Definition.
Homesteading (v)- The act of living off of the homestead.
Homestead (n)- House, land, animals and out buildings that operate as one, frequently a small farm.
History:
The term homesteading is traced back to The Homestead Act in the 1800's. It was designed to open up the west. People were given a plot of land to establish and if they stayed at it for 5 years it was theirs!!! Boy, how I wish we could do that still today!
In the sixties and seventies, it became more about getting Back to the Land, when people like my parents realized how important it was to the natural environment, and really the political and economic environment as well.
We are seeing another surge in the homesteading movement in our current day as well. Some of that is from the Y2K Prepper movement but much of it is from our lack of something good in life. The sons and daughters of the hippies are realizing that they can make a difference and be more sustainable. The values that our parents taught us are becoming more important to us as we have children and desire to raise them well. More and more Ivy League Graduates are turning in their suites and offices for overalls and organic farms.
What it actually is.
Homesteaders are people who are doing their best to survive off the land, using what they have available to them. This can be very broad! Some, live in urban areas or apartments and can't grow much, so they sign up for local CSA's to provide their vegetables. They are growing herbs on the windowsill and are committed to purchasing grass-fed local beef. While others have acres of vegetable fields they grow organically and harvest all summer long. In addition to raising their own eggs and meat, they probably build all the fences and outbuildings with as much reclaimed materials as possible. Many of the people I talk to are trying to learn as much as possible for their Future homestead, that is also being a homesteader. Never stop learning! The key is to be as self-sufficient, sustainable, and environmentally friendly as you are able.
What it means to me.
Freedom. Growing most of our food, all our dairy, and raising some of our meat gives us the ability to eat healthy and put our food dollars towards local organic food from fellow farmers. We are free from the constant poison of pesticides and GMO's that are put into our food system. We are free to choose what foods we eat because we can grow most of them.
Family. Many activities we do on the homestead require a group effort! We all do our part no matter how big or small. My 2 and 5 year-olds collect eggs every day and love it! We cook and eat together every day as a family. My older two kids are very capable of creating a wholesome complete meal with little to no directions.
Future. I have big plans for our little rented homestead! We hope to be here long-term if not forever and we are invested in making this our very own fully functioning homestead! We already grow a lot, can, cook and ferment most of our food. Our chickens give us plenty of eggs even in the winter and the occasional chicken soup. We have big gardens and even planted fruit trees for a home orchard. I will be getting bees again in the spring for honey if that works out for us. Our dairy goats provide cheese and soap from the milk. If I do all this just right we should even be able to sell at local farmers markets making us even more self-sustaining.
Homesteading is...?
What is it to you?
How are you fulfilling your homesteading dream?
To learn more about Homesteading check out our YouTube Channel at Wholesome Roots!
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