From SURVIVING to THRIVING (+Simple Sourdough Bread Full Tutorial!)

We have SO MUCH to share... Full Sourdough Bread tutorial + How to make Ricotta Cheese + How to not just Survive but THRIVE on a homestead in the cold and snowy winter + Codi is attempting something new! This is a fun one 😊
Click here to get Michelle's Sourdough Bread Recipe (free)!
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Thrive Market: thrivemarket.co... (use that link for 30% off your first order + a free gift!)
Cheese Making Book: amzn.to/3S8Dk0t
City Steading Channel: / @citysteadingbrews
Their Simple Mead Video: • How to Make Your Own M...
Smoked Salt: redmond.life/c...
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We want to share our passion for efficient, sustainable homesteading that brings the family together. On our homestead we do chemical-free gardening, grass-fed milk and beef, pastured eggs and broiler chickens, and free range children :) We love to go on adventures as a family, so if we're not workin on the farm, we're probably hiking or out getting ice cream. We're all into DIY, and being inventive and creative. We believe in homesteading that's sustainable, not just sustainable homesteading. In other words, we want to show you that homesteading doesn't have to wear you out to the point that you give it up. We've seen it happen, and almost came to that point ourselves. So go ahead and take a whack at that subscribe button if you'd like to join us on this crazy ride. Get ready to learn and be inspired!

[@leighfreeman3772]

I've been watching homesteading channels for about 3 years and you guys are fast becoming one of my favorites that I look forward to seeing. ❤

[@sarahpenny4075]

I feel the same way!

[@morethanfarmers]

Glad to hear it 😊

[@thehumblehomestead734]

Same ❤🌱

[@53islandgirl]

Totally agree!

[@Lunasgarden2021]

They are both adorable

[@delindasmith5993]

I like how you keep it real. You didn’t edit out the mishaps that happened in real life. Over cooking a lasagna, because life happens. Or the dropping of the fresh loaf of bread. This validates everyones struggles, and gives them the courage to try.

[@morethanfarmers]

Don't kid yourself, not all the mishaps are in there 😉😂 But yes, we are very human!!

[@bnuggg]

I love how you "switch scenes" back and forth. It breaks up the video in a good way and makes it really fun.

[@amythinks]

I think ordering a starter is fantastic advice. Get a good starter so you know what it's supposed to be like. If you want to try your hand at it after you know what it's supposed to behave like, go for it.

[@deb1973d]

We used to keep a coffee tin full of water on the stove to help with dry winter air. Worked like a charm!

[@josephfydenkevez8839]

I had a pellet stove as well, fou d that when I left a pot of water on top of the pellet, stove the air in the was not dry at all and all of my dry nasser issues went away

[@caroladams7249]

What is the difference between making homemade cottage cheese & ricotta cheese? I grew up with my mom making cottage cheese and it seems to me she did the same thing you do.

[@zoesway2208]

My parents would keep a pot of boiling water on the stove for me cause I used to have nosebleeds pretty much daily

[@nataliemurphy6974]

As always, I really enjoy your videos. As a family medicine provider, I do not recommend Afrin nasal spray to be used regularly as it causes profound rebound congestion. That stated a spray or two during a significant nosebleed stops the bleeding often as well as cautery. Coconut oil applied gently with a Q-tip a few days a week in winter can prevent the nosebleeds from reoccurring.

[@morethanfarmers]

Thanks for the tip!

[@magen2271]

I have to say this is the best crop top shirt I’ve ever seen 😂

[@samanthabates6770]

Y’all have the best homestead channel on KZbin! I love it..thanks y’all ❤️

[@morethanfarmers]

Well thank you 😁

[@sarahs64]

You two are my favorite homesteaders to follow! I was so excited to see a new video today!

[@morethanfarmers]

Thank you 😊

[@pearlg6411]

I love your approaches to bread and mead making. Spectators can get persnickety, but you should be having fun, experimenting, & doing what works for you. Sometimes the best results come from going "off-road"!!

