant serves a purpose. His land is mostly wooded, but that hasn’t stopped him from using it wisely. By milling his own wood for barn construction and using natural water sources like springs for irrigation, Troy maximizes what the land provides.

Another great example of resourcefulness is how Troy uses comfrey, a powerful plant that grows quickly and can be harvested multiple times a year. Comfrey is a dynamic accumulator, pulling nutrients from deep in the soil and making it ideal for creating nutrient-rich mulch for his gardens.

Comfrey 1

Gardening: Trial and Error

Gardening is an essential part of any homestead, but it’s not always easy. Troy admits that his early attempts at gardening were not always successful, but that didn’t stop him from trying different methods until he found what worked.

He experimented with square bale gardening, using straw bales to create raised garden beds. While the results were positive, the high cost of straw bales made it difficult to scale.

This year, Troy is planning to build a greenhouse using cattle panels to extend his growing season. By wintering his chickens in the greenhouse, their scratching and manure will help create nutrient-rich soil for spring planting. Homesteading is about trying new things and learning from both your successes and failures.

The Importance of Water

Water is one of the most precious resources on a homestead. Troy’s property is blessed with natural springs, which provide fresh water for his animals and gardens. His advice to fellow homesteaders is to always have a backup water source. Whether it’s rainwater catchment or a well, having water security is essential.

Family and Community: The Heart of Homesteading

For Troy, homesteading is more than just a way to live off the land—it’s about family. His boys are involved in every part of the operation, from raising animals to clearing land. Homesteading provides valuable life lessons that aren’t always taught in traditional school settings, such as responsibility, problem-solving, and the importance of hard work.

In addition to family, building a community of like-minded individuals is essential. Whether it’s sharing knowledge, trading goods, or simply lending a hand, the homesteading community thrives on cooperation and support.

Final Thoughts: Start Small, Dream Big

The key to successful homesteading is to start small. Don’t feel like you need a huge piece of land or tons of animals to begin. Start with what you can manage, whether it’s a few chickens in the backyard or a small garden on your balcony. Each small step towards self-sufficiency adds up.

As Troy says, “You have to crawl before you run.” Learn as you go, be resourceful, and don’t be afraid of failure. Homesteading is a journey that takes time, but the rewards—healthier food, a closer connection to nature, and the joy of providing for your family—are well worth the effort.

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  • 1721521489 bpfull

    Author, blogger, podcaster, homesteading and permaculture enthusiast. I have a passion for sharing what I learn and helping others on their journey. If you're looking for me, you'll usually find me in the garden.

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