The Homestead Education Podcast

Sugaring isn’t just for the Northeast anymore. And the truth is — there are opportunities for food, resources, and self-sufficiency sitting right in our own backyards… if we’re willing to look a little closer. In this episode of The Homestead Education Podcast, Kody Hanner sits down with David Knudson of Montana Maple Works to talk about the surprising world of tapping trees for syrup in the Western U.S. — and what it really takes to turn sap into something usable, valuable, and even profitable. From tapping city trees to navigating regulations, building a business from scratch, and teaching others along the way — David shares how curiosity turned into a full-blown maple syrup operation, and what that means for homesteaders and families looking to learn new skills. From understanding tree types and sap flow to the reality of how much work goes into a single gallon of syrup — this episode breaks down both the science and the practicality behind it all. This isn’t just about maple syrup. It’s about recognizing the resources around you — and learning how to use them. If you care about: Learning practical, real-life homesteading skills Alternative ways to source sugar and natural resources Small-scale production and turning skills into income Understanding trees, seasons, and natural systems Building resilience and self-sufficiency at home This episode will open your eyes to what’s possible — even in places you might not expect. In This Episode, We Cover: How maple syrup production works — from sap to finished product Why the West hasn’t traditionally tapped trees (and why that’s changing) What types of trees can be tapped beyond sugar maples The realities of sap-to-syrup ratios and production time How David built a business from a simple idea The challenges of regulations and accessing trees Why learning skills like this matters for long-term self-sufficiency 🤝 Support Our Guest — David Knudson If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to connect with David and learn more about tapping trees and syrup production. 🌐 Visit: Montana Maple Works Resources & 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 🔥 Final Thought Sometimes the resources we’re looking for aren’t far away — they’re just unfamiliar. The more we learn to see what’s around us, the more capable we become of providing for ourselves — one skill at a time.

Food systems are shifting. Farming is shifting. And the reality is — making a living in agriculture today looks nothing like it used to. In this episode of The Homestead Education Podcast, Kody Hanner sits down with Lexi Wright of the Farming on Purpose podcast for a real conversation about what it actually takes to make farming work in today’s economy — from direct-to-consumer sales to managing multiple income streams and navigating the challenges modern farmers are facing. From the disconnect between consumers and their food to the growing pressure on farmers to become marketers, educators, and business owners all at once — this episode breaks down what’s really happening behind the scenes. This isn’t about going back to the “old way” of farming. It’s about building something that actually works today. If you care about: Direct-to-consumer farming and selling your products The reality of farm income and multiple revenue streams Marketing and building relationships with customers Small-scale farming, homesteading, and sustainability Understanding where your food comes from This episode will challenge how you think about agriculture — and what it takes to make it work. In This Episode, We Cover: What it really takes to make money in farming today Why direct-to-consumer is becoming essential for farmers The challenges of marketing, education, and selling your products How farmers are balancing multiple income streams The disconnect between consumers and real food systems What’s changing in agriculture — and what it means for the future 🤝 Support Our Guest — Lexi Wright If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to connect with Lexi Wright from Farming on Purpose and support the work she’s doing to help farmers and rural businesses grow. 🎙 Listen to her podcast: Farming on Purpose 📲 Follow on Facebook 📲 Follow on Instagram Resources & 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 ⭐️ Support the Show If this episode challenged or inspired you: ✔️ Follow the podcast so new episodes show up automatically ✔️ Leave a review — it helps more families find this message ✔️ Share this episode with someone who cares about food, farming, or self-sufficiency 🔥 Final Thought Farming today isn’t just about raising animals or growing crops. It’s about building relationships, creating value, and finding a way to make it all work — even when the system doesn’t.

