As the year draws to a close and the days between Christmas and New Year’s provide a moment of calm, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the wins, challenges, and invaluable lessons learned on the homestead. For many, homesteading is a journey of growth—both for the land and for the soul. This year, for us here at Huckleberry Farms, has been one for the books. It was filled with more hurdles than we could have anticipated, but each one brought its own set of lessons that we will carry into the future.
Storms and Drought: Nature’s Lessons in Resilience
The summer started with an unforgettable storm at the end of June. At first, we thought it may have been a tornado, but it was eventually declared to be straight-line winds. Regardless, the impact was the same. The storm wreaked havoc on our farm, felling shade trees and causing damage to essential structures. With the trees gone, we were left vulnerable to the unrelenting summer drought that followed, amplifying the heat and taking a toll on everything from the animals to the garden.
We learned, however, that disaster sometimes leads you down a path you hadn’t considered before. The loss of trees prompted us to reevaluate our land and the way we utilize shade and water resources. It also taught us that sometimes, no matter how well-prepared you think you are, nature has her own plans. And that’s okay—because each challenge is an opportunity to grow, pivot, and come back stronger.
Predators and Animal Care: Finding the Right Balance
Predator attacks on our birds were another huge issue this year. Raccoons found their way onto the farm, and before we perfected our schedule of putting the birds up and letting them out, we lost more than we care to remember. We eventually found the right rhythm and reinforced the coops and enclosures, but the emotional and financial strain it placed on the farm was significant.
Our rabbit operation also took a major hit. Disease, coupled with the extreme heat, resulted in the loss of 75% of our rabbits. Losing so many animals was not only heartbreaking but also forced us to reevaluate our entire rabbit management system. From shade to nutrition to hydration, we had to reconsider every element of our care process.
We learned the importance of adapting quickly and thinking ahead. The current location of the rabbit hutches is no longer ideal, so this winter, we’ll be moving them to a better spot before the cold truly sets in. We’ve also realized that we need to rethink the garden layout, which we’ll be moving next year to optimize both the animals’ and plants’ health.
Adapting to Unexpected Life Changes: A Surprise Pregnancy
As if the farm’s challenges weren’t enough, this year also brought the surprise of a pregnancy! While it was certainly a joyous occasion, the physical complications that accompanied it made it difficult for me to keep up with the daily demands of the farm. Learning how to delegate tasks to the kids became essential. I took stock of their strengths, weaknesses, and interests to better allocate responsibilities and ensure that things kept running smoothly, even if I couldn’t physically keep up.
This experience taught me more than just how to delegate. I learned patience, humility, and the importance of recognizing your limits. It’s easy to go into a year with high expectations and ambitious goals, but sometimes, life forces you to adjust and rework your plans. And that’s not a bad thing—it’s all part of the homesteading journey.
Brooder Management and Animal Health
Another major lesson this year was in brooder management. We learned that we could increase the health of our chicks without relying on medicated feed or vaccines. By focusing on natural remedies and improving their living environment, we were able to reduce mortality rates and ensure that our flocks are strong and healthy from day one.
This was a huge win for us because it aligns with our long-term goal of running a farm that is as natural and sustainable as possible. It was also a reminder that sometimes, the solutions you’re looking for aren’t in a bag of feed or a bottle of medicine—they’re in the environment you create and the attention you pay to the needs of your animals.
Redefining Family and Community
Homesteading has a way of teaching you about more than just land management—it teaches you about life, relationships, and the importance of community. This year, I learned that family isn’t just defined by blood—it’s defined by who shows up and who stays. The people who support you through the storms (literal and metaphorical) are the ones who make the journey worth it.
I’ve also rediscovered the joy of connecting with our community. One of the highlights of this year was spending Sundays at the Family Market, interacting with our customers. These interactions reminded me why we do what we do—why we’ve dedicated our lives to this farm. The market has become a place of connection and shared values, and I can’t wait to expand that community next year when we begin hosting events on the farm again.
The Joys of Slowing Down and Reconnecting with Hobbies
Despite the challenges, this year also offered unexpected gifts. I rediscovered my love for chainmaille creation, reading, and writing. These hobbies brought a sense of peace during the more chaotic times, reminding me to slow down and appreciate the beauty in simple things. Sometimes, when the world feels like it’s spinning out of control, the best thing you can do is sit down with a good book or work on a creative project that grounds you.
I’ve also developed an interest in teaching, which may lead to a new venture. I’m considering a position as an Ag teacher at our local college after graduation—a way to share my love for farming and sustainability with the next generation.
Looking Forward: New Opportunities on the Horizon
As we look toward next year, I’m filled with hope and excitement for what’s to come. We’re working on building a new “rakin” house—a combination rabbit and chicken house—that will not only improve animal health but also make winter management easier. The garden is getting a complete overhaul, and we’re considering adding larger Boer goats for pasture management (turns out Nigerian Dwarf goats aren’t a great fit for us!).
While this year was full of unexpected twists and challenges, it also set us up for an exciting future. The lessons we’ve learned about land management, animal care, and community will guide us as we continue to grow. Homesteading isn’t just about surviving—it’s about thriving in harmony with nature and finding joy in the everyday moments, even when the going gets tough.
Final Thoughts: Embracing Gratitude and Resilience
At the end of the day, homesteading is a lifestyle that teaches resilience, adaptability, and gratitude. The challenges this year may have pushed us to our limits, but they also made us stronger. We’re closing out the year with gratitude for what we’ve learned, the progress we’ve made, and the community that supports us.
As we reflect on the highs and lows, we’re reminded that each season brings its own lessons. And no matter how difficult the journey, we’re grateful for the opportunity to grow, learn, and continue this incredible homesteading adventure.
