Why I Homestead in a Cold Climate

Let me explain why I homestead in a cold climate. There was something that the Hollar Homestead folks said in their "Finding Home" video that made me really want to talk about the advantages of cold living in Vermont.
To see the Hollar Homestead's epic road trip video, go here:
• Finding Home || The Ep...
About Gold Shaw Farm: Gold Shaw Farm is more of a farm-in-progress than an honest-to-goodness farm. Our dream is that someday we are able to transform our 150+ acre parcel of land into a regenerative and productive homestead and farm.
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[@candidethirtythree4324]

We live in Louisiana and even though I was born here 6 decades ago, I have never acclimated to the heat. We recently sold most of our property in the south and bought land in the Rocky Mountains. I am past sick of the heat, I can't wait to be finished here so we can move, I love snow!

[@GoldShawFarm]

I'm with you. My wife went to college in New Orleans. I used to go down there to visit her and the heat and humidity was just brutal!

[@JennyWinters]

@@GoldShawFarm Not all areas of the south are steaming. It's just for about one month. The spring starts early and you can make it to July without the humidity.

[@jasonbrackett27]

Holy shit! 100% This!Hello from western Maine! Iron Oak Homestead

[@nutmegknoll]

We are totally in agreement. A cold climate is for us as well!!

[@GoldShawFarm]

We're not a large contingent, but we're out there!

[@junbenji1393]

@@GoldShawFarm I love your videos

[@TheHoneystead]

I like a good planned snow storm where I don’t have to leave the house lol it needs to start on a Friday around 8pm and stop on Saturday around noon... lol

[@GoldShawFarm]

Ha. You should call the National Weather Service and see if that can be scheduled.

[@TheHoneystead]

Haha

[@karissamonette378]

I am your "neighbor" over here in the Adirondack Mountains of NY. I've traveled all around the world, but still end up back here. The mountains, the people, the seasons- I can't stay away. =)

[@GoldShawFarm]

Well said!

[@TheHollarHomestead]

“It’s like Star Trek” 😂😂 great perspective from an insiders point! That rest period would be really nice, and I know the growing season is totally something you could work around. Plus that fall foliage....

[@GoldShawFarm]

Nope. Too late. You guys made your bed. ; )

[@KarlaHafdahl]

the beauty of your filming, ==== PRICELESS

[@danielasmale8835]

I like the shorter growing season for the same reason. Then growing is always special and a pleasure.

[@TapoNothFarm]

Here, here! We market farm in Scotland, 57 degrees N, 270M above sea level, snow can fall between Oct-May.Our veg growing season (we're a CSA veg farm) is 22 weeks. Summer....it mostly rains....but yes, we have down time ('down time') in winter. Day time temp today it's 21 F which is quite mild. And a sauna really helps. And I love seeing all the bloody weeds die in autumn, then I can relax...a little.

[@GoldShawFarm]

I feel like there should be a night, sometime in late fall when the temps start regularly staying below freezing all the time, that people should have a celebration to all of the weed death!

[@ForgottenWayFarms]

I agree! I am a North hardy girl, love the snow and the four seasons. I like how it makes me rest in the winter and I get rest and cozy time in :) I use a greenhouse tunnels to help me have a longer season.

[@GoldShawFarm]

I really want to try some tunnels, but it probably won't happen until later this year. (The list never ends!)

[@ForgottenWayFarms]

Gold Shaw Farm Tell me about it, in fact it just gets worse 😜 but in a good kind of way! You just want to keep trying and doing!

[@rebeccag856]

You had me at "not too humid". Oh boy, the summers here in the south are suffocating with the heat and the humidity. And then there's the pests and bugs that are constantly munching on you and anything you try to grow. I've lived here my entire life and it just gets worse every year as I get older. I've just started following the Hollars too and enjoy their channel. I'm glad they made a decision and are ready to make their home in the new state. And it's a good state, I've lived there myself for a few years. BUT, after watching one of their videos where they were hot and dehydrated working in 80 degree temps (probably with zero humidity) I have to wonder how they will do when reality sets in there this summer in the state they chose.

[@GoldShawFarm]

Ha! Yeah, I can't hang with those Southern summers.

[@talktidy7523]

I am a Brit and my city is a few degrees of latitude further north than Montpelier, (compartively speaking) but we seldom have to contend with arctic temperatures and big snow fall shenanigans. Your farm looks beautiful all year round, but I do not do well in the cold. I am so grateful for the Gulf Stream.

[@PrairiePlantgirl]

There is definitely something to be said for the rest period of winter. It’s still a lot of work, but it is different work. A change is as good as a rest. From a Northern gardener to you - great video!

[@GoldShawFarm]

Thank you!

[@official180degrees]

Preach it Morgan Snow, Lord of The Northeast. The cold makes us hard like iron and keeps out wimpy peoples. Skål!

[@GoldShawFarm]

Ha!

