Hey guys, hope you enjoyed this video about the different side of homesteading. Here is the full article: www.rootsreconnected.com/articles/think-twice-before-you-start-a-homestead Here is the checklist I mentioned in the video: learn.rootsreconnected.com/homestead-startup-checklist Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 0:23 1. Financial strain 3:12 2. Time commitment 5:59 3. Physical demands 7:40 4. Isolation 10:24 5. Emotional toll 12:33 Homestead Startup Checklist
I am 76 and 7 months ago I started a food forest on a bare paddock with help with the heavy work getting loads of veg but don’t expect fruit for at least a year however I have always been happiest working in the garden. My first husband died suddenly shortly after we moved to our first bare paddock after the death of my son I moved to live with my elder daughter and her husband. Have recently moved and started again. Recently the next disaster my old friend and partner has been diagnosed with terminal cancer with a ver short life expectation. Without my garden I don’t think I would have the energy to carry on . Gardens give you great mental strength 😊😊
When we age, people we know also get older and their lives end. You'll be fine. Enjoy your time in this earth and make worthwhile. Make an impact and help others.
Having retired from Baltimore Maryland area (city) to rural Kentucky to begin a Hobby Farm at 66 years of age, I can surely attest to every single word this man speaks. It's the absolute truth. I knew what I was in for and do not regret it one bit but it becomes your life. I would not change anything about this experience. Mr. Dutch Farmer, I have followed you for years and I have GREAT respect for you, your Family and what you have accomplished. This video, as all of your videos, is full of information, wisdom and is very timely. My best regards my Friend.
It's so nice to read your story! I went away from austria to denmark and founded an organic flowerfarm in the age of 56. Some people told me, that they never would have done that in my age, but I also don't regret it. The very best to you and your farm/ homestead!! 🤗🌻
These homesteaders who complain of how hard it is to do what they do, either they regret their decision and lifestyle, or don’t want anyone else joining in. Having lived the urban lifestyle for most of my life, and already a decade of homesteading, I’ll say that city living is way harder. Stinky gyms, multiple grocery runs every week, monetary costs for everything imaginable. No wonder road rage, and disgruntled people are everywhere. Do you have to be creative and resourceful to make it away from the urban life support systems?Heck yes, but that is part of the fun. Remember that no one needs to be a professional to do something they never did before. Thanks for your videos, I hope they may encourage, and motivate someone to try something else in their life. Cheers from Minho Portugal
except for the majority of people they are still depending on off farm income for the majority of their income. I agree that it's still worth it, but it ain't easy " In 2019, 96 percent of farm households derived some income from off-farm sources. On average, off-farm income contributed 82 percent of total income, or $101,638, for all family farms in 2019."
Imagine if there was a world where you don't have to go live in the middle of nowhere to avoid all the negatives of what you mentioned. Stinky gyms? If you don't need a gym at a homestead, you don't need one in the city. Multiple grocery runs every week? Are you incapable of planning and buying for long term? Are you familiar with smaller towns where you may live within a walking distance of a store. I mean I can spit at the store from my window in a town of 2000. Monetary costs to everything imaginable? You also have costs. Road rage? Brother in Christ, you don't have to live in a concrete jungle. A lot of the things you complain about are so strange, it's as if you have lived in big cities and don't understand that there's more than these 2 extremes.
I could never do what you have done, as you are an expert. But "homesteading" isn't just an all-in endeavor. I practice homesteading things that fit me, like growing veggies and fruit trees. Backyard activities that are not really "easy" ... I toll in growing seedlings, transplanting, caring, harvesting, preserving, etc. But I enjoy the fruits of that labor. Am I self sufficient ? No way, but that is not the goal. Do I produce hundreds of tomatoes, peppers, basil, zucchini, peas, etc ? Heck yes, and they taste 10x better than store bought produce. I pickle and preserve, plus make awesome frozen meals from the bounty. All from a suburban backyard garden. But please keep inspiring us hacks as your ideals are awesome. All the best !
Well said! And I agree 100% with you. I actually just shared this on my blog this week where I discuss the principle of "Life first, homestead second". Do with what you can and have. Do what makes you happy. And enjoy the journey. Thanks for your input and good luck!
As a brand new homestead co-owner together with my brother (who is at this right moment working in Netherlands) I personally like all the aspects you covered and prefer them over the city life. This higher semblance of freedom comes with the cost of higher personal responsibility. We managed to lay out the long term and short term plan and expectations, while one of us keeps working for half the year. This seems to balance the things out while we get the things going. One of us can focus our time and effort on the homestead while the other grinds the money needed for development. And we just switch the roles each year, while staying together for most productive months of the year. Greetings from Croatia.
Just bought a home stead in Kentucky 17 acres Amish country super fertile soil and a house already build River rolls through the property Can’t wait to close on the property
Great reminders. Not everyone can do their lives as complete as you guys. It is a lifestyle for sure. Even moving to another country is a huge thing, then being on the land. I am in the process of buying acreage with a river on it in Portugal. No animals because i want to travel. Want to be there as the Olives need tending and the fruit trees as well as my seasonal garden. No pets, no farm animals but support the locals who have all those things. Definitely build a small, very small house and restore the tiny ruin too. That could take a long while to get permission. Not in any hurry. Your channel is inspiring and amazing what you have accomplished. Yes financial. That is why it took me so long to accomplish this task getting my ducks in a row for sure. Slow but steady. Keep inspiring. Appreciate you. Gina from Upstate New York USA moving to Portugal in increments.
That was a very big move for you. When did you move from Portugal to US? US is not Europe. And why did you move from your home COuntry@@josecaetano2388
Thank you! It’s very helpful to hear about the hardships of homesteading in detail, one can imagine them, but they seem much more tangible after a talk like this. Some of the points you’ve made appear to be modern/pioneer issues, if you get what I mean. At a traditional village, even if isolated, loneliness would be much less of a problem, and so would be the workload, since comunal or specialised work is probably a bit more efficient than having just 2 adults to do everything. Makes you think about the value of family and a community, and why they are so prevalent in the rural world! Perhaps joining a village with a waning population would be a more accessible path to detachment from the world, though you’d have to deal with the neighbours of course!
