Homesteaders of America

Most conversations about nutrition begin with what is on the plate. This one begins much farther upstream—with the soil, the grass, the animal, and the way our food is raised.In this episode of the Homesteaders of America Podcast, Amy speaks with Julia Mitchell, MSc, CNS, LDN, a clinical nutritionist, grass-fed bison rancher, mother of two, and Lead Educator for Ancestral Supplements. Julia shares how a desire to become more capable and connected to her food led her from a regional food hub to bison ranching in southwestern Alberta—and how working with the land has reshaped her understanding of human nourishment.Together, they discuss what nutrient density actually means, why the quality of our food begins in living soil, and how modern agriculture’s focus on yield can leave nutrition behind. Julia also explains why traditional cultures valued the whole animal, what liver and other organ meats can add to the family diet, and simple ways homesteaders can make those foods less intimidating—from blending liver into ground meat to using bones, marrow, connective tissue, and slow-cooked cuts.The conversation also explores where whole-food supplements may serve as a practical bridge, what consumers should know about sourcing and third-party testing, and why no capsule can replace the deeper work of rebuilding food skills, supporting responsible farmers, and understanding where nourishment comes from.This episode is an invitation to think more deeply about food—not merely as calories or protein, but as the product of healthy soil, careful stewardship, practical knowledge, and a resilient family culture.In This Episode, We DiscussHow Julia moved from city life and a regional food hub into grass-fed bison ranchingWhat makes raising and handling bison different from raising cattleWhy nutrition begins with soil—and why food quality cannot be separated from land healthWhat “nutrient density” means beyond marketing languageHow farming for yield can dilute the vitamins and minerals in foodWhy organ meats fell out of favor and what was lost when they disappeared from the family tableHow nose-to-tail eating honors the animal and broadens the nutrient profile of the dietA simple way to ask your butcher to blend liver into ground meatWhy liver is so nutrient-dense and why it should not be misunderstood as a storage tank for toxinsWhere food-first nutrition ends and whole-food supplementation may beginHow freeze-drying preserves organ meats for capsules or powdersWhat third-party testing and careful sourcing should addressWhy practical food skills are essential to family resilience and self-sufficiencyWhy bison ranchers are, at heart, grass farmers—and why protecting grasslands mattersAbout Julia MitchellJulia Mitchell, MSc, CNS, LDN, is a clinical nutritionist, bison rancher, mother of two, and Lead Educator for Ancestral Supplements. Her work sits at the intersection of functional nutrition, ancestral health, regenerative agriculture, and optimal health. Shaped by both her clinical nutrition work and her hands-on experience raising grass-fed bison on a regenerative ranch in southwestern Alberta, Julia is especially knowledgeable about nose-to-tail eating, organ meats, animal-based nutrition, and making nutrient-dense whole foods approachable for modern families.Links and Resources MentionedAncestral Supplements — ancestralsupplements.comThe Self-Sufficient Life and How to Live It by John SeymourSavory Institute and holistic management principles — savory.globalVISIT HOA ONLINE at homesteadersofamerica.comDISCLAIMER: This episode is for general educational purposes only and is not individualized medical or nutrition advice. Nutrient needs and supplement safety vary. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before making significant dietary changes or using concentrated supplements, especially during pregnancy, for children, when taking medications, or when managing a medical condition.

Joel Salatin is back to share why he’s taking a bold stand against federal overreach—and what really happens when the government comes knocking. From eye-opening bird flu extermination tactics to a surprising call from RFK Jr., Joel breaks down the growing pressure on small farms, who’s profiting, and the natural solutions being ignored. He also challenges the myth of total self-sufficiency and makes a compelling case for building strong, local community ties. Whether you're in the thick of farming or just passionate about food freedom, this conversation will inspire you to think differently—and take action right where you are!In this episode, we cover:Why Joel is taking a hard stand against federal overreach on his farmThe shocking methods used in bird flu exterminationHow a sheriff’s bold promise gave Joel the confidence to push backThe surprising call Joel got from RFK Jr. and how it sparked national momentumWhy small farms are getting squeezed out—and who’s profiting mostNatural, non-vaccine treatments for bird flu that no one wants to talk aboutThe real reason some hatcheries are canceling your meat bird ordersWhy building your “farm team” might matter more than being self-sufficientPractical ways to serve your community now—so they’ll show up when it countsWhat really happens when the government shows up without a warrantView full show notes and transcript on the blog + watch this video on YouTube.Thank you to our sponsors!McMurrayHatchery.com | A wide selection of poultry breeds and supplies to assist you with raising your flockNutrimill.com | High-quality small kitchen appliance products that function well, are easy to use, and promote healthy eatingRESOURCES MENTIONEDWatch The Lunatic Farmer by Angel StudiosCONNECTJoel Salatin of Polyface Farm | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube Homesteaders of America | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Pinterest

