Homestead Shop Talk

Ep. 82 Biggest Expense on the Homestead

Jason, Al, and Ben discuss their recent experiences with winter weather, including unexpected snowfalls and the challenges of sledding. They also delve into animal care, particularly focusing on the health of Al's pig, Sweet Potato, and the impact of winter on their livestock. The conversation shifts to the complexities of sourcing animal feed, weighing the pros and cons of bulk versus bagged grain, and the challenges of finding affordable, organic options. The hosts share insights on their homesteading experiences, emphasizing the importance of preparation and adaptability in the face of changing seasons. In this conversation, the hosts discuss various aspects of farming and homesteading, focusing on seasonal changes, organizational strategies, winter challenges, and community engagement through classes. The conversation highlights the balance between work and enjoyment in farming life, emphasizing the satisfaction derived from organization and preparation for busy seasons.
Sow the Land: https://www.youtube.com/@SowtheLand
Lumnah Acres: https://www.youtube.com/@LumnahAcres
Hollar Homestead: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHollarHomestead
Homestead Shop Talk is a weekly audio podcast hosted by Jason Contreras (@sowtheland), Ben Hollar (@thehollarhomestead) and Al Lumnah (@lumnahacres). Three dudes with different homesteads talking about homestead life, content creation, growing a homestead and building a life worth living for. Thanks for listening!

Ep. 81 The Week in Review

Jason, Ben and Al reflect on their New Year's celebrations, discuss the challenges of cold weather on their homesteads, and share experiences with animal health issues, particularly a prolapsed rectum in pigs. They also delve into breeding decisions for their pigs, the importance of organization in their homesteading projects, and the recent uptick in chicken sales after the holiday season. They discuss their preparations for upcoming chicken shipments, the challenges of building and organizing farm equipment, and the ongoing issues with tractor maintenance. They also share their experiences with curing meats and the joys of charcuterie, culminating in a celebration of their podcast's milestone of reaching a million views.
Sow the Land: https://www.youtube.com/@SowtheLand
Lumnah Acres: https://www.youtube.com/@LumnahAcres
Hollar Homestead: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHollarHomestead
Homestead Shop Talk is a weekly audio podcast hosted by Jason Contreras (@sowtheland), Ben Hollar (@thehollarhomestead) and Al Lumnah (@lumnahacres). Three dudes with different homesteads talking about homestead life, content creation, growing a homestead and building a life worth living for. Thanks for listening!

Ep. 80 What if We Did Get Together

Jason, Al, and Ben reflect on their holiday experiences, including Christmas dinners and winter weather challenges. They share stories about their homesteading projects, equipment updates, and the impact of sickness during the holiday season. The conversation also touches on hunting season reflections and the challenges of managing livestock and equipment in winter conditions. In this conversation, the speakers discuss various topics ranging from innovative cooling solutions for road trips to the creative process behind a year-in-review video. They also touch on personal fitness routines during winter, the importance of organization in their workspaces, and plans for spring projects involving chickens and Christmas trees. The dialogue reflects a blend of practical advice, personal anecdotes, and insights into their respective lifestyles and projects. In this conversation, the hosts discuss various aspects of homesteading, including the management of chicken supply and processing, building projects for the year, water management for livestock, and the importance of workshops and community engagement. They also touch on event planning and the skills necessary for tasks like pig castration, emphasizing the need for practical knowledge in homesteading.
Sow the Land: https://www.youtube.com/@SowtheLand
Lumnah Acres: https://www.youtube.com/@LumnahAcres
Hollar Homestead: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHollarHomestead
Homestead Shop Talk is a weekly audio podcast hosted by Jason Contreras (@sowtheland), Ben Hollar (@thehollarhomestead) and Al Lumnah (@lumnahacres). Three dudes with different homesteads talking about homestead life, content creation, growing a homestead and building a life worth living for. Thanks for listening!