[@PfeilerFamilyFarm]

Ha ha ha while wearing a viking helmet! Ethan that would work perfectly for you. You a Vikings fan??

[@heatherhineline9481]

I absolutely love splitting firewood (by hand). It’s great exercise, and just a such a feeling of accomplishment when you see the big stack of wood you have. (Yes I have been told I’m nuts)😁❄️

[@GoldShawFarm]

Splitting wood is the best. I invested in a good splitting maul last spring and I used it for about 20 minutes 5 times a week. I lost 20 lbs, grew some massive callouses and have heat for the winter. It's a win however you look at it!

[@Greens5511]

GREAT VIDEO!!! I am from Minnesota and I remember that comment Meg made too....I guess you just can't judge a book by it's "snow cover" :) I SO AGREE with you about hitting it hard all of our June through Sept. growing season but by gosh by the time it is over I am TIRED and ready for a nice LONG winter break.....Gods way of saying "you did good, now take a break"! Guess what you got me as a new subscriber by this video!!! So many things you said are spot on...and those rose covered glasses got a big belly laugh from me!!! Oh one more thing...when I have seen some videos lately of the souths huge poisonous snakes and spiders and fire ants....I say NO THANK YOU!!! I will GLADY take the cold and snow over those things alone, not to mention the horrid heat...who can work in the garden in heat like that anyway?! With that said I love the Hollar's, Roots and Refudge and VW Family Farm....to name a few that are from the south....I watch them everyday snuggled up by the fire on a cold MN winters day!

[@GoldShawFarm]

Thanks for the comment, Vivian. I really appreciate it.

[@Citystead]

Awesome. There is something about the winter that brings a newness with every new spring. It's a renewed hope and excitement for the possibilities of that summer season. And winter is the best time to rest and reflect of the past year whike planning for the next. Also in a shtf way of thinking most of the fresh water is north, there is a reason the cold areas are where some of our oldest and largest cities.

[@GoldShawFarm]

To reflecting and planning! I'm knee deep in that one these days.

[@anitraahrens905]

Morgan, your words are so very true. Here on Long Island we do have a bit longer growing season. As Dorothy in "The Wizard of Oz" stated, "There's no place like home."

[@gailwalker6872]

I really miss living with all you have. I miss my seasons, the fairs and snowshoeing on a full moon lit night, but because of my health problems I had to move to be closer to my daughter in Florida. So I watch farm blogs like yours. Thank you Morgan. I pray you’ll keep them come.

[@bettinah.7429]

I like winter too , though ours here have become kind of lame. There is something so invigorating about getting out in the snow and cold... Going for a walk or doing chores, you feel so fresh. The Hollers' reveal video was really well done.

[@GoldShawFarm]

I don't need to drink coffee in the morning. I just need to water and feed the ducks and it's more than enough of a wake jolt for me.

[@Winterascent]

Romulans and the Neutral Zone are something I associate with Vermont.

[@jobrown7647]

I am also a northern climate person. We live in the mountains of BC and what I like about it is there are 4 distinct seasons (although with climate change they are starting to get a little murky). We are in our 60s now and were part of the back to the land movement of the 1970s. So we have been growing food here for 35 + years and do just fine storing up for the winter. We also heat with wood (mainly) which is wonderful and a lot of work. Yes and then there is snow removal. We don't keep livestock just because it brings in the predators - for us that means black bears and more recently grizzly bears. Also cougar, wolf, coyote. If you haven't checked them out - Little Mountain Ranch has a youtube channel and they are located at 150 Mile House in BC - definitely cold weather homesteading up there. Really enjoy your videos and the whole homesteading community on youtube. Take care.

[@GoldShawFarm]

Thank you! I'm really curious, as someone who was part of the back to the land movement, what do you think of the modern homesteading movement of today?

[@jobrown7647]

@@GoldShawFarm I am always amazed at how similar the homesteading movement of today is to the back to the land movement. The 'Why' is pretty much the same. Leave the hustle and bustle of city life where one can't even think straight. Move to the land - in our day most of us built our own homes on land we somehow were able to secure. Grow healthy, tasty food. Many of us home-schooled our kids as well. Or started an alternative school of our own. Enjoy a community of like minded folks. Music was a really big deal back then - basically a way to socialize and have some fun. We didn't have much money and relied on bartering and helping each other. The big difference I have noticed is technology of course. I love the online community of homesteaders and do follow vlogs when I can. It is so heartening to see that people all over the world are choosing this kind of lifestyle and wish to care for the land in a responsible way. It is just awesome.

[@littlewhitedory1]

Interesting theory on the darkness and those that seek cyclical time frames to operate at their best! I'm usually negative about the shortening days of fall but perk back up as soon as I sense the dead of winter, usually as being just after the new year....and my mother's birthday (happy birthday mom!) and the holiday rush, so about a week after new years. Then life starts to rush back in and seed selection and space requirements fill our heads.

