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On This Podcast Episode, Harold and Rachel discuss the news that Thomas Massie and Joel Salatin have potential roles in the USDA under the Trump administration as well as other appointments that could have an impact on homesteaders and farmers.

The Modern Homesteading Podcast – Episode 263

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Today, we’re diving into a topic that’s got a lot of people in our community buzzing: potential policy changes that could impact how we grow and buy our food. We typically keep our focus on the practical side of homesteading—like planting, harvesting, and sustainable practices—but there are times when policies and laws affect what we do right on our own land. Let’s dig into what’s going on, why it matters, and how we can keep moving forward no matter what.

What’s the Buzz About Policy Changes?

Recently, the homesteading world got a bit of a shock when Joel Salatin, a popular advocate for sustainable farming and food freedom, mentioned he might be stepping into a role with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Joel has long championed the right to produce, sell, and consume food with fewer restrictions. Imagine a future where buying raw milk or locally processed meat is as easy as getting a bag of apples. This news, combined with other leadership changes, could mean that the USDA might start working more in favor of small farmers and homesteaders.

Food Freedom: What Does That Mean?

For many of us in the homesteading community, food freedom means having more control over what we eat, grow, and sell. Think about being able to produce and sell things like raw milk, homemade jams, or pasture-raised meat without getting tangled up in red tape. Many current regulations make it challenging, especially for small farmers, to share their food with others. For instance, a farmer might have to transport animals to USDA facilities far away just to sell meat legally, which is expensive and time-consuming. If policies change to make these processes easier, it could mean huge savings for small farms and better access to local food for communities.

The Role of New Leaders and Ideas

With new faces potentially taking the lead, like Representative Thomas Massie, known for his advocacy for the Prime Act (which supports more flexible rules for local meat sales), things are looking promising. Massie’s bill could allow smaller farms to process meat on-site and sell it locally. Similarly, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has voiced his support for removing harmful chemicals from our food supply and improving transparency about what’s in our food.

These leaders could make a big difference. But with any policy, changes take time and often face resistance. So, while we’re excited, we’re also cautious. Policies can shift quickly, and we don’t want to rely solely on lawmakers to make homesteading easier.

Self-Reliance Is Still Key

Whether or not these changes happen, the core of homesteading stays the same: self-reliance. Growing our food, knowing what’s in it, and sharing it with those around us is something we can always pursue. Here’s how you can keep pushing forward with food freedom on your homestead:

1. Grow Your Own Food – Start a garden, even if it’s small. Every bit of food you grow is one step closer to food freedom. Knowing exactly what goes into your soil and onto your plants gives you control over your food quality.
2. Get to Know Local Regulations – Changes at the federal level take time, but local policies might be easier to influence. Check with local boards or councils about rules for backyard chickens, selling produce, or other homesteading activities.
3. Build Community Support – There’s strength in numbers! Connect with local farmers, neighbors, and community members who care about sustainable practices. You might be surprised by how much support exists for food freedom in your area.
4. Educate Yourself and Others – Part of food freedom is understanding what’s in your food. If policies don’t change fast enough, educate yourself on label-reading and pass that knowledge to friends and family.

The Benefits of Local, Homegrown Food

There’s a reason we love growing our own food. Not only does it taste better, but it’s healthier and comes without the additives found in much store-bought food. Digging in the soil, harvesting your veggies, and raising animals for eggs or milk offer so much more than just fresh food. Studies show that spending time outside can reduce stress, improve mental health, and even boost your immune system.

Changes We’d Love to See

If these potential leaders follow through, here are a few things we’d love to see:

• Clearer Food Labels – Knowing what’s really in our food should be easy, and labeling changes could help with that.
• Less Harmful Additives – Let’s reduce or eliminate the harmful chemicals found in many processed foods.
• More Support for Small Farms – Policies that give small farmers the same support as large agribusinesses would make a huge difference in how our communities access fresh, local food.

Final Thoughts

It’s an exciting time for homesteaders. While policy changes could bring us closer to true food freedom, we’ll keep growing and learning, no matter what. Remember, the core of homesteading is self-reliance and community, and with these, we can keep making strides toward a healthier, more sustainable way of living.

So, let’s keep digging, planting, and supporting each other—because no matter who’s in charge, we can continue to build the life we want right where we are.

Happy homesteading, and remember to grow where you’re planted!

Links Mentioned

• Joel Salatin’s Blog Post
• Thomas Massie’s X Post
• Trump’s Possible Pick for Secretary of Agriculture
• Massie for Secretary of Agriculture? KY Congressman addresses talk of Trump admin role
• Robert F. Kennedy’s X Post
• Ron Paul responds to Elon Musk’s invitation to join Trump administration

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