The Homestead Education Podcast

Kody Hanner
  • 4.8 (20)
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  • Updated Weekly

Everyone deserves an agricultural education — to understand food, land, and responsibility at a scale that fits real life. Hosted by Kody Hanner, agricultural educator, homeschool mom of six, and lifelong rural advocate, The Homestead Education Podcast explores how accessible, small-scale agricultural education can build capable people, strengthen families, and create resilient local food systems. Drawing from generations of rural knowledge, educated in animal science, and years of teaching families outside traditional systems, Kody breaks down complex food and education topics into practical, usable skills for homes, classrooms, and communities. Each week, you’ll hear honest conversations about food systems, small-scale agriculture, homeschooling, and real-world education — designed for families, educators, and anyone who believes we shouldn’t outsource our lives. Whether you live on acreage, in town, or somewhere in between, this podcast will help you understand where your food comes from, why it matters, and how practical agricultural knowledge can create meaningful change.

  1. 3d ago

    Episode 182: Agriculture, food policy, and county fair lessons from a summer on the homestead

    Kody Hanner shares a solo episode that mixes personal life updates from a wildfire-filled summer with a practical rundown of major agriculture and food safety headlines. She also closes with a long reflection on county fairs, 4-H, and how local agricultural education shapes capable, community-minded kids. In this episode, Kody connects homestead life, livestock management, food policy, and youth ag education into one big picture of how agriculture touches daily life far beyond the farm. She also explains why she thinks local food systems matter more than ever when large-scale supply chains, regulations, and public health issues all collide. Key topics Kody explains how a major wildfire near her home pulled most of her family into fire duty for much of the summer, leaving her to run the farm, the business, and the home largely on her own. She gives a homestead update, including 31 piglets across four litters, her mixed pig breeding program, and her goal of growing Hanner Homestead into a recognizable source of quality heritage pork. She talks about a new Brown Swiss bull calf, A2A2 testing, and how that information helps shape long-term dairy and beef management decisions. Kody shares poultry plans for the year, including raising meat birds later than usual and using new Idaho laws to make direct retail sales easier. She introduces her homemade udder balm, which she says has become a practical chafing cream for firefighters and may soon be offered more broadly. We discuss the Cargill and Tyson meatpacking antitrust and price-fixing settlement, and Kody breaks down how monopolistic control can squeeze farmers while raising consumer prices. She covers a feedlot study that found unexpected lactation in some cattle and heifers, then walks through possible causes, including hormone implants, high-concentrate grain diets, plant estrogen activity, and mold exposure. Kody reviews the tension between commercial feedlot management and her own preference for grass-fed livestock and smaller-scale production decisions. She provides an educational explanation of recent food safety outbreaks, including Cyclospora and Salmonella cases linked to produce, and emphasizes how contamination can occur at many points in the supply chain. She explains the difference between common public assumptions about imported produce and the actual layers of certification, inspection, sanitation, and testing that major food systems use. Kody discusses the effort to define ultra-processed foods more clearly and the push to reform the GRAS system, which allows certain additives to bypass deeper review. She highlights ingredients and additives she sees as problematic, including BHA, BHT, azodicarbonamide, red dye number two, brominated vegetable oil, and other questionable compounds. The episode closes with a detailed look at county fairs as agricultural education, community infrastructure, youth development, and a major economic force in rural life. Episode Links Udder Balm Recipe: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/udder-balm/ The Cargill Lawsuit: https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/us-judge-rules-beef-purchasers-can-pursue-price-fixing-class-actions-2026-07-17/ Lactating Steers: https://members.acresusa.com/lactating-steers-hormonal-implants/ FDA Outbreak Updates: https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/investigation-multistate-outbreak-cyclospora-illnesses-iceberg-lettuce-july-2026 GRAS definition: https://www.fda.gov/food/food-ingredients-packaging/generally-recognized-safe-gras Homestead Education Links Homestead Education Curriculum – http://thehomesteadeducation.com/homesteadeducationcurriculum Homestead Family Reading List – https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/homestead-summer-reading-list/ Instagram – https://instagram.com/homestead_education  Facebook – https://facebook.com/thehomesteadeducation

  2. Jul 28

    Episode: 181 How to Teach Your Kids Home Economics | Real-Life Skills That Build Confident, Capable Adults

