On today’s podcast episode I’m joined by Lana Jackson, a homesteader on 13 acres in Iowa, and in her own words she’s “a city girl trying to figure out country life.”
Lana is someone eager to help others down the homesteading path by giving advice and sharing her struggles to hopefully keep them from making some of the mistakes and going through some of the struggles she has.
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Modern Homesteading is a lifestyle that blends traditional farming and animal care with contemporary skills, like preserving food and building systems for sustainable living. But more than that, it’s about building a community, learning from mistakes, and growing, both in knowledge and character.
The Journey from City to Farm
Transitioning from city life to country living is a dream for many, but it’s not without its challenges. Lana Jackson, a former city girl from Kansas City, shares her story of moving to a 13-acre farm in South Central Iowa. Her background in art and city life didn’t exactly prepare her for the challenges ahead, but determination and a love for the land fueled her passion to figure it all out.
What was once an unfamiliar world of chickens, goats, and tractors has now become her daily reality. She admits that mistakes were made along the way, like losing a vehicle to a muddy, unmarked farm road or underestimating the heat transfer in a metal barn.
Animals on the Homestead
From chickens and rabbits to goats, there’s never a dull moment when you’re caring for animals. Lana keeps her chickens free-ranging, but she’s always cautious of predators like foxes and eagles, especially in the seasonal push when food is scarce.
Her rabbits are raised for meat and fur, and she learned that pasture-raised rabbits are healthier but require daily tractor movements to keep the pasture fresh. These little details are things one only learns through experience.
When it comes to larger animals, like goats, there’s even more to learn. Lana’s goats provide milk, graze, and help control weeds, but the process of birthing goats and milking them is still something she’s working on. She’s not shy about admitting she’s learning as she goes, with the help of local mentors and a supportive community.
Building Community and Resources
A common theme in Lana’s story is the importance of community. When you live in a rural area, things don’t always work the same as they do in the city. Need a contractor? There may only be two in town, and if they’re busy, you’ll have to wait.
That’s why neighbors and friends become an essential part of the homesteading experience. Lana shares how her neighbors helped take care of her animals when she was too sick to do so. They even checked in on her daily until she recovered!
Community is not just about help in emergencies, but also about exchanging resources. Lana has traded rabbits for welding work and even goats for other essential farm needs. Building these relationships is a cornerstone of successful homesteading, proving that you don’t have to go it alone.
Planning and Evolving on the Farm
As with any project, there’s always room for improvement. Lana is focused on tackling erosion control around her outbuildings and managing her farm’s water flow. Living on rolling hills may remind her of the Ozarks, but it also presents many challenges.
Future plans include reworking fences, planting fruit and nut trees, and figuring out the best spot for her vegetable garden. Gardening, like raising animals, requires a learning curve. “Last year’s tomato vines grew seven feet tall thanks to rabbit manure”, Lana said, but finding the “sweet spot” for her garden is still a work in progress.
Lessons Learned and Advice for Aspiring Homesteaders
Lana offers a wealth of advice for those dreaming of a similar lifestyle. First and foremost, take things slowly. It’s easy to get overwhelmed when you try to do too much at once. She recommends focusing on one or two projects at a time and doing your research.
Another key lesson is to forgive yourself for mistakes. Losing an animal or dealing with a failed project can be tough, but every setback is an opportunity to learn. Whether it’s figuring out how to handle a sudden snowstorm or managing predator risks, homesteading will constantly throw unexpected challenges your way.
And finally, don’t forget the importance of building a support network. Whether it’s family, neighbors, or online communities, having people you can rely on will make all the difference.
A Harvest of Friends
Homesteading isn’t just about raising animals or growing your own food—it’s about building something bigger. It’s about connecting with the land, learning through trial and error, and forming lasting relationships with the people around you.
Just like Lana discovered, the most valuable thing you can harvest is not food, but friendships. Through the good times and the hard times, these connections are what make modern homesteading so much more rewarding.
If you’ve ever dreamed of starting your own homestead, remember that it’s a journey, not a destination. Take it one step at a time, build your community, and learn as you go. The rewards are well worth the effort.