[@GoldShawFarm]

Same here!

[@SuperKingslaw]

Yep. Star Trek. Star Wars. The Planet of Hoth during wintee. I really enjoy your channel, and your stories. Thanks for plowing ahead. I think you will be rewarded.

[@baamonster2]

I grew up in southern california, so I have a real hard time with the snow and darkness. I'm more of a dry heat type of guy.

[@GoldShawFarm]

Ha...the dry heat!

[@Elenrai]

*hisses at the Sun in Nordic*

[@melodiesproul4109]

I spent eight years in Colorado. That was enough for me. Glad to be back in Southern California. If I never see snow again, I won't be sad. lol

[@hannahwhitney2866]

Yes! We love living and homesteading in Maine, even though it can be challenging. The beautiful summers definitely make it all worth it, and I think the short growing season makes us more efficient. Thanks for the great video!

[@GoldShawFarm]

That's a really good point about efficiency. When you don't have time to waste, you generally don't waste it.

[@SunshineFarm]

& we LOVE that you love homesteading in Maine. We also love visiting your lovely little homestead, so don't ever move!

[@hannahwhitney2866]

@@SunshineFarm not planning on it anytime soon!! 💓

[@StoneyCreekHeritageFarm]

You almost had me talked into moving to Vermont, nice video!

[@GoldShawFarm]

Ha...as my is fond of saying, I could sell water to a drowning man.

[@Beautyjoy98]

I just got to say thank you Morgan for standing up for New Englanders. I live in Maine and lived here my whole life. Sure winter can be tough and long but I wouldn't change it for the world. I love having Four Seasons and get the feel each of the four seasons even though winter doesn't leak into some of them. But it's worth it. An my kids don't go through metal detectors at school sure we have our scares here and there but life is good. Its slower then the rest of the country by just a little bit. But its great. Going camping, swimming, fishing, mini biking, go-karting in the summer is the best. Sledding, snowmobiling, snow ball fights in the winter with other kids on the street is amazing. I wouldn't have exchanged that for nothing. I got amazing memories, growing our own delicious vegetables and us New Englanders are resourceful mofos. Really we are. I may be a women but I can fix just about anything, drive anything and shoot better then any guy I've met but i dont hunt. Target shooting as a teen was the best. An making our own bullets used to embarrass me and I told my dad he better not say nothing to my friends about it. Lol At 14 I got to work for the Master Gun Smith of Maine. An I chopped wood for him in the summer, drive a deuce and half hauling the wood to be chopped next to his huge house and then splitting it, throwing it threw a basement window and then go down in a 120° basement to stack it. Him and his wife were in their late 80's and ran the heat year round with 2 wood fire stoved. I got heat stroke 4 times there one summer. But I liked making money$$$. An after work I got to shoot a 1921 tommy machine gun the old mam owned. I got myself on vhs shooting it. My boss recorded me. That was so mafia gansta style. I felt like a bad ass for the first time ever. If I lived other places I wouldn't have these memories and experiences An my neighbors are friends we all help each other. After my dad was killed they help my mom and I with lots of things we just didnt have the muscle strength but everything else we figured out. I love that my neighbors and I all get along and love and care about each other. Ive lived here 35 yrs and I'm 36. I've raised my sons here in the house I grew up in. Life aint always easy but I'm still blessed. Thank you Morgan!

[@Elroth999]

I grew up in Central Maine, so I know the feel. I live in California now but I really want to move back to a colder climate. I miss the snow and tranquility

[@SimpleLivingAlaska]

Great video, we moved from the PNW to Alaska and the growing season is super short compared to being able to grow year round but yes you are so right it is great for some folks and maybe not for others. Love Hollar Homestead :)

[@GoldShawFarm]

Wow. Was just watching your videos. They are awesome!

[@kellyschwalbert8991]

We moved to northern Maine a bit over a year ago, and while I watched everyone down south do their second planting, I was thrilled to be done up here. I also love that we only had 3 days above 90° this summer. Thanks for this great perspective!

[@catw5294]

I;m with ya, love the 4 seasons and snow doesn't bother me as much as the heat!!

[@TerribleLotus]

I grew up on the very temperate north coast of California (way north of SF). As a child it seemed like all the books i read took places in places with winters like Vermont - lots of snow on the ground all winter. I kind of assumed that most places that got snow, had it all winter. Imagine my dismay when i lived in other places (Colorado, Hungary) to discover that none of these other places had snow all winter. 😂 I’m glad to learn that such cold and snowy places do actually exist and, although i have virtually no dealing with snow knowledge, the idea of having such cold and snowy winters sounds appealing

[@SunshineFarm]

Thanks Morgan for sharing your perspective! That drone footage and the summer footage, goodness it is so stunningly beautiful in Vermont! We agree, seasonal living has its benefits for sure, especially with homesteading. The rest period is amazing, and because we don't get horribly hot summers, there is SO much we can grow during the 6-month growing season. It also teaches you to preserve really well. Climate change is also a really important point. Where we are is also a great place to live with the future effects of climate change. Love from NY! -Jenn

[@GoldShawFarm]

Thank you!

