
Steer calves are a common animal raised on small homesteads for home beef consumption.
Courtesy Photo| Amanda Knight
Homesteading, the practice of living off the land and becoming more self-sufficient, has been gaining significant popularity in recent years. While homesteading traditionally refers to the act of establishing a family farm or self-sustaining household, the modern version often blends old-fashioned practices with contemporary innovations. Whether it’s about growing your own food, raising livestock, or reducing dependence on modern systems, people are increasingly seeking a more independent, sustainable lifestyle.
Several factors have contributed to the resurgence of homesteading in the USA.
Rising cost of living: As the cost of groceries, utilities, and housing increases, many people are looking for ways to cut costs by growing their own food and reducing reliance on commercial goods. Homesteading provides a way to lower grocery bills by growing vegetables, raising chickens for eggs, or even raising livestock for meat.
Job instability and remote work: The rise of remote work, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, has encouraged people to reconsider where they live and how they earn a living. Many are relocating from urban areas to rural or suburban locations with more space and a lower cost of living. This shift has given people the opportunity to start homesteading, whether part-time or full-time.
Desire for financial freedom: Homesteading can promote financial independence by reducing reliance on commercial goods and services. Homesteaders can grow their own vegetables, raise their own livestock, and even generate income by selling excess produce, eggs, or handmade goods. This autonomy is attractive to those seeking to free themselves from the constraints of traditional consumer lifestyles.
Homesteading is often tied to a deep concern for the environment and sustainable living practices. The increasing awareness of climate change and the environmental impact of industrial agriculture has prompted many people to reconsider how food is produced and consumed.
Organic and local farming: Homesteaders often prioritize organic methods and local food production, which aligns with broader movements towards reducing the carbon footprint. Growing your own food with fewer pesticides and chemicals not only benefits personal health but also helps to preserve the environment.
Resilience against supply chain disruptions: Global events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, have highlighted vulnerabilities in food and supply chains. Homesteading offers a way to become more resilient, producing food and goods at home, less reliant on potentially disrupted systems.
For many, homesteading is as much about personal health and wellness as it is about sustainability.
Access to fresh, healthy food: Growing your own fruits and vegetables, raising chickens for eggs, and even milking goats for dairy can ensure that your family has access to fresh, nutritious food. Many homesteaders appreciate knowing exactly where their food comes from and how it’s produced.
Physical and mental health benefits: Gardening, raising animals, and maintaining a homestead require physical labor, which helps improve physical fitness. Additionally, spending time outdoors and working with the land has been shown to have numerous mental health benefits, including stress reduction and improved mood. The connection to nature and the satisfaction of growing your own food also contribute to a sense of well-being.
In an increasingly fast-paced world, many people are drawn to the idea of slowing down and reconnecting with a simpler way of life.
Quality of life over convenience: Homesteading often requires hard work, but it also offers the reward of a slower, more intentional lifestyle. Many homesteaders value the ability to spend more time with family, engage in meaningful activities like gardening or crafting, and live in harmony with nature. The ability to grow your own food or make your own products provides a sense of accomplishment and pride.
The rise of social media, blogs, YouTube channels, and other online platforms has allowed homesteaders to connect with others, share knowledge, and learn from one another. The online homesteading community is thriving, with an increasing number of people documenting their homesteading journeys and offering tips and advice on everything from raising chickens to building DIY solar panels.
Learning opportunities: Whether through YouTube tutorials or online courses, aspiring homesteaders now have unprecedented access to educational resources. People can learn everything from food preservation techniques like canning and fermenting to sustainable building practices like tiny homes or off-grid living.
Supportive communities: Homesteading has become a social movement with an active online community that offers encouragement, advice, and support. Many homesteaders join online forums, Facebook groups, and Instagram pages to connect with others who share their passion for self-sufficiency and sustainability.
Homesteading is no longer just a niche lifestyle but a growing movement fueled by economic, environmental, and personal motivations. Whether it’s reducing your carbon footprint, gaining financial independence, or simply reconnecting with a simpler way of life, homesteading offers a way to live with more intention and self-reliance. As the popularity of this lifestyle continues to rise, more people are discovering the rewards—and challenges—of living off the land, whether in the countryside, suburbs, or even urban environments.
The future of homesteading looks to be growing substantially, with an increasing number of people choosing to live more sustainably, control their food sources, and create a lifestyle that aligns with their values.