Do This for a SUCCESSFUL HOMESTEAD in 2024

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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!

[@whitestone4401]

Congratulations for paying off your house! That’s huge. I also need the sunlight during these cold, dreary days. A dear friend gifted me a “sad” light and I am so happy with it. When I just can’t get out, the light helps.

[@virsapiensfortisest922]

So many of us dream of this lifestyle, but you guys are DOING it!!! Congratulations 🎉🎉🎉🎉 Things I appreciate about you guys: 1.) You’re real with money issues- watching people with limitless money build their homestead is discouraging. 2.) You’re optimistic with your goals, but reflect at the end of the year what you didn’t get to. 3.) You accomplish so much! Your animals look healthy and happy, your garden is lush and productive, and your kids seem happy. It gives me hope that I can do the same. Thank you!

[@morethanfarmers]

Thank you so much for the kind words 😊

[@katsura-cz3qd]

Making plans is the most important part of a homestead, and a marriage! I have been married 53 years, and we started making a 5 yr plan long ago. We decided what we wanted to do/be in 5 years. Planning has now become such an important part of communicating with each other, we do a weekly plan every Sunday, talk over goals, and also bring up any issues. You two are on the right track! Now that the house is paid off, your life will change, you will find more freedom to buy things to help the homestead, or take that much needed holiday. I love your homestead channel the best!

[@morethanfarmers]

Right on!

[@pamelachappell1089]

You guys are amazing. I love hearing how you think through your year and your goals for your farm and family. Thank you for sharing.

[@danachoate5361]

I really enjoy that too. It's good to see homesteaders share both success AND failures and what they learned from both.

[@romieh1325]

A suggestion for squash bugs and other insects. Every other year i buy preying mantis eggs in spring. Put one in the orchard to eat tent worms. Other in greenhouse and last close to the garden. I let the bugs eat the bugs. It works well

[@sgrvtl7183]

by the looks of the quantity of squash bugs, those preying mantis will have a feast‼👌

[@terryaltunian1525]

I hear nematodes too

[@keving3105]

Yes, we are trying nematodes to help with squash vine borers and cucumber beetles.

[@ronwatford7331]

Where and how do you buy mantis eggs??? That sounds very useful.

[@romieh1325]

@@ronwatford7331 I bought mine off amazon and got the carolina variety. 3 pods that you hang roughly a foot above the ground

[@struykfamilyfarm9587]

If you wait until the spring then the asperagus and raspberry plants that you remove you can sell on facebook as bare root plants. Waiting to dig them up until the person is on their way to pick them up means you can sell them as bareroot plants and then you dont need to spend money on pots and dirt. If you want to pull them out all at once you can use a stiff brush to brush off the dirt and store them in your carrot fridge to keep them dormant until you sell them. If you have cheap dirt and pots you can let your kids make a little buisness potting them up and being in charge of keeping them watered and they can choose what to do with the money from the potted up plants.

[@danachoate5361]

Out of debt!!! 15 days and we will be there. That's our #1 goal. #2 goal - build a cabin on our new land and begin our debt free homestead

[@morethanfarmers]

That's awesome! Congrats!!

[@jeffsmith6991]

Please don't let the homesteading conference corrupt you. My wife and I really like your authenticity.

[@Anita-ru1lk]

do you mean Doug and Stacy ? are you going there in the Spring conference?

[@morethanfarmers]

No worries 😊

[@Anita-ru1lk]

Which conference are you going to?​@@morethanfarmers

[@sacredmommyhood]

@@Anita-ru1lk Homesteaders of America.

[@Anita-ru1lk]

@@sacredmommyhood okay we are going to the spring conference doug and stacy in may

[@cephalopodx7587]

Wow. Amazing about paying off your house!

[@montyshinn8704]

You are both so inspiring. I’m so glad I found you! May God bless you both as you go forward. Always put him first and you can’t fail. Congratulations on reaching so many goals this last year! ❤

[@struykfamilyfarm9587]

If you have the room you might want to plant some new fruit trees and leave the heirloom trees as a trap plant for the bugs that would go after the fruit trees.