[@northstarprepsteader]

I agree with all your reasons about the cold...especially the work hard for a few months and then have a rest period. By the time spring planting comes around, we are so ready to hit it again. Besides, there's something very invigorating and fresh about the cold!

[@GoldShawFarm]

You're right. That blast of cold air when I go out to do my chores in the morning is better than any cup of coffee around.

[@TealHouseFarm]

Laura and I have always said if we moved anywhere it would be to a colder climate. She grew up in Connecticut and I don't mind the snow...the heat and humidity are bummers. Thanks for the video Morgan!!

[@GoldShawFarm]

I didn't know she was from CT. I grew up there, too.

[@heyitsagoodlife]

I like your points about the sprint vs. marathon, winter traditions, and mild summers... beautiful falls... makes sense. Thanks for sharing :)

[@GoldShawFarm]

Thank you!

[@leelastarsky]

Fall foliage and cold would be a big WIN for me!! Every Summer here (Melbourne Australia) is FIRE SEASON, and literally hell on earth. Not to mention the lack of water...

[@eileenpalumbo6578]

We live in north western Mass on the Vermont border. I like having 4 distinct seasons. After a snowy cold winter spring is so appreciated.

[@GoldShawFarm]

It's like an incredible blast of happiness! It's tough to appreciate it when you don't have the strong contrasts.

[@HomesteadingwiththeHeberts]

The Hollars are great. You definitely painted the picture for what it is like for those of us in the north east. Great Job Morgan

[@GoldShawFarm]

Thank you!

[@loneheronhomestead7260]

Northern Minnesota gal here and I totally agree! Plus, the poisonous creepy-crawlies and slitherers aren't tough enough to live here.

[@GoldShawFarm]

It's true. Our northern creepy crawlies are way less creepy.

[@princesszoeylynn]

I have been watching you videos on fb for a minute. I was exited to see you homestead there. I want to move to Vermont and do kinda the same thing.

[@theresathreadgill1386]

I appreciate that you enjoy your area, but for me I love Texas! Yes we have our issues but I was raised south of Mason dixon line. As an amputee I find it very difficult to get around in 6 inches or more of snow. My favorite temps are above 60 degrees. We get 2 to 3 months of colder weather and I really dislike it. But we grow best where we're planted. Have a good day and take care!

[@GoldShawFarm]

"We grow best where we're planted." I love that!

[@JennyWinters]

I've been in San Antonio and just fried there, there is no way I would live there or Florida due to the heat. Way way too hot. Va farms, KY farms, Tn Farms, Nc farms are great.

[@missyweidenaar5016]

LOVE your perspective on homesteading in the northern climates! Being from Montana, so much of what you're dealing with is so ridiculously familiar. I am loving watching what you guys are doing. Keep it up!

[@GoldShawFarm]

Thank you!

[@ourselfreliantlife]

Good points. There are positives and negatives no matter where you live. We live in the desert. We have obvious water challenges. People may think we're crazy for that.👍

[@GoldShawFarm]

It's true. Everywhere in the world is probably a great place to homestead. It's just knowing how to take advantage of the good parts and deal with hard parts. And attitude. Your attitude makes a massive difference.

[@helenscott8202]

I really dislike the heat, so I moved and taught school outside Denver. I had strep throat from the end of September to May. I had the flu, bronchitis, etc. it was a total nightmare. Worst thing was, when I could get out, I loved the cold. I don’t mind the dark or the weather. I just stayed sick the whole bloody year. I married that August and back to the heat, sigh! Live in Dallas, Texas. My husband hates the cold. Maybe my next life.

[@JohnMartinez-sm1sk]

Love your videos there funny but educational, keep up the quacking

[@brittato]

From zone 4b, I wholeheartedly agree! Thanks for sharing

[@GoldShawFarm]

Thank you!

[@heatheringram2976]

9b is the best zone to homestead. You have a summer garden and a winter garden. No need to have a high tunnel and row covers in the winter. 40- 50 degree days in the winter are fantastic. So much less work preserving and you can be outside with your kids in the winter. Also less need for heat and air conditioning all year. Just open the windows.

[@evagirl3542]

Thank u for saying that.. upstate NY is awesome in the hills..they don't get to ski, sled, snowmobile, and u have to become efficient with what u have..

[@GoldShawFarm]

Well said!

