The Ever Changing To Do List of Building a Homestead | VLOG
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 9 ก.พ. 2025
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I am so in love with the new cast member, Katie. I'm so glad she found y'all.
The best advice I ever received after moving to the country and having animals: Good fences make good neighbors.
Lack of good fences will result in broken neighbor relations that can last for YEARS...
I agree!
Unless your neighbor has adolescent children who want to race motorcycles or 4 wheelers in your pasture. They'll likely cut the fence and expect you to still repair it after their fun... Or you'll be to blame if the cows or pigs get out through the hole that they cut "just to have some fun" -- or maybe your fence maintenance just wasn't that good. That's what's so bad about the dogs mentioned -- they get to roam free to "do their business" and "socialize" at the expense of a neighbor or the neighbor of a neighbor. That's why a good long range 22 caliber or 30/30 is so good to have, but use of such a weapon may traumatize their children. In many cases you can use a donkey or a camelid (e.g., an alpaca or llama) as a guardian animal against dogs or coyotes.
Robert Frost!
My husband says this all the time! 😂😂
@@richardmassoth8237 sometimes a pellet gun is enough of a deterrent. I would definitely take some pretty definite steps to get the dog situation under control… we had a neighbor kid start letting their lab and hound out and in two trips they wiped out our whole flock. Even with the chickens in our goat proof pasture.
our local Home Depot put signs on their freezers calling them "One Buck", "Two Buck", and "Three Buck " freezers- northern Michigan is white-tailed deer heaven. No metric system there!! LOL
We measure distance in minutes. It'll take you a good 2 1/2 hours to get to Austin from here.
Love it. If they did that here in California most people wouldn't know what that meant. Lol.
@@janeceulrich6633 we measure distance in how long it takes to get somewhere too! I am in MT.
Old days pick up beds were sized by hay bails. My grandad's was a two bail truck.
Growing up you could play out of the yard by certain number of street lamps, and you had to be home when they came on.
You telling about Miah asking you to come dream with him, is the most romantic thing I’ve ever heard a husband say to his wife. You got a good one Jess! Y’all are perfect for each other!
So your willow should eventually be 12-13 Dads tall! 👨🌳🏡
Was trying to figure out how many dads wide..🤔😁😁😁
I love the Dad's tall measurement!
Jill said recently that she loves how there’s water everywhere on the homestead thanks to Miah! 😃
Hahaha He means business when it comes to running water lines!
I’m so glad you kept Katie, she’s so happy with you guys ❤️. And she makes you happy! ❤️
"Wanna come dream with me?" That's the sweetest invitation I've heard in a long time. :) You've definitely got the perfect place to do it.
7:10 Sweet Miah turns total Farm Boy
Off Grid with Doug and Stacey whole farm is rain catchment, gravity fed piping from out bldg to cabin. Doug did a You Tube episode sometime back about the whole thing.
That was so dear, Ben saying the closing along with Mama. 💓💓💓
A boy and his dog on a farm. Perfection!!!!!!
I want to find a man that comes up to me and asks “do you want to come dream with me?” My heart melted ❤️ you guys are amazing and such an inspiration. I love following this adventure and watching your dreams come true. 🙌🏼
Bens face when he hears that there are bats! That little man is pure sunshine and melts my heart with his cuteness! Of course he gets it from his beautiful parents! So much love for you all R&R ❤️
The best thing that ever happened to Katy was being dumped at Ben's house.
Agreed!
A boy and his Dog
Yes!
Agreed, she is so cute and happy just running following him and Toby. So cute!
Katy is amazing, I hope the prior family isn't missing her. I had those pups and loved them! She is definitely in a very loved family now!
When we started on our blank homestead almost 4 years ago it has come a long way and we have added so much but we still have a to do/wish list 5 miles long!! Just pray and have faith like you told me 3 years ago almost 4 just toust focus one thing at a time and GOD will provide!!!!
I love their new place so wide and open, a true blank canvas to make your dream homestead!
It’s so refreshing to see a dad who is so touchy with their son(s). Kids, no matter the age, need our reassurance and stability. Keep up the good work!!
Having a husband who pulls up and says "hey, you wanna go dream with me" is such a wonderful thing. I'm so happy that you have it.
NO TO THE BAT HOUSE! Hey guys, you don't want to put your bat house on the side of your pumphouse. It will probably not get used. Your bat house should be about 12-20 ft high with 6-8 hours of direct sunlight a day. Bats are cool but they're very picky about their habitat.
You can probably Google it but if memory serves me correctly that's what I learned when mine filled up with wasps instead of bats. Lol
I came by to say something similar. We have had a bat taken by our cat. The wildlife folks said it was likely because the bat was staying in a low place and the cat got it before it was able to get airborne.
Exactly, yes to bats but put them high up and facing the correct way.
