​Hey yall!

Welcome to The Farmstead Forum! We are so glad you're here to join us on our homesteading adventure. Allow us to introduce ourselves – we are a family of four, homesteading in Franklin, GA. I’m Emily, a Nurse Practitioner, and my husband Brandon is a Registered Nurse. Together with our two young boys, we embarked on our homesteading journey in 2019, and we have been growing and learning ever since.​

 

In 2019, we built our modern farmhouse, a dream come true, and began transforming our land into a thriving homestead. Neither Brandon nor I grew up on a farm, but we eagerly embraced the challenge. Brandon, with his great sense of humor, refers to his role as "lawn enforcement," ensuring our land is well-maintained and beautiful. Meanwhile, I have dedicated over ten years to honing my gardening skills, and I’m proud to say that I can now grow a bumper crop of tomatoes that lasts through October. This year, we also ventured into raising meat rabbits, adding another layer of sustainability to our homestead.

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Our journey to homesteading is closely intertwined with our professional lives as healthcare providers. We both fought on the front lines of the COVID pandemic, a challenging and eye-opening experience. I treated patients with Ivermectin on an outpatient basis, and when they required more intensive care with steroids and oxygen at home, I would send them to Brandon at the hospital as a last resort. This period revealed to us the deep-seated challenges and corruption within the medical system and the U.S. government, a topic perhaps best saved for another day.

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This tumultuous time prompted us to seek alternative healing modalities, leading me to study herbal medicine. I completed an herbal fellowship through AARM online and gradually shifted my practice towards a more functional, integrative approach. Now, I focus on diet and lifestyle changes for my patients, aiming to address the root causes of health issues rather than just the symptoms.

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Parallel to my professional shift, I also began growing and preserving healthy food for our family. Our garden became a source of nourishment and pride, allowing us to enjoy the fruits (and vegetables) of our labor year-round. Attending homestead festivals in the Southeast further fueled my passion for self-sufficiency and sustainable living. These festivals provided invaluable knowledge and inspiration, reinforcing the importance of taking control of our food sources and health.

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In addition to our gardening and farming endeavors, I share a delightful hobby with my mom, Holly – winemaking. Together, we experiment with different recipes in our basement, a fun and sometimes explosive hobby! This year, we hosted our first wine workshop at our home. It was an incredible experience, and while I might be biased, I believe it was a resounding success. Sharing our passion for winemaking with others added a new dimension to our homestead, bringing community members together to learn and enjoy.

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Inspired by our experiences and the growing interest in self-sufficiency, I decided to start my own podcast business. Many homesteaders were searching for guidance on how to bring more self-sufficiency back to their homes, and I wanted to create a platform to share valuable insights and experiences. Although I had no prior business experience, I chose to take it one step at a time. I began learning from experienced homesteaders and sharing that knowledge through our podcast. Our podcast features interviews with experts, practical tips, and heartfelt stories from our own journey. It has become a valuable resource for those looking to embrace homesteading and sustainable living.

 

In conjunction with the podcast, I also created a space on Facebook for homesteaders to connect. This online community has become a vibrant hub where members share advice, ask questions, and celebrate their successes. It’s incredible to see the sense of camaraderie and support that has blossomed within this group.

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Our homesteading journey has been filled with challenges, triumphs, and countless learning experiences. It has brought our family closer together and connected us with a community of like-minded individuals who share our passion for self-sufficiency and sustainable living. We invite you to join us on this journey, whether you are a seasoned homesteader or just starting out. Together, we can learn from the experts, support each other, and build meaningful connections within our communities.

 

Thank you for visiting The Farmstead Forum. We look forward to sharing our experiences, learning from you, and growing together in this incredible homesteading adventure.