[@Sunflowers7989]

Indeterminate tomatoes. My husband bought a couple of hog panels and arched them over our raised beds. He anchored them with a fence pole. I was picking tomatoes over my head. Lots better than them falling over to the ground. 😊

[@terryaltunian1525]

This is exactly what I was gunna say. Here is a picture. The panel is in the inside of the walkway arching over

[@HomemadeHomestead24]

Pigs might be an idea to explore to help clear your land

[@a.p.5429]

We were thinking the same thing. Use good strong electric fence. They'll eat and till. 😁

[@virsapiensfortisest922]

Till and fertilize at the same time win-win

[@terryaltunian1525]

And if that wet area stays wet they’ll love it! But rotations for them is best too

[@marjorieorveau6707]

Brilliant video. Know exactly what it's like to have 'hubby' back at home "what's for lunch?" "Why don't you ...?" scenario! Just love you both learn from experience and transmit it out. Teaching your kids to cook is the best lesson you can ever teach them; we all need to eat and eating healthily is key and something they'll teach their kids too. x

[@camicri4263]

Nubian goats, their milk is amazing! I couldn't believe was goat milk and not cow's milk. Now, I didn't ever have a cow but I had real milk not store bought! Congratulations on paying your home! Blessings!

[@morethanfarmers]

Good to know, thanks!

[@user-de7mz3yp4q]

Found you guys back in early November and have tried to watch every episode. Wonderful you paid off the homestead. We moved to our farm back in early September and it’s our first time at becoming homesteaders. We’ve had small gardens but I’m looking to expand and that’s what I love about your story is your journey. We have had chickens for over 20 years so I feel we got that part figured out. Our farm is 183 acres in northern Missouri and we are looking forward to this chapter of our lives. Tee hee, our golden years. We are both over 60. So wish us luck and keep sending out your awesome story. Thank you.

[@karend8575]

Wow you guys have accomplished a lot this past year! Great job! 🎉 Looking forward to 2024 accomplishments, and you both inspired me to get outside more! Yay!

[@deborahcornell5304]

Time management, that is the number one thing I need to get a lot better at. I think if I can do that, everything else will work out better.

[@jms9220]

Love goats! When I was younger we had dairy goats and chickens on our homestead. My middle boy unknown to me had a cows milk intolerance. His health struggles completely changed with the change to goats milk. They are a very useful & fun to work with creatures. I miss not having them, but am thankful for the memories now that my children are mature men. I would like my grandchildren to have the work experience that farming or homesteading provides for them.

[@jms9220]

PS for the best tasting milk your child won't turn up his nose to, my experience was good guality feed, get the milk cold asap, and utilize quickly to avoid the goatie taste you indicated he recognized. Made lots of soft cheeses. We had 2 French Alpines and peek season I got 3 gal/day. My Casey was an old hand from a Goat Dairy in upstate NY she was my Holstein , I also had a first freshener a rear character.

[@janfranceschi8458]

My wife and I just came across your channel as we were watching another homesteader’s channel, and oh boy… we watched 6 of your videos!😂😂😂 Great job guys, and especially congrats on paying off your house. Great achievement!

[@morethanfarmers]

That’s awesome 😊 Thanks and welcome here!

[@raymondshaw1078]

Y'all should look at companion planting. Marigolds and nasturtiums seem like gardeners gold. It'd be interesting to see how it impacts your gardens, if it does at all.

[@DanniandJoe]

Hey! Recently found your channel and have watched several of your videos since. Love your energy. Feeling very inspired ❤️

[@morethanfarmers]

That's great! Your channel looks fun! Will be checkin it out. Cheers!

