The Homestead Journey

On today's episode we talk about All-American canners.  I have two (a 921 and a 930).  On this episode I give my thoughts on both of them.  I also mention Mirro and Presto canners.  It is my opinion, that if you go that route, you should upgrade the "jiggler" from the generic one to one that can be set to different lbs of pressure.  Here is the Presto version. Enjoy!! Brian http://w...

Back on episode 39 , I talked about the fact that you CAN can.  Many people are afraid to try.  But, some people also don't fully understand the risks.  On this episode I talk about 5 of the most common mistakes I see people new to canning make.  My goal isn't to scold you; so if you've made this mistakes please don't take it that way.  My goal is to help you can safely so that...

This episode is a bit of a follow up to last week's episode.  Last week I talked about a recent interaction I had with "a jerk" in the homesteading community.  And it got me to thinking.  If we're not careful, sometimes we can end up being "that jerk".  And so today's episode is just a friendly reminder..... don't be "that guy (or gal)". Enjoy!! Br...

On this episode I am joined by Holly Stockley from the Vintage Americana podcast.  We talk about how having 2 special needs daughters lead them towards the homesteading lifestyle.  We talk about how homesteading and animals have benefited them and how they are gradually moving from a suburban lifestyle to a homestead that they are building in the country.  We also discuss Holly's podcast and...

Today as I was scrolling through Facebook, I ran across a post in a meat rabbits group where someone was asking for some information.  Instead of answering the question, someone else decided to make fun and belittle the person asking the question.  And it got me to thinking; jerks are everywhere.  And, if you're not careful, you can allow them to kill your curiosity.  On today's episode...

On this episode I give my thoughts on the Winstrip trays I trialed this spring.  I tell you what I liked, what I didn't like and I give my recommendation on whether or not homesteaders should purchase them. If you're interested in checking them out, you can visit the Neversink Farm here. Enjoy!! Brian http://www.thehomesteadjourney.net/shop http://www.thehomesteadjourney.net https://www....

On episode 92 of the podcast, I shared with you the fact that I am FINALLY able to grow zucchini after several years of not being able to.  But, with great power, comes great responsibility.  And I'm sure that I'm not the only one who wonders what to do with all of the abundance I am seeing.  Now, I could turn it into eggs or bacon by feeding it to my chickens and pigs.  Or I could annoy...

A couple of weeks ago I ran into a friend from church.  I don't think I had seen him since before the pandemic and if I had, it hadn't been for long.  As we stood there catching up, he was asking me about some of the the things we had been doing on the farm that he had seen on Facebook.  And then he asked me this question; "Brian, how do you get it all done????"  And then, I ha...

Do you remember "why" you started your homestead journey?  Sometimes we need to reminder ourselves of that to help us keep putting one foot in front of the other. Enjoy!! Brian http://www.thehomesteadjourney.net/shop http://www.thehomesteadjourney.net https://www.facebook.com/TheHomesteadJourneyPodcast http://www.youtube.com/c/3BFarmandHomestead https://www.facebook.com/3BFarmNY/ https:/...

This week I spent camping with my son's Boy Scout troop.  While there, I was able to dive into Cathy R. Payne's book, Saving the Guinea Hogs.   As I was reading the book, I was struck by the fact that the policies that lead to the near extinction of the American Guinea Hog were also responsible for the near extinction of homestead community.  These are my thoughts on that.   And here is...

On FMF7 and FMF9 we talked about 9 items that are useful and versatile on the homestead.  But, there are some products that while super useful, just don't seem to have more than their intended use.  And that's ok.  What they do, they do REALLY well.  So, here are 5 of my favorites. Enjoy!! Brian http://www.thehomesteadjourney.net/shop http://www.thehomesteadjourney.net https://www.facebo...

This week, leading up to the Fourth of July, I was thinking about perhaps the most famous words from our Declaration of Independence. "We hold these truths to be self evident that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness."  I think for many people in 2020 homesteading...

Back on FMF7, we talked about 5 Useful and Versatile Items on the homestead.  I asked your feedback with the promise that I would do a followup episode.  So, as promised, here are 4 More Useful and Versatile Items.   Enjoy!! Brian http://www.thehomesteadjourney.net/shop http://www.thehomesteadjourney.net https://www.facebook.com/TheHomesteadJourneyPodcast http://www.youtube.com/c/3BFarmandHomestea...