[@CopperIslandHomestead]

I had the same argument as a fellow northerner :) I love the downtime and rest built into a shorter growing season 💜

[@JamieSantos]

Have to agree about the growing season up North; It's not what people think it to be. Lived in SE Michigan ( actually the Thumb of MI) and had a 6k sq ft garden, fruit trees, strawberry patch that would NOT stop producing gorgeous berries, herbs, flowers and also raised Runners and chickens with very few issues. It was horribly cold last winter but can recall food growing in my garden all the way up to November. Because of the erratic climate we now have it is possible to grow year round in most places. We moved south to KY to be closer to family but miss MI weather, culture and overall ambience tremendously. It was a Hygge climate that inspired a great deal of comfort foods, sitting near the fireplace sipping tea or coffee and looking forward to Spring planting season. In all honesty, with the epidemics of viral flu and stomach viruses we NEED a good killing polar vortex to put those puppies to bed. The South stands very little chance in curtailing year round viral infections. I have had 3 since arriving in KY. Oh, did I mention the day we arrived it was a "real feel" of 114? Many things melted in the back of the moving trailer during the move here. A double edged sword that one must choose which side to sharpen. Keep up the good work and know that Vermont has the honor of hosting the two most brilliant and honest Americans ever born in North America; Helen and Scott Nearing. Hope you have a chance to read their story, 'The Good Life'.

[@GoldShawFarm]

I love the Nearings' books. It's one of my favorite winter reads. It's good to learn from the "old ways."

[@lisabits]

YAASS ! Love the Hollars. Love Star Trek. Love living in a northern climate; apparently full of love this morning, maybe more coffee is needed 👀

[@GoldShawFarm]

That cracks me up!

[@batpherlangkharkrang7976]

Hi.... Thank you for sharing your video homestead chicken farmer garden 👋 bye 👋 bye 👋 bye 👋 🎥👍👍👍

[@kimberleyfriesenhahn2515]

There is no place quite like Vermont. I was born here, joined the military and 20 years later I have returned. I lived all over the USA and in Europe and while each area has it's own beauty, Vermont is by far my favorite. It's not for everyone though, Vermont breeds a special kind of person. ;)

[@GoldShawFarm]

Well said!

[@KawaiiKasai]

Louisiana, 4 seasons of growing. Very burnt out. Very. Now imagine 1 of those seasons never dropping below 100° heat index and the winter season being almost constant rain. Brutal.

[@supertrooper7403]

Wicked...yep, acclimating well brother...

[@jaynemar1]

Good thoughts... I’m in central Michigan which is not as chilled as Vermont, but I wouldn’t give up Michigan for anything!

[@GoldShawFarm]

It's really great to love where you live!

[@KarlaHafdahl]

Ken Kesey = look up his books and his life, he was a communal living guy who lived off the land in the 60's, kind of a cool guy, I talked to him one time, had dinner with his family, and talked about his farm, it was really different; long growing season, lots of veges, almost everything; very different but he loved it

[@marilynhukill]

We moved from a 32 acre farm in NE Ohio to a 6 acre in South Mississippi. I couldn't handle the cold anymore. I miss the leaves and first snow.

[@sarainsopo9743]

I’ll never leave Maine. So much to offer and very little annoyances like insane heat...or traffic! Lol. We don’t even use AC! And YES to hibernation. Maybe I become tired of hibernating by April though.

[@GoldShawFarm]

April is the only month where I complain. I will admit to getting a bit stir crazy by then.

[@Wilderstead]

Great video Morgan!! We live in northern Ontario and wouldn't have it any other way!! Absolutely love the winter months for so many reasons. Ice fishing & making maple syrup are just a couple that come to mind. Cheers! Dave

[@GoldShawFarm]

I've never tried ice fishing. I really should. It seems like an awesome pursuit.

[@noworriessoap5494]

Good thoughts on the benefits of homesteading in a cooler climate.

[@GoldShawFarm]

Thank you!

[@edmondsonoffgridhomestead8932]

I totally agree with u Morgan. Who’s wants to garden for 9 months (maybe Jess @ Roots and Refuge;-). Thx for making the case for 🥶 climate farms.

[@GoldShawFarm]

Thanks!

[@amc3582]

you called it man! 🔮

[@natalie-ifatfirstplants]

Thank you for standing up for New England winters!! As a New England native, can't have all these southerners disparaging the most well rounded part of the country all over youtube ;) love the Hollars, though :)

[@GoldShawFarm]

Ha ha ha!

[@dbaileyanorchardistsdaught5041]

Love the Hollar’s! I’m thrilled that Vermont made the list! Oregon wasn’t on their list from the very beginning. 🙁 Yes, we used to be a great state! If I was not a 4th generation orchardist’s daughter and extremely proud of what Orchard View Farms has become, I too would consider Vermont! 🥰🍒

[@GoldShawFarm]

I was just looking at your farm and...WOW! I wouldn't leave for Vermont if were you either.

[@cynthiahamblin-perry5880]

Love those rose colored glasses! After 30 more years you will probably be done with winter! It gets old after a while! Don't get me wrong - I love Vermont but I'm in my 60s now and winter wears on you. I do agree w/ having a break is nice but 3 months of winter would be fine! I wouldn't live anywhere that didn't have four seasons but would be nice to have more Spring so I'm not running around like crazy tying to get it all done in one month! You are right as the climate changes Vermont is probably a safer place to be. We'll see. Stay warm and headed over to catch up on the Hollars.