@@catherinecunningham7126 You can put bat houses back to back on a 20 foot pole facing east and south.
@@gelwood99 , I couldn’t remember the correct position! 🦇
Bats will destroy your fruit trees. They'll pick off a bite here and there off every fruit then leave the waste to rot.
I like how Miah thinks about running water all over the place now! Great plan.
I wish your Husband had his own channel showing the progress of everything he's doing to set up your new Homestead.
Wish I had a handyman like Miah...I just don't want to be married. I tried it twice, it wasn't my thing. I do most of the work at my place by myself, I do a lot of TH-cam video watching before I tackle a project and I do the best that I can.
I am old and widowed. Wish I had a handyman that didn't charge an arm and leg. Social security doesn't allow for much extra cash.
I’m with you Lana M😌🦋
I agree, marriage was good for me to have my lovely kids
BUT, since I divorced & my EX died, I have a great relationship with the kids. And I don't want to have to answer to another person and I like living in my own place. Is there even another male out their that feels the same....
I don't think i have ever seen Bear run that fast before!! :))
That little Katie is a blessing to your little guy!
That's why I read comments too, I find a lot of great ideas.
Hey Miah- when you put those bat houses up be sure to put them up high enough to allow for swoop room. Does this make sense? They should be mounted in an area that gets 6-8 hours of direct sunlight (facing either East or South). 20 to 30 ft. from tree branches or other obstacles and 12 to 20 ft above the ground.
I have a friend whose kitty keeps bringing in baby bats (they might just be little 🙄), is there a benefit to having a bat house? Bugs is all I can think of. Thanks!! I will show her your answer.
@@heatherk8931 Hey! I live in North Florida so removing any amount of mosquitoes is pretty awesome in my books! And bats have been having a really hard time lately, not as many around as there used to be. I have friends in Canada and they said they haven’t been seeing any at all lately. Very sad 😢 If providing them with any kind of housing helps I’m all for it!
Miah is sooo much more into how the farm works than when you really began sharing your lives with the world. Instead of just building what you want built, he is helping plan the most efficient way to accomplish the end goals.
Can anyone else appreciate Jess' camera equipment?! As a part time photographer I'm always drooling at the low light quality of the videos 😍
- 7:11 - all you need now is a pitchfork and you got yourself a modern American Gothic - Miah cracks me up
I thought the same thing!!😂
Love how Ben sat so quiet while you were talking. He was getting sleepy but when you mentioned the bats he was wide awake again. And God said it is good. Love watching you build your farm.
I really appreciate you discussing planting after animals have been there. It was a well thought out explanation and reasoning that provided information for people to think about.
Making due is a Midwest mentality. I really believe that. Getting things fixed right is often either very hard or expensive and making due is just easier for the time being… unfortunately that can be years. You are blessed to have Jeremiah that is thinking about setting up the water and other important infrastructure before you have to make due. Give that man a hug!
Having small kiddos I would worry that the dogs would attack my child. I hope your neighbors understand they need to keep their dogs on leash and own property. Even your own dogs could be attacked by them. Good to hear you talked with them, hope they listen.
If they don't understand, a small claims court case for the lost livestock can be convincing
So refreshing to hear that you read and consider advice on offer. Not all homesteader do this......🥰🥰🥰
Awww, Katie just loves Ben. Very very sweet, the two of them!
Jessie, your hair looks really cute up.
It's dusk, the bats are flying out over your fields and the moon is rising over your right shoulder! Gorgeous!
You have a lovley family. And the lil one is adorable.
Ben is so sweet. You all make me smile every time I watch a video. Thank you for that.
I'm so sorry about the loss of your birds! That is a big loss - at least in my opinion. I hope the owner of the dogs offered you some sort of compensation.
Blessings to all!
Your little guy is so smart and cute.
Oh my goodness that is terrible about the ducks and chickens. My dad told me that when dogs get the taste of blood from killing animals they will always kill, especially if their are two or more of them together. What a shame that you have neighbors like that. They are not good neighbors if they allow their dogs to kill other peoples animals. They are not good dog owners either.
I've found over the years of living in areas where people let dogs wander, that no matter how friendly or well behaved your dog is, they develop a "pack mentality" when they gather in groups. They will attack other animals, including large livestock especially during birthing times. Ranchers here have calves, goats and other young animals killed and older cattle and horses mauled severe enough to have to be put down, by "friendly" family pets... it's never a good idea to let your dogs roam.
Im also concerned about this, by the sounds of it, that talk. Didnt go too well. But you shouldnt be having other peoples dogs showing up and causing damage. The least they could do is keep them inside until you can keep them *out* right?
@@lauralyndickson7056 People who do that unfortunately tend to loose their animals. If the owner really cared about their dog they wouldn't let them roam and kill other animals.
Garden answer’s infrastructure planning is spot on for future roots and refuge growth vision. Great videos.
