In this episode of the Modern Homesteading Podcast, Harold has a chat with Jordy Buck, a seasoned homesteader who’s been on the show a couple of times before. Jordy shared invaluable insights into his homestead, offering insight on everything from scaling back operations to optimizing animal feed.
The Modern Homesteading Podcast, Episode 257 – September 22, 2024
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What We Talk About In This Podcast Episode
If you’re seeking inspiration on managing your homestead or diving deeper into sustainable practices, here are some key takeaways from our conversation.
Stepping Back Can Be a Leap Forward
Jordy made the tough decision to step back from the farmer’s market, something he had invested years into. Running a local market in Howard City, Jordy found that his garden and homestead were suffering from neglect. Crop failures due to slugs and declining sales prompted him to close the market and focus on building a more solid foundation at home.
“I was seeing that some of the things in my garden were starting to degrade the soil because I wasn’t keeping up with them adequately,” Jordy explained. It’s a lesson for many homesteaders: sometimes, taking a step back from external commitments allows you to focus on what truly matters on the homestead.
Biochar: The Secret to Soil Health
Jordy has become an advocate for biochar, an agricultural charcoal that he produces and sells. Biochar’s ability to improve soil health is immense, thanks to its unique structure, which absorbs minerals and enhances microbial life. Jordy emphasizes that biochar should be inoculated or charged before adding it to the soil to avoid nutrient depletion. Biochar’s benefits extend beyond gardening—it’s also a potent tool for improving animal gut health when added to their diet.
Sustainable Livestock Practices
Pigs, rabbits, and chickens are central to Jordy’s homestead. He shared valuable insights into the benefits of feeding animals tree fodder, particularly in place of traditional grain-heavy diets. Jordy’s pigs thrive on a diet consisting of 40% tree leaves, while his rabbits benefit from tree fodder like mulberry and comfrey.
Jordy also noted how biochar in animal feed improves gut health and reduces common livestock diseases like E. coli and Salmonella. This method has allowed him to raise healthier, more resilient animals without relying on antibiotics or commercial feed additives.
Growing Feed Independence
One of Jordy’s goals is to achieve feed independence on his homestead. He’s growing crops like Jerusalem artichokes and mulberries specifically for animal feed. With his innovative approach to silage (fermented green fodder), Jordy is finding ways to store tree leaves for winter feeding, ensuring a sustainable source of nutrition for his pigs and rabbits throughout the year.
“I’m putting more effort into growing my own feed to become less dependent on external sources,” he shared. Feed independence is not only cost-effective but also offers peace of mind in times of supply chain disruptions.
The Benefits of Comfrey
Jordy is an enthusiastic advocate of comfrey, a plant with numerous uses on the homestead. From being a natural fertilizer to a highly nutritious animal feed, comfrey plays a vital role in Jordy’s operations. Interestingly, he’s also found comfrey tea to be an effective anti-inflammatory for his back pain, though he advises caution when consuming comfrey internally.
Whether you’re looking to improve your soil or provide nutrient-dense fodder for livestock, comfrey is a powerhouse plant that deserves a place in every homesteader’s garden.
Physical vs. Digital: The Power of a Paper Newsletter
One unique aspect of Jordy’s homesteading efforts is his physical newsletter or “Zine” as it’s technically called, “Grow Your Life Magazine.” Unlike online articles that can sometimes feel superficial, Jordy’s newsletter provides deeply researched, practical tips for homesteaders looking to grow their food, raise livestock, and live sustainably.
“There’s something about getting something physical in your hands that makes the information more memorable,” Jordy said. His newsletter is a valuable resource for homesteaders who prefer real, tangible reading material packed with actionable advice.
Advice For Beginner Homesteaders: Start Small, but Start Now
For anyone on the fence about starting a homestead, Jordy’s advice is simple: start small, but start now. Whether it’s growing a few crops in pots or raising a couple of chickens, every step toward self-sufficiency is valuable.
“The best time to start was yesterday. The second best time is today,” he concluded, encouraging new homesteaders to embrace the learning process and not be discouraged by early failures.
Conclusion
Jordy Buck’s journey as a homesteader is filled with lessons in resilience, sustainability, and the importance of slowing down to focus on what matters most. From using biochar to improve soil and livestock health to achieving feed independence through thoughtful crop planning, Jordy’s insights offer inspiration for anyone looking to live a more self-sufficient life.
If you’re interested in learning more about Jordy’s work or subscribing to his “Grow Your Life” newsletter, be sure to check out his Etsy store for practical, hands-on advice that you can apply to your own homestead.
