The most dangerous animal on a farm (and our Farm Anniversary) | VLOG

Check out the video we first introduced our farm two years ago: • The BIG Reveal of our ...
Hey ya'll, I'm Jess from Roots & Refuge Farm
Welcome to a place that feels like home. A small farm with a big family. We hope you'll pull up a chair, grab some coffee and visit awhile.
There was a time that all I wanted in the world was a little farm where I could raise my family and grow our food. Now, that is exactly what exists outside my door. In watching it unfold, a new dream was formed in my heart - to share this beautiful life with others and teach them the lessons we've learned along the way. Welcome to our journey, friend. I am so glad you're here.
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WHERE TO FIND US (Some of the links here are affiliate links. If you purchase through our links we'll receive a small commission but the price remains the same - OR BETTER - for you! Be sure to check for any mentioned discount codes.)
- Our Website: rootsandrefuge.com
- Sign up for our newsletter: rootsandrefuge.com/yt-signup
- Join our Patreon to get early access to podcasts and other information, plus monthly LIVES with me and Miah: / rootsandrefuge
- Abundance+ (Grab a FREE 7-day trial): rootsandrefuge.com/yt-wilder-...
- Shop our Stickers & Shirts: rootsandrefuge.com/yt-shop
- Order my first book, "First Time Gardener": rootsandrefuge.com/yt-ftgbook
- Order my second book, "First Time Homesteader": rootsandrefuge.com/first-time...
- Instagram: roots_and_refuge
- Facebook: / rootsandrefugefarm
- Email Us: [e-mail]
- To drop us a line:
PO Box 4239
Leesville SC 29070
- To have a gift sent to our house from our Amazon wishlist: www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls...
- To support us through PayPal: www.paypal.com/paypalme/jessi...
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PRODUCTS WE LOVE - You've probably heard me talk about these things a million times, so here's where you can order them (and get a discount with my code!):
- Greenstalk Vertical Gardens (Use code "ROOTS10" for $10 off your order): rootsandrefuge.com/yt-greenstalk
- Squizito Tasting Room (Use code "ROOTS" for 10% off your order): rootsandrefuge.com/yt-squizito
- ButcherBox: rootsandrefuge.com/butcherbox
- Growers Solution: rootsandrefuge.com/growers-so...
#rootsandrefuge

[@rachelevans9787]

Jess, I think you should get family photos by the willow tree every year. It would be a very sweet way to track the growth of your farm and your babies.

[@kmiller6002]

What a PHENOMENAL idea🤗🙏 Kendra

[@savannahmolina3725]

I will fly out there and take them for you!!!

[@growjoyfullyhomestead]

History is the best! And I'm not prejudice, says the lady who has a master's in history! Haha.

[@ForOurLegacyHomestead]

Ahhh right at the perfect time--nap time for my 2 year old + Jess videos = a relaxing mama 😅

Two years went by pretty fast. Happy Farmaversary! 🦙👩‍🌾🐓

[@bsolo12237]

My dad served on the Yorktown in the 2nd war. I have walked all over that ship. What stories are in these walls. Glad you guys went to visit.

[@stephanieg5195]

I’m glad you’re being wise about being careful around the cows that have just calved. When I was taking a brand new calf up to the barn because of the snow, the mama cow got upset and knocked me down three times - cracked three ribs, and one of my vertebrae! So, please continue that good habit of yours!

[@dianehall5345]

Stephanie G- Oh yes, I let my guys handle the calves. My rule of thumb is that in an emergency, I will help with a birth in the barn, but the moment mama stands up, I am out of the barn! Our Herefords are not tame. If someone were to try and steal one, they would be taking their life into their hands!

[@sherriyanakopulos1289]

Our friend who is a vet, was giving a bottle to a new calf that the mom wasn’t allowing to nurse- the cow tossed her around 3 times before her husband could get her safely out! They are definitely dangerous and very unpredictable! She was bruised up and her knee badly injured requiring surgery.