So grounded and wise, sharing land with a small group of ppl is the way it’s always been done, hopefully we will relearn these cooperative ways… and have the best of all worlds!
Thanks for this. There is after all a reason, why all this land is abandoned by the previous farmers. When I was young a lot of people moved to Tuscany, on land with no water, no infrastructure, dreaming of a kind of utopia. Most of them gave up after a few years. If you do not have a job or quite a sum of money, you will probably not be successful. But nevertheless, dreams are important and at least they tried.
You are so right. I wanted to be as lonely as you in the beginning, ended up at the border of a small village. And now it seems to be the perfect fit for me.
All valid concerns and things one has to consider... all are surmountable and the effort is, in my view worth it, especially with a supportive family at your side. I do all of my homesteading alone as finding a decent women in western society these days has become a bit of a needle in a haystack type of exercise!
Very honest and practical evaluation of the challenges homesteaders will need to overcome! It makes me wonder why endure such hard work and isolation? The answer could possibly be explained in what is quoted here: 'They will sit, each one under his vine and under his fig tree, And no one will make them afraid.' (Mic 4:4) But who is guaranteeing freedom from fear. We must read it for ourselves.
So true! It can be a satisfying lifestyle but it is near about constant hard work! But you can take steps to grow food no matter where you live. Balcony or backyard.
A great reality check - your honesty is much appreciated. We retired and started a very small homestead on terraces in Liguria 20 years ago. Nothing like your scale, but we became self-sufficient in olive oil and wine and also grew more than half of our vegetables, but we only had a couple of chickens and nothing else, so the workload was much less. Even so the garden became too much for our ancient knees and we sold up 5 years ago. We miss it a lot - it was a tough decision but the right one. Your project is inspiring and I really enjoy watching. Keep up the good work and good luck.
When it comes to dreaming big where farming is concerned, to not be constantly disappointed by it, one must first accept that the bigger the property, crop, & animal, the bigger the cost to ones self when there is an issue. Be that cost in time, finance, loss, or emotion. Yes, the gains can be amazing, but reality often refuses to sit on the same pedestal as a dream.
Hi! Congratulations for your odyssey! The commitment you all have is amazing 💪. I don't know if somewone told you this before but as I work as a wildfire fighter in Spain I can tell the vulnerability of your place for forest fires and as your are in a barely togal isolated place, in case of a wildfire you can expect a big one. Right know for what I see from the above images you didn't built a total stripped perimeter so you can minimise the impact. I don't mean to worry you, but I strongly recomend you to take precautions about that hazard. Hope you keep doing well!
Before I had a large piece of land to farm like you, I nurtured my passion by growing in pots and a little in the ground in my small garden. Although it's not much, planting trees is what makes me the happiest. Planting trees with me really heals, forgets all worries, forgets headaches caused by the weather...
I broke up with my abusive boyfriend after I bought a home. I was so depressed but decided to do something productive. I dug up burning bushes and honeysuckle from my neighbor’s abandoned property with his permission. I planted them in my backyard. I also planted wild roses I found on the side of the road. I began planting perennials in my yard people gave me. These small acts helped me heal. Now the bushes are huge and the perennials are established. I’m healed now and grateful.
I moved 3 years ago at 50, but still working 45km away. I have 6500m2 own land and trying to care for another 10000m2. After coming back from work I put on the working clothes and start doing things inside or outside until midnight. Weekend is fully dedicated to the garden. Never been so happy in my life. Moreno's words are the absolute true. He has the talent to inspire. Thank you, Moreno !!!
Truth is rare when people are selling lifestyles rather than knowledge. From my experience, what Dutch Farmer is saying here is the truth of rural life, especially on a family farm. I am so glad you are willing to share a holistic viewpoint. Your family a d farm are a beautiful example.
Amazing video! Thanks for being so open, transparent and rich. Life in nature is the real thing and that's why it makes us happy to be in nature but we have been weaned off nature while we lived in cities, towns and close knit communities, having jobs in towns, being indoors most days for most of our life. Homesteading is a 180 degree turn and it's so good you shine an honest light on that kind of life. Best of luck and many thanks! ;-)
This is a very good video. Homesteading is a lovely idea. But it is a full time job whether you feel like it or not. It’s also a young person’s game. I do enjoy your videos and wish you and your family the best of luck to keep all the balls in the air for many years to come.
Great video once more. What you're talking about is what I've been thinking about when dreaming about a homestead. It all seems easy when you just see the dream but there are steps to get there and the work never stops when you "get there". I don't really believe self sufficiency is for me anymore, I think co-operation is the way to go because of many of the things you talked about. But that's for me and I have massive respect for you and your family for doing this and sharing the information and the happy and difficult moments to us. I really enjoy these videos and I hope everything goes well for you all.
I appreciate your honesty. I watch a lot of homestead youtubes and they do not 'sugarcoat' anything. They show & share both ups and downs. I only had a short window of 2 years in CO but I loved it!
Here speaks a wisdom you rarely hear from UA-camrs! Beside being a part time music teacher, I spend 3-4 days per week on our (much smaller) permaculture property in Ticino, Switzerland. I never travelled since I acquired it 17 years ago. I do boring physical outdoor work instead of enjoying sweet leisure time. What is still deeply satisfying for me, looks like a total nightmare for many others. There is even a point I'd like to add. After falling in love, you get used quickly to the things you fell in love with. A true, lasting love comes from very different sources and needs a longer way to develop.
Thank you for this video Moreno. I'm actually in this exact thinking process of maybe shifting from hobby to self-sufficiency level maybe even to small commercial level of food growing. What you shared is greatly balanced and valuable reflection. 😊
Right on! Nothing worth having it's easy, you need to work for everything in life! Thank you for sharing and pointing out the good and the bad! Blessings!
