Feed Your Family and Earn an Income on Only FOUR Acres | Jill Ragan of Whispering Willow Farm

[@jasonforsyth6378]

We live in Shenandoah Valley. We raise and grow about 95% of our food on five acres. We love it and we have started doing classes in butchering chickens eventually we will have a butcher shop. My wife teaches 101 and 102 sourdough classes. Hopefully we will make it to HOA this year.

[@InvisibleCitizen]

Since we are omnivores and not vegetarians our homestead has animals and we always will. However our vegetable garden expands every year and we added more fruit trees. Beavers killed one of our largest, once very productive, pear trees but we plan to plant more. Last year we added blueberry bushes and figs. We have what I call gardeners treats all around and we continue to add them. When we are out gardening which is an every morning activity here, picking a few treats of our labor is a welcome advantage to gardening. A couple years ago we added strawberries but we also grab a fig or small tomato. Oh! Or and apple in the fall. Good gardening to all.

[@asdisskagen6487]

This is awesome! I was unfamiliar with Jill Ragan. I'd love to see a trend of everyone becoming more self-sufficient, whether they live on some acreage or live in a small apartment with a tiny balcony.

[@feralrootsfarm]

Jill, I'm learning that mama lesson too - I have always had a gazillion side hustles and my 13 month old absolutely wants my attention 24/7 so I am honestly taking every day as I can. I feel unseen, alone, and useless but I know it's the most important job. Definitely in that stage of just doing everything with love in my heart and knowing I will get some time to myself one day...

[@dottiegyles1119]

Thanks for sharing this with us. Very informative!

[@jasonforsyth6378]

Long fermentation is great for your health and for the busy mommy in the house.

[@neatnateable]

This is a great interview. Thank you for sharing. It would seem that most people are not able to have profitable small farms and homesteads without making considerable income from other sources as well (books, online lessons, consultations).