Homestead Living: January 2025

Description

What’s Inside?

From Anna Sakawsky, Editor-in-Chief:

“January is here, and with it comes the spark of a fresh start! The new year feels like a blank canvas, waiting for us to paint it with plans, projects, and dreams. For homesteaders, this is the time to envision the year ahead—what we’ll grow, build, learn, and accomplish. It’s a time of excitement, possibility, and hope.But while January invites us to dream big, it also reminds us to rest. Winter is nature’s pause, a time to recover from last year’s efforts before diving into the next.”

From a pantry challenge to an incredible fire cider hot toddy recipe … the January 2025 issue will inspire you to rest over the coming winter months on the homestead, to rest and plan for the coming year.

Here are the homesteading articles waiting for you inside …

Homesteading on the Last Frontier by Anna Sakawsky

If you’re dreaming of homesteading, the Kilcher family’s ongoing Alaskan adventure shows that so much of this life is simply about grit, heart, and resourcefulness. Their story also proves that you don’t need to be the “perfect” homesteader to succeed — a lot of passion, reliance on family and friends, and the determination to stay the course can do the trick.

Cold-Weather Care by Joel Salatin

Winter livestock care doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Joel Salatin breaks it all down: keep your animals dry, sheltered, and hydrated, and they’ll thrive. With simple solutions like deep bedding and smart water management, you can cut costs, reduce stress, and keep your herd happy and healthy — all while staying ready for the new opportunities spring will eventually bring.

Reset with a January Pantry Challenge by Jessica Spiers

A January pantry challenge isn’t just about eating through what you’ve preserved — it’s a chance to save money, reduce waste, and reconnect with all of your hard work from the previous year. This FUN challenge  will help you get creative in the kitchen, plan better for next year, and even teach your family the virtue of gratitude. It’s a win for your pantry and for your soul!

The World’s Most Efficient Wood Stove by Paul Wheaton with Beau M. Davidson

If you’re tired of endlessly chopping wood or battling cold winter mornings, a rocket mass heater can be a true game-changer. They use a fraction of the wood that conventional wood stoves do, and create a lasting, cozy warmth that your whole family will love. You’ll also save time, effort, and resources over the long run — all while enjoying a brilliantly efficient, sustainable heating system that transforms how you think about winter.

Mushroom Medicine by Suzanne Tabert

Medicinal mushrooms like reishi, turkey tail, and chaga are nature’s powerhouse healers — boosting immunity, calming inflammation, and even supporting heart and gut health. Adding them to your family’s routine can utterly transform their overall wellness. These mushrooms are versatile, potent, and a great way to harness God’s natural medicine.

Winter Sowing Made Simple by Melissa K. Norris

Winter sowing can be a game-changer for your garden — no grow lights, no fuss, and an earlier harvest … who knew! With just a few recycled containers, you can start hardy greens and veggies right in the snow. It’s easy, low-cost, and gives you a great head start on enjoying fresh produce, before spring even begins. 

Baking with Freshly-Milled Flour by Laine Rhodes

Freshly milled flour is a homesteader’s secret weapon — packed with nutrients and flavor, it can transform your baking into a seriously wonderful health boost. You’ll enjoy better digestion, energy, and taste, all while embracing a traditional skill that honestly needs to make a comeback! Start milling your own flour for bread, muffins, and more, and watch as your family enjoys the results 😉

Fire Cider Hot Toddy Recipe by Laura Gilmour

Looking for a warming winter drink with a medicinal twist? A fire cider hot toddy is a winter game-changer — a cozy, immune-boosting drink that warms you up while fighting off colds. Packed with powerhouse ingredients like ginger, garlic, and honey, it’s deliciously medicinal. Whip up a batch of fire cider for your homestead and enjoy its healing benefits all season long!

*NOTE: Purchase of this single issue will NOT start a monthly subscription to Homestead Living. You can do that right here 😉