Ep. 79 The Last One of the Year

Jason, Al, and Ben reflect on their experiences over the past year, share holiday greetings, and discuss the challenges and joys of homesteading during the winter months. They delve into the guilt associated with downtime in content creation, the difficulties posed by cold weather, and the progress made on various building projects. The conversation also touches on animal behavior in winter, egg production, and personal projects, culminating in a sense of community and shared experiences among homesteaders. In this conversation, the hosts explore various topics ranging from their fascination with ostriches and the challenges of dealing with invasive plants, to the practicalities of purchasing a tractor and the experience of butchering pigs. They also touch on personal milestones like birthdays and discuss humane slaughtering practices for ostriches, providing insights into both farming and community life. In this engaging conversation, the hosts explore various themes related to homesteading, including the curiosity surrounding raising exotic animals, reflections on aging, and the practicalities of pig farming. They share personal anecdotes about their experiences with chainsaws, processing pigs, and the challenges of keeping piglets warm during cold weather. The discussion also touches on health challenges faced by family members, the art of butchering, and the importance of planning in breeding decisions. As the year comes to a close, they reflect on New Year's resolutions and express gratitude for their listeners.
Sow the Land: https://www.youtube.com/@SowtheLand
Lumnah Acres: https://www.youtube.com/@LumnahAcres
Hollar Homestead: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHollarHomestead
Homestead Shop Talk is a weekly audio podcast hosted by Jason Contreras (@sowtheland), Ben Hollar (@thehollarhomestead) and Al Lumnah (@lumnahacres). Three dudes with different homesteads talking about homestead life, content creation, growing a homestead and building a life worth living for. Thanks for listening!

Ep. 78 Holiday Christmas & Wild Chickens

Jason, Ben and Al discuss their Christmas traditions, the challenges of content creation during rainy weather, and a humorous story about a surprise delivery of wood chips. They also share wildlife encounters, health tips for winter, and insights into managing solar power systems during the colder months. In this conversation, the speakers delve into various topics including the intricacies of battery systems, the unpredictable nature of weather, the growth and care of a livestock dog named Brutus, unique coffee traditions from New England, and the challenges of fencing projects. Each theme is explored in depth, providing insights into the practicalities of rural living and the joys of animal husbandry. In this conversation, the hosts discuss various topics related to farming, particularly focusing on the maintenance of a high tunnel and the behavior of chickens within it. They share insights on egg production influenced by lighting conditions and reminisce about wild chickens. The discussion then shifts to their favorite Christmas movies and traditions, highlighting personal preferences and family celebrations during the holiday season.
Sow the Land: https://www.youtube.com/@SowtheLand
Lumnah Acres: https://www.youtube.com/@LumnahAcres
Hollar Homestead: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHollarHomestead
Homestead Shop Talk is a weekly audio podcast hosted by Jason Contreras (@sowtheland), Ben Hollar (@thehollarhomestead) and Al Lumnah (@lumnahacres). Three dudes with different homesteads talking about homestead life, content creation, growing a homestead and building a life worth living for. Thanks for listening!

Ep. 77 Tools, Learning and Formed Meats

Al, Ben and Jason discuss their Christmas tree traditions, the impact of recent weather changes, innovations in snow removal with a new snowblower, and the challenges of managing livestock, particularly pigs. They share personal anecdotes and practical tips for homesteading during the winter season. In this conversation, the speakers discuss various aspects of farming, particularly focusing on their experiences with pigs, fencing challenges, lessons learned from handling hay bales, and preparations for butchering livestock. They share insights on animal behavior, health issues, and the importance of proper management techniques. The conversation also touches on the dynamics of butchering classes and the outcomes of experimenting with different pig breeds. In this conversation, the hosts discuss various topics related to animal health, holiday preparations, fencing projects, greenhouse management, and homemade food. They share personal experiences with their animals, particularly focusing on health concerns and the challenges of caring for them. The conversation shifts to preparations for the holiday season, including discussions about fencing projects and the integration of chickens into the greenhouse. They also explore meal planning for the holidays, including homemade delicacies like hot dogs and spam, highlighting the joys and challenges of homesteading.
 
Sow the Land: https://www.youtube.com/@SowtheLand
Lumnah Acres: https://www.youtube.com/@LumnahAcres
Hollar Homestead: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHollarHomestead
Homestead Shop Talk is a weekly audio podcast hosted by Jason Contreras (@sowtheland), Ben Hollar (@thehollarhomestead) and Al Lumnah (@lumnahacres). Three dudes with different homesteads talking about homestead life, content creation, growing a homestead and building a life worth living for. Thanks for listening!

EP. 76 It's Part of Country Living

Jason, Al, and Ben share their Thanksgiving experiences, discussing the various dishes they prepared and enjoyed. They reflect on the evolution of Black Friday shopping, reminiscing about camping out for deals in the past. The conversation shifts to livestock management as they discuss winter preparations for their animals. Finally, they delve into the topic of beaver encounters on Al's property, sharing trapping techniques and the surprising uses of beaver glands in food products. In this conversation, the speakers discuss various aspects of homesteading, including the ethics of eating game animals, the challenges of wildlife management, and the processes involved in skinning and tanning hides. They also touch on winter preparations for chickens, the impact of seasonal darkness, and practical issues like fridge troubles due to power outages. The conversation concludes with insights into building a high tunnel for gardening, showcasing the multifaceted nature of homesteading life. In this engaging conversation, the hosts discuss a variety of topics ranging from affordable eyewear solutions to hunting experiences, innovative cooking techniques, and the craftsmanship involved in tanning hides.
Sow the Land: https://www.youtube.com/@SowtheLand
Lumnah Acres: https://www.youtube.com/@LumnahAcres
Hollar Homestead: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHollarHomestead
Homestead Shop Talk is a weekly audio podcast hosted by Jason Contreras (@sowtheland), Ben Hollar (@thehollarhomestead) and Al Lumnah (@lumnahacres). Three dudes with different homesteads talking about homestead life, content creation, growing a homestead and building a life worth living for. Thanks for listening!

