On today’s podcast episode, I chat with Tanya Morrison, she is a homesteader in Alberta Canada pursuing a journey “back” to off-grid living while taking advantage of modern technology. We also talk a lot about her business ideas that will help others get started homesteading with chickens.
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Homesteading with a Purpose: Lessons from Tanya Morrison’s Journey
Tanya Morrison, a second-generation homesteader from Alberta, Canada, has a story filled with resilience, creativity, and an inspiring drive to live a self-sufficient life. Here are some valuable lessons from her interview that can encourage anyone interested in homesteading, whether you’re new to the concept or already living the lifestyle.
Growing Up in the Yukon: Lessons in Resilience
Tanya’s childhood in the Yukon shaped her into the resilient homesteader she is today. Living off-grid, she learned to adapt to challenges like hauling water from a creek and surviving harsh winters with nothing but a wood stove for heat.
Her upbringing was far from conventional—living in a wall tent for 14 years and relying on hunting for most of their food. This early experience gave her a deep appreciation for hard work, resourcefulness, and the rewards of self-sufficiency.
Takeaway: Homesteading builds resilience. Whether you’re dealing with a power outage or finding ways to preserve food, learning to adapt and solve problems is key.
The Value of Raising Your Own Food
Tanya’s family returned to their homesteading roots after a brief move to the city. They became vegetarians for a while, but it wasn’t long before they returned to raising their own meat. Hunting for moose, caribou, and elk became a significant part of their lifestyle.
In her current homestead, Tanya raises chickens, ducks, pigs, and tends to a garden. While she admits gardening isn’t her strongest suit, she’s working on it and is excited for her mother’s help when they reunite on the family farm.
Challenges with Livestock: Coyotes and Solutions
Tanya faced one of the hardest challenges homesteaders encounter—losing livestock to predators. A coyote attack wiped out nearly all her meat birds and laying hens.
While this could have been a huge setback, Tanya didn’t give up. Instead, she adjusted her approach, enhancing her fencing and bringing in a livestock guardian dog to protect her animals.
Takeaway: Homesteading is not without its difficulties. Be prepared to face setbacks, but always look for solutions. Investing in predator-proofing methods and having backup plans can help minimize future losses.
Expanding Homestead Skills: Canning, Preservation, and More
Tanya is a firm believer in learning new skills to make her homestead more self-sufficient. From expanding her canning and preservation knowledge to mixing her own chicken feed, she’s constantly looking for ways to improve.
She’s passionate about reducing reliance on store-bought products, especially when it comes to things like canned tomatoes or sauces, and she’s diving deep into freeze-drying and food storage.
Takeaway: Homesteading is a journey of continual learning. Expanding your skill set, whether it’s learning to can or exploring preservation methods, will help you become more self-sufficient and reduce dependency on outside sources.
Starting a Rent-a-Hen Program
One of the most innovative ideas Tanya shared was her plan to start a “Rent-a-Hen” program. This would allow people interested in raising chickens to rent a coop and a few hens, giving them a chance to try out the lifestyle without fully committing to the cost or responsibility of raising chickens long-term. If they enjoy it, they can adopt the hens and keep going.
Takeaway: If you’re hesitant to dive headfirst into homesteading, consider trying smaller-scale projects. Start with a container garden or look for programs like Rent-a-Hen that give you a taste of the lifestyle before making a big commitment.
Community and Education: Supporting Others
Tanya emphasized the importance of community and education. She’s already helping others by offering advice, providing meat birds, and sharing her knowledge about butchering. She’s also considering starting homesteading courses to teach people traditional skills like canning, gardening, and smoking meat.
Tanya’s passion for educating others about homesteading shows how valuable it is to share experiences, knowledge, and support within a community.
Takeaway: Homesteading doesn’t have to be a solitary pursuit. Engage with your community, whether online or in person, and learn from others. Sharing what you know not only helps others but also strengthens the homesteading movement as a whole.
Looking Toward the Future: Off-Grid Living
Tanya’s long-term goal is to return to full off-grid living with her family. They are currently searching for a larger piece of land and plan to build a passive solar house with sustainable heating systems. Their goal is to live debt-free and embrace a lifestyle that aligns with their values of sustainability and independence.
Takeaway: Setting long-term goals is essential for any homesteader. Whether it’s going off-grid, expanding your garden, or raising more animals, having a vision for the future keeps you focused and motivated.
Conclusion
Tanya Morrison’s story is one of resilience, adaptability, and a deep love for the homesteading lifestyle. Her experiences remind us that while homesteading can be challenging, the rewards are worth it.
Whether you’re just starting or have been homesteading for years, there’s always something new to learn and new ways to grow. If you’re looking for inspiration, her journey provides plenty of it—proof that with the right mindset and determination, homesteading can truly be a fulfilling and meaningful way of life.