As a homesteader who values organic and sustainable farming practices, Adam looked around and wondered why he couldn’t find these same principles applied to the production of honey. He made it his mission to learn everything he could about raising honeybees with the most natural methods possible. Today, he writes and teaches homesteaders how to start their own honeybee farms. In this conversation, we chat about selecting and building a hive, keeping bees through the winter, the adaptability of naturally-raised bees, and more. We hope this episode leaves you feeling empowered to start on your own beekeeping endeavor!In this episode, we cover: What makes Adam’s natural and organic beekeeping methods different from conventional practices Tips for maintaining healthy bees through the cold winter months Making an argument for why horizontal hives are better than vertical hives for the backyard beekeeper A few options for those who want to create their own DIY horizontal bee hive Adam’s encouragement for those who dream of starting or growing their homesteadView full show notes and transcript on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube.Thank you to our sponsors!McMurrayHatchery.com | A wide selection of poultry breeds and supplies to assist you with raising your flockNutrimill.com | High-quality small kitchen appliance products that function well, are easy to use, and promote healthy eatingABOUT ADAMBee Kept is located in Middle Tennessee and is founded by Adam and Leslie Martin. Their bee adventure started using all of the traditional methods taught and promoted by beekeepers and bee clubs all over the western world. After failing miserably in their first season of beekeeping, they used these failures as opportunities to learn outside-of-the-bee-box thinking with their beekeeping methods. They learned God’s Creative Intelligent Design for honey bees and more natural and sustainable beekeeping practices. The rest is history! Since then their bees have enjoyed great success in overwintering without feeding sugar water or treating for pests, and they have naturally begun to share what they have learned with others. Adam loves teaching others about bees almost as much as he loves the bees. If you have tried keeping bees and failed, or if you are just learning and wanting to get into it, Adam will inspire you to get going! Adam teaches that anyone can learn how to trap feral bees, keep them in a low to no maintenance system, and manage the colonies in horizontal hives that are better for the bees and the beekeeper!RESOURCES MENTIONEDCheck out Adam’s new book,Bee Kept With Wild And Free Honey Bees by Adam MartinFree plans to build the Langstroth Long HiveCome see Adam in May at our Learn to Homestead in a Weekend eventCONNECTAdam Martin of Bee Kept | Website | Instagram | FacebookHomesteaders of America | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Pinterest

Get ready for a deep dive into the world of all things salt! Darryl of Redmond Real Salt brings his expertise to our most important questions: what is wrong with modern day salt? What should you look for in a good quality salt? How much salt do our bodies need? And more! Whether looking for the best salt for maintaining livestock, cooking from scratch, food preservation, everyday use, or mineral balance, this educational conversation will equip you with the information you need to make intentional food choices. In this episode, we cover: Where does salt actually come from? An explanation of salt’s importance to the body How Redmond is answering the demand for a diversity of salt products Why our bodies need electrolytes and how salt meets that need The power of tuning into our cravings in meeting our nutritional needs A look at how our ancestors consumed salt The problem with salt on the grocery store shelves today Questions to ask when you are looking for a quality salt View full show notes and transcript on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube. Thank you to the sponsors that make this show possible! Earthley.com | Clean, natural, and affordable herbal remedies and body care that support health and wellness naturally Nutrimill.com | High-quality small kitchen appliance products that function well, are easy to use, and promote healthy eating ABOUT DARRYL Darryl Bosshardt is passionate about healthy living, healthy eating and life-long learning. Darryl grew up working for the family mineral business in Redmond, UT and then earned a Bachelor of Science degree at Southern Utah University followed by an MBA at Western Governor's University. RESOURCES MENTIONED Check out all of the Redmond products mentioned here! CONNECT Darryl Bosshardt of Redmond Incorporated | Website | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok Homesteaders of America | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Pinterest

Preparedness is an important aspect of most homesteads, but it can be an overwhelming topic due to its multifaceted nature. Many of us have some level of food storage for our families, but what about things like safety and emergency medical care? Jake Drumm of Drumm Emergency Solutions has a passion for helping families prepare for a wide spectrum of crisis situations. He has a special word for homesteaders today to get you started in preparing for both short and long term medical crisis situations. In this episode, we cover: Why emergency preparedness is important for homesteaders The most important supplies to have in your first aid kit on a homestead Moving beyond first responder skills and considering long-term emergencies Why and how to store information offline in case of internet outages Tackling one of the most common health crises: sepsis Addressing the issue of medical supplies and medications in dire times Using wisdom in learning from various experts Encouragement if you are feeling overwhelmed or fearful View full show notes and transcript on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube. ABOUT JAKE Jake Drumm is a career paramedic with a passion for preparedness, homesteading, and education. He has worked in all areas of emergency services medicine during his career. The past 15 years have been spent in the delivery of emergency medicine education, spanning the spectrum from graduate medical education to U.S. Special Operations medicine. He continues to practice medicine as a paramedic in rural East Tennessee, as well as working to actively spread his message of medical preparedness and austere lifesaving through Drumm Emergency Solutions, LLC, a family company. Jake is also heavily involved in ongoing wilderness medicine, permaculture, and homesteading projects on several properties in East Tennessee. RESOURCES Medical planning and preparedness: Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) Medical Beginner's Resource List Guerilla Medicine: An introduction to the concepts of austere medicine in asymmetric conflicts Ditch Medicine: Advanced Field Procedures for Emergencies by Hugh Coffee Where There Is No Doctor: A Village Health Care Handbook Improvised Medicine: Providing Care in Extreme Environments, 2nd edition Tourniquet Conversion A Recommended Approach in the Prolonged Field Care Setting Preparing for Operations in a Resource-Depleted and/or Extended Evacuation Environment 10 Essential PFC Capabilities Skills for non-medical team members CONNECT Jake Drumm of Drumm Emergency Solutions | Website | YouTube | Facebook | X | Pinterest Homesteaders of America | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Pinterest