On Today’s Podcast Episode Harold Has A Conversation With Rick Beach, Owner of Wolf Beach Farms and Admin of The Homesteaders Of Indiana Bartering Facebook Group, About The Benefits and Challenges Of Bartering and How You Can Get Started.

The Modern Homesteading Podcast, Episode 210 – July 3, 2023

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After 20 years in the pharmaceutical and engineering fields, Rick took a big turn and got his PDC and became a stay at home dad, and homeschooled his kids, He and his family moved to a tiny house they built, then bought their dream property of 32 acres in Greencastle Indiana where they now raise over 300 animals, practice permaculture principals, and educate others.

Rick runs or co-runs a bunch of Facebook groups, two are focused on bartering, one on permaculture, one on homesteading in his county, and 4 or 5 others on different topics. With his wife and 12 year old Jr Farm boss, they raise sheep, cows, goats, chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, pigs, and fish, and will be getting back into rabbits and breeding LGD.

Links

• Rick’s Website – https://wolfbeachfarms.com/
• Farm Facebook Page – https://www.facebook.com/WBFarmshttps://www.facebook.com/WBFarms
• Homesteaders of Indiana Bartering Group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/637180624191047
• Putnam County (IN) Bartertown Group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/1067050870366982
• Got Poop Indiana? Group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/454117179697929
• Indianapolis Permaculture Group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/512911292164327
• Putnam Co (IN) Homesteading Group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/3064548173795135

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Embracing Bartering in Modern Homesteading: Insights from Rick Beach of Wolf Beach Farms

Introduction

Welcome to the Modern Homesteading Podcast, where today’s discussion with Rick Beach from Wolf Beach Farms revolves around the art of bartering in the homesteading world. Rick’s journey from the pharmaceutical industry to a permaculture enthusiast and homesteader provides a unique perspective on the value of bartering.

Rick’s Homesteading Journey

Rick’s transition from a two-income family to a full-time homesteader began with a layoff, leading to a deeper exploration of permaculture. His journey took him from a third-acre suburban plot in Indianapolis to a 32-acre farm in Greencastle, Indiana. Here, Rick experiments with various homesteading activities, from raising 400 animals to implementing permaculture principles.

The Art of Bartering in Homesteading

Bartering plays a significant role in Rick’s homesteading approach. He discusses managing Facebook bartering groups, providing a platform for homesteaders to exchange goods and services. The emphasis is on transparent and fair trading without involving cash transactions.

Advantages of Bartering

• Community Building: Bartering fosters connections among homesteaders, encouraging local and state-level interactions.
• Resourcefulness: It allows individuals to utilize surplus resources or skills in exchange for what they need.
• Financial Flexibility: Bartering provides an alternative for those with limited cash flow.

Common Bartering Items

• Livestock, particularly chickens and rabbits, are popular items.
• Homesteading essentials like fencing materials, t-posts, and barn metal.
• Services, including mobile welding, doula services, and livestock training.
• Homegrown or handmade items like sourdough starters and freezer meals.

Challenges in Bartering

• Overcoming misconceptions, such as IRS tracking concerns.
• Navigating the “double coincidence of wants” where two parties have precisely what the other needs.
• The ease of cash transactions as opposed to the effort required in finding suitable barter items.

Wolf Beach Farms: A Hub of Homesteading Activities

Rick’s farm is a vibrant example of diverse homesteading practices:

• Aquaponics: Utilizing a pool and high tunnels for year-round growing.
• Duckponics: A unique system combining duck waste with plant cultivation.
• Edible Landscaping: Transitioning from traditional gardens to self-seeding, sustainable setups.
• Animal Husbandry: Managing a large number of animals, including sheep, goats, and poultry.
• Experimentation: Continuously exploring new methods like tree hay and biochar production.

Educational Outreach and Consultation

Rick emphasizes sharing knowledge through informal classes, consultations, and hands-on learning opportunities. From sheep shearing to syrup tapping, he opens his farm for those eager to learn practical homesteading skills.

Conclusion

Rick Beach’s journey and the role of bartering in homesteading highlight the resurgence of traditional practices adapted for modern times. His efforts in managing bartering groups and educating others about sustainable living underscore the community spirit inherent in homesteading. For those inspired, Rick’s story encourages starting local bartering groups and experimenting with various aspects of homesteading.