Stephanie Kloostra's Journey in Homesteading and Parenting

This episode is brought to you by our partners, Blooming Health Farms and ChopLocal University

In this conversation, Stephanie Kloostra shares her journey into homesteading and farming, discussing the diverse livestock she raises, the challenges of meat production, and her experiences with gardening and food preservation. The discussion also touches on the cultural aspects of gun ownership in rural Canada, the importance of community and mentorship in farming, and the role of social media in building connections and educating the public about agriculture. Stephanie emphasizes the need for transparency in farming practices and the importance of sharing both the successes and challenges faced by farmers. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the significance of community in homesteading, emphasizing the need for support systems among women in agriculture. They share personal experiences related to mental health challenges faced by farmers, the balance of parenting and farming, and the educational benefits of raising children in an agricultural environment. The discussion highlights the importance of allowing children to learn through hands-on experiences and the necessity of prioritizing mental health and community connections in the farming lifestyle.

Connect with Stephanie online below

• https://www.facebook.com/copperwoodacres/
• https://www.tiktok.com/@copperwoodacres?lang=en
• https://www.instagram.com/copperwood_acres

About ChopLocal and ChopLocal University

Meat buyers want convenience and variety, and meat farms need a better way to market their products. That's where ChopLocal comes in.

Founded by farmers, ChopLocal features high quality products from butcher shops and meat farms near you. They are dedicated to building a more resilient supply chain for meat that benefits everyone involved, and we're certain you'll be able to taste the difference!

Want to learn more about selling on ChopLocal as a producer? Visit their website below!

• https://www.choplocaluniversity.com/ (Education For Producers)
• https://choplocal.com/ (Sell or Buy on ChopLocal)

About Blooming Health Farms

We're glad you're joining us for another episode of Barnyard Language. If you enjoy the show, please tell a friend (or two) and be sure to rate and review us wherever you're listening! If you want to help us keep buying coffee and paying our editor, you can make a monthly pledge on Patreon to help us stay on the air.

 You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok as BarnyardLanguage, and if you'd like to connect with other farming families, you can join our private Barnyard Language Facebook group. We're always in search of future guests for the podcast. If you or someone you know would like to chat with us, get in touch.

If you have a something you'd like to Cuss & Discuss, you can submit it here: speakpipe.com/barnyardlanguage or email us at barnyardlanguage@gmail.com.

Takeaways

• Stephanie runs a small farm in Ontario focused on cattle and various poultry.
• She emphasizes the importance of producing her own food and expanding her garden.
• Fencing is a critical infrastructure for livestock management.
• Social media has helped her build a community of like-minded individuals.
• Transparency in farming practices is essential to counter misconceptions.
• Stephanie's journey into farming was driven by a desire to learn and grow.
• She highlights the challenges of meat production and customer interactions.
• Gun ownership in rural Canada is viewed differently than in the U.S.
• Mentorship has played a significant role in her farming education.
• Community connections are vital for support in the homesteading lifestyle. Community is essential for successful homesteading.
• Women in homesteading create a supportive sisterhood.
• Mental health challenges are common among farmers.
• Parenting and farming require a delicate balance.
• Children benefit from hands-on agricultural experiences.
• It's important to prioritize mental health and seek help when needed.
• Letting children be themselves fosters better relationships.
• Failures often teach more than successes in farming.
• Support from family is crucial for managing farm life.
• Homesteading can be pursued without a large property.