Starting a Farm When You Didn’t Grow Up on One | Jess Sowards of Roots and Refuge Farm

Many people think that beginning a farm or homestead requires you to have previous farming experience, but this isn’t necessarily true. Even if you have never set foot on a farm yourself, it is possible to begin living the homesteading lifestyle. In this episode, Jess shares how her lifelong dream of owning a farm became a reality, one step at a time. We also delve into the topic of making money on a homestead. Whether you have a goal of replacing your full-time income or of simply allowing your homestead to pay for itself, Jess has some really interesting entrepreneurial ideas!
In this episode, we cover:
Starting to live a homesteading lifestyle even without acreage
Nurturing a healthy food culture in your home
The connection between food and homesteading
Exciting upcoming developments for Roots & Refuge Farm
How a homestead can pay for itself
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GUEST BIOGRAPHY
Jess Sowards is a homesteader and gardener who shares her journey through social media. She and her husband, Jeremiah, are raising their six children on a small hobby farm. They share their lives on their KZbin channel, Roots and Refuge Farm. She offers the insights they have gathered along the way in her books, The First-time Gardener: Growing Vegetables (March 2021) and The First-Time Homesteader (September 2022). Jess is passionate about gardening, growing food, and equipping others to do the same.
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Jess Sowards of Roots and Refuge Farm
Website: rootsandrefuge.com/
KZbin: / rootsandrefugefarm
Instagram: / roots_and_refuge
Facebook: / rootsandrefugefarm
Lisa Bass of Farmhouse on Boone
Blog: www.farmhouseonboone.com/
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Facebook: / farmhouseonboone
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[@RootsandRefugeFarm]

Thank you so much for having me on! I so enjoyed getting to know you more ♥️

[@epiphanysoward5769]

Jess, I've watched several of your videos and felt an immediate connection with you. I only just realized how similar our last names are. I knew we came from the same stock!

[@isobelmunoffilm5694]

This was great!

[@DeathlyHollow25]

I had to take a double take at this thumbnail. I thought "Ain't no way Jess and Lisa just did a podcast together!" WHAAT? Love this!!

[@SowJustGrow]

My thoughts also!!

[@intentionallymade]

Right I just got giddy. I was literally thinking about her interviewing Jess and then it is here haha!!!

[@Krys725]

😂 me too!!

[@aloras405]

It just came up in my feed and I’m so here for it! This is so exciting!

[@brittneyhunt667]

I thought the same thing!! So happy to see these two talk together!!

[@ridgemom4092]

Shut up! I love Roots and Refuge!! So pumped to listen while weeding. LOL

[@tasteofheavenhomestead8553]

Asking the question "How can I" instead of giving up is really helpful!

[@jeanrichards8042]

When Jess was talking about giving kids the option to say they didn't like something, it reminded me of what I raised my kids with...I told them "2 no thank you bites" were required, meaning they had to take 2 bites before they could say they didn't like it. Then they could get some leftovers, but most of the time they found they actually liked it!

[@elizabethstephens6471]

Jess has a poetic/romantic heart. She is a teacher to her bones! I adore both of you lovely ladies.

[@SarahsOctoberHome]

Great tips. “Do what you can, where you are.” 👏🏻 Thank you for the encouragement, Jess.🌱

[@susieclark1498]

Jess is so very wise, humble and funny. She loves the Lord, her family, gardening and she really cares for us, her "other" family her subs. Ilove her. So nice to see her here at your channel.

[@Simplefarmhouselife]

I was so happy to have her on as a guest!

[@mischiefmayhem4740]

I love when two of my favorite youtubers, ones I watch daily, or as they put stuff out, find each other. Sprinkle 8n some Paige and some Jill.... xoxoxo This makes me so happy, can't watch right now. I'm saving this for this evening 😍😍😍

[@mamahomesteads3514]

Stoked for this convo. Seriously thank you Lisa for getting some stellar guests on that we can learn and grow from! Loved Jessica's excitement when you asked her what the future plans were for their farm😊 @25:00

[@annewhittemore3771]

Jessica, I am just amazed by how similar you actually were to me. Living in the suburbs, a little exposure that enamored you and really captured your interest. I’m 25 and in my first year of gardening in our tiny backyard and I am so excited. *I also can relate to being incredibly broke. 😅 Paying off debt with a super small income takes so long!!

[@ashleytakace]

Two of my most favorite KZbinrs! Love this so much! ✨💜🙌🏾

[@panko97]

Love Jess’s KZbin. Thank you Lisa.

[@alisonwestermann1875]

This is encouraging hearing adults that grew up with healthy food culture how it continues in their lives and for their kids. I'm a first generation from scratch cook and I am curious how my kids will turn out. Thanks for sharing!

[@janicegardner9458]

Excellent conversation - Thanks!

[@aliciaschwartz3]

My world's have collided..🧡🧡🤯🤯

[@maureenharrah931]

Learning to deal with food differently for me came about because our, now 40+ year old, daughter had allergies to dairy, etc...and nursing her, I had to be very careful. As she got older, I learned to make everything, and to this day, the kitchen is a favorite place for me.

