The Florida Homesteader Podcast

How the Farm Shaped the Man - Rob Hampton (Part 1)

What shapes a person long before they become a leader, mentor, or role model? In Part 1 of this special two-part conversation, Jamie Bateman sits down with Rob Hampton to discuss the experiences, values, and lessons that helped shape him into the man he is today. Growing up in an agricultural family, Rob learned the importance of perseverance, hard work, determination, responsibility, and respect—lessons that have stayed with him throughout his life and are now being passed on to the next generation. Through stories from his childhood and reflections on the people who influenced him along the way, Rob shares how life on the farm helped build the foundation for a life of service, leadership, and mentorship. Be sure to join us next week for Part 2, where Rob shares how those lessons carried him through the United States Marine Corps, college, and a career dedicated to helping others succeed. Read more stories like Rob's and subscribe to The Florida Homesteader magazine: www.thefloridahomesteader.com [http://www.thefloridahomesteader.com/] Watch the video version of this podcast and subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFloridaHomesteader [https://www.youtube.com/@TheFloridaHomesteader] Follow us on social media for additional homesteading content, farm stories, gardening tips, food preservation, and Florida-focused agricultural features. The Florida Homesteader Real stories. Real farms. Real Florida living.

A Day at Academy at the Parc | Where Learning Meets Purpose

Welcome to Academy at the PARC, a unique learning environment located in the heart of Florida's Heartland. In this video, you'll get an inside look at a typical day on campus—from morning arrival and assembly to hands-on learning experiences, student activities, and the vibrant community that makes Academy at the PARC a special place to learn and grow. Set on a 40-acre campus in Sebring, Florida, Academy at the PARC combines rigorous academics with practical arts, experiential learning, and opportunities for students to engage with the natural world around them. The goal is to develop capable, confident, and curious learners prepared for life beyond the classroom.  To learn more about admissions, programs, curriculum, campus tours, and student opportunities, visit: Academyattheparc.com [www.academyattheparc.com] Or you can email them at: admin@academyattheparc.com #AcademyAtThePARC #PrivateSchool #FloridaEducation #ExperientialLearning #HandsOnLearning #SebringFL #NatureBasedLearning #AlternativeEducation #FloridaSchools #StudentLife

Front Porch Talk: A Quick Hello & Thank You

This week, we're taking a short break from our regular podcast schedule, but we wanted to take a moment to say thank you. Thank you for listening, subscribing, sharing episodes, reading the magazine, and supporting our mission to celebrate and connect Florida's homesteading community. Whether you've been with us since the beginning or just recently joined us, we're grateful you're here. While we're away, we encourage you to catch up on some of our recent episodes featuring inspiring homesteaders, farmers, ranchers, gardeners, and small business owners from across the Sunshine State. Every story has something to teach, encourage, or inspire on your own homesteading journey. You can also visit us at www.TheFloridaHomesteader.com [http://www.thefloridahomesteader.com/] where you'll find blog posts, recipes, magazine information, and opportunities to share your own homestead story with our readers. 📖 Subscribe to The Florida Homesteader Magazine 🎙️ Catch up on recent podcast episodes 📺 Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for homestead videos, food preservation projects, gardening tips, and behind-the-scenes content 🌱 Follow us on social media for daily inspiration and updates We'll be back next week with another inspiring story from Florida's homesteading community. Until then, keep growing where you're planted and remember - every homestead starts with a single step. Y'all come back now! Catch up on recent episodes 📺 Subscribe on YouTube: The Florida Homesteader 🌐 Visit us online: www.TheFloridaHomesteader.com 📖 Subscribe to The Florida Homesteader Magazine 📧 Join our weekly newsletter for homesteading tips, recipes, and stories from across Florida

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.