Ep. 89 Llamas, Getting Away & Loading Pigs in Snow

Ep. 89 Llamas, Getting Away & Loading Pigs in Snow

Author: Jason Contreras March 7, 2025 Duration: 1:08:02
Jason, Al, and Ben discuss various aspects of homesteading, including the potential of raising llamas and donkeys, the importance of proper drainage in foundation work, and the joys of celebrating milestones like birthdays. They share experiences of teaching the next generation about farming, the art of cooking a pig, and the challenges of navigating daily life, including trips to the DMV. The conversation also touches on building shelters, networking with fellow homesteaders, and the considerations of livestock choices, particularly sheep and guardian dogs, as well as fencing options. In this engaging conversation, the hosts discuss various aspects of homesteading, including the challenges of sourcing materials locally, the satisfaction of completing projects, and the realities of caring for livestock during harsh winter conditions. They share personal experiences related to butchering pigs, insights from their visits to butcher shops, and the ongoing construction of a walk-in cooler. The conversation also touches on cooking techniques and the comfort found in cold weather, creating a rich tapestry of homesteading life. Sow the Land: https://www.youtube.com/@SowtheLand Lumnah Acres: https://www.youtube.com/@LumnahAcres Hollar Homestead: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHollarHomestead Homestead Shop Talk is a weekly audio podcast hosted by Jason Contreras (@sowtheland), Ben Hollar (@thehollarhomestead) and Al Lumnah (@lumnahacres). Three dudes with different homesteads talking about homestead life, content creation, growing a homestead and building a life worth living for. Thanks for listening!

Grab a cup of coffee and pull up a stool. Homestead Shop Talk feels less like a formal broadcast and more like the weekly conversation happening in a well-used workshop, hosted by Jason Contreras, Ben Hollar, and Al Lumnah. Each brings the distinct perspective of running their own homestead, meaning topics swing naturally from the deeply practical to the broadly philosophical. You’ll hear them troubleshoot a failed crop, debate the best tools for a barn repair, and share hard-won lessons on balancing this demanding lifestyle with family and creative pursuits. The discussion often veers into the realities of content creation, as each host documents their journey online, but the heart of this podcast is about building something tangible and meaningful with your own hands. It’s for anyone who dreams of greater self-sufficiency, whether on acres of land or in a suburban backyard, offering camaraderie and unvarnished advice instead of glossy perfection. Tune in for honest talk about soil, structures, and the slow, rewarding work of crafting a life deeply connected to what you value most.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Homestead Shop Talk
Podcast Episodes
Ep. 86 Brainstorming Different Homestead Problems [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:25
Jason, Al, and Ben discuss various topics related to homesteading, including the controversial glyphosate, weather patterns affecting their farms, the challenges of YouTube content creation, and the intricacies of animal…
Ep. 85 Frostbite to Sunburn Weather This Week [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:21
Jason, Ben and Al discuss the unpredictable weather patterns affecting their homesteads, share updates on various projects including a walk-in cooler and tractor troubles, and delve into the challenges of managing water…
Ep. 84 Back from Texas, Sausage making and a Moose [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:18
Jason, Al, and Ben discuss their recent experiences, including Jason's trip to Texas for the APPA Conference, where he learned about pasture poultry production and enjoyed some delicious barbecue. They also delve into Ja…
Ep. 83 I Think Changes Are Coming [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:56
Jason, Al, and Ben discuss their recent experiences with homesteading, including the challenges of cold weather, a charcuterie class they hosted, and their plans for tapping maple trees. They share insights on meat proce…
Ep. 82 Biggest Expense on the Homestead [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:42
Jason, Al, and Ben discuss their recent experiences with winter weather, including unexpected snowfalls and the challenges of sledding. They also delve into animal care, particularly focusing on the health of Al's pig, S…
Ep. 81 The Week in Review [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:12
Jason, Ben and Al reflect on their New Year's celebrations, discuss the challenges of cold weather on their homesteads, and share experiences with animal health issues, particularly a prolapsed rectum in pigs. They also…
Ep. 80 What if We Did Get Together [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:26
Jason, Al, and Ben reflect on their holiday experiences, including Christmas dinners and winter weather challenges. They share stories about their homesteading projects, equipment updates, and the impact of sickness duri…
Ep. 79 The Last One of the Year [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:02
Jason, Al, and Ben reflect on their experiences over the past year, share holiday greetings, and discuss the challenges and joys of homesteading during the winter months. They delve into the guilt associated with downtim…
Ep. 78 Holiday Christmas & Wild Chickens [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:19
Jason, Ben and Al discuss their Christmas traditions, the challenges of content creation during rainy weather, and a humorous story about a surprise delivery of wood chips. They also share wildlife encounters, health tip…
Ep. 77 Tools, Learning and Formed Meats [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:28
Al, Ben and Jason discuss their Christmas tree traditions, the impact of recent weather changes, innovations in snow removal with a new snowblower, and the challenges of managing livestock, particularly pigs. They share…