[@morethanfarmers]

Amen 😊

[@mamahousershome]

I am loving the weekly videos. Yall are killing it. I am so glad your channel is doing so good. I love your family and the qualities you are showing everybody. Keeping doing the amazing job on your content. Stay warm from NC.

[@morethanfarmers]

Thank you 😊

[@khome707]

It is so dry in the winter that I either boil a pan of water on the stove or on the woodstove if I have that going. Helps with the dryness and the static electricity tremendously. Just gotta remember to keep adding water so you don't burn the pan up! More humidity may help with your nose :)

[@1186Dean]

Literally sitting here on your channel watching old episodes when this notification popped up. Lol. Cabin Fever in full swing here in Missouri. Glad to see a new one this morning!

[@morethanfarmers]

That's great 😊 Hope we could brighten your day a bit!

[@1186Dean]

@@morethanfarmers Quick question- What are the lengths on your Rasberry trellis and also your Grape Trellis?

[@BarnAndBeach]

Never cut out the parts like dropping the bread. Love you guys!

[@deblanfair8510]

Agreed!

[@seenikgardens]

I’m so glad I’m not the only mom/gardener/homesteader who does not enjoy cooking. I actually quite dislike it. Lol Thanks for sharing!

[@morethanfarmers]

Welcome to the tribe 😏

[@Dd-cm8xj]

Love cooking HATE cleaning 😂

[@wesleykincade]

We are in Ohio too. The Winter grey is legit! I'm really enjoying your channel

[@morethanfarmers]

For sure!

[@lisarisher3703]

Where in Ohio is everyone?

[@DavidWoodruff-hz8zn]

we homestead on our farm and have a milk cow as well. we also homeschool using Masterbooks! We are located in Ohio as well!!!! Southwest area.

[@chriswheeler1079]

We're a homeschooling family with five kids in northern Indiana interested in doing more homesteading, and we're really enjoying your videos and gaining a lot from them! Started mead-making a couple years back with City-Steading recipes, and I love it - it really is way easier than you think it would be for a really yummy result. We've even made strawberry and blueberry mead with great success.

[@AdrianaRodriguez-ux3yq]

I love the "crop top" shirt!

[@riverduck3]

First Whipperwill Holler, then the Zimmerman Homestead, and now Not Just Farmers! Fantastic! Looks like you two have done lots of essential studying, and know what you're doing! Take care! God bless you all !

[@AbundanceinRest]

I can totally relate with the seasonal depression thing- this is our first year with livestock and it has made SUCH a difference for me to get outside every. single. day.

[@morethanfarmers]

For sure!

[@WildDaisyGaming]

Make sure while your woodstove is going, you have a cast iron pot with water on it to humidify the air in the house. You can also add some lavender essential oil and make the house smell good.

[@purplexninjamom]

Right now it feels like we´re just surviving. I´m so looking forward to spring and replanting my balcony garden. Gardening did wonders for my mental health last year. Also, we´re sick all the time. When spring comes, I´ll be riding my bike everywhere again. Looking forward to that. This video reminded me of all this.

[@morethanfarmers]

Yes! Just gotta find some joyful things to keep occupied 😊

[@purplexninjamom]

Thank you so much for answering. Really makes us feel seen and heard. Love from Germany @@morethanfarmers

[@WestCorkWander]

We have just started our homesteading journey and channel in Ireland. We found you guys about a week ago and you are truely inspirational! Codi and Michelle, you guys work so hard and with a growing family, producing everything you guys consume is remarkable. We are still at the reno stage of our house, but we have already decided from watching your channel that we will get the garden going this Spring and become a little more self sufficient. Keep up the good work, I am already jotting down the episodes I need to return to for your great ideas. Love you guys ❤️

[@morethanfarmers]

Great to hear! Don’t take on too much at once 😉 Good luck!

[@PlantDaddy92]

Lightly greasing the top of your initial dough ball will help prevent that skin from forming as well 😁 Love your channel!!

