Strategies to Build a THRIVING Homestead with a Full-Time Job

We've been homesteading for 9 years now. We produce 75% of the food that we eat as a family. I also have a full time job off the homestead. How do we make that work? Can we get it ALL done?

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Sharing our passion for efficient, sustainable homesteading that brings the family together. We believe in homesteading that's sustainable, not just sustainable homesteading. In other words, we want to show you that homesteading doesn't have to wear you out to the point that you give it up. We've seen it happen, and almost came to that point ourselves.

There's fresh content every week, so go ahead and take a whack at that subscribe button if you'd like to join us on this crazy ride. Get ready to learn and be inspired!

[aprildolan]

Michelle I want to encourage you that there is more than one way to live the homestead life, no matter what “they” say. You are a legit homesteader! You are the real deal, no matter if you freeze your jam, use a dishwasher, store your carrots in the frig etc. Don’t put pressure on yourself or listen to the nay sayers. You are a gem, you are doing a great job. Keep doing what you’re doing!

[myurbangarden]

More and more people are becoming more fascinated with this lifestyle. I am working toward this myself.

[SammyTheSituation]

I like how reminded us that having the skills to survive will be way more important than doing everything manually - especially while tech and energy and medicines are still conveniently available right now.

[ross-smithfamily]

I love the "shortcuts" you take advantage of. Amen ... there is a need for efficiency so you can maintain sanity and have enough time for each other and your children. It's awe-inspiring to see everything you and your family get done in a day!

[midwestribeye]

You are working smart! May God watch over you and bless your beautiful family on your journey. ❤

[WillowBrookHomestead]

We do the same thing, I don’t have a cow but I’m up at 3am heading to the gym then work. The kids help out by letting the chickens out and checking the water for the rabbits. In the evening all I’ll have to do is feed, move the meat birds and put the chickens back up in the evening

[shaneswing]

I like y'all's style and work ethic. And since I've cancelled my cable 7 years ago, I have time to subscribe to channels like yours and still get my own garden and chicken work done. Carry on!

[LittleCountryCabin]

You are absolutely right! When we went to once a day it helped us out so much. Homesteading can become overwhelming real quick. Wonderful video. Thank you for sharing and God bless y’all❤

[mrs.broccoli]

The homestead can be slightly overwhelming. I wanted too much and planted countless vegetables that we couldn't use up. One does learn. I'm happy for you that you were able to learn it at a young age. Thank you for your time, I love your channel

[HerdsandWheySoap]

Another modern convenience for someone that wants to make all of the sourdough things BUT doesn’t have time to ‘stretch & fold’ on a schedule…a bread machine (dough setting)-only way I’m successful with making sandwich bread, pizza crust, pasta dough (all the sourdough things). Also, I love hearing about the gardening & how you’re using your produce to feed your family.

[FantailValleyHomestead]

Efficiency is 100% the key! My kids take care of the animals day to day these days (a lot of them actually belong to them), we predominantly feed once a day but use big feeders and big waterers. When we move there will be more effort on my part with the animals as we will start milking again, which we currently aren't doing. I love your idea of permanent electric areas, I think we will do similar as there is zero appeal in moving electric fence daily for me. Hubby works in town 4-5 days a week, I do all the gardening except for the odd thing that needs both of us. Team work makes the dream work! Take care, and thanks for the inspiration - Dana

[basedeffect]

7:25
I cannot express how deeply this resonated with me. It feels good seeing successful homesteaders saying the same thing I’ve been saying.
Never understood the “you have to do it the hard way” type of homesteader. They will turn around and say “Our ancestors hundreds of years ago”
Like bro, do you realize unless you’re talking about the darn Paleolithic era, ALL of our ancestors took advantage of what was modern at the time. They did not CHOOSE to farm with old school equipment they possessed, they HAD to do so because that was survival. You’re telling me if you offered the access to electricity to your great x10 grandparents they would’ve said, “No thank you. This is our lifestyle” Boy let me tell ya what.
This is only the 3rd video I’ve watched and you guys are already my favorite homestead channel.
Also it’s because I just bought 5.5 acres so seeing what you’ve done with your 5.5 acres has blown my mind.

[ANNA]

My husband and I both work full-time off the farm. It can be exhausting, especially when rush time at work happens during rush time on the farm. This year we both had change in job roles which unfortunately required a spring crunch time... which is also crazy time on the farm with gardens and new animals. 🤦🏻‍♀️I find the general maintenance is very doable... but it's the surprise events that throw off the day, like about to leave for a day at work and realizing you have an animal loose or with an injury. Then it's a mad scramble to quickly accomodate.

I really like your points about using modern conveniences or shortcuts when needed! ❤ As much as I'd love my own dairy animals, we just don't have the time, so I just pick up from the Amish on the way home from work.

[jimalmeida]

Great, informative, looks like you have your hands full. With sharing work it looks easy and fun for all

[marcellusbeachy]

You guys are killing it! Good video!!🤙

[mary-annhustvedt]

Love following your works, would love to have a homestead one day, sending love from Norway ❤️

[benburns]

Interesting video about being efficient running a Homestead and work a Full-time job at the same time. I think a big key to you and your wives success is working together so well as a team.

[karend]

I had no idea you could milk once a day! Learned something new! And my Mom was raised on a dairy farm. We just never talked about milking… she wanted to be in the kitchen. Lol. Great video!

[athomewithroma]

Great advice. I’m working a full time job and learning as I go. We have. 22 chickens and two horses. Learned how to can enough meat for a year. Bought a 1/2 cow for the freezer. Making sourdough bread. Upping my skill level day by day. Loved this video ❤

[PilarG]

Want to commend you both on parenting. Kiddos seem respectful, helpful, grateful, n happy - just great job guys!