Back to Basics: Getting Started with Small Livestock

On this podcast episode, Harold and Rachel continue the series on getting back to basics with getting started with small livestock. They discuss a variety of livestock like chickens, rabbits, quail, ducks, and more. Modern Homesteading Podcast Episode 269 Listen To The Podcast Have you ever dreamed of stepping into your backyard and gathering fresh…

How Cows and Poultry Help the Land Thrive: Grazing Systems in Permaculture

In permaculture, cows and poultry can do so much more than provide milk, meat, and eggs; they can play an essential role in maintaining and nourishing the land. When done right and with careful planning, a small herd of cows in conjunction with various poultry can transform fields, clear overgrown areas, and boost soil fertility—all…

Inkbird Heating Temperature Controller: A Handy Tool For The Homestead

If you start seedlings, raise small livestock, need to control the heating temperature on just about anything, then you need the Inkbird ITC-306T Pre-wired Electronic Heating Temperature Controller and Digital Timer Controller. I have found this tool to be invaluable on my homestead. A Simple Explanation Of What It Does In layman's terms, the Inkbird…

Function Stacking With Chickens: The Ultimate Homestead Helpers

In this episode of the Modern Homesteading Podcast, Harold and Rachel discuss the many uses for chickens on the homestead through the permaculture concept of function stacking. Hint... They aren't just good for eggs and meat, chickens are the ultimate homestead helpers. The Modern Homesteading Podcast, Episode 260 – October 14, 2024 Listen To The…

Discover Why Ducks Might Be Your Ultimate Homestead Helpers

If you’re wondering about adding some poultry to your homestead, you might be thinking chickens or turkeys, but how about some ducks? Provided you have a plentiful supply of water for duck bathing, like a borehole, or small pond, ducks can fulfill many of the same roles as chickens, and in many ways, they are…

Caring For Animals In Hot Weather

On Today’s Podcast Episode, Harold and Rachel Discuss How To Care For Your Animals When The Weather Turns Hot. Having Livestock and Even Pets Comes With The Responsibility Of Reducing Their Stress As Much As Possible During Times Of High Temperatures, Here's How You Can Help Them. The Modern Homesteading Podcast, Episode 243 – June…

A Beginner’s Guide To Getting Started Raising Backyard Chickens

Embarking on the journey of raising chickens can be an enriching experience, offering not only the joy of caring for these birds but also the satisfaction of producing your own food. This guide is tailored for beginners and covers everything from debunking common myths to daily care and financial considerations. Why Raise Chickens? Beyond the…

Heritage Breeds and Heirloom Plants: Preserving Biodiversity

In today's rapidly changing world, the conservation of biodiversity has become a crucial endeavor. One of the lesser-known yet equally important aspects of this effort involves the preservation of heritage breeds and heirloom plants. These timeless treasures of agricultural diversity play a significant role in maintaining genetic variation and ecological resilience. As modern agricultural practices…

What Livestock Can You Raise On An Urban or Suburban Homestead?

Urban homesteading is a movement on the rise, with many city-dwelling individuals and families eager to adopt more sustainable, self-sufficient lifestyles. This interest often extends to raising livestock. However, there are several challenges and considerations to keep in mind, from legal regulations to space limitations. So what livestock, if any, can you raise on an…

Clearing Land, Growing Livestock Feed, Meat Rabbits, And More With Guest Jordy Buck

On this episode of the Modern Homesteading Podcast, Harold is joined by return guest Jordy Buck from NorthernHomesteading.com to discuss clearing wooded land to grow livestock feed, raising rabbits, and more. The Modern Homesteading Podcast, Episode 189 – February 14, 2023 Listen To The Podcast Exploring Practical Homesteading with Jordy Buck: An In-Depth Conversation In…

Farm Innovators Heated Digital Circulated Air Incubator

There are several great incubators on the market and some not so great. The bottom line is, the better ones are more expensive and the extra features do make a difference. The one I have is the Farm Innovators Model Digital Circulated Air Incubator with Automatic Egg Turner and it does everything I need it to do…

Growing Insects For Small Livestock Feed

On This Episode of The Modern Homesteading Podcast, Harold and Rachel Discuss Several Insects That Can Be Farmed To Feed Your Small Livestock And Cut Feed Costs. The Modern Homesteading Podcast, Episode 181 – January 9, 2023 Listen To The Podcast Exploring Alternative Livestock Feed: Raising Insects on the Homestead In this episode, we delve…

9 Great Reasons To Raise Quail On Your Homestead

Raising small livestock on a homestead can have many advantages over large livestock, especially on an urban or suburban farm. Of all the livestock I've raised, Coturnix Quail are my favorite for a lot of reasons. Here Are 9 Reasons You Might Want To Start Raising Coturnix Quail 1. Raising Quail Has A Small Footprint…

Fodder Tree Crops For A More Resilient Homestead With Guest Nick Ferguson

Join Rachel as she interviews Nick Ferguson and Discusses Fodder Tree Crops for your Homestead and Animals To Increase Self Sufficiency, Sustainability, and Resilience. The Modern Homesteading Podcast, Episode 173 – December 8, 2022 Listen To The Podcast Nick Ferguson is an Ecosystems Engineering consultant who works all over the USA and internationally. He specializes…

How Much Can You Do On A One Acre Homestead With Guest Jordy Buck

On this episode of the Modern Homesteading Podcast, I Have A Discussion With Michigan Homesteader Jordy Buck About His Journey Into Homesteading And His One Acre Homestead. The Modern Homesteading Podcast, Episode 162 – October 28, 2022 Listen To The Podcast The Journey of a Modern Homesteader: Jordy Buck's Story Welcome to another episode of…

What Is Silvopasture and How It Can Benefit Your Homestead

Silvopasture is a hot topic in agroforestry and permaculture. Unfortunately, the name doesn't do a great job of explaining what it is. So what is silvopasture and how can you implement it on your homestead? Silvopasture is a system where animals are grazed in between rows of trees to provide nutrients for the soil, food…

Stacking Functions With Rabbits On Your Permaculture Homestead

On this episode of the Modern Homesteading Podcast I talk about all the benefits to raising rabbits on your homestead. Listen To The Podcast The Modern Homesteading Podcast, Episode 145 – June 6, 2022 – Stacking Functions With Rabbits On Your Permaculture Homestead. Resources Check out my article on – 9 Reasons Raising Rabbits Might Be…

Pasture Raise Quail By Building A Quail Tractor

Raising Coturnix quail has been the easiest and most rewarding livestock I've ever raised on my homestead. For years I have raised quail in cages but my desire to give them the best life possible while also getting the most benefit from them has led me to pasture raising my quail. What Are Pasture Raised…

Are Goats Good For A Permaculture Homestead? (What You Need To Know)

Goats can be a blessing in small numbers but a curse when overstocked, so you need to know a few things before getting some. They are highly intelligent and entertaining animals with several permaculture uses, but if you have too many, they will raze your garden to the ground. Goats are good for a permaculture…

Can Permaculture Be Done Without Animals? (Here’s The Answer)

Domesticated animals are a common sight in permaculture systems. But is it possible to practice permaculture without animals? Fortunately, the answer is an emphatic ‘yes’! Permaculture systems can be designed and managed without domesticated animals. Plant-based strategies can fulfill the same functions usually performed by animals in permaculture systems, including processing organic wastes, providing soil…