This episode is the first in what will be a monthly feature here on the podcast; a homestead product review.  On this episode we talk about my portable poultry netting setup that I purchased in 2018 from Premier 1.  I talk about what I like, what I don't like and whether or not I'd recommend you'd buy it!! Enjoy! Brian http://www.thehomesteadjourney.net/shop http://www.thehomesteadj...

This week was absolutely a crazy week on the homestead.  Between a trip to PA to attend a family reunion, my parent's 45th wedding anniversary and a visit from my brother and sister in law and their family, I really didn't have much time for homesteading stuff.  Instead, I tried to be in the moment, spending as much time as I possibly could with them.  This FMF is my challenge to you att...

On this week's episode, I am happy to be joined by Don Bradner from Little Mountain Life.  We talk about their journey into homesteading and how they are building a pole barn house.  We also talk about growing microgreens and our shared love of the Cincinnati Reds. You can find out more about Don and Natalie's Journey at: https://m.youtube.com/c/littlemountainlife I hope you enjoy!! Bria...

I love things on the homestead that are useful.  But, I also love things that are versatile.  And I really enjoy repurposing things.  So, today I talk about 5 of the most versatile and useful items on our homestead.  Enjoy!! Brian http://www.thehomesteadjourney.net/shop http://www.thehomesteadjourney.net https://www.facebook.com/TheHomesteadJourneyPodcast http://www.youtube.com/c/3BFarmandHomestea...

This week Basil had a litter of piglets.  On Saturday, I did my initial evaluation and thought that it might be helpful for me to explain what I look for in a pig.  So, on this episode I talk about the things that are important to me as a breeder. Here is a link to this week's Five Minute Friday. I also mention The Livestock Conservancy and The American Guinea Hog Association. Enjoy!! Brian h...

Every year, my goal is a weed free garden. And every year, I fail.  This year, I have a plan.  3 easy steps that I am going to follow that I think you can follow too!! Japanese Sickle Hoe:  https://amzn.to/3a53tH7 Wire Hoe from Never Sink Farm:  https://www.neversinktools.com/collections/wire-hoes/products/proletariat-hoe-without-wood-handle Enjoy! Brian http://www.thehomesteadjourney.net/shop htt...

Have you ever felt like nothing is going right? That nothing is going according to plan?  This spring has felt that way on our homestead.  Starting with the leaky window sills that led to a mold issue in the master bedroom up through this past week where I had a visit to the ER, it has been a struggle to get things headed the right way on the homestead.  So, today (at Bonnie's urging) I share...

On this week's 5 Minute Friday, I encourage you to move beyond fruits when making jams and jellies.  Did you know you can use flowers, herbs, veggies and even corn cobs to make jams and jellies?  If you're new to all of this, you may want to start with the more standard fruit based jams and jellies (and there is certainly nothing wrong with that.  They taste GREAT!!)  But, if you've...

A lot of times, as we think about being a homesteader, we think about the short term. We think about raising and growing food. We think about preserving food. We think about raising animals and putting meat in the freezer and that's certainly important, but many times I think we lose sight of the fact that what we are doing  is far more important than just putting food on the table or food in...

Many people would like to start canning but they aren't sure where or how to get started.  Making jams and jellies is an easy way try it out.  You can get started in many cases with things you already having in your kitchen (you'll need to buy jelly jars/lids/rings).  But, if you have a stock pot, you have all you need to get started.  Most jelly/jam recipes are very easy.  They generall...

If you are considering relocation (in particular from an urban area to a rural area) there are 7 things you NEED to know to ensure you have success.  1.  You ARE an outsider 2.  No one cares about how great where you came from is 3. Leave the city in the city 4. You don't know as much as you think you do 5.  There are local customs, foods, celebrations and mannerisms.  Embrace them. 6.  Chang...

Don't ever give up. Don't stop trying. Don't give up.  Push harder. Don't quit. These are things that we are told from a young age.  But, sometimes the best thing we can do is be a quitter.  I'm not talking about just turning tail and running when adversity comes.  We are certainly going to face adversity on the homestead.  But, there are some times when quitting is the be...