[@bowtielife]

Great review and goal setting session. Great job on the races this past year! Any chances of putting in an honor-system garden stand out on the road! With Codi's hero skills in building you could do a small covered spot with a chalk board on "what's available today" sort of thing. That would eliminate the driving problem. It takes a while to build the clientele but it can be totally self functioning. EDIT: If you have a board saying what will be "coming soon" for a week or two ahead by passers can better prepare for what's coming to the stand.

[@morethanfarmers]

Our road isn't busy enough.. We had an "eggs for sale" sign out for 3 years and only one person stopped 😂

[@bowtielife]

@@morethanfarmers understood. As many friends and family around you could probably get enough clients from Facebook posts for free. Just a brainstorm. Y’all keep up the great work!

[@bluelilly22222]

Congratulations for 2023...all the best for 2024....you guys are doing awesome 👌👍❤

[@shaneswing2016]

P.S. on squash bugs. Try starting squash and zucs indoors early and only plant them when they get too big for your grow light setup. Then plant them outside under row covers. Flip covers up and hand pollinate. Then this is key, dig the plants up before they are completely done flowering and throw them in the trash. Sure you could get more squash and zucs, but just replace them with other plants you grew under grow lights later. This is the only thing that has worked for me.

[@lleesti1346]

go for it!!!! soap is so easy, just be very careful handling the lye. also goat milk soap is amazing. if you do not keep a buck, the goatie smell is not an issue. it is when you have a buck and the does are in heat it becomes baaaad!!

[@brittanyshaffer135]

We use mulch between beds. We contacted local tree services and they deliver loads for free-especially in the winter. Just throwing it out there. I just always love a free fix. LOVE your videos! You guys are so relatable and inspiring!

[@fionaworrell4535]

I'd agree,hard landscaping is just plain uncomfortable underfoot if you are working outside a lot standing on it,may as well be walking in a city..mulch with weed barrier beneath works here,just keep layering more mulch if weeds appear

[@cathybrown6221]

Congratulations on paying off your house! When we paid off ours, it was such a great feeling & since then we have always saved for everything we buy. I am a little behind, but you've encouraged me to write down my goals for 2024.

[@reglindiseckhardt9777]

One thing that I twigged to was : when I had to build a "fence" with trees that would prevent spray from drifting over to our yard. We were told to plant a row (OR three) of these trees ... evergreens (which grow slowly), a row of cedar parallel to them (which grow more quickly) and a row of poplar trees (which grow very quickly. The poplars would die and be used for firewood later). That would be three rows of trees to barricade the space. That was over 20 years ago. The poplars are gone, most of the cedars too, but the evergreens are full and thriving. Goats ... is there anyone in the area who has goats? If there is see if you can "borrow" theme for a while. That way you can see how they fit in and if you really want them. LOVED your planning!!!

[@morethanfarmers]

Love the tips!

[@mickichikwinya5519]

American Elderberries are a nitrogen fixing bush. You might want to consider putting in between the fruit trees. I’ve seen 2 tress, 1 fixer, 2 trees, 1 fixer. Meaning it doesn’t have to be in between every tree. Unless you want it that way.

[@itztoravisu]

You guys are doing wonderfully ^.^ Keep up the good work

[@lori9655]

Nigerian dwarf goats. I can't stand goats milk either but tried some from a nigerian d warf goat and even after it was in the fridge for 4 days it had no goaty taste or smell!

[@TheWritingNomad]

Congratulations on everything you achieved in 2023. We had a similar problem with squash bugs until I dug a pond near the vegetables patch and introduced frogs. They ate them all! I also introduced some mosquito fish to prevent mosquitoes from growing. The pond doesn't have to be big, it could even be a raised pond in a plastic lined raised bed so you could grow water cress. Just a suggestion that worked on our homestead in Bulgaria.

[@morethanfarmers]

That's super interesting!

[@decisiveliberty]

You also passed 100,000 subscribers! Harvesting from your efforts for quality videos is paying off in many ways, hopefully it will help you guys financially in ways you didn't expect. A big THANK YOU for sharing your homesteading on YT, and prayers for a bigger bounty and more blessings this year!!!

