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.