[@GoldShawFarm]

I think we all dream for more Spring. It seems to go the fastest of the seasons.

[@leslieMClass80]

Totally agree with you!

[@GoldShawFarm]

Thanks, Leslie!

[@Screamingpinesfarm]

I love the snow don't much care for the -20 deg with the wind bowing 30+mph or the politics of MN however i would not think of moving anywere else.I think Life In Farmland,Bear bottom Acers,180 From Average, Jesse James Homestead, And others would agree.I hope. Feeding the animals in the morning when its -20 and dead cold really does get you going for the day.Or ready to sit by that wood stove and give it a big hug.

[@GoldShawFarm]

But those -20 days make you appreciate that wood stove so much more!

[@gardenerjei]

Interesting thoughts. I think people are so different and what they like is different and so we tend to try to live in the climates we like best. I miss the Idaho Mountains something fierce. Long cold snowy Winters, shorts hot dry Summers and our growing season was mid June to mid September (not awesome for growing food). But Missouri has a lot of good to offer! It's just different. I wouldn't live in AZ if you paid me! I have a sister who lives there that really loves it though.

[@GoldShawFarm]

Ha...I totally agree with you about life in AZ.

[@CelticRootsFarm]

Every winter since living in New Hampshire and running a homestead, I am asking this question more and more. “Why do I homestead in a cold climate?!?” LOL

[@jamesalanstephensmith7930]

Right on, looking to permaculture in Maine!

[@keishamurray2711]

The Hollars only missed Kansas and Nebraska. They are awesome. I'm in Texas in zone 8b. We can grow alot of things year round without cover. Tender plants can grow year round with even a single layer of cover most of the time. Our high yesterday was in the 70s. That is warmer than normal but not uncommon to get warm days scattered in like that all year. I never get burned out. There are days I don't want to get out and take care of a garden, but I never get so tired that I want to not be in the garden.

[@GoldShawFarm]

That's a good point about always wanting to "be" in the garden.

[@keishamurray2711]

I have a small garden due to living in a small townhouse in town. Often I just go out to my garden and look at everything even when there is nothing that needs to be done.

[@nancyfahey7518]

Been there, done that. No thanks. I put up with the bugs and the heat in Florida. I had 50° this morning. My plants love it. And between you and Al Lumnah, I get enough snow.

[@GoldShawFarm]

Well, I'm glad you can live vicariously through us.

[@cynthiafisher9907]

I really enjoyed this. I’m a new sub and you are funny! Glad you love where you are. I love SW Idaho, I’ll stay put! I’ve never been to Vermont, but I’ve always wanted to see it. I hope some day I can.

[@GoldShawFarm]

Thank you!

[@Screamingpinesfarm]

Northern climate We can lay on are grass(no fire ants,swim in are lakes and rivers,(no water snakes or aligators),Pick up yard debris( no snakes or scorpions)there is one winter crop( ice fish) only thing going to kill us up here is cold (we are all fire bugs) When spring comes in march and the high is 20 f we can put on are t-shirts again (and shorts) does that cover it.

[@bhavens9149]

in parts of CA you want to NOT be growing in July and August, the rest of the year not a big deal, but at a certain level of heat makes plants as unhappy as a January blizzard. :)

[@GoldShawFarm]

That's a good point and somewhat ironic. While that is peak growing season for us in Vermont, it's basiscally "don't bother" time in Southern CA.

[@bhavens9149]

I was trying to figure out how to get around the heat forever when JM Fortier said on one of his tutorials that he had counseled some California farmers to make that their break, since they could grow in winter. it was an aha! Moment! some stuff you can let grow through that period with some shade cloth and cardboard and mulch and extra water (something you really dont want to waste here in drought land) But cutting way back for those 2 months where I am, makes more sense. 8 weeks, what grows well in 8 weeks, hmmmm Meat Chickens! gonna try it this year I think!

[@lovedbythebestful]

Well said.

[@GoldShawFarm]

Thanks!

[@michellemarie1197]

My dream is to buy a small house outright on my own land and go off grid, that would be awesome, I have debated the pros and cons of living in a warmer climate vs a climate that gets colder, obviously it is much easier to stay warm than it is to cool off so if I were to pursue a homestead in a colder climate I wouldnt worry about AC or refrigeration, which would in a way save money, here in nebraska my aunt and uncle use pellet boilers to mainly heat their house (which is a big 6 bedroom btw) and it works really well, however living in a colder climate does make getting around a lot harder and also not seeing sunlight would depress me cause I do suffer seasonal depression. If i lived in someplace warmer year round I'd be able to see the sun more, getting around places wouldnt be hard, and I could take advantage of lots of solar power, the only bad thing would be having to use AC and modern refrigeration but that wouldnt be too bad in my opinion so idk

[@lizzinlife]

Great content, I think there is an argument to be had that New England has one of the earliest harvest because we produce maple syrup! I can’t wait to tap our maples here in MA.

