Meadow Oaks Ranch: Building a Ranch with Purpose

What happens when you leave city life behind in search of a more meaningful connection to your food, your land, and your community? Mary sits down with Tim and Sophia Eng of Call to Farms in Tennessee to catch up on everything that has changed since their last conversation in 2024. Tim and Sophia share their journey from California to Tennessee, including the unexpected experiences that led them to a growing homestead, dairy farming, and a wonderful community of like-minded neighbors. They talk about the realities of homesteading, the importance of learning from others, raising children with practical skills, and finding a balance between hard work and enjoying the lifestyle. Sophia also shares the inspiration behind her books, including The Nourishing Asian Homestead, and explains how traditional Asian farming and food practices can help us reduce waste, make better use of what we have, and grow nourishing food for our families. We also talk about the importance of passing knowledge to the next generation, the realities of farm life that social media doesn't always show, and why finding your people can make all the difference. Tim and Sophia have created Call to Farms as a place for homesteaders, aspiring homesteaders, and anyone interested in a more connected way of living to find information, encouragement, and community. In this episode: Tim and Sophia's move from California to Tennessee Finding community and building relationships with neighbors Growing from a small homestead into a larger farming operation Raising children with responsibility, resilience, and practical skills The inspiration behind The Nourishing Asian Homestead Korean natural farming, composting, and making the most of what you have Food as nourishment, healing, and love The realities of farm life, including the difficult days Creating a community where homesteaders can learn and connect Find Tim and Sophia: Website and community: Call to Farms Books: Available through Call to Farms and Chelsea Green Publishing Homesteading real estate: Homesteading Agent Family blog: Sprinkle with Soil Sometimes the best thing we can grow on a homestead isn't food. It's community, relationships, and a willingness to learn from one another. This episode is sponsored by Greenbush Twins & Company. https://www.homesteadliving.com/subscribe/ref/41/ https://homesteadliving.com/the-old-fashioned-on-purpose-planner/ref/41/ www.patreon.com/atinyhomestead If you'd like to support me in growing this podcast, like, share, subscribe or leave a comment. Or just buy me a coffee  https://buymeacoffee.com/lewismaryes

What does it really mean to be prepared, and why are so many people suddenly talking about emergency preparedness? Mary sits down with Jason of Kentucky Sustainable Living for a practical, down-to-earth conversation about preparing for uncertain times without giving in to fear. Jason shares how he got started in homesteading and preparedness, the development of Kentucky Sustainable Living, and the classes and consultations he offers to help people become more self-sufficient. Together, Mary and Jason discuss building a sensible food and water supply, planning for power outages, learning traditional skills, emergency communications, and why buying a bunch of supplies without a plan isn't really preparedness. They also talk about the importance of knowing how to start a fire, cook without electricity, navigate with a map and compass, and develop skills that many of us have lost in our increasingly convenient world. The biggest takeaway? Don't panic. Make a plan, start where you are, and learn to take care of yourself before an emergency happens. Find Jason and learn more about his classes, consultations, training, and preparedness resources at: Kentucky Sustainable Living You can also find Kentucky Sustainable Living on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. Visit Mary at A Tiny Homestead.   This episode is sponsored by Greenbush Twins & Company. https://www.homesteadliving.com/subscribe/ref/41/ https://homesteadliving.com/the-old-fashioned-on-purpose-planner/ref/41/ www.patreon.com/atinyhomestead If you'd like to support me in growing this podcast, like, share, subscribe or leave a comment. Or just buy me a coffee  https://buymeacoffee.com/lewismaryes