Moreno...as always, great insights and advice to consider as whatever level of homesteading people are doing. Your homestead continues to improve and it's been fun watching you become more self sufficient since you started there. Keep up the great work! (Kentucky, USA)
I can ashore you one thing. When I start thinking about changing my life I didn't know where to start. Than, one day, I found the Dutch farmer youtube channel right after have red all about hidroponics (something that I also enjoy a lot if you use the aquaponics technique). My first question was: How can I implement it? The second was: How much do I need to start? The third was: is it profitable? Can you live from this? And Moreno's farm onnthe north of France and Richard's at Sweeden were the best example to make it work. Of course that are a lot of issues, mostly if you live in a country like Portugal where the laws implemented were made to protect the big farmers. But I think that, with a lot of hard work and a full hand of resilience I will make something worthy. So, thanks a lot Moreno!!!! 'Cause you show us the good and the bad of being a farmer. Gracias, obrigado!
i had a moestuintje once and was on the comittee and did the website and I had to put up a notice "beziint eer u begint" as most people like th eidea of growing their own food, but they work involved not so much. what they se eon tv is not what is actually recquired. it's not as magical as they dreamt ;-) infact it's hard work esp on Dutch clay
Agree completly. Tanks for this video. On the other end...one can downsize the objectives of the homestead (less prodution, and slower grow, smaller place, etc) and get away with a few hours a week of work for most of the year (mostly winter and spring). Take animals out and the work is 1/4 of it, and you can have vacations and weekends off. It will always be a financial burden unless one goes into tourism, workshops, youtube, merchandise, real estate, etc. And selfsuficience is impossible anyway , not even 50%, For most not even 10%. But its still great. Best decision of my life!
We are trying to become as self sufficient as we can . . . putting in reticulation, planting out native species for wind breaks, growing vegetables, fixing up our home (we purchased 15 months ago), planting out native trees, outbuildings to build, polytunnel and green house to build, fire breaks to keep up, general house work . . sounds great . . . once we get home from our 5 day a week 7 hrs per day jobs. It's tiring but we keep the big picture in mind.
Well, as I see it city life has so many more negative sides. I have lived in the countryside most of my life and I manage to balance income with hosting guests. It’s a possibility for anyone living in beautiful surroundings and less tiring than producing everything yourself. And once you start learning about plants, wild animals, birds and nature as a whole it will soon become a passion!
You are right in your thoughts for three years a tomato bed has only grown plants under four feet under eucalyptus while another adjacent compost bins is 8 feet plus giving fruit four times in weight, this made great concern until my realisation that eucalyptus trees are not great for nearby planting. It was such realisation.
Thanks for the clear explanations... Financial & social isolation are the greatest challenges of Homestead living., have to mmediately find the right solutions. Especially financial challenges. Keep Fight... where there is a will, there is a way...😊
Amazing information, we are buying a house in Portugal to live with my family and live a fulfilling life. Your information is so inspiring. Thank you so much.
You are so real mate thanks I just bought the land and I am about to start my farm journey so thanks for making me realize a lot 😅😂 but I am committed ❤
it is defiantly not for some people, I had a family member give it a go and they are moving back to the city. I think if you don't actually enjoy the work and you are just doing it to "prep" yourself than there really is no point. For me I love the independence of making some of my own food, having live stock and cutting my own fire wood. The change of seasons is so exciting when they actually mean something.
Hey Bro, I have the opportunity to randomly watch your video - I just loved it and recommended it to more than thousands of my close friends who are of my temperament and inclination to tap into the potential of nature to full extent. I am happy that in this way I could at least contribute to your endeavour which in return inspire and motivate people like us in return. I did start same watching your video years back in a land parcel mostly it was a jungle.
You have so much valuable advice and wisdom to offer that it could easily be compiled into a book. Maybe it's time to start writing down your experiences. In the entire discourse I would like to add that while individual actions are important in permaculture, such as growing your own food or using renewable energy sources, the real power of permaculture lies in community and cooperation. By working together with others, permaculturists can create thriving ecosystems that benefit everyone involved. This includes sharing resources, knowledge, and labor to create resilient and productive systems that are greater than the sum of their parts. In a world that is increasingly facing environmental challenges, permaculture offers a model for how we can live more harmoniously with each other and the earth. By coming together to share skills and experiences, we can create a more sustainable future for all.
Reminds me why I stick to developing my garden rather than expanding beyond my capabilities. I know my limitations; can’t raise my own meat (or rather wouldn’t be able to kill the animals I raised) and don’t have the time to heavily invest as I work full time. I love watching videos about these things though and take what I can learn from them as well as just watching is relaxing.
Why not consider to start small, have a house and garden, grow most of your vegetables and do a part time job. To me, that's how you have it all. Having animals comes with a lot of responsiblities and often force you to stay at home
Great reality check and for me the worst issue is isolation. So nicer to work on Community gardens and Orchards and share social time. Maybe a place in a small village/town then community land around it?? Land planting is also totally demanding and you cannot just leave it for a couple of weeks in peak times! Also great when you are young but it is physically challenging later in life! Also when you are selling your produce always the best goes to customers and you are left with the wonky and bruised produce! Also if you need health assistance and you live isolated then your whole life is turned over same with dealing with bureaucracy if the local town is some hours away!
Amazing channel, where you are explaining things with structure and clarity 🙏. What about the socialization for the kids? Homeschooling, or are you planning each interaction with their friends?
One important tip to pass on: correct self-care/body work including myofascial release and trigger point therapy is vital for maintaining a healthy structure with all of the backbreaking work. I didn't find out until too late, about prevention of health problems due to structural damages and problems from doing the work with improper body mechanics and shut off/compensating muscles damaged by past traumas, that were never fixed correctly. Now at 66 years of age, after losing my farm due to health problems, I am working on reversing the problems. Best to avoid them in the first place. Regular chiropractic are is also a must to be able to keep up with the demanding work and schedules. Hope to get full body recovery and function so I can get a farm again! Better than laying around waiting for life to end, as the MD's of western medicine wanted me to do!