[@stephanieg5195]

@@sherriyanakopulos1289 I had the same thing happen to me though I wasn’t feeding it I was getting the calf out of the blizzard conditions and into the barn. The cow got me 3 times and I ended up with a cracked vertebrae and 3 broken ribs!

[@sherriyanakopulos1289]

@@stephanieg5195 hope you recovered ok!!!

[@joycepayne9157]

Yes cows can tend to get angry when it comes to there babies we had a first time Momma and she hit my hit my husband threw him up in the air 3 times Broke his tibia plauteu in his knee and that was three yrs ago it’s still not right 😞 But she may have killed him if my FIL wouldn’t have been there and threw his hat in the pen and it distracted her and he slid out

[@JMK_Fam]

I'm glad I'm not the only crazy cow mama who just drives in the field just to sit with the cows and babies!!!

[@rainwaterrefugehomestead2267]

Bro the geese hissing at you...😂

[@RootsandRefugeFarm]

Tell me about it lol

[@lauriesenn9641]

Well thank you for being there to hang out with! I enjoy our time together... until next I BLESS YOU!!

[@hiddenoasishomestead7054]

Yey!! The pitcher plants came in! What timing!! Thanks for the shout out! We really enjoyed taking with you and Miah. I hope they help you as much as they have helped us!! Keep us posted on how they do. Happy anniversary on being home!!! Much love, Glenda & Ruben ♡

[@tiffanyrowandotcom]

I listened to the video three times and didn’t hear what she actually planted in the pitchers to deter insects. Will you please tell me what you use and to protect which plants? Thank you.

[@annaccount6157]

@@tiffanyrowandotcom She was talking about pitcher plants! If you look up pitcher plant you can see a ton of different examples but it's a type of carnivorous plant much like a venus flytrap. The plant helps with insects because it draws the bugs in, and then the bugs get stuck to it and the plant digests it.

[@deewinston5651]

Oh sweet Jess, I remember watching y’alls journey and seeing you plant the Willow tree. It has grown and so has your sweet boys. I remember how excited they were. This video made me smile and cry some, because my heart is so happy for y’all. Y’all have accomplished so much in the two years. Happy two year anniversary to all of you. Thank you so much for sharing. Much love to you and your family.❤️✝️🤟

[@deannewilliams3321]

So true about those Momma cows. And if you take their baby away, they will cry and yell for that baby for a long time. They have such a deep love. 💕 Glad you’re letting her love her baby 🥰

[@tigerhead379]

There is just something special about South Carolina. We are glad you are here.

[@babybunnybelly6531]

My 21 month old is obsessed with farm animals lately so I’ve been playing your videos and she gets SO excited when you show animals. Thank you for sharing your beautiful homestead and wealth of knowledge ❤

[@leahnabors8238]

How much the 3 little boys have grown in these last two years. It was so noticeable when you showed the willow tree planting!

[@hollybacon3172]

I about cried when you showed your willow tree. Can't believe it's been two years already. You are such an encouragement to me. You really help me to refouce on God and his faithful love. Thank you!❤

[@steveegbert7429]

Jess, it's been such a blessing and privilege to have been able to follow you and your family on this fantastic journey that has been bestowed upon y'all. I thank God for leading me to your channel just as I was getting back into gardening. I have learned so much and grown as a gardener. I've gone from buying a few starts to starting everything from seed and growing starts to give to others. I sincerely thank you and bless you!

[@mamabear968]

Happy Anniversary! It sure doesn’t feel like 2 years have passed since that first visit, but y’all have gotten a lot of work done. Well done Sowards ❤️

[@sylviaking314]

I feel it's time to enjoy my down time, baking breads all kinds of breads,, cinnamon, sweet potato, so many breads. Enjoy soups, stews, chili warm cozy food's! I used to dread winter, now I go to the gym then on to cooking baking time with family!! Many blessings to you all!!!

