Raising Meat Birds in Florida: Lessons We Learned Along the Way.

Raising Meat Birds in Florida: Lessons We Learned Along the Way.

Have you ever had a homesteading project turn out completely different than you expected? In this episode of The Florida Homesteader Podcast, we're sharing our journey into raising meat birds - a journey - that actually began with a case of mistaken identity! What we thought were future egg layers turned out to be meat birds, and that unexpected surprise taught us valuable lessons about raising poultry for the table. We discuss: - How we accidentally got started with meat birds - Our feeding routine and caring for birds during the Florida heat - Why a quality chicken plucker was one of the best investments we've made - The challenges of predators and protecting your flock - Lessons we'd share with anyone thinking about raising meat birds for the first time We also give an update on our upcoming Homestead Mercantile and what you can expect as we continue growing our homestead here in Florida. Whether you're considering raising your first batch of meat birds or you're already experienced with poultry, we hope our successes, and our mistakes, help encourage you on your own homesteading journey. Have a question or topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know! Subscribe for more conversations about Florida homesteading, gardening, livestock, food preservation, faith, and self-sufficient living.

How the Farm Shaped the Man - Rob Hampton (Part 2)

In Part Two of our conversation with Rob Hampton, we continue the remarkable journey that began in the fields of rural Florida. After growing up picking peas and watermelons and learning the value of hard work alongside his great-uncle, Rob's path led him into the United States Marine Corps, through college, and into a career dedicated to helping others succeed. Along the way, the lessons he learned growing up in agriculture never left him, shaping his leadership, work ethic, and commitment to serving others. Join us as Rob shares stories of military service, higher education, career growth, and the mentors who influenced his life. His journey is a reminder that the values learned on the farm often become the foundation for a life of purpose and service. Whether you're passionate about agriculture, leadership, personal growth, or simply enjoy hearing the stories of everyday Floridians making a difference, this conversation is sure to encourage and inspire. 📖 Learn more about The Florida Homesteader Magazine: https://thefloridahomesteader.com [https://thefloridahomesteader.com/] And don't forget! Use code ROB and get two of our previous copies in addition to a whole year's subscription! Just head over to the website, subscribe to the magazine, then email us at: Jamie@thefloridahomesteader.com We'll mail you two additional copies for FREE! 🎙️ Subscribe to The Florida Homesteader Podcast for more conversations celebrating Florida's farmers, ranchers, homesteaders, and agricultural leaders. And check out our YouTube! The Florida Homesteader, where you can see even more great inspiration on Florida homestead living. To connect with Rob, you can email him at: Rhampton31@gmail.com #FloridaAgriculture #Leadership #MarineCorps #Agriculture #Homesteading #FloridaHomesteader #RuralFlorida #Mentorship #PersonalGrowth #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