Good reality check. For sure homesteading is a complete lifestyle. not just another job, but it's also good to point out there are all manner of shades in between the extremes. It's a sliding scale and you can chose where to locate yourself on it. Big acreage isn't essential. Neither is complete self-sufficiency. Humans are social animals and the village didn't evolve as our primary community for no reason. Skill specialisation and trades within a community of neighbours works well, as do the social benefits, which of course everyone is free to participate in as much or as little as they chose. I came here 15 years ago expecting to be relatively isolated but speedily found myself in a growing community. It hasn't stopped growing and evolving since. That has its own challenges of course, but friendships formed over the years and the knowledge that you're part of a community that always has your back takes much of the stress out of the equation.
Great video! Thank you so much for such valuable info and transparency. How do you manage having kids when homesteading? How challenging is this environment when raising a family? How will you manage their needs to socialize when they grow up? I think a video around this topic would be great. Thank you for sharing this journey with us
Not interacting with people is something I do well with. The lack of running water, electricity, slow or satellite internet, the need to have a product or other way to pay property taxes, those are things I would not do well with, and I also do not have the money to buy land (I'd need to convince someone to essentially gift me it). If I can ever accomplish a high degree of land ownership, I will consider going full "living off the land", which will also include cut-rate long term land rentals to close and distant friends as I could not hope to have a use for a lot of land by myself. Have you been saving seeds where possible?
I'm a rock climber (and a history UA-camr), and the boulders on your property are beautiful. Do you know what kind of rock it is? I'm curious if they are suitable/safe for bouldering. Who knows? You guys might be sitting on bouldering "gold-mine", which could be value-added to the property. Worth checking out, Cheers! happy harvesting.
Thanks! We've been thinking about getting climbing holds since the day we arrived. Unfortunately, never have taken the time yet. They are granite boulders. Some of them are quite porous, others quite dense. Do you think they're suitable for this? Would love to know.
I’ve been doing this for ten years. Is it relaxing? Yes and no…. Mostly no. It’s tough, and you need to think about what you’ll do if you get ill, and when you get older. Better have a good work ethic.
It depends on each person priority. Our green field 15ha in Philippines was bought for my retirement therefore a borehole, house and electricity were priority. Next is the farming project, I grew up on a farm in South Africa and farmed my whole life, now 60 years old. I think we will be okay😂
Hello Moreno, could you maybe do a video talking more in depth about the financial situation based on your personal experience? Thanks and big hug from Azores!! Edit: Maybe tell us a bit about the knowledge you gained (in the financial way, what was the reality?) from your market garden in France
Do you have any plans to involve volunteers, who would like to work together with your family for few days or a week and gain some practical skills before starting their own homestead? I would be happy to be one of them 🙂👍l've been in Portugal many times, absolutely love this land and hope to relocate closer to retirement age (or maybe even earlier).
Goed uitgelegd, ik heb er ook wel eens aandacht aan gegeven op mijn kanaal. Sommige mensen begrijpen niet wat er allemaal bij komt kijken of wat het inhoud, dan is het goed dat iemand die op een homestead leeft daarover spreekt.
The ancient civilizations often did what you suggested, water, decent soil, wild foods until the planting can begin, tools (we buy, they made) and dealing with weather, unforeseen obstacles. Homes of dirt, rock, even sand without heat, comfort. Yes, people want that feeling of independence, but it's never free.
The finances is a big thing. For example, " In 2019, 96 percent of farm households derived some income from off-farm sources. On average, off-farm income contributed 82 percent of total income, or $101,638, for all family farms in 2019." IE one of the spouses will probably need a day job, and often both of you. Then the farm/homestead is just your labor of love. a REALLY HARD labor, but worth it
Hey guys, hope you enjoyed this video about the different side of homesteading.
Here is the full article: www.rootsreconnected.com/articles/think-twice-before-you-start-a-homestead
Here is the checklist I mentioned in the video: learn.rootsreconnected.com/homestead-startup-checklist
Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction
0:23 1. Financial strain
3:12 2. Time commitment
5:59 3. Physical demands
7:40 4. Isolation
10:24 5. Emotional toll
12:33 Homestead Startup Checklist
I am 76 and 7 months ago I started a food forest on a bare paddock with help with the heavy work getting loads of veg but don’t expect fruit for at least a year however I have always been happiest working in the garden. My first husband died suddenly shortly after we moved to our first bare paddock after the death of my son I moved to live with my elder daughter and her husband. Have recently moved and started again. Recently the next disaster my old friend and partner has been diagnosed with terminal cancer with a ver short life expectation. Without my garden I don’t think I would have the energy to carry on . Gardens give you great mental strength 😊😊
So sorry for your losses, I hope you enjoy your land and work 😊
Great! It's never too late to start. I hope you will have many good years left to enjoy it!
Stay strong ! I love Your spirit.
When we age, people we know also get older and their lives end. You'll be fine. Enjoy your time in this earth and make worthwhile. Make an impact and help others.
I was wondering when someone would finally talk about this. Thanks for the reality check.
It's important to keep it real. Not always rainbows and sunshine ;)
Is better than files and accost smoke and hundreds of airplane's coming over.
Having retired from Baltimore Maryland area (city) to rural Kentucky to begin a Hobby Farm at 66 years of age, I can surely attest to every single word this man speaks. It's the absolute truth. I knew what I was in for and do not regret it one bit but it becomes your life. I would not change anything about this experience. Mr. Dutch Farmer, I have followed you for years and I have GREAT respect for you, your Family and what you have accomplished. This video, as all of your videos, is full of information, wisdom and is very timely. My best regards my Friend.