[@sheilabutts1044]

Love you guys. Great information, Thank you every much God bless.

[@maandpa]

Nursing while I watch this! Haha! 💚

[@staceycamp2065]

Ahhhh!! My two favorites!

[@dawncozine50]

My two favorite KZbinrs on one show! Thank you Lisa for having Jess on your show!!!

[@amberkeever8565]

Words cannot express how excited I was to see this video! Thanks for doing this, you have the most enjoyable podcast.

[@lindakurtz2653]

Being able to question what you do and why you do it.....best gift to give our kids. That and learning HOW to learn ( and that we have the ability to direct our learning)

[@katiez5660]

There were four kids in our family. We drank 10 gallons of milk a week. Good thing there were milkmen.

[@cheriwhitley8385]

I looove Jess and sweet Miah..I follow them and have learned so much from her as well as U…u both r soo inspiring..I found Jess years ago when she did a amazing tomato video and her knowledge just had me hooked and I’ve never left her..it’s amazing what all they have accomplished and will accomplish in the future..just shows if u apply yourself,believe in yourself,and want it bad enough ,u can do this..enjoyed this podcast so much!!!❤

[@kaylacollings1681]

I would love to see you speak with the Jim and/or P.J. Jonas from Goat Milk Stuff, a local (local for me, Scottsburg, IN) business that has grown a HUGE amount. They make the best natural soaps, lotions, tooth powder, homemade foods and sweets. The farm tour is amazing. They have 8 homeschooled kids who have all been employeed in either the retail store, the sweet shop, office, milking barn, soap production, shipping, etc. Seriously, there's too much to tell and so much more I'd like to hear about them and their story. And because I'm relatively new to your channel, there's a lot more I'd like to hear about your story. I think it would be a very interesting conversation.

[@bornfree9388]

Loved seeing Jess. I've never seen your channel but have now subscribed. I'm looking forward to watching your channel.

[@rebekahkerr1723]

I just discovered Jess earlier this week and SO enjoy her content. So I was thrilled to see this episode pop up!

[@ilzitek2419]

My favorite youtubers. Thank you for everything you do.

[@monicamcghee5711]

Two of my favorite homesteaders together…this was so nice and refreshing. Homesteading on 1 acre but the two of you have been so inspirational in both gardening and in making all the wonderful sourdough dishes I can. Thanks ladies

[@Simplefarmhouselife]

you're so welcome! thank you for listening

[@grandmasewhappyhomestead187]

I have been following both of you for a few years and what a really great podcast. So appreciate both of you

[@joelc9421]

Loved this interview! Roots and Refuge ia one of my favorite channels

[@LosingDrea]

Found you through this video since I am a long time subscriber of Jess's Roots and Refuge Farm channel. Nice to meet you. I learn so much from her having turned my own waiting room into my class room. I have the heard ache for the farm I've not yet been able to achieve but I have tried to grow and learn where I can start. Having to move now so not growing this seasons and yet I am so desperate to hurry up and get growing again. ❤🌻🙏🏻

[@karenhummel49]

I did not grow up on a farm but my father was from Pennsylvania and he did. Was nice to learn a little bit of growing a garden in Nassau County NY. My dream is to head north and buy acreage 15 + acres with house and barn. Would definitely be planting a vegetable garden and hopefully have chickens. Most of my children are grown (1 home in HS). I don't see owning a milk cow because we couldn't use the milk fast enough.

[@insearchofsimple]

I really liked this, especially the focus of being aware of what we eat and the financial insight on running a homestead/farm. We all need these reminders, and I really appreciate it!

[@DonnaBorooah]

I love how real and clear this conversation was. I think about this a lot - the income from content creation being the fuel behind the homestead lifestyle. I love that Jess and you can both speak to that. Not misguiding either of your viewers to live that lifestyle without the income of the content. Also love how the point was further illustrated in the example of income options from eggs/feed/laying chicks.

[@margaretpervier8357]

Two of my favorite KZbinRS!😊❤️

[@DarleneDeSilva]

You are having on people who I run in those same circles for information. Love your highlights Jess. Feel like this was a double header with two amazing woman.

[@nancykastrup1323]

I just wanted to say, I’m new to this farming life. I came for the headlines of wanting to farm and never been a farmer but I subscribed to your channel once I saw you feeding your baby while making the video. Mom life never stops. ❤️

[@Mwbwiffleball163]

My two favorite people to learn from! If I could watch only 2 you tube channels it would be you and Jess! I’ve learned so much from the both of you. (I haven’t even watched this video yet…but just had to comment! I’m so excited to watch)

[@gardengirl1191]

Love both you ladies. ❤ Thanks Lisa for making this encounter happen.

[@aprilyeno1919]

Thank you for sharing this wonderful content!! It clearly isn’t easy! But it is very appreciated!! ❤️🙏🏻. See you soon!