[@morethanfarmers]

Our pleasure, thank you so much for being a part of it!

[@catharinab8860]

Congratulations on hitting 100k subscribers 🎉 it’s always interesting hearing about your goals! Thanks for sharing! I’m also trying out onions seedlings for the first time 😊

[@buckeyedav1]

I am sure you probably know this already but just in case... my friend who at the time had a small homestead in Caledonia, Ohio had Nigerian goats they are smaller, eat less food but produce the same amount of milk as the larger more common goats. Not only can you drink milk but you can also make wonderful soap from them. I use to buy my goat milk from her to make and sell homemade soap, it's wonderful. She had children who were lactose intolerant which is why they started raising goats they are also so stinking cute. She taught me how to milk them when I visited for a city girl it was quite a unique experience. Anna In Ohio

[@brendaferrier8132]

I made soap from tallow for years, due to health issues I am no longer able to do it but my daughter in law now does it aso I have a constant supply. We have not bought soap since 2015. We also make our own face cream, foam soap, lip balm, lotion

[@nicholecoleman6924]

For your squash bugs, plant flowers like alyssum that flower continually bloom to attract parasitic wasps to your garden. This helps with tomato hornworms too

[@ahealthyhomestead]

Idk how many or what type of goats your looking for, but I have 2 Nigerian dwarfs I'm getting rid of, you can have. We're in Xenia! I have papers for them if you're wanting that. We also raise quail too if you ever have questions about breeds

[@morethanfarmers]

That's awesome! I'll email you about it 😊

[@Mindy56743]

Instead of the pavers check out the stamped concrete. It is more of a diy and has a more natural look. Just an idea that might save some money.

[@hanliecoetser2545]

What about companion planting? I actually planted French marigolds between my veggies & it worked like a bomb! They repel squash bugs, soil nematodes, potato bugs & more & they look good in the garden. Give them a try!!😊

[@loribyer3435]

I grew 200 asparagus from seed 4 years ago and it is well worth the wait, I start my onions from seed every year and they are easy, 600 seeds 2 years ago and got 600 onions, 300 last year and 300 onions..lol.

[@morethanfarmers]

That’s a lot 😂

[@lisakaye9340]

I’d like to hear more about your onion seeds I tried to start inside lady year, they got all stringy and weedy I got some grow lights this year

[@victorialopez6446]

You are both a blessing and encouraging God bless you both and your family 🙏🏼

[@davidmitchell1304]

From the research I've done. You can't feed goats scrub bushes and expect to have good tasting milk. In fact, there is cow hay and goat hay and they aren't interchangeable. Goats are much more picky and need more expensive hay.

[@olafentamaraj.1811]

Instead of taking the old trees out, try over grafting them. Saves you the work of taking them out, and you don't waste a good tree. In addition, plant the other ones 😊 I don't know if this is the correct English name, but try some Japanese wine berries. I like the goal idea, we have a huge list of projects and work to be done, and some sort of plan, would be nice to make that more realistic. Thanks 🙏

[@a.p.5429]

I'm new to the channel. I really like the way you do things and how you think. Rabbits have been easy for our grandkids. You have probably thought of this but watch other people's videos and how they trellis. It really helps to see something in use for me. Good wishes for the new season. 👍🙏😊

[@christinad132]

Congratulations on 100,000🎉🎉🎉

[@wendylawton8274]

"The best content possible." Definitely achieved. I'm impressed by the presentation skills along with the technical skills.

[@Acedog-vq2ph]

I grew up on a farm with a large garden. Love watching your day to day activities. I was wondering why you didn’t let the calf have the colostrum. Keep up the great work of growing your food and teaching your children the value of homesteading.

[@cynthiacook7768]

Yeah, 100k!