[@karend8575]

I felt bad about your nosebleed, and that the lasagna was a little overcooked, but am glad you still shared this! Real life! And I cracked up when the bread fell out of the parchment. I am sure that has happened to EVERYONE at one time or another. Again…real life! Great video! Good job! 🥰

[@bethsands7665]

Awesome job teaching us your bread-making skills and being so detailed and real. You definitely have the skills and clearly keep learning new and fun skills to share, thank you.

[@maevelogan6069]

To keep moisture in the air, put a bowl of water on your pellet stove or even just on your stove if the heat in the house is high enough.

[@lovesmesomelilacs-ke5rz]

Warmer temps coming here to Ohio in a few days. WHAT A RELIEF!!! Love your videos

[@DavidHudgens]

I just found you guys last week. Great content and I appreciate that you show the occasional bump in the road when they happen as well so we can learn.

[@ronwatford7331]

Glad you shouted out Brian and Derrica from City Steading, they really are the best brewers, they helped me refine my own process 😊

[@morethanfarmers]

👌❤️

[@FranLu-qs2xv]

1. I thought the Mead part interesting; good job! 2. I lived in New Mexico for 2 years which cured my SAD. Now that I'm back home in Upper South (known for many, gray days) all I do to prepare for long winter is force bulbs of Hyacinth to stretch out over winter until I can get into the garden again! 3. Your energy is amazing making that bread. I appreciate your evening being daunting to you, but hang in there! (I'm lucky my GF bread is easy). Thank you for all you do inspiring so many on YT so please take care of you too!

[@morethanfarmers]

Thank you so much 😊

[@lindaottmar6124]

I have watched all your videos, a lot of them a second time! There should be a second thumbs up that I can like the second time!! Love your videos!!

[@morethanfarmers]

Haha, that's awesome 😊

[@paganmom2022]

This video makes me thankful I live in Kansas now. Originally from MI and do not miss those winters! It's a high of 60 today 🙌

[@morethanfarmers]

I can see that... But I (Codi) lived in Kansas for a couple years and I don't miss the wind and heat 😏

[@nicoler9522]

I love how you talked about seasonal depression. Its definitely an issue in colder climates. Getting outside definitely helps. I like hiking and snowshoeing, skating....it helps to find things you enjoy to get you out.

[@carolynmoody9460]

I look forward to every video ❤❤❤🕊️

[@morethanfarmers]

Glad to hear it 😊

[@tomreppert1722]

I'm glad Codi is finally getting to do his dream of mead making! I started that same way with beer making. My first batch I let get completely done and I figured if it was good, I would continue. If not, I'd never do it again. Luckily, it was good and 15 years later, and 180ish batches later, I'm still doing it! I've never actually made mead, but a lot of the processes are similar, so if you ever have any questions, I'd be happy to help!

[@morethanfarmers]

That's awesome! I'm pretty excited about this.. If it goes well I wanna try some other things.

[@catracampolieto8989]

I can't wait for garden season!!! I'm adding 5 new beds. I feel like grocery prices are only going to get even worse. The ricotta and bread looked awesome.❤❤❤

[@morethanfarmers]

That's cool! Good luck!

[@alissahoke9215]

Really enjoyed this video, bringing back memories on our dairy farm. Funny story, I used to chase the barn cats in the barn. One day I was doing that BEFORE my dad cleaned the barn. Yep, fell full on into a glorious mixture of poo and other stinky things. Mom sprayed me off with hose lol. I wondered if you could have your kids do a video of their favorite parts of the farm life? Only if you felt comfortable with that of course. You have a beautiful family!

[@morethanfarmers]

😂 Love it! They used to be in a lot of the videos, and recently we've had a glimpse of their chores in a couple videos, but we've decided now to not have them as a main part anymore. We want to protect them.

[@davidtromblay9503]

Try getting a bigger water bowl, a small water pump, and goldfish. In Oklahoma, they are sold by the pound at bait shops for people who keep livestock tanks. If it's inside your coop or barn, it won't freeze unless it is seriously cold. Good luck!

[@morethanfarmers]

Interesting! Thanks!

[@staffordlochner8088]

I just want to say on behalf of all of the people who are young and in the big city life, you guys are a phenomenal example of man, woman, and family life. You may not be perfect, but you seem to be living in the most perfect way, with one of the best tones. That’s what keeps me coming back.

