Holly Welles

Building a new homestead may seem like an attractive prospect. You get to design, plan and create the place where you’ll live, and that freedom is immensely satisfying. At the end of the process, you can step back and admire a homestead that’s everything you wanted it to be. Of course, the homebuilding process is […]

As the saying goes, “If you want a job done right, do it yourself.” It’s a simple adage that’s central to your lifestyle, whether you’re growing your food, chopping wood or building a homestead. If you want to feel satisfied with the final product, you can only trust yourself.  Of course, buying land and building […]

Homesteading is a lifestyle with plenty of opportunity. More and more people prefer to eschew the hustle and bustle of urban dwelling in favor of moving back to the farm. But how can you make extra money on a homestead in the face of uncertainty? Becoming self-sufficient as a property owner proves easier than you […]

You’ve spent a substantial sum of money on your equipment, and you can’t have it breaking down. Repairs are costly, and on top of that, they take your time and attention away from more pressing responsibilities around your property. That’s why you need some proactive preventive maintenance tips. When you implement measures for preventive maintenance, […]

A self-sufficient lifestyle is fulfilling, but not as simple as it first appears. Someone who visits your homestead might see your garden, chickens and compost pile and think to themselves, “This doesn’t seem so complicated,” but as you know, it takes a lot of work. Especially when you’re on a budget and still need to […]

Monday, April 15 is around the corner, which means it’s time to prepare your taxes for the last calendar year. Unlike other career paths, a farmer’s filing might require a bit more finesse, especially with so many changes being implemented in 2018. While I’m by no means a tax professional, here’s what farmers can expect […]

We all saw the scary reality of a winter freeze last week in the Midwest. When a cold front rolls through your area, your homestead, livestock and equipment are all at risk. As temperatures drop and snow piles up, you might feel powerless — but luckily, some preventive maintenance for winter can go a long way. A […]

If you’re like most people, you’re probably dreaming of the sunnier days and milder temperatures that spring has to offer. From returning birds to Easter egg hunts, spring represents a period of rebirth and growth after the harsh little death of winter. But warming temperatures also mean the return of pests. If your homestead is […]

When temperatures drop and snow begins to fall, you take great care to protect your crops and livestock from the cold. You might use row covers, wrappings, and shelters, and these solutions are relatively simple. You don’t have to give them much thought when the weather begins to turn. Your own comfort is a more complicated […]

You’d like to finance your new lot of land, but as you’re well aware, you can’t grow money. There aren’t seeds for that kind of crop. You need a practical way to secure funding, and it isn’t always straightforward if you’re unfamiliar with the process. In this article, we’ll detail everything you need to know, […]