[@trishwalton6628]

Hello MTF! ❤ love your channel! May I tell you about my apple trees? I do not spray. Not even dormant oil. I tore out all the lawn around my trees. They were planted as whips. Took 3 years of pruning. I planted a guild around the trees. No spray. This is year 5 and we finally had a harvest! We planted Williams Red, Hudson gold, and Enterprise. While some had worms (apple sauce!) Most were fine! The guild was the difference. It promoted the good bugs to battle the bad bugs. It really worked! Hope this helps ❤

[@teresabailey9222]

Florida has lots of sunshine and pretty blue water. Florida clear springs, many of them. ❤

[@thesquad2]

One thing that helped me with squash bugs was keeping the squash plants pruned up good which also made them produce more

[@myurbangarden7695]

Thank you for the helpful and hopeful advice. Planning for a WHOLE YEAR can be stressful, but these tips seem practical and attainable.

[@kimberleychapman8416]

I’m so blessed you guys paid off your house - Congratulations 👏🏻 As always, thank you for your videos ❤

[@stacybradt6793]

We also grow Amish paste tomatoes in raised beds. For our trellises we installed metal T stakes in a straight line, then tied 5 rows of smaller size nylon rope. Then we just tie the tomatoes to the ropes as the grow. Multiple places to tie. And we prune most suckers. Its worked great for several years now.

[@morethanfarmers]

Sounds like you've got it figured out!

[@Zizzyyzz]

*man van*. 💪🏼 Lol. Love it. 😅

[@morethanfarmers]

My inspiration: kzbin.info/www/bejne/apa6f3-MlNdni7csi=6vDfrPkdpNgJBREN 😂

[@tedpepper6419]

Yall's channel has become a huge inspiration for my family and I. We're selling now and moving to build a homestead. I want to do the same and stop working once my home is paid off to be able to do more at home. We garden now and have had chickens but we want to grow more and do more to be self sufficient.

[@jessicalynam7356]

Good for you!

[@morethanfarmers]

That's awesome, good luck!

[@tedpepper6419]

@morethanfarmers thank you. We appreciate your content!

[@cliffbyington9728]

We're from Michigan and have found that some of the best homestead conferences are right in your backyard. Family farm field days is held on a rotating basis somewhere in Holmes county. Food indepedance summit is held in Berlin. By far the best conferences we have been to . Love to see you there

[@morethanfarmers]

We've been to Family Farm Field Days, and that's a good one! Almost went to the Food Independence Summit last year.. maybe sometime. We've also been to the Acres conference and the OEFFA conference.. Those are decent, but geared a little more to big organic farming.

[@teresabailey9222]

Praying the Lord continues to bless you and your precious family!

[@Klf3150]

Love this video. Inspired me. 🎉

[@annamiller3479]

Making soap is so easy and enjoyable! The main thing is to mix the lye properly into the water in a well ventilated area, making sure that there isn’t any chance of animals and small children bumping into the container. Having your own tallow to use will be wonderful. 🙂 A consideration with elderberries is that they spread in all directions. 😅 And I hope you get to go on a true vacation! We live in Indiana and always wish we could go somewhere in February 🌊🌴

[@user-wz5gp3fc3g]

Do a soil test especially in my raised beds, rebuild raised beds, create new garden to attract native bees and beneficial bugs

[@morethanfarmers]

Love it! Good luck!

[@Lincoln-plays]

So happy to see you guys hit 100k and get those sponsorships rolling in. Financial freedom is a familys best friend!

[@morethanfarmers]

Yes! Thank you for being supportive. Some people complain about it like we should be working our butts off for free 😏

[@Lincoln-plays]

@@morethanfarmers if you're good at something, never do it for free!

[@diyfferent]

@@morethanfarmers You don't collect any ad revenue? That's what we solely do. We've never done any sponsorships.

[@NanaTrece9444]

We raise quail in a subdivision. My grandchildren (9 & 10) help take care of them. Quail are definitely a good fit for young children.