Mary welcomes back Sidney Greenbush of Greenbush Twins and Company for another wonderful conversation about community, creativity, history, and the importance of human connection. Sidney shares how her year has unfolded in California, including the ongoing challenges of drought and wildfires. She also talks about her children's book series, Seven Sisters: Lantern of Humanity, and the thought and craftsmanship behind creating a beautiful, durable book that encourages kindness, empathy, and cooperation. We talk about Sidney's summer travels through Little House on the Prairie country, including visits to Walnut Grove, Mansfield, and Independence, Kansas. Along the way, she shares fascinating discoveries about the real Ingalls family, especially the remarkable women whose contributions to journalism, literature, and their communities deserve more recognition. You'll also hear about a special historical discovery in Independence: the recovery of Dr. George Tan's original medical bag and the efforts to preserve it for future generations. And, of course, Mary and Sidney revisit their Minnesota adventures, including a stop at Minnesota's Biggest Candy Store! It's a conversation filled with laughter, history, wonderful stories, and reminders that the things we create, the people we connect with, and the stories we preserve really do matter. In this episode: Sidney's children's book and the values behind the Seven Sisters series Why handmade, thoughtfully created products matter Building community and encouraging meaningful human connections Sidney's summer Little House on the Prairie travels The often overlooked accomplishments of Carrie, Grace, Rose, and the Ingalls women The fascinating story behind the discovery of Dr. Tan's medical bag A visit to Minnesota's Biggest Candy Store Upcoming events and ways to connect with Sidney Find Sydney: Website: https://greenbushtwins.com You can also find Sidney on Facebook and Instagram and sign up for her newsletter through her website. Upcoming events mentioned: Cowgirl Christmas at the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame in Fort Worth, Texas, December 5. Plum Creek Christmas Afternoon Tea Party in the Fort Worth area, December 6. Thank you to Sidney for coming back to the show and for the wonderful work she does to keep history, creativity, and community alive!   This episode is sponsored by Greenbush Twins & Company. https://www.homesteadliving.com/subscribe/ref/41/ https://homesteadliving.com/the-old-fashioned-on-purpose-planner/ref/41/ www.patreon.com/atinyhomestead If you'd like to support me in growing this podcast, like, share, subscribe or leave a comment. Or just buy me a coffee  https://buymeacoffee.com/lewismaryes

What does it take to build a ranch, raise a family, serve your country, and help other veterans find their place in agriculture? Mary talks with Joseph Presher, co-owner of Meadow Oaks Ranch in North Carolina, about the hard work, determination, and purpose behind his growing agricultural business. Joseph and his wife, Brittany, run a direct-to-consumer ranch selling beef, pork, and chicken. They have also expanded into agritourism, hosting events where families can meet farm animals, enjoy coffee with Highland cows, and learn more about where their food comes from. Joseph shares how his childhood on a dairy farm, his military career as an active-duty Green Beret, and his experiences starting a ranch inspired him to help other veterans enter agriculture. Through the Land and Legacy Summit and his work with the Farmer Veteran Coalition, he is helping aspiring farmers navigate everything from finding land and securing financing to building a business and marketing their products. Mary and Joseph also discuss the challenges facing American cattle producers, the importance of rebuilding the nation's cattle herd, and why understanding the time, money, and dedication required to raise livestock matters to everyone who eats. This conversation is about much more than farming. It is about family, perseverance, community, and making sure the next generation understands the people and hard work behind our food. In this episode, we discuss: Building Meadow Oaks Ranch while serving in the military Direct-to-consumer meat sales and working with other local ranchers Agritourism and teaching children where their food comes from The Land and Legacy Summit and helping veterans enter agriculture The realities of starting a farm or ranch from scratch The challenges facing cattle producers and the future of the beef supply Raising children on a ranch and building a family business Why mentorship, community, and hard work matter in agriculture Find Meadow Oaks Ranch: Look for Meadow Oaks Ranch on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. Learn more about Mary and the podcast at attinyhomestead.com.   This episode is sponsored by Greenbush Twins & Company. https://www.homesteadliving.com/subscribe/ref/41/ https://homesteadliving.com/the-old-fashioned-on-purpose-planner/ref/41/ www.patreon.com/atinyhomestead If you'd like to support me in growing this podcast, like, share, subscribe or leave a comment. Or just buy me a coffee  https://buymeacoffee.com/lewismaryes