[@debsenritchedrefuge603]

Jess, Happy Blessed Farm Anniversary! you are looking so incredible, healthy and full of joy. It's so refreshing to have you a part of my day. Your horses are looking so healthy & content along with all your animals! I'm so happy for you and your farm, all the intentional plans, decisions and work you have put forth through Him, Yahweh! I'm grateful you are enjoying your cows & calves with respect to their mothering instincts! Raising cattle, horses & Stock Dogs have been such a highlight of my life over the past 50 yrs! You sharing your farm life is such a Blessing to me everyday! Thanks again!❤🐮🐴🐶🥚🌷🌱🙌📷

[@susanmcconnell6041]

WOW!! Look at those little, now not so little, boys, planting the willow tree!!! Wonderful memory-making activities!!!

[@cindyharris8098]

Seeing the goose eggs brought back memories. We would blow out the yolk, wash and dry them, then decorate for Christmas. My sister cut a door into one and made a cherished nativity for me.

[@marymaddox2208]

Jess, don't worry about the geese sitting together, I had 5 that sat all together. They made their nests next to each other and got along fine. Too bad I didn't get to see how they would have handled raising the babies as we lost their nests to pesky raccoons. Good luck with yours.

[@Sky-Child]

Do geese and chickens not have a sort of "community nursery" kind of mindset where they will take turns sitting on each others nests and babysit the chicks? (Think lionesses and meerkats)

[@claireskinner9077]

It’s the willow’s 2 year planiversay!! Your boys have grown so much in that time. I hope you take a photo of them in front of it each year to document the growth of both the willow and your boys 😊

[@sandieweatherup]

🎶 Happy Anniversary, happy anniversary, happy anniversary, haaaapy anniversary!🎵😁

[@amypage8141]

I spent the night on the Yorktown as a kid. I’ll never forget the experience. ❤

[@dorothyweeksfoster3667]

I Love that you share the massive progression of your FOREVER FARM! 😊 I believe we are seeing you and your family at your absolute HAPPIEST! DREAMS REALIZED IS THE BEST!

[@robinroseberry]

❤ Oh my goodness, I watched the video you posted about purchasing your farm and I just cried with you. What a blessing you and your family have found this wonderful property and now are in your forever home. I found you 3 or 4 years ago and would watch from time to time and now I have finally subscribed to KZbin and can comment and I have you guys as one of my favorites that I watch. One of the first video's I watched was on tomato trellises. I don't live very far, I am in NC. I would love to meet you all one day. I love learning about gardening and appreciate you sharing all your wisdom. Although I won't be doing the animals I enjoy watching them on your videos. Thank you so much. God Bless you and your family.

[@happyhippie4968]

We live in Beaufort next to Parris Island! If yall ever want to check out the base we can help get you on base! My husband is a wounded veteran and we just fell in love with this state

[@diannemiller4754]

The geese hissing must be where the phrase "hissing fit" came from. Sure some protective mama's.

[@susieclark1498]

Two years, wow. I've been following you for several years and my heart is full of joy for you and your entire family. Blessing from San Diego.

[@baneverything5580]

The most dangerous animal on the farm....here in Louisiana...is a massive BIG SURPRISE yellowjacket nest. Or wasp nest in the pear tree when you`re on a roof picking those pears way up in the tree (without a parachute).

[@thedenimredhead]

Easily the highlight of my day is watching these videos. Thank you for sharing always

[@marlaherrington5320]

Two years have gone by so fast and y'all have accomplished so much ❤️. Love all your doing

[@gailrothermund9209]

Omg… you may have goslings everywhere if all those mamas hatch all their eggs! What a beautiful blessing that would be!!! 😌

[@soniadoss1856]

Happy Farm Anniversary. I can't believe it's been 2 years.

[@livesoutdoors1708]

Riding a horse through the cow herd is a good way to get the heifers used to you. As long as the horse knows it’s job. 😊

[@Whimspiration]

Thank you for allowing us to be with you on your beautiful journey.