EP. 75 Thanksgiving Traditions or NOT

Jason, Al, and Ben share their Thanksgiving traditions, culinary adventures, and the challenges of cooking a whole pig for Friendsgiving. They discuss their experiences with family gatherings, the joys of cooking, and the lessons learned from their homesteading lifestyle. The conversation also touches on their recent trip to a Renaissance Fair and the challenges faced with equipment maintenance, particularly with Bobcat machinery. In this conversation, the speakers discuss various aspects of their farming and homesteading experiences, including challenges with equipment, the features of a new excavator, cattle management, egg production, and the process of butchering pigs. They also share their experiences at a Renaissance Fair, highlighting the community and family traditions that shape their lives.
Sow the Land: https://www.youtube.com/@SowtheLand
Lumnah Acres: https://www.youtube.com/@LumnahAcres
Hollar Homestead: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHollarHomestead
Homestead Shop Talk is a weekly audio podcast hosted by Jason Contreras (@sowtheland), Ben Hollar (@thehollarhomestead) and Al Lumnah (@lumnahacres). Three dudes with different homesteads talking about homestead life, content creation, growing a homestead and building a life worth living for. Thanks for listening!

Ep. 74 It's butchering season, not holiday season

Jason, Al, and Ben discuss the seasonal changes in their homesteading activities, focusing on butchering workshops, the quality of pork, DIY projects, and the challenges of content creation during the winter months. They reflect on their experiences with community engagement through workshops, the importance of maintaining a clean and organized workspace, and the balance between work and personal time as the year comes to a close. The conversation also touches on future aspirations and the desire for breaks amidst the busy homesteading lifestyle. In this episode, the hosts share their experiences from a busy week on the homestead, including butchering animals, introducing new feeder pigs, processing a deer, and building infrastructure for their farm. They discuss the challenges and joys of homesteading, animal husbandry, and the interactions with wildlife, all while maintaining a light-hearted and humorous tone. In this engaging conversation, the hosts explore various themes including the benefits of pasture feeding for livestock, share movie recommendations, discuss winter outdoor projects.
Sow the Land: https://www.youtube.com/@SowtheLand
Lumnah Acres: https://www.youtube.com/@LumnahAcres
Hollar Homestead: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHollarHomestead
Homestead Shop Talk is a weekly audio podcast hosted by Jason Contreras (@sowtheland), Ben Hollar (@thehollarhomestead) and Al Lumnah (@lumnahacres). Three dudes with different homesteads talking about homestead life, content creation, growing a homestead and building a life worth living for. Thanks for listening!

Ep. 73 Impact of Upcoming Changes on Farm Food

Jason, Al, and Ben discuss their recent activities in homesteading, including weather conditions, pig farming experiments, and butchering classes. Ben shares insights from his pig butchering class, highlighting the camaraderie among participants and the challenges of teaching. Al recounts his experience butchering turkeys and pouring concrete for a cattle chute, emphasizing the importance of proper techniques and weather considerations. In this conversation, the speakers discuss various topics ranging from building structures for livestock, wildlife encounters, holiday preparations, and personal experiences with Christmas traditions. They share insights on DIY projects, community feedback on their work, and the challenges of managing home projects while engaging with their audience. In this conversation, the hosts discuss various aspects of farming, including the challenges of content creation related to farming videos, the impact of political changes on small-scale farming, and the future of local economies in agriculture. They share personal experiences and insights on navigating social media, the importance of small farms, and the potential for legislative changes to support local farmers.
Sow the Land: https://www.youtube.com/@SowtheLand
Lumnah Acres: https://www.youtube.com/@LumnahAcres
Hollar Homestead: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHollarHomestead
Homestead Shop Talk is a weekly audio podcast hosted by Jason Contreras (@sowtheland), Ben Hollar (@thehollarhomestead) and Al Lumnah (@lumnahacres). Three dudes with different homesteads talking about homestead life, content creation, growing a homestead and building a life worth living for. Thanks for listening!