    How do you teach home economics when most schools don't? For many families, home economics has become a forgotten subject. But cooking, sewing, meal planning, budgeting, gardening, and creating with your hands are the very skills that build confidence, resilience, and independence. In this episode of The Homestead Education Podcast, Kody Hanner sits down with Jessica Clark of The Lark Life to discuss why practical life skills deserve a place alongside traditional academics—and how families can begin teaching them today. Jessica shares how teaching her children to cook, sew, quilt, and create has transformed their confidence and given them ownership over their education. Together, they explore why children were designed to be creators rather than passive consumers, and how giving kids meaningful responsibilities helps them develop problem-solving skills that last a lifetime. Whether you homeschool, attend public school, or simply want to raise more capable kids, this conversation offers practical encouragement for bringing home economics back into everyday family life. In This Episode Why home economics is making a comeback Teaching cooking, sewing, quilting, and practical life skills Helping children become creators instead of consumers Building confidence through responsibility and hands-on learning Why mistakes are one of the best teachers Raising kids who contribute to the family instead of simply being entertained Teaching boys and girls the same practical skills Creating a home where learning happens naturally Jessica's new Foundations in Quilting curriculum for homeschool families What "Keep Growing" means and why lifelong learning matters Key Takeaways Home economics is about far more than cooking—it's about preparing children for adulthood. Kids gain confidence when they're trusted with real responsibilities. Creativity, problem-solving, and resilience are learned by doing, not by watching. Families don't need expensive equipment or perfect conditions to begin teaching practical skills. Some of the most meaningful education happens around the kitchen table, in the garden, or beside a sewing machine. Jessica Clark's Links Jessica Clark – The Lark Life: www.TheLarkLife.com  Foundations in Quilting homeschool curriculum (get 20% off with code HE20): https://quilt-lab.teachery.co/foundations-in-quilting-semester-1?a=eaAH2dFT  Beginner sewing resources and machine basics: https://amzn.to/45caVhj Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_lark_life/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577853711059 Kody Hanner's Links Homestead Education Curriculum – http://thehomesteadeducation.com/homesteadeducationcurriculum Homestead Family Reading List – https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/homestead-summer-reading-list/ Instagram – https://instagram.com/homestead_education  Facebook – https://facebook.com/thehomesteadeducation Subscribe If you're passionate about raising capable kids, practical agriculture, and real-world education, be sure to follow The Homestead Education Podcast. Each week, we share conversations that help families reconnect with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to thrive—whether you live on a farm, in town, or somewhere in between.

  3. Jul 21

    Episode 180: How Hands-On Experience Transforms Future Farmers and Ranchers with Trent Van Leuven

    In a world increasingly driven by screens, automation, and artificial intelligence, hands-on learning has never been more important. In this episode, agricultural educator Trent Van Leuwen shares how experiential learning, field trips, student entrepreneurship, and real-world agricultural experiences are helping students develop problem-solving skills, resilience, and career readiness. Whether you're a homeschool parent, teacher, or agriculture advocate, this conversation offers practical ideas for bringing meaningful hands-on education to today's students. Key Topics: Trent's background growing up on a dairy farm and his journey into agricultural education Differences between urban/suburban and rural agricultural experiences The importance of vocabulary and foundational knowledge in agriculture Unique programs at Mackey High School, including fish hatcheries, greenhouse projects, and fish monitoring The role of community, authenticity, and passion in effective farm tours and field trips Strategies for teaching ag without traditional farm access, including creative lab solutions The significance of teaching financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and career pathways in ag Cross-disciplinary collaborations between ranchers and fish biologists to promote sustainable practices The impact of experiential learning on students’ future careers and community involvement The "Keep Growing" philosophy about overcoming failures and continuous learning Connect with Trent Take a Little Field Trip (Book) - https://amzn.to/4fq3CXE Author Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/p/Trent-Van-Leuven-Educator-Author-61580158103061/ Podcast Links and Resources Homestead Education Curriculum – http://thehomesteadeducation.com/homesteadeducationcurriculum Homestead Family Reading List – https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/homestead-summer-reading-list/ Kody's Links Instagram – https://instagram.com/homestead_education  Facebook – https://facebook.com/thehomesteadeducation

  4. Jul 7

    Episode 179: Living Freely on the Fringes: Embracing Authenticity and Freedom in Homesteading & Homeschooling