[@chelsearuck9379]

I love this so much! Thank you ladies 🙌🏻 I grew up on 6 acres in the country. We never had any livestock but our neighbors did. We were surrounded by pigs, chickens and horses. We would go visit the animals and enjoy their company. I loved it! We did have woods surrounding us and tons of berries to pick every June. I always knew one day I would have my own farm. It’s my dream. Currently waiting on my dream homestead, but taking Jess’ advice and turning my waiting room into a classroom. We have a small flock of chickens and some meat rabbits. Stepping out of my comfort zone this year and putting in the largest garden we’ve ever had. I’ve only ever successfully grown beans and tomatoes (zone 5b, southern WI).

[@sunsetwalks488]

Totally enjoyed this podcast with you and Jess. Been a big fan of hers for about 3 yrs now.

[@victorymeadow4073]

I am loving these interviews! Thank you 😊

[@krissycus]

two of my favorite vloggers for one! so excited.

[@kristyplatt6233]

Jess! Yay!!!

[@hollowacres]

This is such a good podcast. Thanks for sharing!

[@Simplefarmhouselife]

Thanks for listening

[@ksteevens18]

What a great way to start my day. I found this episode full of info and inspo- but uplifting too!

[@mirandaspruill6585]

This just made my whole entire day!!!!!! Love watching both of you ladies ❤️

[@The-Ancestral-Cucina]

My two fave ladies! Thank you for making this amazing podcast/video available for all to hear/see. So inspirational🌱💖

[@Rebecca.Robbins]

Fantastic interview! I've been following Jess for a few years now and she is amazing! You didn't even touch on her book!

[@DishingDelights]

Yay, just what I needed! I love Jess and your podcast are quickly becoming my favorite!

[@therealpriscillalbrooks]

Nice interview 😁 I love Toups and co. I met Emily at the Homesteader’s of America event last October. I’m looking to follow your journey🥰

[@tiffanymarie2097]

What a great episode! I have followed Jess for awhile now. Both of you are 2 of my favorite people on KZbin!

[@carmenharbin]

Best collab ever!!!! SO excited for this!! 💕

[@catherinemilner1260]

I loved listening to you ladies talk and wow, you both have so much to offer and learn from! I appreciate your honesty about what it takes to not just get started, but also to see it through. Such an encouraging chat, thank you!

[@lindakurtz2653]

I have a new explanation for my garden hands! My garden manicure!

[@birgitelisabeth9661]

I love this!!!! I could just listen while I did something else. Do you have more podcasts? I have a long commute to work and would love to listen to your podcasts.

[@sarahmcalpine2058]

Always thought in the back of my mind that you guys would get along famously.🥰💯🙌

[@oakandbarrelfarm9391]

2 of my favorite KZbinrs! They moved to their new farm just a few months before we moved to ours (Cali to Kentucky)…it was neat watching their process knowing we were just behind them!

[@sondrad1839]

Two of my favorite KZbinrs together! This was so good.

[@ashleygamber5588]

Love Jess! So excited for this episode!

[@jessicapierson789]

So excited to see/listen to this podcast, you two are my favorite to learn from. I really appreciate you both, thank you for all you do!

[@Barbara-pz8ky]

This was great…love following both of you…great content!

[@kimr4005]

Love y’all. Great time.

[@tinahendersonn897]

Love yall... thanks !

[@isobelmunoffilm5694]

Well done! Thank you.

[@eclecticbasil]

Loved this guest!!

[@MayfieldRanch]

I loved watching this!

[@davidwright8850]

My two favorite bloggers!

[@FarmhouseHarvest]

I love honeysuckle!

[@deltorres2100]

Awesome I admire ya women ..💪🏽🥦🌽🍋💜

[@brittanybrown273]

Yay!! I'm so excited for all of these podcast episodes but especially for this one!!

[@BrandieSellers617]

Interesting how she said one of her kiddos was allergic to dairy and now they have dairy cows getting seven gallons of milk. I'm wondering her child was healed of that allergy or if they don't partake in the dairy. I've heard raw milk can potentially heal food allergies. I"m just wondering because I'm currently sensitive to dairy myself and recently have developed of dream of having a dairy cow :)

[@RootsandRefugeFarm]

He no longer has the allergy. Either he grew out of it or years of raw goats milk healed it, I’m not sure which.

[@BrandieSellers617]

@@RootsandRefugeFarm That is wonderful news either way :D

[@feathergrass77]

I loved this! Been a fan of you both for a loooong time, and especially appreciated the topics you covered. 😘 Thank you both!

[@ShannasCountryCreek]

Such a joy to see this podcast in my feed this morning. Love Roots & Refuge. It has been such a blessing to watch their journey. It is amazing to see God's grace in their life. Certainly gives us all Hope to keep dreaming, growing and learning from a place of heart & soul♥️ New sub here from East Texas 🥰🙋🏻‍♀️

[@trenaoquinn753]

❤❤❤

[@katiez5660]

We had 4 kids and drank 10 gallons a week. Milkman used to brag about it.

[@mldrafts560]

Ermehgersh!!!