[@morethanfarmers]

Thank you so much 😊

[@michelineheise5959]

❤Excellent content. You both look so refreshed and happy, You've made the right decision. Thank you for your downloads each time.. Have a beautiful evening Michelle N Codi. 🎉Family x❤

[@morethanfarmers]

Thank you so much 😊

[@gailrothermund9209]

We use a crockpot for our chicken water… you guys are amazing! Thank you for sharing your homesteading life! ❤❤

[@morethanfarmers]

Neat idea, but not sure if I would feel comfortable with something not made to be waterproof 😬

[@Michele-vw4yk]

I love watching your videos. I did what you are doing many, many years ago. I am 80 years old now & it is time to pass the farm on to younger people. Hoping to find a couple just like you.

[@morethanfarmers]

We've learned so much from the generation that did this before us. We value your wisdom!!

[@Michele-vw4yk]

Anyone interested in my farm is being referred to your videos. I have dozens of books but watching you two discuss real life is instant knowledge. I could have sold the farm when S. Oregon was going crazy about hemp, but I want this to be a family farm, raising a good family on good food. You two are awesome!@@morethanfarmers

[@morethanfarmers]

Thank you so much 😊

[@1965gracebug]

Great job you two! You both inspire me to get organized, make my lists and look over them next you! I did this last year and I was amazed how much we did actually accomplish. Since homesteading there is ALWAYS more to do, sometimes it seems like nothing is getting done. Blessings to you and your family and thank you for sharing.

[@MsTJPink]

If the air in your home is dry, causing nose bleeds or stuffiness, you need to place water bowls around your home, especially around the pellet stove to improve the humidity. Tap water is fine, just remember to keep them topped up. It makes a huge difference.

[@jamiechapman7482]

Thanks for the opportunity to win this cooker. I have been using cast iron for a lot of years and so excited to learn more about your products and use them

[@angelicas.6391]

Love it! My sourdough never looks like that for stretch and folding. I’m going to try doing it your way. Thank y’all for the motivation on exercise. I see y’all even get out in the snow so we shouldn’t have any excuses. Thanks again!

[@floryperez7846]

Omg the bread looks so good with a cup of coffee. I don’t miss your videos.

[@ramonatuma6928]

Love this young couple’s realness!!

[@morethanfarmers]

Thanks!

[@tamararobinson2069]

Fun Stuff!!! Thanks!!! ❤

[@camicri4263]

Michelle get a humidifier for the winter mobts or a vaporizer in you bedroom or even in the livingroom! My mom had that a couple of years ago so bad we called the ambulance and they sugested used that she had no more problems! I have to do it too now that I got reminded! Blessings!

[@morethanfarmers]

We got one from Michelle's mom, and it's helping!

[@JcUDE]

Spray the bowl lid too and it helps to not sticking.

[@littlehomesteadbythebeach]

It's funny because your "dramatic" running music is one of the music I listen when I do my training. haha! Nice video :)

[@luannhouchin9528]

You guys are so impressive. Enjoy your channel!

[@Celina771]

Loved your video! So real. I'm not currently milking our Guernsey. I just needed a break. I was too overwhelmed. Seeing this video has me excited to do it again! And that bread looked amazing!!!❤

[@bethsands7665]

Great job tending to your beautiful animals during the brutal Winter.

[@brookegraham3823]

I love that y’all leave in the “mess ups” it’s so relatable

[@morethanfarmers]

Thanks Brooke!

[@kellyevans2173]

Thank you for the video! Love your channel

[@carebearb2007]

I love her shirt! Crop top.🤣🤣🤣 🤣 Good morning from Roseburg, OR. Thank you for the video! Coffee and a video from you guys is the best way to start this Sunday morning. xoxoxo

[@morethanfarmers]

Glad to hear it 😊

[@jojolly54]

Thanks for the sourdough recipe. And thanks for the recipe card. That works great!

