Self Sufficiency: Unpeeling the Myth, Embracing Homesteading

Reader Contribution by Laura Berlage and North Star Homestead Farms
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It’s always a treasure to hear from readers, including those with questions.  This week, I received an inquiry from an area student (I’ll refer to him as John), who is a sixth grader working on a research project.  My sister Kara was in 6th grade when we moved up full-time to revitalize the old homestead, and many of our initial projects were sparked by research endeavors.

John had an interesting question for me: 

“My ILP [independent learning project] is on homesteading. The question I am trying to answer is, ‘Can I become self sufficient on 1 and a half acres of land?’  Some of the things I have learned about is how to start homesteading.  I am looking to talk to someone and learn more about homesteading.”

I thought on this for a couple of days, realizing there were really two questions within the letter.  Assuming that John lives on 1.5 acres of land currently, here are some thoughtful considerations.  Maybe you have a little bit of acreage too and can pick up some tips.

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