The Florida Homesteader Podcast

Raising Show Goats in Florida | Lessons from Bottoms Up Acres

In this episode of The Florida Homesteader Podcast, we sit down with Beckie from Bottoms Up Acres to talk all things goats, county fairs, and homestead life in Florida. From getting started with just a few goats to raising successful show animals and mentoring local families, Beckie shares the realities of caring for goats in Florida’s heat and humidity, preparing animals for show season, and the lessons learned along the way. Whether you’re thinking about raising goats for the first time, interested in county fair projects for your kids, or simply love hearing stories from real Florida homesteaders, this episode is full of practical advice, encouragement, and down-to-earth conversation. Topics Covered: • Raising show goats in Florida • Goat breeds and beginner tips • Preparing goats for county fairs • Feeding, care, and Florida climate challenges • Homestead life and agriculture education • Building community through farming and fairs To connect with Beckie Carnes from Bottoms Up Acres, you can call or text her at 863-838-6441. Subscribe to The Florida Homesteader for more stories celebrating faith, family, farming, and Florida living. Subscribe here! [https://www.thefloridahomesteader.com/pricing-plans/list]

Bird Flu, Hantavirus & Farm Biosecurity Explained | Doc Saunders

What diseases could unknowingly be brought onto your farm? 🦠 In this episode, host Jamie Bateman sits down with Doctor Jeff Saunders to discuss biosecurity in agriculture, bird flu (avian influenza), hantavirus, wildlife risks, rodents, livestock exposure, and the hidden ways dangerous diseases can spread onto farms and homesteads. From backyard chickens and cattle to gardens and agritourism, we cover simple biosecurity practices every homesteader and farmer should know and why prevention matters now more than ever. We discuss: • Bird flu & avian influenza • Hantavirus and rodent-borne illnesses • Wildlife contamination risks • Livestock quarantine practices • Farm sanitation & disease prevention • Protecting your animals, crops, and livelihood Whether you run a full farm or simply have a backyard flock, this conversation is packed with practical tips to help keep your homestead safe. Make sure you check out  ⁠https://www.aphis.usda.gov/ ⁠ [https://www.aphis.usda.gov/]for more updates. If you have any questions reach out at jamie@thefloridahomesteader.com 🎧 Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more. 📲 Follow along with The Florida Homesteader on Facebook, ⁠Instagram,⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/thefloridahomesteader/] ⁠Youtube⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@TheFloridaHomesteader], ⁠Pinterest⁠, [https://www.pinterest.com/thefloridahomesteader/]or visit our ⁠website⁠ [https://www.thefloridahomesteader.com/] for more podcasts, articles, homesteading content, and agriculture conversations. Commercial Info:   Fussell’s Meats LLC Website: ⁠www.fussellmeatsllc.com⁠ [www.fussellmeatsllc.com] Phone: 863-494-2112 Email: jimmyfussell@icloud.com Podcast theme music written and composed by Loren Cooper of The Loaded 44rz. Used with permission.

The Urban Harvest: How to Grow Food in Small Florida Spaces

Turn your backyard into a thriving food oasis! In this episode of The Florida Homesteader Podcast, host Jamie Bateman sits down with urban gardening expert Elise Pickett from The Urban Harvest, to talk about growing food in Florida, even in the smallest spaces. Elise started with small Florida yard just a few miles from the Gulf and turned it into a full-on food oasis and now she’s teaching others how to do the same. From raised beds and mini food forests to sustainable living and community connection, Elise shares practical tips learned from over a decade of teaching Floridians how to grow their own food. Whether you live on acres of land or a tiny city lot, this episode will inspire you to start growing where you are. In this episode, you’ll learn: • How to grow food in small urban spaces • Florida-friendly plants that actually thrive • Beginner gardening mistakes to avoid • Sustainable gardening and composting tips • How gardening can build stronger communities If you’ve ever wanted to become more self-sufficient, save money on groceries, or reconnect with nature, this conversation is for you.  Follow Elise Pickett & Urban Harvest LLC: Website: The Urban Harvest LLC [https://theurbanharvest.com/] YouTube: The Urban Harvest YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@TheUrbanHarvest] Facebook: The Urban Harvest Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/theurbanharvestllc/] Instagram: The Urban Harvest Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/theurbanharvest/] Follow for more conversations about Florida farming, gardening, and homesteading from The Florida Homesteader on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@TheFloridaHomesteader], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thefloridahomesteader/], Facebook, [https://www.facebook.com/thefloridahomesteader] or visit our website [https://www.thefloridahomesteader.com/]. #FloridaGardening #UrbanGardening #Homesteading #GrowYourOwnFood #FloridaHomesteader #SustainableLiving #BackyardGarden #FoodForest #GardeningTips #FloridaPodcast Podcast theme music written and composed by Loren Cooper of The Loaded 44rz. Used with permission.

Canning for Beginners, a Generational Tradition, and The Joy of a “Patchwork Pantry”

Canning is more than just preserving food, it’s preserving memories, heritage, and a way of life. In this episode, host Jamie Bateman sits down with her mother, Charlotte Cooper, Homestead Test Kitchen Director, to explore the heart behind canning and why this time-honored tradition still matters today. From learning at her grandmother’s side to teaching the next generation, Charlotte shares how canning connects families across decades. Whether you’re brand new to canning or grew up watching it in your family kitchen, this episode is packed with practical tips, meaningful stories, and encouragement to start your own “patchwork pantry.” In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why canning is more than just food preservation • How family traditions shape the homesteading lifestyle • Beginner-friendly tips (start with green beans!) • Common canning mistakes to avoid • The joy of creating a pantry full of homegrown goodness If you’ve ever wanted to slow down, reconnect with your roots, and take control of what’s on your table, this episode is for you. Start your canning journey today and keep the tradition alive. For more conversations highlighting Florida farming, homesteading, agricultural leadership, and rural community stories, follow the Florida Homesteader on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/thefloridahomesteader/], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thefloridahomesteader/], and Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/@TheFloridaHomesteader], or visit our website [https://www.thefloridahomesteader.com/]. Podcast theme music written and composed by Loren Cooper of The Loaded 44rz. Used with permission.

Front Porch Talk on the Homestead

Sometimes the best conversations happen right there on the front porch… In this solo episode of Front Porch Talk on the Homestead, Jamie slows things down and invites you into a simple, honest conversation about what’s happening on the homestead this season—from the wins to the lessons learned along the way. She also shares how we can all take small, meaningful steps toward supporting local farmers, whether that’s visiting a farmers market, buying from a neighbor, or learning to grow a little of our own. And while we’re working behind the scenes on an upcoming feature with Academy at the Parc, we’re excited to bring you along soon for a walk-and-talk experience that highlights what makes their approach to education so unique. Most importantly, this episode is an invitation. If you have a story—big or small—we’d love to hear it. This community is built on real people, real experiences, and a shared heart for living closer to the land. So wherever you’re listening from… pull up a chair and stay awhile. Follow along! Be sure you’re following along on YouTube so you don’t miss when that feature goes live. Visit our website for more Homesteading fun: www.thefloridahomesteader.com [www.thefloridahomesteader.com] Follow us on our Socials: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thefloridahomesteader/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/thefloridahomesteader] Or you can email us at: jamie@thefloridahomesteader.com [jamie@thefloridahomesteader.com] Y'all Come Back, Now!