[@janetbendes9216]

Two years in and the Willow tree is thriving with growth (wondering how it was doing) We use to have these down back of our house. The trunks get massive years to come,I can only imagine. 😊

[@linsanders3984]

I'm glad you are showing that little willow tree Jess !

[@hannahdurham1791]

I absolutely can not believe that it has been 2 ENTIRE YEARS????? you moving farms was a big deal for me bc I live in Ohio and we want to move 3 hrs south to Kentucky to a PERFECT piece of farm land our family owns - that land, I swear my soul is meant to be there I have never felt more at peace anywhere else on earth - and I have been so scared of the idea of moving a state away but you moving an entire established, well in use farm cross country gives me hope that I’ll be okay ❤ congratulations on everything you and your people accomplish I wish nothing but the best for you all❤ thank you for showing us how to fall in love with gardening

[@sheraeduncan2980]

I had frost the first night of spring and yes 93 today. My dill flowered. Yes I do plant out bef5 my frost and succession plant. The results last year I had sunflowers and zinnias thanksgiving through Christmas Eve and my first sunflower bloom was a month ago from volunteer under a chicken tractor. Lol. I've never used shade cloth in April. Geeze.. . harvesting, bush beans, spinach, spring peas and onions. Peppers, last year's that I covered and I will have new ones too.

[@doinacampean9132]

OMG, can't believe the willow is 2 years old ALREADY!!!!!

[@gardengatesopen]

Has it been 2 years ALREADY???!! CONGRATULATIONS!! It's been a joy to watch y'all doin it up!❤

[@tracyzabelle]

Always a pleasure

[@rockymeadow7311]

Jess, it is so amazing to see how little the boys were when you planted that weeping willow. They've grown just as your farm has.

[@honestly27]

Those boys have grown a LOT in two years!!

[@TheNeeenha]

I'm so glad you showed the Willow..I've been wondering how hes doing..lovely

[@susanturner9023]

Wow this video shows how fast Benjamin’s grow! 😂😂😂 so cute love the willow.

[@bluebirdhomestead]

Happy Farm Anniversary!!! 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@loribethartist6353]

Just wanted to say you have an infectious smile 😊 I was diagnosed with a neurological disorder in December, so gardening is going to look different for me this season… on good days I can walk with a cane 🦯 without having too many tremors, so I’m considering getting raised beds. My husband is so supportive so he will help and I have 3 teenagers who will begrudgingly help 😂. I’ve spent countless hours in bed watching KZbin, and I’m so glad it recommended your channel. (And on the egg sizes - we used to have ostriches, as an artist I used ink and did all kinds of art on them , but we did try to hard boil one once… it took 5 hours and still didn’t solid! The shell is like porcelain!)

[@ButtercupAndFernHomestead]

If I recall, you first came to visit the new farm on your birthday. 🎉🎉🎉 Happy Birthday🎉🎉🎉

[@bhalliwell2191]

Jess, I'm in Northeast Ohio, and not only are pitcher plants, two species of Sundew, and "several species of Bladderworts" native to our area (although they are almost exclusively found in bogs) and Ohio's native Purple Pitcher Plant (Sarracenia Purpurea) is the State's official carnivorous plant. Until this very afternoon, watching your video, I'd had no idea that we have a State Carnivorous Plant in Ohio! That idea of putting carnivorous plants around the beetle-afflicted garden is brilliant! I'm usually one of those later, not-so-clever folks, but I might give potted up pitcher plants a go! Just as a by-the-way sort of thing, plenty, and I do mean *plenty,* of people here in the north say "pitcher" when they are talking about painted *pictures* or photographic *pictures,* and I am a Northerner born and bred. Also have heard plenty of Southerners pronounce "pitcher" and "picture" distinctly differently and *correctly,* so.... Thank you so much for all you've done and shared with us. God bless.