[@GoldShawFarm]

It's true! Sugar season is one of the true joys of life in New England.

[@HankerinForTheHomestead]

Great video! I think my fears of the cold are having to constantly heat (but we have to do that in OK anyway, just maybe not as long) and the frozen water and pipes. It seems we have frozen pipes every winter, and we really only have to deal with 2 or 3 "cold spells", and the rest of the winter is mild. It's been sunny and in the 60's the last 2 days! I do think I could adjust to the cold though. I love OK though and likely won't be leaving anytime soon. 😁 Thanks for sharing!

[@GoldShawFarm]

Freezing pipes aren't fun. I've found that it has a been to do with how the house is designed. We don't have any water lines that run along our walls. That provides a significant amount of protection and risk mitigation. A lot of warmer climate houses don't have this feature and when the temp drops, the risk of a pipe freezing is much greater.

[@HankerinForTheHomestead]

@@GoldShawFarm I figured the houses and/or plumbing must be built differently up north! That's interesting. I wonder if there'd be a down side for us if we built ours the same, or if it's just costly overkill?!?

[@manganvbg90]

Your farm looks alot like my farm in sweden, just my house is 10 years old. But the barn and nature etc is identical 😅

[@darshayfarmer1440]

😂😂 ❤it! I totally get it. It's hard to explain I miss the snow...if i was rich i would probably live elsewhere in the the summer because it is long crazy hot and no rain... but I enjoy the long growing season sometimes and mild winters sometimes lol I am amped in spring but fall won't lie i'm done.. my husband's done.. we are tired ready for the season to change and then we are tired of mud and wish it would snow lol. It's a never ending cycle. I went raised in CA moved to northern Idaho with my horses and ... yep back to CA mostly because i got offered a really good job. My husband 5th generation cattle rancher, almonds hay, pears, etc... CA to WY diesel mechanic and back to the family farm in CA lol it's ok that's how we met got married started our own farm, cattle program and we have a son. We have non stop talked about moving out of state for soo many reasons. Our goal is someday we can farm full time together instead of my husband working in town full time plus farming full time... we live where we can't afford! Our families have been here for generations. My husband and his dad are the only ones on his side still farming. My side it's me and my dad has a sister and 2 cousins with commercial cattle and sheep.. most of them are out of state. We struggle with permits, regulations, etc... feels like the state is against you making it impossible to survive as a farmer. I won't go into details. It's hard to get by let alone ahead. However every time we have said that's it! let's sell and move! we have ended up with an amazing opportunity hence we are still in CA. If we leave we have 30+ cows, 7 horses, 6 dogs, etc... to move with us. We have land leases we would never get back. In a nut shell We own 3 acres lol couldn't afford it without rental income it was our max budget even with a good down. We lease 500+ irrigated acres and around 5,000+ mountain acres for cattle and horses. Soo it's hard if starting fresh no generation hand me downs we would be gone already. I don't know yet if this is our forever farm but we dive in and do it right. We got our little farm with 2 houses for land value. It's a great investment haven't created debt rebuilding and could easily sell any time. We are hanging tight but keeping an eye out. It's not about us anymore it's about our sons future and building something sustainable. I love KZbin watching everyone's seasons, opinions, ideas, crops, successes and failures. It helps me make better decisions along with such a wonderful learning experience. Thank you for sharing

[@GoldShawFarm]

Wow! That is a very impressive operation.

[@darshayfarmer1440]

@@GoldShawFarm it is but it's very stressful when you don't own enough ground for your livestock. My biggest fear is spring hits and we don't have enough irrigated ground to bring our cows home before fire season. We don't keep our cows in the hills during fire season won't risk it. It's stressful for a solid month each year waiting for the leases to be resigned. For instance just lost 5 acres nextdoor... only 5 acres but that's a very important piece of ground we use next to our home. The owner passed away in December the kids are selling it we offered to buy the field but county won't allow lot line adjustment we can't afford the house too. Last year we got lucky a huge piece sold but new owners signed a 5 year lease. We like long leases :) we literally stop each year and ask any empty piece of ground worth having if they want to lease it out. We always leave properties in better condition then when we got them and never over graze. Even if it's just for hay every lease has a insurance policy and those aren't cheap but are worth it heaven forbid anything happens.

[@rogerwilco2]

I am always surprised by the difference in climate between the USA East Coast and Europe. You're at 44°18'43.9" North. That puts you in Monaco, Florence or Sarajevo in Europe. I live at 53°13'24.7"N and we have a growing season from mid-March to the end of September, about 200 days. In North America that puts you in Labrador, Edmonton Alberta, or just slightly south of the tip of Alaska. And it's not even Scandinavia yet.