[@blanchemoore5489]

A good topping for liver is “Maggi Seasoning”!! Makes it SO good & lots of fried onions!!👏👏

[@heathernotzdaniels6350]

Not sure how big your area for the elderberries is, but I will tell you, our elderberry bushes were easily 10-12' tall last season, we have two rows, that are 45' long, and about 20' wide. We have 12 elderberries planted there. It's massive when they are full grown, and if my yard was bigger, I would have initially spread them out even further. Definitely consider your spacing, as they will definitely take up as much space as an apple tree, just in bush form.❤❤😊❤😊❤. An absolute must though, in my garden. I love them. This year I was even able to dehydrate blossoms, and we let the birds have the berries after our huge harvest of berries last year. They are super low maintenance, we cut them down every few years just to clean them out. They are aggressive with their roots, so keep an eye on that too, they like to travel underground to other areas.

[@morethanfarmers]

Good to know! Thank you!

[@Garret-nd6px]

Try on your evergreens What line they come in sacks? Put around your tree like a circle around it. What are the branches start to come out? What the ring around it and then let it rain and everything. Soaked into the ground what it will do. The roots will grow out to it and make your tree. Grow faster once you get it going.Do not do it anymore because you could split the top.I've done that several times to my dreams.And they grow fast.And I have a role that's like a wall

[@glendabenard3772]

So gappy for you getting out of debt.

[@LoisMGrace88]

Congratulations on paying off your house!! So many great ideas. Your humility and honesty with your viewers. I moved to a place that had fruit trees that were not producing well. Someone told me to put ash from the wood boiler-I did and this year was the third year and the best fruit so far.

[@morethanfarmers]

Thanks for the tip!

[@beagrine2657]

About the squash bug trouble. Plant ur plants after June 15th. That's what we do here. Been successful. Love ur idea about elderberries. Wish I could do that. Many blessings ❤❤❤

[@user-pf4ty3sr7c]

You are so positive! Thank you for that. Though, frankly, I garden in a different climate zone and other conditions differ a lot. So I can't use your advice on gardening. But you energy in general is great!

[@kathleenhunnicutt2647]

The two of you are truly inspiring. Not only with your homestead, but 100% see the amount of teamwork between the two of you! Absolutely love your videos thank you for sharing all of your tips and tricks!

[@morethanfarmers]

Our pleasure Kathleen! Thanks for the kind words ☺️

[@sarahchamp1]

You guys are truly an inspiration! Congratulations on all you have accomplished in God’s grace. I’m excited to keep following your journey in 2014! (I had a friend who was intolerant to cow’s milk but could have goat. I made her a lemon raspberry goat cheese cheesecake for her birthday one year and it was delicious!)

[@rebeccafreeman7801]

Love hearing of your goals and absolutely love your channel. If you’d like a trip down south, we are in Central Florida……83 degrees today. Look up the Howey Homestead, that’s us. We’d love to introduce you to our small goat herd and let you make a batch of goat milk soap with us to knock off a couple of your goals while on vacation:)) Oh and we have a couple of really awesome local skate parks also! Praying for your family as you endeavor to improve and live life with intention. May God continue to bless you both and your beautiful homestead.

[@morethanfarmers]

That's so cool, and it would be great. I'd be a little torn with what to do, but I think if we go on a vacation we'll need to VACATION. Just get YT and homesteading out of our heads for a little bit 😊 Thanks though!

[@harleythrelkeld7587]

you could raise hogs in the swamp if you are really trying to clear a patch of scrub, the pigs would completely plow it with rooting

[@SylviaZarilla-nj9sh]

1:17 PMT - mountains of California Cody and Michelle, I rarely send comments to channels, but I really want to tell you that I absolutely love your channel. I stumbled upon it yesterday, when researching milk cows, and now am enjoying everything you offer. I especially love that you both are so detailed in your comments … something not everyone is doing. I have been gardening for over 40 years but am learning and validating what I do through your sharing. So thank you ! Sylvia Zarilla

[@morethanfarmers]

Wow, thanks so much Sylvia! Welcome to the channel, and good luck with your cow!

