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. 66 Time Management/ Q&A [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:36
In this episode we talk about our week on the homestead and answer your questions! Sow the Land: https://www.youtube.com/@SowtheLand Lumnah Acres: https://www.youtube.com/@LumnahAcres Hollar Homestead: https://www.youtub…
Ep. 65 Homestead Life: Weather, Food, and Family [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:30
In this episode of the Homestead Shop Talk podcast, Jason, Al, and Ben discuss various topics related to homesteading, including weather conditions, food experiences, health changes, and their recent conference experienc…
Ep. 64 Quitting Sugar AND More Freezers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:18
In this episode, Al, Jason and Ben discuss their recent activities and projects. They talk about buying freezers, the challenges of finding space for them, and the possibility of investing in a walk-in freezer. They also…
Ep. 63 Eating Real Food at a Homesteading Event [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:03
In this episode, Al, Ben and Jason discuss their recent experiences and activities. They talk about the weather, a homesteading event they attended, and some challenges they faced on their homesteads. They also mention a…
Ep. 62 Can A President Change the Food System [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:50
In this episode, Al, Ben and Jason discuss their recent dinners and upcoming workshops. They also talk about weather conditions and Al's recent well pump issues. The conversation then shifts to the possibility of change…
Ep. 61 Chewing the Fat on Pork Week [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:28
In this episode, the fellas discuss upcoming events and share updates on their homesteading projects. They talk about the challenges of dealing with excessive rain and the impact it has on gardening and outdoor projects.…
Ep. 60 Heavy Rain, Kitchen Renovations & Motivation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:10:26
In this episode, Jason, Al and Ben discuss various topics including the recent weather, the use of dishwashers and microwaves, and the concept of a dumbwaiter. They also talk about Jason’s kitchen renovation project and…
Ep. 59 Getting Stuff Done... Kind of [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:27
In this episode, Jason, Ben and Al discuss the upcoming hurricane and the unpredictable weather patterns they've been experiencing. They also talk about their recent activities, including clearing land, chipping wood, an…
Ep. 58 It's The Homestead After Show [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:52
In this episode, Al, Ben and Jason discuss their week and various projects they are working on. They talk about the weather, the growth of their grass, and the challenges they face with muddy pig pens. Ben shares his laz…
Ep. 57 Chickens and Concrete [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:35
In this episode Al, Jason and Ben share what’s going on in their week! See below for links! Thanks for listening!