[@anthonyhargis6855]

Ahh! The joys of hibernation! I feel ya! LOL

[@homesteadblessings8886]

Not as cold where i live but cold enough and we are trying to homestead but at this point it is in the city. Trying to save money for land because I want out of the city badly. God bless

[@GoldShawFarm]

It's good to have that goal and keep working towards it. I was in a similar position a couple years ago. It will happen for you sooner that you might think if you keep chipping away, day by day.

[@candidethirtythree4324]

Have you ever seen landwatch.com ? That is where we got our property in the Rocky Mountains for less than $1,000 an acre. They have listings for land all over the the USA and some other countries too. There were lots of them that were owner financing too, we didn't look at any of those but there was a large section of them in every state. Our Realtor was awesome! She even came back a year later and helped us find the marker pins around the property, so nice!

[@homesteadblessings8886]

I have and continue to. We are a blended family with our children all out on their own but we both started with nothing. We own a home but it isn't worth nothing because of the city we live. Last year we had to put a new roof on it and of course cost twice what we were told. I garden in containers and we had bought a lot beside us that is half raised beds half ground that we grow. Thank you for lettting me know you were blessed enough to find your special place. Pray that it is God's plan for us to find land that we can get soon. Thank you for taking the time to reply.

[@homesteadblessings8886]

IT is my goal and I have wanted it for many years. I garden, can, dehydrate and freeze all I am able to each year. Just got to find that place that we can have the land I would love.We promised God we would not go into debt so have to find a way to do this. God bless

[@HaywireHomestead]

We don’t get as cold as you. I don’t like super hot days. I also don’t like frozen buckets. Lol I guess I kinda like to be in between.

[@GoldShawFarm]

There's nothing wrong with balance!

[@JennyWinters]

You could have a nice farm in the south that wouldn't be freezing. It's cheaper to live here but you'd have to learn to get along with Southern people which I don't think is going to be a problem as you are outgoing. I never understand cold climates for farms unless the ducks hatch more eggs seeing the Aurora.

[@MrNickelbrille]

I'm in mid-Germany and I often wish it won't be so hot. When it's to cold just wear a jumper. But if it's to hot you can't peel yourself. Ok maybe you could but it looks ugly;-) And no AC for me!

[@delafe]

Hey man, actually been enjoying your videos. You seem pretty down to earth and have dealt with a lot of the issues I have been thinking about. Anyway, I grew up in NYC and have been looking in upstate NY and PA (PA I have kind of written off because every property we looked at either didn't come with OGM rights or the neighbors had fracking going on- the thought of my well water getting contaminated is an issue I just don't want to worry about) but have been moving on to other places in North East and further South. Had not considered Vermont. My biggest issue is having access to affordable and GOOD healthcare. What are your thoughts on this in VT?

[@GoldShawFarm]

So it’s not perfect. We have heath insurance right now through my day job. Our long term is to get it through my wife’s job. But it’s not ideal.

[@BRUtahn]

It is easier to make heat than cold. Warm places are getting hotter and cold places are getting warmer. I feel like living in a cold climate is working with entropy (driving force of the universe) and living in a hot humid climate is working against it.

[@rennells]

Solar lights would help!

[@themarineengineer8094]

I guess it's a kind of reverse "grass is greener on the other side" psychology. Personally I hate the humidity and heat.

[@annasophia7977]

I live in Central New Hampshire and I friggin love that we dont have a bunch of deadly bugs and snakes and crocodile that can eat you while on a walk one day.

[@GoldShawFarm]

Truth!

[@KarlaHafdahl]

I'm Pacific Northwest

[@builtontherockhomestead9390]

I could never live in Vermont. 90f is wonderful temps. Hate, hate, hate the cold. If I didn't have animals, I wouldn't get out of bed when it is below 45f. White stuff is pretty in pictures, but not on my stairs. I will say East TX humidity is not for me either. And growing food all year long is great. More opportunity. I do wish I had a few less cedar trees and more trees that drop leaves. Could use less rocks too. Time to go out and release the feather critters. It is 58f this morning. Suppose to hit 71f.

[@stepht5]

Kiri Hyatt I’m in East Texas! Between Palestine and Jacksonville.

[@GoldShawFarm]

Ha...I'm picturing what it would be like if I didn't get out of bed when it was below 45 degrees!

[@builtontherockhomestead9390]

@@stepht5 only 350+ miles between us. It looks like your east of Athens and I'm south of London.🤣

[@stepht5]

Kiri Hyatt Hahahaha!!

[@makersoutpost]

My wife hates the cold lol

[@PfeilerFamilyFarm]

Layers layers layers and I am not talking about chickens!!!

[@GoldShawFarm]

Excellent point. Nothing is cold if you're wearing two layers of thermal and two layers of flannel under your coat.

[@PfeilerFamilyFarm]

Gold Shaw Farm yup, and then jump into a pair of 6mm neoprene waders for added warmth! 😂🤣