[@kimberlyschiele1117]

Codi... I have noticed you have lost a good chunk of weight. I was going to comment about it but im one of your viewers who normally just watch in silence. I live the apartment life and i have 3 garden wagons that i grow in and wheel them to the sun every morning. You look fantastic! Michelle... I would love love to watch soap making video's. Thats another one of my interests. Please film your learning proces. Even though im an old lady now i still learn so much from you two. Your videos absolutely inspire me to get up and get the dog-gone thing done! Iin a normal day i will watch your newest video i get inspired and get some work around here. Before i know it you tube has been playing all day long on your channel! And around 4 pm i sit down and rewatch a bunch of your videos. Congratulations 🎉 on paying off your house🎉🎉❤🎉🎉❤ This is why i dot comment much..because its a book when i do... Bless you and your sweet little family❤❤❤

[@morethanfarmers]

Love it 😊 Thanks for sharing!

[@benjohnson9011]

71 Useless Eater here. I actually take notes on your videos!! I was the same way about goat milk. Although most everything else on me is kinda busted down, my sniffer is excellent. Until a friend brought me some milk in a JAR!! She said she bought a different breed of milk cow and wondered if I liked the milk. It was really good. "It's GOAT MILK!" she exclaimed, all puffed up! After I came to (gasp) 🙂 she said the trick is to cool it down fast and store it ONLY in glass. Not plastic - nothin' but glass! ---- I let a nephew keep his pet goat in the farm yard one year. That damned thing could get out of anything. I noticed the cows were stirring up fertilizer in the corral one day. Dust floating everywhere. We have mountain lions come thru occasionally. I went out there and that goat was right in the middle of them. They didn't know what the hell it was. It actually jumped up on one cows back! That cow needed a few years of therapy. Fence!! Think fence and then better fence, Then higher fence. You got ravens there? They will pick the eyes out of a newborn calf! Been there, done that. Take care guys. 🙂

[@morethanfarmers]

I love your comments 😂 Thanks for the tips!

[@ioanagherman5952]

Amazing family, God bless you guys, have a wonderful year, good health and prosper one.

[@nomir4065]

Great, realistic goals. I will be interested to see if the goats happen and what you think of them.

[@minervabird1967]

The pavers idea is a good one. I have raised beds, and we had gravel, and it just was a mess trying to weed it. So we got the gravel out, put down weed barrier, and put the pavers down at the same time we did drip irrigation. Game changer. So, so much easier to take care of the veg garden. Wish I lived closer, I’d be happy to take some of that asparagus/raspberries off your hands. We grow tayberries, and really enjoy those. Happy 2024!

[@minervabird1967]

And congrats on paying off the house. we did that in 2020, and it is the very best feeling ever.

[@davedonohue9329]

You guys could potentially plant catnip,Tansy, and Nasturtium near your squash to help keep the squash bugs away. Also maybe use wood chip mulch to cover the area between the beds. Reduces overall labor(no weeding, no cutting/weedwacking). Check out chipdrop, just be prepared you will get a full truck worth of chips.

[@morethanfarmers]

Great thoughts!

[@pilgrimlearning9530]

Some of my goals this year are to do carnivore diet with lots of fat and broth. I've already experienced so much healing from the week I've already been eating just animal products! I also want to learn to make tallow soap, and cheese! And I need to declutter in a big way to get rid of some of the overwhelm in my life. We live in a thatched rental and I have to dust amd sweep the whole house daily 😢 I have an almost 9yo and a 4yo that I homeschool and a 7mo baby in cloth diapers 😅 We have about 30 bantums too and a dog that makes it her full time job to break down our fences and steal eggs. It feels like too much for me right now, especially with my husband worling 5 days a week and not being interested in homestead stuff when he is home. You guys are so inspiring, real and motivational. Thank you!

[@morethanfarmers]

Great goals! It is really hard sometimes.. We just try to get a little better every year, and start with the biggest points of stress. Good luck 😊

[@59kuphoff]

Goat's milk makes AWESOME soap!!