Wonderful information... he is a real guide for homstaeding to follow 😊
It's so nice to read your story! I went away from austria to denmark and founded an organic flowerfarm in the age of 56. Some people told me, that they never would have done that in my age, but I also don't regret it. The very best to you and your farm/ homestead!! 🤗🌻
You are being real and that will benefit anyone seeking knowledge about homesteading.
These homesteaders who complain of how hard it is to do what they do, either they regret their decision and lifestyle, or don’t want anyone else joining in.
Having lived the urban lifestyle for most of my life, and already a decade of homesteading, I’ll say that city living is way harder. Stinky gyms, multiple grocery runs every week, monetary costs for everything imaginable. No wonder road rage, and disgruntled people are everywhere.
Do you have to be creative and resourceful to make it away from the urban life support systems?Heck yes, but that is part of the fun.
Remember that no one needs to be a professional to do something they never did before.
Thanks for your videos, I hope they may encourage, and motivate someone to try something else in their life.
Cheers from Minho Portugal
Thanks to point out Minho
Looks like a beautiful peaceful area 🦋
except for the majority of people they are still depending on off farm income for the majority of their income. I agree that it's still worth it, but it ain't easy
" In 2019, 96 percent of farm households derived some income from off-farm sources. On average, off-farm income contributed 82 percent of total income, or $101,638, for all family farms in 2019."
Imagine if there was a world where you don't have to go live in the middle of nowhere to avoid all the negatives of what you mentioned.
Stinky gyms? If you don't need a gym at a homestead, you don't need one in the city.
Multiple grocery runs every week? Are you incapable of planning and buying for long term? Are you familiar with smaller towns where you may live within a walking distance of a store. I mean I can spit at the store from my window in a town of 2000.
Monetary costs to everything imaginable? You also have costs.
Road rage? Brother in Christ, you don't have to live in a concrete jungle.
A lot of the things you complain about are so strange, it's as if you have lived in big cities and don't understand that there's more than these 2 extremes.
I could never do what you have done, as you are an expert. But "homesteading" isn't just an all-in endeavor. I practice homesteading things that fit me, like growing veggies and fruit trees. Backyard activities that are not really "easy" ... I toll in growing seedlings, transplanting, caring, harvesting, preserving, etc. But I enjoy the fruits of that labor. Am I self sufficient ? No way, but that is not the goal. Do I produce hundreds of tomatoes, peppers, basil, zucchini, peas, etc ? Heck yes, and they taste 10x better than store bought produce. I pickle and preserve, plus make awesome frozen meals from the bounty. All from a suburban backyard garden. But please keep inspiring us hacks as your ideals are awesome. All the best !
Well said! And I agree 100% with you. I actually just shared this on my blog this week where I discuss the principle of "Life first, homestead second". Do with what you can and have. Do what makes you happy. And enjoy the journey.
Thanks for your input and good luck!
Homesteading has a meaning.
Sounds perfect! Thank you for sharing.
As a brand new homestead co-owner together with my brother (who is at this right moment working in Netherlands) I personally like all the aspects you covered and prefer them over the city life. This higher semblance of freedom comes with the cost of higher personal responsibility. We managed to lay out the long term and short term plan and expectations, while one of us keeps working for half the year. This seems to balance the things out while we get the things going. One of us can focus our time and effort on the homestead while the other grinds the money needed for development. And we just switch the roles each year, while staying together for most productive months of the year. Greetings from Croatia.
What a great arrangement! Fall is all about preserving in several ways.
Agree! Baby steps are the best way to approach homesteading. Start where you are with what you have and can do now. Then, expand when you can…
Agreed
Very honest and thoughtful video. It is a special experience. One question: how about the kids : friends, school?
Same here! Thanks for asking :)
Just bought a home stead in Kentucky 17 acres Amish country super fertile soil and a house already build
River rolls through the property
Can’t wait to close on the property
Be prepared for the hard work 😊
Congratulations. 😄
Great reminders. Not everyone can do their lives as complete as you guys. It is a lifestyle for sure. Even moving to another country is a huge thing, then being on the land. I am in the process of buying acreage with a river on it in Portugal. No animals because i want to travel. Want to be there as the Olives need tending and the fruit trees as well as my seasonal garden. No pets, no farm animals but support the locals who have all those things. Definitely build a small, very small house and restore the tiny ruin too. That could take a long while to get permission. Not in any hurry. Your channel is inspiring and amazing what you have accomplished. Yes financial. That is why it took me so long to accomplish this task getting my ducks in a row for sure. Slow but steady. Keep inspiring. Appreciate you. Gina from Upstate New York USA moving to Portugal in increments.
But you can have that live stile in up state new York
I'm a portuguese live in New Jersey
And up state New York is beautiful
Good luck in Portugal 🇵🇹
Great plan and hope it goes well!
One day at a time. @@janew5351
That was a very big move for you. When did you move from Portugal to US? US is not Europe. And why did you move from your home COuntry@@josecaetano2388
Thank you! It’s very helpful to hear about the hardships of homesteading in detail, one can imagine them, but they seem much more tangible after a talk like this.
Some of the points you’ve made appear to be modern/pioneer issues, if you get what I mean. At a traditional village, even if isolated, loneliness would be much less of a problem, and so would be the workload, since comunal or specialised work is probably a bit more efficient than having just 2 adults to do everything. Makes you think about the value of family and a community, and why they are so prevalent in the rural world!
Perhaps joining a village with a waning population would be a more accessible path to detachment from the world, though you’d have to deal with the neighbours of course!
So grounded and wise, sharing land with a small group of ppl is the way it’s always been done, hopefully we will relearn these cooperative ways… and have the best of all worlds!
Pure wisdom, this is the ultimate way for a long-term success.
Thanks for this.
There is after all a reason, why all this land is abandoned by the previous farmers.
When I was young a lot of people moved to Tuscany, on land with no water, no infrastructure, dreaming of a kind of utopia. Most of them gave up after a few years.
If you do not have a job or quite a sum of money, you will probably not be successful.
But nevertheless, dreams are important and at least they tried.