I suggested Garden Answer too.👍👍
I really wish there was a Love button! Great video !i love how you Bless us every time you say Good Bye, I Bless you all too!
Jason at Cog Hill Farm had one of the big wire and water containers with the top off. He made a worm bed in it. He had it by his garden and when it rained he took the drain off and put it on his garden!❤️
Love their creative farm, Sweet family.🙋🏼♀️🕊
You folks are inspirational and beautiful. Love your romantic point of view. 🙏🌹❤️❤️❤️
Jess, thank you so much for introducing me to the "yard long" green beans. I planted them two months ago and have been harvesting the the last two weeks. They are prolific, easy to pick and ready for harvest in a short period of time. We have been able to share (garden blessings) with our neighbors and friends.
(Will work for space!) Old ways In the new world. Blessings to you All
Night folks💐🇮🇪
Those fuzzy pigs crack me up! Love your channel! God bless❤️
I live in Lexington, SC and when I watch these video's it feels like home to me. I always felt like we live in a beautiful state and I'm glad you are showing it to the world. Thank you!
Awe love Ben he so sticking cute
Stinking *
Totally enjoy this story of your progress. Doing the Dream with Lords blessings. Ben is so precious. Thanks
We have a seat belt that hooks on her harness for our dog in every vehicle. They keep your dog safe. Our small dog loves riding in our side by side.
Little Katie dog an Benny are so sweet.
Oh yall. Love your love
Katie did manage to pick the best family and little boy she could find. She’s one lucky pup to have a family that cares about her and a little boy to run around with.
So pretty night sky. Hate night time getting earlier
Aaron and Laura from Garden Answer have good videos about irragation systems on a large property. KATIE IS SO CUTE!!!
I am glad to see that everything is starting to get settled in and the starting to get the homestead established. On a side note I enjoy the devotionals that are periodically presented thankyou for helping to be a light upon a hill and not cover it with a basket.
I haven't heard you say it I don't think in which direction the sun rises & sets for summer & winter. Remember to layout gardens North & South. Also lay outbuildings in a way if you need shade, wind blocks etc. You know free protection from heat, wind & cold. This is so much fun watching you create something beautiful from a good patch of ground. It is a HUGH advantage to have all these eyes & experiences to draw from. The only snippet I could give was from my Grandfather. "Slow down, Take your time and do it right the 1st time"
Yes, greenhouse needs to be oriented east/west.
It's so funny.... when I see Miah it's just like looking at a grown Toby. Their mannerisms, facial expressions... not to mention how much they just plain look alike 😄
BATS! Bats are so awesome! What wonderful garden friends they are!
I love the peacefulness of nature during sunset/twilight. It just feels so comforting. It’s so cool that you’ve got bats overhead, I don’t know why so many people get freaked out by them, they’re the cutest little things.
Oh folks! Sticker, tshirt, tank - “Hey you wanna go dream with me!! Wilder Still”. Would be nice for future planning........blessings to you folks!
Wow, is it me or has been grown noticeably taller? I realize he’s going to be growing taller, but I’m surprised that there seems to be such a big difference from when you guys were in Arkansas up to now! Still as adorable as ever. Y’all are helping Katie live her best life. I’m guessing Bear must love having enough space to go at a full run. 😀
Miah needs a straw hat and overalls. I love all the videos of both places and the journey you took to get to your forever home in South Carolina.
Bennie is just the cutest little nugget! I love how he always wants to be near you and Miah. His smile made my day. 💕
Love to see the excitement on your face when talking about your plans for garden spaces!! Benjamin brings joy to my heart when I see his sweet face light up in awe of a new discovery😊
Al Lumnah of Lumnah Acres always brings the compost to the SIDE of his high tunnel for easy spread of compost. Keep tractor space in between and/or on outside sides in mind.
Have several motion lights around your place, they will alert you if there are predators around, I believe they have some with house chimes also. ❤️
And trail cams.
Benjamin! U r adorable!!
Weeping Willows remind me of the book of Psalms chapter 137. 🌳
Such lovely evening light. When we planted after the pigs pasture, we waiting 3-4 months and only planted above ground veggies. Punkins, squash, melons. Because of pigs and chance of trictamonis (?), we just didn’t want the edible part of the food come in contact with the soil. It always worked. Absolutely love your videos.
This is exactly what we read!
Bay houses, gourds and different bird houses are great building projects for the kids. They also really benefit the farm. Some species of wild birds will even help scare off the crows and hawks.
I just love Katie so much. She seems so incredibly happy with you guys.
Dream. Don't stop. You are young and have so much road ahead of you. Keep pushing...for later when you are a much older duck, you will look back on this time and wonder how you did it all. I do it all the time.
Every day out there is a new adventure. Blue Herons and bats. Who could ask for anything more?