[@helenmcclellan452]

Great goals for 2024. I can't wait to see you start your seeds, especially your onions, and every other, like celery, so I can follow along. Will you be starting any perrenial flowers this year?

[@morethanfarmers]

Just ordered our seeds yesterday! Planting tulips 😊

[@tammymarple5347]

You guys are such an inspiration! Keep up the good work! My goal For this new year is to be more self sufficient and to convince my sons and grandchildren to do the same. Have a blessed week 🙏

[@Dreamlandhomestead]

I have a goal this year, too. And that is to get my own hobby, farm. But to make that happen, it might need a miracle And a lot of prayer, so please pray with me

[@morethanfarmers]

Wishing the best for you!

[@jessicalynam7356]

We use cattle panels (which you already have) about a foot or two off the ground to grow our Amish Paste tomatoes. Our season is longer here in NC and the Amish Paste continue to grow (forever) way over the panel, I would keep tossing the stalks over the panels.

[@christinewyzer3121]

Michelle you need to get Cody to put up cattle panels on everyone of them garden boxes and start growing anything that will vine including your beans for storage or small squash is winter squashes and cucumbers two

[@kathyeichholz1516]

I love your channel I am so excited my 16 year old started watching your channel makes me happy

[@morethanfarmers]

That's awesome!

[@tc1539]

If y'all are going to get goats, get Lamanchas!! We had one milk, now dried up, and her milk was soo good!!! We also made goat soap which feels great!! Lamanchas also have high fat in their milk.

[@user-oz4gh2yu3b]

To repel the squash bugs, I plant a pot of mint at the base of each plant. This works.

[@sharonwittmayer1221]

Congratulations on all your successes in 2023! Here’s to a wonderful 2024! Thanks for your all you share with us 😊

[@shawnprewett2465]

Congrats on paying off your home such a huge burden removed! Although, we do not have a homestead I have some goals for my gardens this year. I plan on making a cattle trellis for my green beans and butternut squash. I plan on getting a grape vine in the ground along with two dwarf apple trees. Hopefully, just hopefully I will get a chicken coup done in time to buy some poults. And a really big goal is staying after the weeds, I hate it so it gets neglected.

[@morethanfarmers]

Yes it is! Great goals.. Take it a step at a time 😊

[@sgrvtl7183]

I just heard from another homesteader 'Little Mountain Ranch' that SHEEP are better than goats! They had goats, got rid of them and got sheep>>> they do a great job clearing forest undergrowth, they are gentle with fences whereas goats are constantly getting out-a real challenge.

[@brendalysmedina4656]

@morethanfarmers a suggestion for your over grown plants. Remove them and have the goats eat it when you remove the rest of the debris and dead logs in the swamp area. Cleans everything up nice and tidy and gives the goat a treat.

[@beckyjoelle4929]

Goaals🎉 it keeps us going - we have 550 acres and constantly working towards goals😊

[@morethanfarmers]

Good to know, thanks!

[@Mahseeful]

Celtic Salt has a great amount of minerals that we need! A pinch of it with some water in the morning.

[@lenafreeze7131]

Wow I can’t believe how similar I am to you! I love watching you guys! I can relate to so much you are talking about! I grew up Mennonite too! We Dream of expanding our little “homestead” too so that’s just not quite a reality yet ( and being debt free) Totally get the seasonal depression thing! (But I’m in Canada so even more depressing in this cold ugh) Trip is on my goals this year too!! We’ve also been married 12 years and never been on a trip! And your little tips from past videos on adrenal fatigue have been so helpful! So definitely going to look into this mineral too!

[@morethanfarmers]

Sounds great 😊 Welcome to your tribe!

[@lauraandrade7909]

Sheep are amazing and they eat quite a bit of woody stuff as well! Plus you could milk sheep and then wouldn't upset or kiddo who doesn't care for goats! We love love our sheep!

[@ericarigler8892]

I always leave Pennsylvania for an island every February just for a few days to combat sad!!!