You are so right. I wanted to be as lonely as you in the beginning, ended up at the border of a small village. And now it seems to be the perfect fit for me.
Schön, dass Du ehrlich bist über die notwendigen Kosten.
All valid concerns and things one has to consider... all are surmountable and the effort is, in my view worth it, especially with a supportive family at your side. I do all of my homesteading alone as finding a decent women in western society these days has become a bit of a needle in a haystack type of exercise!
Very honest and practical evaluation of the challenges homesteaders will need to overcome! It makes me wonder why endure such hard work and isolation? The answer could possibly be explained in what is quoted here: 'They will sit, each one under his vine and under his fig tree, And no one will make them afraid.' (Mic 4:4)
But who is guaranteeing freedom from fear. We must read it for ourselves.
So true! It can be a satisfying lifestyle but it is near about constant hard work! But you can take steps to grow food no matter where you live. Balcony or backyard.
A great reality check - your honesty is much appreciated.
We retired and started a very small homestead on terraces in Liguria 20 years ago. Nothing like your scale, but we became self-sufficient in olive oil and wine and also grew more than half of our vegetables, but we only had a couple of chickens and nothing else, so the workload was much less. Even so the garden became too much for our ancient knees and we sold up 5 years ago. We miss it a lot - it was a tough decision but the right one.
Your project is inspiring and I really enjoy watching. Keep up the good work and good luck.
When it comes to dreaming big where farming is concerned, to not be constantly disappointed by it, one must first accept that the bigger the property, crop, & animal, the bigger the cost to ones self when there is an issue. Be that cost in time, finance, loss, or emotion. Yes, the gains can be amazing, but reality often refuses to sit on the same pedestal as a dream.
This is such a great video, all so true, it is incredibly hard but so very rewarding
Hi! Congratulations for your odyssey! The commitment you all have is amazing 💪.
I don't know if somewone told you this before but as I work as a wildfire fighter in Spain I can tell the vulnerability of your place for forest fires and as your are in a barely togal isolated place, in case of a wildfire you can expect a big one.
Right know for what I see from the above images you didn't built a total stripped perimeter so you can minimise the impact.
I don't mean to worry you, but I strongly recomend you to take precautions about that hazard.
Hope you keep doing well!
Before I had a large piece of land to farm like you, I nurtured my passion by growing in pots and a little in the ground in my small garden. Although it's not much, planting trees is what makes me the happiest. Planting trees with me really heals, forgets all worries, forgets headaches caused by the weather...
I broke up with my abusive boyfriend after I bought a home. I was so depressed but decided to do something productive. I dug up burning bushes and honeysuckle from my neighbor’s abandoned property with his permission. I planted them in my backyard. I also planted wild roses I found on the side of the road. I began planting perennials in my yard people gave me. These small acts helped me heal. Now the bushes are huge and the perennials are established. I’m healed now and grateful.
I moved 3 years ago at 50, but still working 45km away. I have 6500m2 own land and trying to care for another 10000m2. After coming back from work I put on the working clothes and start doing things inside or outside until midnight. Weekend is fully dedicated to the garden. Never been so happy in my life. Moreno's words are the absolute true. He has the talent to inspire. Thank you, Moreno !!!
Truth is rare when people are selling lifestyles rather than knowledge. From my experience, what Dutch Farmer is saying here is the truth of rural life, especially on a family farm. I am so glad you are willing to share a holistic viewpoint. Your family a d farm are a beautiful example.
Amazing video! Thanks for being so open, transparent and rich. Life in nature is the real thing and that's why it makes us happy to be in nature but we have been weaned off nature while we lived in cities, towns and close knit communities, having jobs in towns, being indoors most days for most of our life. Homesteading is a 180 degree turn and it's so good you shine an honest light on that kind of life. Best of luck and many thanks! ;-)
This is a very good video. Homesteading is a lovely idea. But it is a full time job whether you feel like it or not. It’s also a young person’s game.
I do enjoy your videos and wish you and your family the best of luck to keep all the balls in the air for many years to come.
Youth is a state of mind. I'm 61, going strong.
61 is very young. Try being self sufficient at 94 !
@@TheEmbrio if you are 94 and self sufficient, that is awesome!
Appreciating how eloquently and realistically you described the issues
Great video once more. What you're talking about is what I've been thinking about when dreaming about a homestead. It all seems easy when you just see the dream but there are steps to get there and the work never stops when you "get there". I don't really believe self sufficiency is for me anymore, I think co-operation is the way to go because of many of the things you talked about. But that's for me and I have massive respect for you and your family for doing this and sharing the information and the happy and difficult moments to us. I really enjoy these videos and I hope everything goes well for you all.
I appreciate your honesty. I watch a lot of homestead youtubes and they do not 'sugarcoat' anything. They show & share both ups and downs. I only had a short window of 2 years in CO but I loved it!
"On the homestead, the seasons dictate life." wonderfully said
Fantastic video. Great to see such a clear and articulate explain of the challenges and rewards of homesteading, which can be acute here in Portugal.
Here speaks a wisdom you rarely hear from UA-camrs!
Beside being a part time music teacher, I spend 3-4 days per week on our (much smaller) permaculture property in Ticino, Switzerland. I never travelled since I acquired it 17 years ago. I do boring physical outdoor work instead of enjoying sweet leisure time. What is still deeply satisfying for me, looks like a total nightmare for many others.
There is even a point I'd like to add. After falling in love, you get used quickly to the things you fell in love with. A true, lasting love comes from very different sources and needs a longer way to develop.
I don't think I have ever met such a practical persons as you both are. Thank you for all the advice. So grateful 😊
This is one of the most informant / needed video I have seen for people buying their own land. Necessary to all. Well done
Thank you for this video Moreno. I'm actually in this exact thinking process of maybe shifting from hobby to self-sufficiency level maybe even to small commercial level of food growing. What you shared is greatly balanced and valuable reflection. 😊
Right on! Nothing worth having it's easy, you need to work for everything in life! Thank you for sharing and pointing out the good and the bad! Blessings!