I love your dynamic with your husband, feels like my house! You're so cute together 💕. Funny coincidence, we helped grab two dogs who were attacking our next door neighbors chickens this morning. Thankfully no chickens were killed, the dogs had tags from another state, had to have the police pick them up.
Was thinking about your father.... hope he’s arrived safely, well and enjoying his stay.
Wait wait wait... you had a conversation with the dogs owners and you had to still move your birds? What the heck? If someone told me that my dog killed someone's animal, I'd immediately fence in MY dog not have the other people inconvenienced.
Agreed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Maybe with current wood prices they can’t afford it? Jess seems very tolerant
I'd feel absolutely awful if my animals killed 12 animals somewhere else! The 1st time... then the 2nd... then the 12th time 🤷🏽♀️🤷🏽♀️🤷🏽♀️🤷🏽♀️ its negligence or somethin. Def not responsible ownership
@@serobinson1 They could at least chain them up.
We have bird dogs with strong prey drive, but we have taught them that chickens aren’t prey. They leave our chickens at the farm alone, and the neighbor’s chickens at the house (two different properties) alone as well. We have ducks as well. Dogs are smart. Ours know the difference between wild ducks and our ducks. Of course, they will stand outside the rabbit pen and point for hours, lol. But even when they have gotten into the rabbit pen, they run and point and wait for a command to take it. Responsible dog owners teach and train and work with their dogs.
Praise God Your Dads healed. I live vicariously through you how I wish my life could have been. Too old to try to start to farm animals, but I'm trying some vegetable gardening and loving your tips and teaching.
You could also put chickens in the farrowing area (when it's not in use) to help get the soil ready for high tunnels too!
That’s what I was thinking… chickens are nature’s disinfectors.
Always look forward to your updates - don't ever forget us! My dream was to have a farm from a very young age so living vicariously through you all! Love the patience you both have with the boys we all could learn a lot from you both.
Jess may be a dreamer n impulsive but Miah keeps her feet on the ground. You make a good working couple. Keep it up. And Benji will be your child who will carry on in the future. Good job ya'all.
I've always been concerned that the high tunnels right at the front block your view of who's coming through the gate and onto your property.
My dream is to buy some property in either Kentucky, Tennessee, Missouri, or Arkansas and have a small homestead. (It would not be our primary course of income but just to be more self sufficient). We nearly bought something a while back but someone bought it within 24 hours and so we didn’t have a chance. Now unfortunately property prices are going back up. So we will just wait until prices drop again. Currently live in Northern IL and I can’t wait to get out of this state.
As a life long Missourian.You will love it here! 4 seasons and all year beauty.
th-cam.com/video/JicRc548xVw/w-d-xo.html. This will help you acquire a new property. Book-The wealth of the wicked by Stephen Glenn amazon read back cover
@@leatonyaking1 how is mosquitoes in the summer?
@@camicri4263 not many mosquitoes in Mo. or AR
Yep..want out of Illinois..asap
I love the squirrel in "Ice Age" movies. I got your joke.
Irrigation is super important, I learned a lot from watching Aaron and Laura from Garden Answer, really helps in trouble shooting and knowing what to buy for which areas.
My sweet hubby has just finished installing irrigation to my greenhouse, the garden and to the chickens. So handy, I’m not missing dragging hoses Lol!
I love the added water catchment system off the high tunnel roofs idea.
Hey Jess! I love what you are doing at you know place 🤩
Could you please share what camera and lens you use? Everything looks beautiful ❤️
Thank you 🙏🏼
Katy is so adorable and obviously so very happy and blessed to have found her furrever family!
Hello my dear friend blessings guys
Y’all are just cute and silly today, good for the soul.
AHHH so Miah is going to be building "Portable Pig Parlors".
We bought our property fenced. It is awesome
Jess, it was very nice to meet Miah today. I hope all is well with your dad and his visit here in S.C. May God continue blessing you all. HUGS!!
Re: Getting the windows. ♡♡♡
Oh thank you so much for your help on that!! I am so excited!
My favorite tree - weeping willow ❤ I grew up always calling it a hippy tree since I was born in '62 bummer about your birds getting knocked off by the dogs 😔 hopefully that issue gets resolved. And just have to say, you two are the cutest couple 💑 and with the cutest kids 💕❤♡
Great video and you must be enjoying every moment of this 🏴❤️🏴❤️
Nice to see both of y’all on camera on without Jess holding the camera. Also a hanging out With little Ben day is always a good day 😊
All your videos from when you first got to SC are popping up.. great seeing the land at the beginning and how it has developed.
I love your signing off...We bless you, Jess, Ben, and Jeremiah.
Electric fence for the chicks and moving them will help the pasture too...love hearing keeping all live stock moving! and love the Gothic American Farmer pose! (Needs to be a tea shirt)