What does it mean to live a more self-sufficient life, feed your family well, and find joy in the everyday work of homesteading? Mary visits with Rebekah Harmon of Healthy, Green, and Brave in rural Idaho. A mom of six, Rebekah shares how she transformed her family's eating habits, discovered the value of growing her own food, and built a homestead that brings her family closer to the land and the food they eat. Mary and Rebekah talk about food storage, emergency preparedness, cooking from scratch, preserving seasonal harvests, and finding ways to grow or source local food, even if you don't have a big garden. They also discuss the learning curve of homesteading, keeping bees and other animals, making homemade foods, and teaching children where their food comes from. This is a warm, honest conversation about building practical skills, making the most of what you have, and finding satisfaction in creating a life that feels meaningful. You don't have to do everything at once. Start small, keep learning, and enjoy the journey. In this episode: Why food storage and basic emergency preparedness matter How to get started cooking from scratch Growing, buying, and preserving seasonal produce Teaching children to appreciate real food Rebekah's journey into homesteading and nutrition The joys and challenges of raising animals and keeping bees Why homesteading encourages creativity, resilience, and lifelong learning Rebekah's upcoming homestead fiction book, Finding Home Find Rebekah: Healthy, Green, and Brave on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Find Mary: Visit A Tiny Homestead for more homesteading conversations and inspiration. This episode is sponsored by Greenbush Twins & Company. https://www.homesteadliving.com/subscribe/ref/41/ https://homesteadliving.com/the-old-fashioned-on-purpose-planner/ref/41/ www.patreon.com/atinyhomestead If you'd like to support me in growing this podcast, like, share, subscribe or leave a comment. Or just buy me a coffee  https://buymeacoffee.com/lewismaryes

What happens when a love of baking, a family tradition, and a passion for sharing joy come together? Meet Hasnaa Mokhtar, founder of It's a Date Bakery in Pennsylvania! Hasnaa joins Mary to talk about her journey from journalism and nonprofit work to starting a licensed home bakery specializing in delicious date treats. She shares her love of dates, the many varieties available, creative fillings and chocolate coatings, and why these naturally sweet fruits deserve a place in your kitchen. Mary and Hasnaa also talk about homemade nut butters, reading food labels, the appeal of baking from scratch, and the comfort that comes from creating something with your hands. The conversation takes a heartfelt turn as Hasnaa shares her thoughts on motherhood, personal growth, emotional healing, and raising a son to be kind, confident, and comfortable expressing his emotions. It's a warm, honest conversation about food, family, entrepreneurship, and finding joy in the middle of a busy life. Find It's a Date Bakery: Website: https://itsadatebakery.com Instagram: @its.adatedesserts Visit A Tiny Homestead at https://atinyhomestead.com to learn more about the podcast. Thanks for listening!   This episode is sponsored by Greenbush Twins & Company. https://www.homesteadliving.com/subscribe/ref/41/ https://homesteadliving.com/the-old-fashioned-on-purpose-planner/ref/41/ www.patreon.com/atinyhomestead If you'd like to support me in growing this podcast, like, share, subscribe or leave a comment. Or just buy me a coffee  https://buymeacoffee.com/lewismaryes

What if you could turn your skills, your backyard, and your love of the outdoors into a simpler way of life? In this episode, Mary talks with Luke Wood of Lowcountry Homesteading LLC in South Carolina. After years working as a motorcycle technician and land surveyor, Luke decided to build a life that gave him more freedom, more time outdoors, and more opportunities to help others embrace homesteading. Luke shares how he and his family are creating a business around backyard improvements, raised garden beds, fruit trees, walkways, and other projects that help people become more self-sufficient. His wife also makes and sells homemade soap, including a special soap designed to help keep pesky bugs at bay. Mary and Luke discuss gardening through extreme heat and drought, saving water for the garden, growing food at home, and why even a small patch of yard can become a productive garden. They also talk about the value of learning practical skills, using what you have, and finding more happiness in the simple things. Whether you dream of a full homestead or just want to grow a little of your own food, Luke's story is a reminder that you can start where you are and build a more self-reliant life one project at a time. Find Luke: Lowcountry Homesteading LLC on Facebook Find Mary: ATinyHomestead.com Thanks for listening to!   This episode is sponsored by Greenbush Twins & Company. https://www.homesteadliving.com/subscribe/ref/41/ https://homesteadliving.com/the-old-fashioned-on-purpose-planner/ref/41/ www.patreon.com/atinyhomestead If you'd like to support me in growing this podcast, like, share, subscribe or leave a comment. Or just buy me a coffee  https://buymeacoffee.com/lewismaryes