Thanks for keeping it real!
Thank you buddy I'm planning for till next after my retirement from my job ,you are my teacher now ..
❤
Moreno...as always, great insights and advice to consider as whatever level of homesteading people are doing. Your homestead continues to improve and it's been fun watching you become more self sufficient since you started there. Keep up the great work! (Kentucky, USA)
Thank you for sharing its pure Truth
I can ashore you one thing. When I start thinking about changing my life I didn't know where to start.
Than, one day, I found the Dutch farmer youtube channel right after have red all about hidroponics (something that I also enjoy a lot if you use the aquaponics technique).
My first question was: How can I implement it?
The second was: How much do I need to start?
The third was: is it profitable? Can you live from this?
And Moreno's farm onnthe north of France and Richard's at Sweeden were the best example to make it work.
Of course that are a lot of issues, mostly if you live in a country like Portugal where the laws implemented were made to protect the big farmers.
But I think that, with a lot of hard work and a full hand of resilience I will make something worthy.
So, thanks a lot Moreno!!!!
'Cause you show us the good and the bad of being a farmer. Gracias, obrigado!
i had a moestuintje once and was on the comittee and did the website and I had to put up a notice "beziint eer u begint" as most people like th eidea of growing their own food, but they work involved not so much. what they se eon tv is not what is actually recquired. it's not as magical as they dreamt ;-) infact it's hard work esp on Dutch clay
Haha so much truth in this video. We're almost 4 years into our homestead and loving it!
Every word an absolute truth. thank you for your wise and caring words.
Very well said. It’s a totally different perspective when you’re on the other a side, a few years in. You’ve articulated the ups and downs very well.
Agree completly. Tanks for this video.
On the other end...one can downsize the objectives of the homestead (less prodution, and slower grow, smaller place, etc) and get away with a few hours a week of work for most of the year (mostly winter and spring). Take animals out and the work is 1/4 of it, and you can have vacations and weekends off.
It will always be a financial burden unless one goes into tourism, workshops, youtube, merchandise, real estate, etc.
And selfsuficience is impossible anyway , not even 50%, For most not even 10%.
But its still great. Best decision of my life!
Amazing Design of your property! What a Progress compared to last year!❤
We are trying to become as self sufficient as we can . . . putting in reticulation, planting out native species for wind breaks, growing vegetables, fixing up our home (we purchased 15 months ago), planting out native trees, outbuildings to build, polytunnel and green house to build, fire breaks to keep up, general house work . . sounds great . . . once we get home from our 5 day a week 7 hrs per day jobs. It's tiring but we keep the big picture in mind.
A good wakeup call.
This is the realistic story
Well, as I see it city life has so many more negative sides. I have lived in the countryside most of my life and I manage to balance income with hosting guests. It’s a possibility for anyone living in beautiful surroundings and less tiring than producing everything yourself. And once you start learning about plants, wild animals, birds and nature as a whole it will soon become a passion!
You are right in your thoughts for three years a tomato bed has only grown plants under four feet under eucalyptus while another adjacent compost bins is 8 feet plus giving fruit four times in weight, this made great concern until my realisation that eucalyptus trees are not great for nearby planting. It was such realisation.
Thanks for the clear explanations... Financial & social isolation are the greatest challenges of Homestead living., have to mmediately find the right solutions. Especially financial challenges. Keep Fight... where there is a will, there is a way...😊
Thank you for sharing your experience.
Amazing information, we are buying a house in Portugal to live with my family and live a fulfilling life. Your information is so inspiring. Thank you so much.
some very valid points, worth pondering 🙏
You are so real mate thanks I just bought the land and I am about to start my farm journey so thanks for making me realize a lot 😅😂 but I am committed ❤
If this type of life was cheap or easy our ancestors wouldn't have given it up generations ago,to move to town and work for " the man"
Great video’s, educational, honest, and inspiring. I am considering homesteading and this again helps me consider the pro’s and cons. Dank je.
it is defiantly not for some people, I had a family member give it a go and they are moving back to the city. I think if you don't actually enjoy the work and you are just doing it to "prep" yourself than there really is no point. For me I love the independence of making some of my own food, having live stock and cutting my own fire wood. The change of seasons is so exciting when they actually mean something.
This video is full of wisdom💌💌💌
Hey Bro, I have the opportunity to randomly watch your video - I just loved it and recommended it to more than thousands of my close friends who are of my temperament and inclination to tap into the potential of nature to full extent. I am happy that in this way I could at least contribute to your endeavour which in return inspire and motivate people like us in return. I did start same watching your video years back in a land parcel mostly it was a jungle.
Awesome, thank you! Appreciate it.
You have so much valuable advice and wisdom to offer that it could easily be compiled into a book. Maybe it's time to start writing down your experiences.
In the entire discourse I would like to add that while individual actions are important in permaculture, such as growing your own food or using renewable energy sources, the real power of permaculture lies in community and cooperation. By working together with others, permaculturists can create thriving ecosystems that benefit everyone involved. This includes sharing resources, knowledge, and labor to create resilient and productive systems that are greater than the sum of their parts. In a world that is increasingly facing environmental challenges, permaculture offers a model for how we can live more harmoniously with each other and the earth. By coming together to share skills and experiences, we can create a more sustainable future for all.
Great video and very much needed. Thanks 🙏
Reminds me why I stick to developing my garden rather than expanding beyond my capabilities. I know my limitations; can’t raise my own meat (or rather wouldn’t be able to kill the animals I raised) and don’t have the time to heavily invest as I work full time. I love watching videos about these things though and take what I can learn from them as well as just watching is relaxing.