[@jeanrichards8042]

Thanks for the kick in the pants to get things done... watching your videos is inspiring and motivating! Granted, I'm not a homesteader, but I still have chores to do (dishes, laundry, taking care of the dogs, etc) I wanted to sit down and knit, but getting the chores done 1st while listening to you helped ke push through so I can relax and enjoy my knitting time! Thanks again and stay warm 😉

[@morethanfarmers]

That's great 😊 Glad you've joined us!

[@1965gracebug]

I give our chickens the whey! I am the only one in my family that really enjoys this simple cottage cheese recipe!

[@nmaraj379]

First time watching your videos feels like a family movie so disciplined organized and yet entertaining love farm lifestyle ❤️

[@morethanfarmers]

Welcome to the channel, Mara!

[@pamvancleave6722]

That is the most beautiful bread i have ever seen. Its soooo smooth and mine is never that smooth!

[@bayou17]

Michelle, I love your thoughts on the flour. I actually mix 2 parts bread flour, 1 part spelt, 1 part whole wheat in a canister. I feed my starter with this and use it for making the bread. I really like the combo!

[@Lunasgarden2021]

You two are absolutely adorable ❤️ from South Australia

[@morethanfarmers]

😊

[@katiez5660]

I agree with you about salt in right away.

[@wandacampbell2023]

If you put a can of water on your stove it puts moisture in the air. Growing up we had a space heater that had to have a can of water on top so it the air wasn’t so dry.

[@decisiveliberty]

Thanks! again Cody and Michelle!! Great video! Now to work your sour dough tips... 😊

[@katiez5660]

Me too on depression in early months. Some of it was my pain meds.

[@melodythomas3770]

Oh precious happiness.. the blessingzzz be falling all over your family!! 🎉 may the Hand of God forever be on you and may doors of favor and opportunity be constantly be open for you!!

[@ioanagherman5952]

You guys are amazing family.My husband don't like sourdough bread so I made artisan bread. I made yesterday farmers cheese,I use in pastries. God bless you guys.

[@georgiabrasher7636]

I love the bread tutorial. I’m going to try it!

[@codymoffatt1281]

Michelle, my parent's heated their house with wood and my mother always put a big pot of water on top of the wood burning stove and that helped with putting moisture into the air. GREAT video!!

[@morethanfarmers]

Thanks Cody! Glad you're enjoying 😁

[@teresawebster3498]

For your dry house you might try setting a good size pot of water on your pellet stove. It will help with the humidity in your house. Dramatic temperature changes can also cause nose bleeds.

[@augustasimone9323]

In Germany they hang ceramic vases, filled with fresh water, on their metal Radiators to add moisture to the apartment air. You can simply use a Vics Vaporizer in each bedroom at night with 1 Tbsp of salt in the fresh water, that turns off automatcally. Or by day, you can simmer on a stove a large pot of water with spices like Cinnamon sticks, cloves, Orange , lemon , and apple peels : it adds a nice fragence to the air while humidifying the Winter air.

[@amysano5424]

We watched the same people when we first started making mead. We use champagne yeast. I love the bubbles.

[@sozod2000]

We’ve had the longest week of snow in middle Tn that I ever remember having 😮 ❄️ we’ve been in for about a week. We got out Friday for the first time but the side roads are ice 🧊. Anyway… we milk a cow and had -10 one morning! Good thing it’s only one cow and it takes about 15 minutes out side. Good for you guys on getting out everyday! I was doing that until the snow and ice came. I can’t walk on our main road because there is no shoulder and quite dangerous, so I drive down to our nearest side road and walk there. I miss it but hoping next week will be walking weather for me! Can’t wait to see how your mead turns out!! And no shame in beginner short cuts😊 I wouldn’t use homegrown honey either…not until I got the skill and practice down 🙌🏼 🍯 🍷 Michelle, sometimes when I don’t feel like cooking I’ll turn on Italian instrumental music and pour some wine….it helps 😂 Anything without salt is disgusting … looks like you have lots of delicious foods!! 😊 ❤ 🧂

[@morethanfarmers]

Seems like the cold has been crazy everywhere! Love your cooking hack 😁

[@LOTRLVR]

I just found you and have subscribed. Spent all weekend watching your videos - great channel! My husband and I recently moved out of the suburbs and bought property to start our homestead journey. I've spent years gardening (on 1/3 acre, lol), reading, trying new skills, etc. Now that we have our spot, it can seem very overwhelming at times (especially for my husband who still works full time). Thanks for encouraging others!