Food systems are shifting. Education is shifting. And in 2026, the question isn’t if things need to change — it’s how we do better moving forward. In this Season 7 kickoff episode of The Homestead Education Podcast, Kody Hanner takes a hard look at the current state of agriculture, the rise of AI and digital influence, and the growing disconnect between people and their food. From the dilution of farming practices under trending labels to the increasing reliance on broken education systems, this episode breaks down what’s actually happening — and what families, educators, and communities can do about it. This isn’t about turning everyone into a farmer. It’s about raising a generation that understands food, land, and responsibility. If you care about: Food security and self-sufficiency Agriculture education for kids and families Homesteading, small-scale farming, and real-life skills The impact of AI and media on learning and culture This episode will challenge the way you think — and give you a path forward. In This Episode, We Cover: What’s really happening in agriculture in 2026 How AI and online content are shaping (and distorting) education The problem with “trendy” farming movements losing their roots Why traditional systems are failing to prepare capable adults How small-scale agriculture education can rebuild stronger communities Practical ways families can start taking back control of their food and learning Resources & 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 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homestead_education Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehomesteadeducation Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/thehomesteadeducation Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@homesteadeducation ⭐️ Support the Show If this episode challenged or inspired you: ✔️ Follow the podcast so new episodes show up automatically ✔️ Leave a review — it helps more families find this message ✔️ Share this episode with someone who cares about food, education, or self-sufficiency 🔥 Final Thought We don’t need more noise. We need more people who actually know what they’re doing — and are willing to teach it.

Food and agriculture have never been louder — and clarity has never been harder to find. As we move into 2026, grocery prices are rising, agricultural education is being shaped by broken systems, and AI is changing how information spreads. So how do we actually do better? Season 7 of The Homestead Education Podcast is focused on rebuilding agricultural education at a human scale — not to turn everyone into farmers, but to raise people who understand food, land, and responsibility. If you care about food security, agriculture, or strengthening families and communities, this season is for you. 👉Follow the show now so you don’t miss the full Season 7 kickoff episode next week. The conversation is just getting started. Connect with Kody! Instagram: homestead_education Submit a question to be answered Book Kody to Speak Sponsorship / Partnership Inquiries

In this episode, I share an update on Ranger, our Great Pyrenees livestock guardian who is still missing, and how our family is moving forward while holding onto hope. I also talk about our plan to bring home a new working male dog, what we’re looking for in a ranch-ready name, and how we’re navigating the emotions of change while keeping the homestead running. Then I dive into my annual New Year reflection, including my word-of-the-year approach (reemerge, redefine, and bringing it home), what’s shifting in our family and business, and why executive functioning matters for both kids and adults. I explain how homesteading naturally builds real-life skills through purpose, cause and effect, and responsibility, share details about my free Executive Functioning for Homestead Kids download, and give an update on our student planners—plus the launch of the new Junior Homestead Student Planner. Episode Links Homestead Student Planners: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/student-planner/ Grab your freebie here! Kody Links Website: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/ Shop Curriculum: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/shop Speaking Events: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/events Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehomesteadeducation Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homestead_education Watch episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@homesteadeducation

In this episode, I’m talking about working dogs—and what happens when one goes missing. After a brief life update, I share the story of our livestock guardian dog, Ranger, and the events leading up to his disappearance. From late-night disturbances to injuries on multiple dogs, this episode explores the reality of relying on a guardian dog to protect a farm and the emotional weight of not knowing what happened. I also address common misconceptions about working dogs, especially livestock guardian breeds like Great Pyrenees—how they’re raised, why they live differently than house pets, and why pet standards don’t always apply to working roles. Drawing from my background with hunting, herding, and farm dogs, I explain the difference between livestock guardians and farm guardians and invite listeners to think critically about breed-specific needs, farm protection, and respectful support during hard seasons. Episode Links Homestead Education Shop: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/shop/ Hanner Homestead: https://hannerhomestead.com/shop/ Porthill Printing: https://porthillprinting.com/ Livestock Guardian: https://amzn.to/4j08Riq Herding Dogs: https://amzn.to/3L3Vkts Herding Dogs on the Homestead: https://amzn.to/48FctTn Kody Links Website: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/ Shop Curriculum: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/shop Speaking Events: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/events Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehomesteadeducation Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homestead_education Watch episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@homesteadeducation