Homestead Living: July 2025

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What’s Inside?

From Anna Sakawsky, Editor-in-Chief:

“Every summer, I’m reminded of Aesop’s fable about the ants who work all season storing food, while the grasshopper sings the days away—only to find himself unprepared when winter comes. I’ll leave the rest of the story for you to read in my latest Letter From the Editor, but suffice it to say, this month’s issue is a tribute to the hardworking homesteader—those of us embracing the spirit of the ants while the world around us leans into grasshopper living.”

From foraging tips and summer preserving to expert advice on drought resilience, the July 2025 issue will inspire you to work with what the land has given you and build a truly resilient homestead!

Here are the articles waiting for you inside this issue:

Where the Wild Foods Are by Anna Sakawsky

Award-winning chef Alan Bergo traded fine dining for forest floors, building a life and career around the overlooked art of foraging. Through his story of hardship, resilience, and culinary curiosity, Bergo shows homesteaders how wild foods, once dismissed as a poor man’s fare, can become nourishing staples and sources of deep connection to the land.

Drought-Proofing Your Land by Joel Salatin

Joel Salatin lays out practical, time-tested strategies for making your land more resilient to drought … from building soil organic matter to installing swales, mulch, ponds, and hügelkultur beds. Whether you’re managing pasture, garden, or orchard, these methods help homesteaders retain water, protect crops, and weather dry seasons with confidence.

Herbal Animal Care by Dr. Patrick Jones

Veterinarian and herbalist Dr. Patrick Jones shares how herbs can be safely and effectively used to treat wounds, infections, and chronic conditions in pets and livestock. With species-specific dosing guidance, practical delivery methods, and a focus on herbs that work across animals and humans alike, this guide empowers homesteaders to care for their animals naturally and confidently.

Know Your Water Rights by Jacob R. Lauser

From surface water and wells to rainwater harvesting, homesteaders are subject to a complex tangle of state, federal, and sometimes international water regulations that can restrict how, and whether, they access water on their land. Jacob Lauser breaks down the five most critical concepts to understand before touching a drop, helping readers avoid costly legal missteps and make smart, informed decisions about their property.

Preserving the Taste of Summer by Mary Bryant Shrader

With heartfelt nods to her mother and son, Mary Bryant Shrader shares her favorite recipes and techniques for preserving summer’s harvest through water bath canning, fermenting, and oven drying. These timeless, hands-on methods not only fill your pantry with flavor but also connect you to tradition, family, and the nourishing joy of homemade food.

Community Sufficiency by Melissa K. Norris

True self-sufficiency isn’t about doing everything alone … it’s about building interdependent relationships that support a resilient, sustainable life. Melissa K. Norris explores how trading, bartering, and sharing resources with neighbors and local producers fosters strength, connection, and long-term success for modern homesteaders.

Practicing the Pause by Kaylee Richardson

In a world that prizes speed and productivity, Kaylee Richardson reminds us that healing begins with stillness and gratitude. By slowing down and embracing small, mindful moments, we can transform our physical health, emotional resilience, and spiritual well-being … one breath, one pause, one thank-you at a time.

A Forager’s Feast by Alan Bergo

James Beard Award-winning chef Alan Bergo invites readers to explore the wild, edible world just beyond their doorstep with three refined yet accessible recipes that elevate seasonal foraged ingredients. From savory wild fennel cakes and chanterelle toast to juicy mulberry pie, his dishes prove that nature’s overlooked abundance can be both elegant and deeply satisfying.

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