[@morethanfarmers]

That's great! Welcome here! Keep learning and growing 😊

[@ConsciousWithConner]

You’re in Ohio?! Heck yea! I’m so glad to have found ya!!! Great inspo, greeting from Cleveland 👋 (we live within a metro park, so we want to take advantage of the space we have and use it to its full advantage)!

[@morethanfarmers]

Howdy! Welcome here 😊

[@shannonhach5256]

Love your channel! You all are doing a fantastic job! I wasn’t able to tell from the video, but please make sure Izzy is wearing eye protection when breaking up the ice. I have a friend who lost vision in one eye from chipping ice off a windshield. 😢❤

[@carolrice5127]

We use to put a pot of water on the wood stove to put some humidity in the air.

[@karissastewart2611]

I love that "crop top"🥕🌽🥔🍅 😂 Thanks for sharing!

[@davidstoddard9160]

Boil some water will put some moisture in your home. Try and have around 40 humidity and you will feel much better and so will the rest of the family.

[@lindaplank5972]

If you leave a pan full of water or a kettle sitting on top of your pellet stove 24/7 that will help with all the dry air during the winter and it will definitely keep the nose bleeds at bay.

[@dinacasey7034]

I love your videos. So natural and real!! All the best and success with your farm and family. 🤩🤩🤩

[@quietzonepickleball]

Thanks!

[@kdavis7525]

I love your channel! Your bread was beautiful! Seeing you drop it on the floor, just makes you more human!😍

[@joeyhardin1288]

Thank you. I love my sourdough bread but no one else eats it, so I don't make it very often. God bless, stay safe and warm.

[@maryannhaller3273]

You guys have great videos, so happy your channel has grown.

[@morethanfarmers]

Thanks Mary!

[@beansngreens8006]

Love y’all’s channel! I’m a new sub and am spending today binge watching your old videos! Stay warm! 😊💙

[@morethanfarmers]

Awesome! Welcome here!

[@stevetendrich398]

We have a big pellet stove. We run a whole home humidifier and a smaller one in bedroom.

[@sharlenec7289]

Your bread looks wonderful. I'm so sorry about the nose bleed. It's really cold here in Ozarks as well. Take care

[@Aelfswythe]

Loved this video! I've really been enjoying your channel. To keep our chickens' water from freezing we use old crockpots with a tile or flat stone on top, set them to "warm" and then set the waterer on top. It keeps the water just warm enough to keep from freezing and has been a game charger for winter! We love the Rent-A-Coop waterers.

[@morethanfarmers]

Neat idea, but not sure if I would feel comfortable with something not made to be waterproof 😬

[@jdwilliams1225]

Bread turned out great, thanks

[@morethanfarmers]

Glad to hear it!

[@mbaughma]

You should try an aquarium heater to keep the cows water from freezing.

[@candacekesting1786]

very interesting !!! love taking good care of the animals too !!

[@TheFeralFarmgirl]

Not sure if you can do this, but if it was really cold, I used a small propane heater in the barn while milking. It seemed to help all around. I did take extra precautions of course, because it is definitely a fire hazard if you aren't careful.

[@morethanfarmers]

It could help, but my barn isn't tight at all, so the heat would just disappear. I'd also be afraid of the fire hazard.. Hay everywhere.

[@TheFeralFarmgirl]

@@morethanfarmers I used a 5 gallon tank with the head unit, and either tied it to a metal folding chair or put it in a square milk crate so it didn't tip over. I have some medical issues, so I don't do so well with extreme cold. Currently, I just have a little heater I use on a porch with the goats, so I don't need anything crazy.

[@jessicapower8585]

I've started using that same Thrive Market avocado oil spray about a month ago, and I love it too!!