[@sharonloves]

I just love me some Jess. My new found KZbin person but somehow a much older kindered spirit sister. Your words, actions, likes and everything about you always resonates deep within my spirit. One of many takeaways today,…the weeping willow my old friends that I simply adore.❤❤❤

[@maureenhaggard6897]

Thank you for showing us the weeping willow tree. I have often wondered how it was growing. I, like you, think those trees are wonderful. It was also sweet to see how your little boys have grown in these last 2 years. Congratulations on your 2 year anniversary. You have made such amazing strides in 2 short years and I am certainly looking forward to see what you will accomplish in the coming years. Your farm is truly lovely.

[@trueblonde316]

During your talk about the new heifer calf all I could think was Ewan McGregor’s Obi Wan saying “you were the chosen one!”

[@yeevita]

Gratz on 2 years! You have progressed so much, from blank land to a fleshed out farm, where everything is functioning and you have plans for all the aspects of your life. Love it. Love your animals, your family, your farm, and your philosophy of kindness.

[@BradfordHomestead]

That tree reminds me of Jill and the incredible surprise of you guys revealing the new owners of your prior farm. That video made all of us cry! And now looking at you living your dream… you are such an inspiration! ❤🤟

[@mountaincreekhomestead]

I remember the day y'all planted that little tree and the day Miah drove in with the Animals❤

[@charlotteseden9303]

I remember when you planted that willow tree. Nice to see that it's happy and healthy.

[@dirtroaddestiny]

Farm life is the best ❤

[@Judymontel]

Wow! Thank you so much for showing the willow tree. I remember seeing the video of you guys planting it. Seeing how much it has grown reminds me of what you say so often - plants want to grow. I'm filled with hope. Bless you!

[@sarahboggs786]

The Willow Tree!! It's gotten so big! One day I will have a piece of land with a willow.

[@takeitslowhomestead5218]

One large chicken egg equals 1/4 cup. That makes it easy to substitute other kinds of fowl eggs in recipes. 🥚🥚🥚

[@sabrinaa4872]

I was actually so unsure if I had to look up "picture" plans or "pitcher" plants 😂 thank you for the clarification

[@cristinaparedes9556]

Been here since 2019 😍 saw the whole journey 🤩 so proud of y’all 🙌🏼 it’s been beyond inspiring at every level 🙏🏼✨ I wish this peace and abundance for all humans including myself 🥹💖💫

[@saigeandspice]

How funny, I just rewatched your moving announcement video a few hours ago! Thank you for always bringing us along for the ride Jess and sharing everything wish us. You mentioned in one of your videos that there is a girl you like to listen to on kitchen days maybe you said her name was Mary?, you said she’s an inspiration and she’s helps you get through the task. I thought you should know that you are the same to many of us as she is to you! You inspire us, you help us keep going. You’ve created so so many little ripples that have led to big ripples❤ you guys are so amazing and I’m so thankful for your devotionals, your knowledge sharing, the idea of leaving a legacy, and far more. There is so much inspiration from your family, may God continue to use you in his glory and inspire so many others!

[@jillyd2807]

My sister’s ashes are buried under a weeping willow. They’re beautiful 😍

[@craftygranny8035]

I've been watching and enjoying your content when you only had about 19.000 subscribers. It's been so fun watching your homesteading journey! I've been waiting for a video that showed your willow trees growth and it did not disappoint. I look forward to watching your continuing journey.

[@carolpettengill7690]

Thank you for sharing your beautiful life with us

[@sydneykasmar]

The Willow has grown so much in the last year and so has your farm. Congrats on moving into your third year in South Carolina! I can't imagine a more beautiful farm.

[@yomama1254]

from a husbandry standpoint, the thing to do is to take that baby and take mom on a ride to town to see the butcher. if she would just ride the ride and let you take that baby, that would be nice, then you can breed her again, but the way you're describing makes me doubt that will work. but if you want that calf to be handleable, you can't not handle her.

[@Thingys-Jill]

Happy Easter, Happy Anniversary, and God Bless You and your Family! It is an honor to watch your journey.

