Important Takeaways:

• In an era where grocery prices fluctuate and people crave a deeper connection to their food and land, homesteading is making a major comeback.
• Across the country, more and more people are taking steps toward growing their own food, raising small livestock and embracing self-sufficiency.
• While gardens are often the first step for many homesteaders, chickens are not far behind. Raising a small flock is one of the easiest ways to take control of part of one’s food supply, providing fresh eggs daily and even a little entertainment in the process.
• When most people think of cattle farming, they picture large ranches with hundreds of head of cattle. However, small-scale cattle keeping is becoming increasingly common, with families choosing to raise just a few cows for personal beef or dairy consumption.
• Others have opted to keep a milk cow, providing their families with fresh dairy products while reducing their reliance on store-bought milk. With milk prices continuing to climb, having a single cow can be an economical and healthier alternative.
• For Jenkins, Holloway and plenty of others, homesteading isn’t just a phase, it’s a lifestyle shift. Rising food costs, concerns over food safety and a desire to be more in control of their own resources are all factors keeping people invested in the movement.
• …once people get a taste of homegrown food, it’s hard to go back.
• For those who aren’t ready to jump in with both feet, starting small is key: A couple of tomato plants, a small herb garden or even just a backyard chicken or two can be enough to get started on the homesteading journey.
• One thing is for sure — the Ozarks are fertile ground for this growing movement, and more and more people are choosing to embrace the homesteading way of life.

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