    Living Freely on the Fringes: Embracing Authenticity and Freedom in Homesteading & Homeschooling In this episode, Kody Hanner shares her raw, honest journey of redefining success, identity, and freedom within the homestead and homeschool lifestyle. She explores the pressures of social media, the importance of authenticity, and how to stay true to ourselves without falling into societal traps or comparisons. This episode is a powerful reminder that true freedom comes from living in alignment with your values, beyond public approval or perfect appearances.   Key Topics: The shift from chasing societal success to embracing personal authenticity on the homestead The pressure to perform and curate a perfect life online versus real, messy life How living on the fringes offers freedom and independence from mainstream expectations The importance of privacy and choosing what to share in a digital age Redefining success based on real-world outcomes like capability, health, and joy Overcoming the comparison game—garden wins, follower counts, and perfectionism The emotional journey of living through hardship, illness, and rebuilding purpose The significance of community, family, and land in cultivating a meaningful, free life Resources & Links: Homestead Education Curriculum - http://thehomesteadeducation.com/homesteadeducationcurriculum Homestead Family Reading List - https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/homestead-summer-reading-list/ Connect with Kody: Instagram - https://instagram.com/homestead_education  Facebook - https://facebook.com/thehomesteadeducation  Share your thoughts: Feel inspired? Leave a review or comment on social media. I’d love to hear how you’re reclaiming your freedom and authenticity in your homesteading and homeschooling journey.

  5. Jul 1

    Episode 178: How Preserving Food Builds Resilience and Cuts Costs During Crises with Jeremy & Stacy Hill of Gooseberry Bridge Farm

    Preserving Food, Farming Wisdom, and Building Resilience with Jeremy and Stacy Hill.   Discover how Jeremy and Stacy Hill from Gooseberry Bridge Farm combine traditional farming, food preservation, and resilient homesteading to reconnect with nature and community. This conversation offers practical insights for anyone interested in food sovereignty, sustainable living, and farm business strategies.   Main topics include: The evolution of a homestead into a full-time farm business The mental and practical foundations for successful food preservation Navigating the regulatory landscape of agro-tourism The importance of seasonality and small batch preservation Cultivating a resilient mindset for farm life and self-sufficiency In this episode: The story behind "The Preserver’s Garden" and food preservation as a catalyst How their personal journey led them from hobby gardening to a thriving farm The benefits and challenges of managing a 5,000 sq ft garden and multiple income streams The role of seasonality in preserving food effectively year-round How to start small with preservation projects like jam-making The importance of understanding your "why" to sustain homesteading efforts Insights into Missouri's friendly policies supporting farm-based tourism Practical tips on growing what works and managing the farm’s seasonal rhythm The cultural shift needed to value and pass down agricultural skills Resources & Links: The Preserver's Garden by Jeremy & Stacy Hill: https://amzn.to/4eCbd6y  Gooseberry Bridge Farm: https://www.gooseberrybridge.com/  Missouri Grown program: https://missourigrownusa.com/  Connect with Jeremy & Stacy: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gooseberrybridgefarm/?__pwa=1  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gooseberrybridge  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gooseberrybridgefarm  Connect with Kody Hanner: Website: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/  Instagram: www.instagram.com/homestead_education Facebook: www.facebook.com/thehomesteadeducation GET YOUR FREE HOMESTEAD FAMILY READING LIST HERE: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/homestead-summer-reading-list/

  6. Jun 16

    Episode 177: Why Agriculture Education Should Be the Foundation of Everyone's Education

    This episode dives into the crucial need to redefine agriculture education for today's society. I share my personal journey, insights into food systems, and why foundational knowledge about where our food comes from is more vital than ever—regardless of whether you’re a farmer or not. The disconnect between conventional agriculture education and real-world needs Why understanding food, soil, and farm systems is essential for everyone How COVID, supply chain disruptions, and AI are shifting perspectives on local and small-scale farming The historical evolution of agricultural education and its current shortcomings Practical steps to incorporate meaningful agriculture lessons into homes and communities The importance of fostering purpose, resilience, and responsibility in the next generation The role of homeschooling, community involvement, and local sourcing in building a stable food future Resources & Links: Courses and curriculum for agricultural literacy: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/homesteadeducationcurriculum Homesteading Summer Courses — 25% off mini courses with code SUMMER25: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/coupon-code/SUMMER25/sc-page/summer-on-the-homestead-kickoff-sale/ Homestead Family Reading List: https://thehomesteadeducation.myflodesk.com/homestead-reading-list Connect with Kody Hanner: Website: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/  Instagram: https://instagram.com/homestead_education  Facebook: https://facebook.com/homesteadeducation  Remember: agriculture is the foundation of civilization. Reimagine how we teach and connect with it to build resilient, purpose-driven generations.