This voice of wisdom
Why not consider to start small, have a house and garden, grow most of your vegetables and do a part time job. To me, that's how you have it all. Having animals comes with a lot of responsiblities and often force you to stay at home
Great reality check and for me the worst issue is isolation. So nicer to work on Community gardens and Orchards and share social time. Maybe a place in a small village/town then community land around it?? Land planting is also totally demanding and you cannot just leave it for a couple of weeks in peak times! Also great when you are young but it is physically challenging later in life! Also when you are selling your produce always the best goes to customers and you are left with the wonky and bruised produce! Also if you need health assistance and you live isolated then your whole life is turned over same with dealing with bureaucracy if the local town is some hours away!
Amazing channel, where you are explaining things with structure and clarity 🙏. What about the socialization for the kids? Homeschooling, or are you planning each interaction with their friends?
One important tip to pass on: correct self-care/body work including myofascial release and trigger point therapy is vital for maintaining a healthy structure with all of the backbreaking work. I didn't find out until too late, about prevention of health problems due to structural damages and problems from doing the work with improper body mechanics and shut off/compensating muscles damaged by past traumas, that were never fixed correctly. Now at 66 years of age, after losing my farm due to health problems, I am working on reversing the problems. Best to avoid them in the first place.
Regular chiropractic are is also a must to be able to keep up with the demanding work and schedules. Hope to get full body recovery and function so I can get a farm again! Better than laying around waiting for life to end, as the MD's of western medicine wanted me to do!
Very logical information for the BIGGINER 👍
Em Portugal dizemos que é de Sol a Sol todos os dias !😀
Thank you for sharing 🙂 watching you from Japan🇯🇵
Good reality check. For sure homesteading is a complete lifestyle. not just another job, but it's also good to point out there are all manner of shades in between the extremes. It's a sliding scale and you can chose where to locate yourself on it. Big acreage isn't essential. Neither is complete self-sufficiency. Humans are social animals and the village didn't evolve as our primary community for no reason. Skill specialisation and trades within a community of neighbours works well, as do the social benefits, which of course everyone is free to participate in as much or as little as they chose.
I came here 15 years ago expecting to be relatively isolated but speedily found myself in a growing community. It hasn't stopped growing and evolving since. That has its own challenges of course, but friendships formed over the years and the knowledge that you're part of a community that always has your back takes much of the stress out of the equation.
Can I ask where you are?
@@ginger9475 northwestern slopes of the Cordilheira Central (more details in the channel).
Great video! Thank you so much for such valuable info and transparency. How do you manage having kids when homesteading? How challenging is this environment when raising a family? How will you manage their needs to socialize when they grow up? I think a video around this topic would be great.
Thank you for sharing this journey with us
Have to think like david goggins,as you are saying the stuff. Homesteding is really hard. But the feeling is great
Really helpful practical advice. Thank you very much very valuable
Love all you have done!
Insightful video.
Not interacting with people is something I do well with. The lack of running water, electricity, slow or satellite internet, the need to have a product or other way to pay property taxes, those are things I would not do well with, and I also do not have the money to buy land (I'd need to convince someone to essentially gift me it). If I can ever accomplish a high degree of land ownership, I will consider going full "living off the land", which will also include cut-rate long term land rentals to close and distant friends as I could not hope to have a use for a lot of land by myself.
Have you been saving seeds where possible?
I'm a rock climber (and a history UA-camr), and the boulders on your property are beautiful. Do you know what kind of rock it is? I'm curious if they are suitable/safe for bouldering. Who knows? You guys might be sitting on bouldering "gold-mine", which could be value-added to the property. Worth checking out, Cheers! happy harvesting.
Thanks!
We've been thinking about getting climbing holds since the day we arrived. Unfortunately, never have taken the time yet. They are granite boulders. Some of them are quite porous, others quite dense. Do you think they're suitable for this? Would love to know.
I’ve been doing this for ten years. Is it relaxing? Yes and no…. Mostly no. It’s tough, and you need to think about what you’ll do if you get ill, and when you get older. Better have a good work ethic.
It depends on each person priority. Our green field 15ha in Philippines was bought for my retirement therefore a borehole, house and electricity were priority. Next is the farming project, I grew up on a farm in South Africa and farmed my whole life, now 60 years old. I think we will be okay😂
You can get a grant for it if you make it a CIC (community interest company) at least in the UK
Great stuff to hear. 👩🏽🌾🧑🏼🌾
Hello Moreno, could you maybe do a video talking more in depth about the financial situation based on your personal experience? Thanks and big hug from Azores!!
Edit: Maybe tell us a bit about the knowledge you gained (in the financial way, what was the reality?) from your market garden in France
That's never easy, I am building garden in Kalahari, and some people tells me it is not possibile, but I am doing it. If you really want, you can.
Do you have any plans to involve volunteers, who would like to work together with your family for few days or a week and gain some practical skills before starting their own homestead? I would be happy to be one of them 🙂👍l've been in Portugal many times, absolutely love this land and hope to relocate closer to retirement age (or maybe even earlier).
Goed uitgelegd, ik heb er ook wel eens aandacht aan gegeven op mijn kanaal. Sommige mensen begrijpen niet wat er allemaal bij komt kijken of wat het inhoud, dan is het goed dat iemand die op een homestead leeft daarover spreekt.
Thank you for your video there are informative
excellent video!
The ancient civilizations often did what you suggested, water, decent soil, wild foods until the planting can begin, tools (we buy, they made) and dealing with weather, unforeseen obstacles.
Homes of dirt, rock, even sand without heat, comfort.
Yes, people want that feeling of independence, but it's never free.
Well said, that's exactly it.
Very educational and thank you 👍
also helps to have a huge yt channel with ppl who love, support, and encourage you to keep going and
Will visit one day
The finances is a big thing. For example,
" In 2019, 96 percent of farm households derived some income from off-farm sources. On average, off-farm income contributed 82 percent of total income, or $101,638, for all family farms in 2019."
IE one of the spouses will probably need a day job, and often both of you. Then the farm/homestead is just your labor of love. a REALLY HARD labor, but worth it
I love your channel, thank you for the very informative and honest content.
Where did you buy your greenhouse? Thank you 🙏