[@cheifcreekturtle]

You always have the cutest most comfortable looking dresses! You should open a dress shop and call it “jesses dresses”! 😊

[@tracycouture3955]

Blessings 💐🙏

[@Hobocreekfarm]

The pitcher plants are awesome. We have jack in the pulpits growing down in our creek area.

[@karionhawkins3091]

So much change in two years!❤ your family and farm are beautiful

[@jessicahofmann2224]

That willow is awesome, I imagine this will once be like the willow tree in Pocahontas.

[@sharonhildenbrand5230]

Been watching almost 4 years now.

[@classieterrell6324]

I'm so thankful you shared about the shade cloth slowing your plants growth. My starts were tiny and I couldn't figure our what was wrong with them. I'm almost positive I'm having the same problem. Praying to grow faster now. My last frost was a few weeks ago and my patience is 100% tested lol

[@mariettawilliford3987]

Hard to believe it’s been two years already 🎉🎉🎉, you guys are amazing and blessed ❤

[@andreacooley9428]

Love love love❤❤❤the farm is absolutely AMAZINGLY BEAUTIFUL 😍

[@jams41]

In just such a short time, y'all are amazing.

[@shamancarmichael5305]

Happy Farmiversary Sowards family! The land was nice when you arrived, but your hard work and dreaming have made it a beautiful farm! Can't wait to see the next stage. Happy Easter! 🐣🌱💐

[@anitalee3289]

So happy to get an update on the willow! I've wondered many times! 😍

[@leahharbison4932]

Bless you Jess !

[@katehopkinsbrent5573]

Oh Jess, that willow has done AMAZING. I've tried to see it through videos when you could see the pond, WOW !! I've always loved those trees. Pictures beside it would be wonderful, the entire place has grown so much in two years : )

[@earthsgardenapothecary7185]

Beautiful garden already!!! I cant wait to see it all bloomed out and lovely!!!

[@marking-time-gardens]

Absolutely many precious blessings over the years... continued blessings on your family, farm and friends!🥰🌻🐛💕🙏

[@3doggymom]

Happy anniversary on the farm!! I remember watching the video of y'all planting the tree. Wow, the boys sure have grown a lot in 2 years!! Good country living makes for big country boys!! Lol.

[@rachelleenderle1326]

Jess weeping willows are my favorite too but the suffer from boar worm so bad. Keep a close eye on it

[@laurawilcox2988]

Hi Jess! It is amazing all you have accomplished in 2 years! It certainly was a big leap of faith, especially with the uncertainty of the times..but God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him! Thank you for sharing your visions and dreams and what you have learned with us! Look at what the Lord has done!

[@mgtmoffat8411]

Your willow tree is growing well. I have a willow tree here I grew from a seed. It is 20 years old now. We used to have geese, the eggs make great omelettes. Congratulations on your two year anniversary. 💕💕🌻🌻

[@carmengrace11]

You can go see the pitcher plants growing near Redbank not far from Lexington, SC! By Shealy’s Pond Clemson owns the land and you can hike the trail and find them!!!

[@ChickadeeMountainHomestead]

Hey there! Happy Anniversary to your lovely farm!! Can't wait to see what the next year brings. ❤️

[@videoability1]

Happy 2 year anniversary to your farm and the Willow! I've been on this journey with you for 4 years now! It's been inspired, educational, loving and spiritually exercising! All good! I bless you with abundant JOY until... Stephanie NJ zone 7a

[@JMK_Fam]

The good ol’ farmers have said to keep those sheets ready until mothers day. 🤔😎 more times then not we have been right. We are south eastern NC, like 1.5 hours from MB!! Just be ready just incase we get a late frost.

[@hollyarney9021]

The boys were so small!!! It’s amazing how quickly they grow

[@jessicaeggleston8033]

Happy two years! It’s our 2 year anniversary in South Carolina this May. Time really flew by. We love it here so much.

[@lanalovesjesus6133]

I LOVE Charleston. Been going my whole life. It’s a beautiful place. Happy farmiversary