Meet Misty and Jamie of J&M’s Hodge Podge Ranch in Kansas! Their little ranch is home to a wonderful mix of animals, including Highland cattle, goats, donkeys, chickens, ducks, sheep, pigs, and emus. What started with a love of Highland cows has grown into a place where people can connect with animals, learn about farm life, and make special memories. We talk about the importance of helping children understand where their food comes from, the joy of introducing kids to farm animals, and why caring for animals takes time, patience, and commitment. You’ll also meet Wheelie Nelson, an adorable disabled goat who has captured hearts with his wheelchair and sweet personality. Misty and Jamie share the realities of caring for Wheelie and their hopes of bringing smiles to children who could use some extra encouragement. Join us for a fun, heartwarming conversation about animals, education, and the rewards of opening your heart and your farm to others. Find J&M’s Hodge Podge Ranch: Look for them on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Visits are by appointment. Learn more about your host at ATinyHomestead.com. This episode is sponsored by Greenbush Twins & Company. https://www.homesteadliving.com/subscribe/ref/41/ https://homesteadliving.com/the-old-fashioned-on-purpose-planner/ref/41/ www.patreon.com/atinyhomestead If you'd like to support me in growing this podcast, like, share, subscribe or leave a comment. Or just buy me a coffee  https://buymeacoffee.com/lewismaryes

Big changes and exciting news are happening at Cole Canyon Farms! Mary welcomes Morgan back for their ninth conversation to share an update on her family's journey through land disputes, farming challenges, and the search for a place to call home. Morgan and her husband have sold their former property and moved to a new 20-acre farm in Montana. Their new home comes with something they desperately needed: water! With a successful well, plenty of outbuildings, a large barn, a fascinating old library, and room to grow, the future is looking brighter than ever. Morgan shares news about her growing goat cheese business, her new Guernsey calf named Mavis, a pregnant pony, plans for a new home and cheese-making room, and an upcoming YouTube channel. She also opens up about the difficult years that brought her family to this point, the lessons she's learned, and why persistence matters when farming gets hard. This conversation is about more than a new farm. It's about family, resilience, learning from setbacks, caring for animals, and trusting that sometimes a difficult chapter can lead to a wonderful new beginning. In this episode, we discuss: Finding and buying the right property for a small farm The challenges and costs of drilling a well Plans for Cole Canyon Farms and future agritourism Growing a goat cheese business and welcoming a new cow Building a farm that can support the next generation The importance of perseverance, family, and hope Join Mary and Morgan for an honest, heartfelt conversation about farming, fresh starts, and the possibilities that come when you keep going. Find Morgan and Cole Canyon Farms: Visit the Cole Canyon Farms website at www.colcanyonfarms.com and look for updates on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Find Mary: Visit atinyhomestead.com to learn more about A Tiny Homestead, and gritandgraceintheheartland.com for Grit and Grace in the Heartland: Women in Agriculture. This episode is sponsored by Greenbush Twins & Company. https://www.homesteadliving.com/subscribe/ref/41/ https://homesteadliving.com/the-old-fashioned-on-purpose-planner/ref/41/ www.patreon.com/atinyhomestead If you'd like to support me in growing this podcast, like, share, subscribe or leave a comment. Or just buy me a coffee  https://buymeacoffee.com/lewismaryes

Join Mary for a conversation with Kristle of The Wholehearted Rancher in central California. Kristle and her husband run a large cattle ranch while also farming almonds, raising a family, and managing the demands of a busy ranching life. Kristle shares the story behind her Branded in Faith T-shirt subscription, created to encourage women in agriculture, ranching, and homesteading. Her mission is to build community, offer inspiration, and remind women to take time for themselves, even when life gets busy. Mary and Kristle also talk about calving season, cattle breeding, the realities of ranch work, and the many people who make it possible to get food from the ranch to our tables. They discuss the importance of supporting agricultural families and recognizing the hard work of everyone in the food supply chain. It's an encouraging conversation about faith, family, hard work, self-care, and following through on a dream. Find Kristle: Website: thewholeheartedrancher.com Find The Wholehearted Rancher on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok for ranch life, inspiration, and Branded in Faith T-shirts.   This episode is sponsored by Greenbush Twins & Company. https://www.homesteadliving.com/subscribe/ref/41/ https://homesteadliving.com/the-old-fashioned-on-purpose-planner/ref/41/ www.patreon.com/atinyhomestead If you'd like to support me in growing this podcast, like, share, subscribe or leave a comment. Or just buy me a coffee  https://buymeacoffee.com/lewismaryes