  7. Jun 9

    Episode 176: How Blacksmithing Can Be Your Next Purpose-Driven Career or Hobby With Athol Iron Works

    Discover how blacksmithing is alive and evolving through the stories of Will Branson and David Walker from Fire Iron Forge. This episode explores the journey from childhood passions to building a thriving craft business, emphasizing the importance of niche markets, community, and continuous growth in the trade. Watch the YouTube Episode Here: https://youtu.be/JJf-G0mLZCc Main Topics: The origins of blacksmithing passions and how childhood influences shape careers Building a blacksmithing school and cultivating a community of diverse students The importance of finding a niche in a dying art and marketing it effectively The role of hands-on, experiential learning in developing confidence and purpose How blacksmithing serves as a meaningful outlet for all ages and genders Practical tips on starting blacksmithing at home and the realities of equipment costs The significance of continuous learning and staying a "forever student" Resources & Links: Fire Iron Forge - https://fireironforge.com/ Athol Ironworks - https://atholironworks.com/  Abana - Artist Blacksmiths Association of North America - https://abana.org/  California Blacksmith Association - https://www.calsmith.org/  Connect with Athol Iron Works or Fire Iron Forge Athol Iron Works Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AtholIronworks  Athol Iron Works Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/atholironworks/ Fire Iron Forge Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/fireironforge  Fire Iron Forge Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/fire_iron_forge/ Kody's Links Homestead Education Curriculum: https://thehomesteadeducation.com Shop Books & Resources: https://thehomesteadeducation.com/shop Join the Email List for Resources & Updates: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/subscribe Follow Along Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homestead_education Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehomesteadeducation TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/thehomesteadeducation YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@homesteadeducation This episode underscores that blacksmithing is not just a craft, but a lifelong journey of growth, community, and purpose. Whether you're starting at home or seeking to turn your passion into a business, Will and David’s insights provide a compelling blueprint for success in the art of the forge.

  8. May 26

    Episode 175: Mastering Family Preparedness | A Practical Guide from Rustic Homestead Living

    In this episode, Alex and Ashley Johnson from Rustic Homestead Living share practical insights on how families can effectively prepare for emergencies—big or small. Whether you're stockpiling food or organizing your emergency plan, their advice makes preparedness accessible and actionable for everyone. Key topics: The evolution of homesteading into emergency preparedness education How to customize 72-hour kits for individual family members and different environments Rotating and using food storage to prevent waste and spoilage The importance of a written preparedness plan and binder organization How to incorporate long-term and short-term strategies, including food storage, medical supplies, and communication tools Teaching skills to make the most of available ingredients and resources Tips for storing supplies securely against pests and degradation Community classes and in-person resources for hands-on learning The mindset of continuous growth and learning in preparedness and homesteading Resources & Links: Rustic Homestead Living Website: https://rustichomesteadliving.com/ Preparedness Binder & Resources: https://rustichomesteadliving.com/store/books-resources/ Start Here: The 7-Day Homestead Preparedness Blueprint helps you build your foundation for self-sufficiency in one week https://rustichomesteadliving.com/start-here/ Connect with Alex & Ashley: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rustichomesteadliving/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/rustichomesteadliving Kody's Links Homestead Education Curriculum: https://thehomesteadeducation.com Shop Books & Resources: https://thehomesteadeducation.com/shop Join the Email List for Resources & Updates: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/subscribe Follow Along Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homestead_education Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehomesteadeducation TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/thehomesteadeducation YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@homesteadeducation

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About

Everyone deserves an agricultural education — to understand food, land, and responsibility at a scale that fits real life. Hosted by Kody Hanner, agricultural educator, homeschool mom of six, and lifelong rural advocate, The Homestead Education Podcast explores how accessible, small-scale agricultural education can build capable people, strengthen families, and create resilient local food systems. Drawing from generations of rural knowledge, educated in animal science, and years of teaching families outside traditional systems, Kody breaks down complex food and education topics into practical, usable skills for homes, classrooms, and communities. Each week, you’ll hear honest conversations about food systems, small-scale agriculture, homeschooling, and real-world education — designed for families, educators, and anyone who believes we shouldn’t outsource our lives. Whether you live on acreage, in town, or somewhere in between, this podcast will help you understand where your food comes from, why it matters, and how practical agricultural knowledge can create meaningful change.

Information

  • Creator
    Kody Hanner
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Homestead Education Podcast

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