The Homestead Education Podcast

This episode dives into the crucial need to redefine agriculture education for today's society. I share my personal journey, insights into food systems, and why foundational knowledge about where our food comes from is more vital than ever—regardless of whether you’re a farmer or not. The disconnect between conventional agriculture education and real-world needs Why understanding food, soil, and farm systems is essential for everyone How COVID, supply chain disruptions, and AI are shifting perspectives on local and small-scale farming The historical evolution of agricultural education and its current shortcomings Practical steps to incorporate meaningful agriculture lessons into homes and communities The importance of fostering purpose, resilience, and responsibility in the next generation The role of homeschooling, community involvement, and local sourcing in building a stable food future Resources & Links: Courses and curriculum for agricultural literacy: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/homesteadeducationcurriculum Homesteading Summer Courses — 25% off mini courses with code SUMMER25: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/coupon-code/SUMMER25/sc-page/summer-on-the-homestead-kickoff-sale/ Homestead Family Reading List: https://thehomesteadeducation.myflodesk.com/homestead-reading-list Connect with Kody Hanner: Website: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/homestead_education Facebook: https://facebook.com/homesteadeducation Remember: agriculture is the foundation of civilization. Reimagine how we teach and connect with it to build resilient, purpose-driven generations.

In this episode, Kody chats with Katie Olthoff, co-founder of Chop Local and Chop Local University, about helping farmers sell meat directly to consumers in today’s market. Katie shares how she transitioned from teaching elementary school in rural Iowa to building an online farmers' market that connects producers with buyers nationwide. Together, they unpack the difference between custom-exempt and retail meat sales, how inspection laws affect shipping, and why clear pricing and education are key to building trust with customers. Katie also shares insights on simplifying online sales, using email marketing instead of relying on social media, and creative strategies for selling the lesser-known cuts that often sit in farmers’ freezers. Episode Links Chop Local Website: https://choplocal.com/ Chop Local University: https://www.choplocaluniversity.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/choplocalmeat YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@choplocal Podcast: Meat Success Kody Links Website: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/ Shop Curriculum: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/shop Speaking Events: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/events Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehomesteadeducation Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homestead_education Watch episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@homesteadeducation

In this episode, Kody sits down with Greg and Kristen Leininger, founders of Steader, to share how their own homesteading challenges sparked the idea for a faith-led, community-driven app built to reconnect local food systems. They open up about turning that vision into a working platform that helps neighbors buy, sell, and trade. From their family’s journey toward a simpler, purpose-filled life to their mission of helping others live closer to God’s design for food, land, and fellowship, Greg and Kristen show how technology can actually bring homesteaders back together—one trade, seed, or story at a time. Episode Links Website: https://www.steader.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/steaderapp Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steaderapp/ Kody Links Website: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/ Shop Curriculum: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/shop Speaking Events: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/events Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehomesteadeducation Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homestead_education Watch episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@homesteadeducation

In this episode, Kody sits down with Jennifer Wheeler, co-founder of Grass Fed Skin, to share the inspiring story of how she and her husband, Eric, followed God’s calling to leave their established healthcare careers and build a family-run, faith-led skincare business. Jennifer opens up about the moment she felt led to start something new, the early days of crafting tallow balm at home, and how their simple, natural product has transformed lives by helping people heal their skin and reduce toxins in their homes. Episode Links Use code "WelcomeGFS" at checkout to get 10% off! Website- https://mygrassfedskin.com/ Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/grassfedskin Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550030956702 Kody Links Website: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/ Shop Curriculum: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/shop Speaking Events: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/events Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehomesteadeducation Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homestead_education Watch episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@homesteadeducation

In this episode, Kody shares what’s been happening on her homestead and in her business — from breeding season and beef prices to the big leap into running a full in-house print shop. She opens up about the real-life challenges and triumphs of raising livestock, growing a business, and raising a family — all while staying rooted in her mission to reshape agricultural education for the next generation. Kody also reflects on why “Agriculture Is Everywhere” — how it impacts every aspect of our daily lives, why kids need hands-on life skills now more than ever, and her growing vision to bring agriculture and home economics back to the heart of modern education. Whether you’re a homeschool parent, small-scale farmer, or simply passionate about where your food comes from, this episode is a reminder that we’re all connected through agriculture. Episode Links Homestead Economics & Business Mini Course: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/product/homestead-economics-business-mini-course/ Seasons on the Homestead: Autumn Educational Activity Book: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/product/seasons-on-the-homestead-autumn-educational-activity-book/ Kody Links Website: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/ Shop Curriculum: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/shop Speaking Events: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/events Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehomesteadeducation Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homestead_education Watch episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@homesteadeducation

In this episode, I’m joined by Katie J Trent—bestselling author of Dishing Up Devotions, Recipes for a Sweet Child, and A Merry and Bright Adventure, and founder of the Family Faith-Building Academy & Community. Katie’s mission is simple yet powerful: make discipleship easier—and deliciously fun—for busy homeschooling families. With over 15 years of experience in counseling, ministry, and church planting, Katie shares how hands-on family discipleship can weave biblical character traits into everyday life. We explore how to define your family’s faith background, set intentional goals for what you want to teach your kids, and multiply the gifts God has given you. Sponsored by BaseCampEd - It Takes a Village, Build Yours Today! Episode Links Website: https://katiejtrent.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katiejtrent Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiejtrent/ Purchase Katie's books: Dishing Up Devotions, Recipes for a Sweet Child, and A Merry and Bright Adventure Grab Katie's 101 Life Skills Bundle FREE: https://katiejtrent.com/lifeskills/ Kody Links Website: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/ Shop Curriculum: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/shop Speaking Events: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/events Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehomesteadeducation Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homestead_education Watch episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@homesteadeducation