In an era where grocery prices fluctuate and people crave a deeper connection to their food and land, homesteading is making a major comeback.
Across the country, more and more people are taking steps toward growing their own food, raising small livestock and embracing self-sufficiency. The Ozarks are no exception, as residents of West Plains and the surrounding areas have begun carving out their own versions of the homesteading lifestyle — one vegetable garden, one flock of chickens and one cow at a time.
Unlike the homesteaders of the past, many of today’s enthusiasts aren’t setting out to be completely self-sustaining or off-grid. Instead, they’re looking for small, practical ways to bring the homesteading lifestyle into their modern lives. Whether it’s growing a backyard garden, keeping a few chickens for fresh eggs or even raising a cow for milk, local residents are rediscovering the benefits of producing their own food.
For Jennifer Jenkins of West Plains, homesteading started out as something simple — just a few tomato plants in pots. But that small experiment turned into a full-blown passion.
"We started with just a couple of pots so we could have fresh tomatoes," Jenkins said. "Then we were hooked. We set out to grow all of our own vegetables, and now we have three separate gardens and grow a huge variety of vegetables."
Jenkins now grows everything from tomatoes and peppers to squash and leafy greens, even experimenting with crops like potatoes and sweet corn. She says the joy of walking outside and harvesting dinner straight from the garden is unlike anything else.
"It’s a lot of work, but it’s incredibly rewarding. I know exactly what’s going into my food, and I never have to worry about recalls or shortages at the store," Jenkins explained.
While gardens are often the first step for many homesteaders, chickens are not far behind. Raising a small flock is one of the easiest ways to take control of part of one’s food supply, providing fresh eggs daily and even a little entertainment in the process.
Jason Holloway, also of West Plains, started keeping chickens a few years ago and hasn’t looked back.
"I started with a few chickens because I liked the idea of having fresh eggs, and it makes me feel a little less reliant on stores," Holloway said. "It’s amazing how quickly you get attached to them. They have personalities, and they’re a lot of fun to watch."
Holloway lives out in the country, but plenty of West Plains residents are keeping chickens within city limits, thanks to relaxed urban chicken ordinances. While some people worry that keeping chickens might be messy or difficult, Holloway insists that with the right setup, they are low-maintenance.
"You just have to make sure they have food, water and a safe coop at night," he said. "Other than that, they pretty much take care of themselves."
And, of course, the eggs are a pretty big perk. Store-bought eggs can’t compare to the rich, golden yolks of farm-fresh eggs, which are higher in nutrients and flavor.
When most people think of cattle farming, they picture large ranches with hundreds of head of cattle. However, small-scale cattle keeping is becoming increasingly common, with families choosing to raise just a few cows for personal beef or dairy consumption.
Jenkins and Holloway both know families who have embraced this trend.
"It used to be that if you wanted beef, you bought it at the store. But more and more people around here are choosing to raise their own," Holloway said. "Raising your own beef means you know exactly what went into that cow — no hormones, no antibiotics unless necessary, and it was raised right."
Others have opted to keep a milk cow, providing their families with fresh dairy products while reducing their reliance on store-bought milk. With milk prices continuing to climb, having a single cow can be an economical and healthier alternative.
"I know families that make their own butter, cheese and yogurt just from one cow," Jenkins added. "It's a lost art that’s coming back in a big way."
As more people embrace this back-to-basics movement, the question remains, is homesteading just a passing trend, or is it here to stay?
For Jenkins, Holloway and plenty of others, homesteading isn’t just a phase, it’s a lifestyle shift. Rising food costs, concerns over food safety and a desire to be more in control of their own resources are all factors keeping people invested in the movement.
"There’s something really fulfilling about knowing you can provide for yourself," Jenkins said. "Even if it’s just a small portion of your food, it makes a difference."
Holloway agreed, saying once people get a taste of homegrown food, it’s hard to go back.
"I think it’s going to stick around," he said. "People are tired of feeling disconnected from their food. This is a way to take some of that power back."
While homesteading requires hard work, dedication and a willingness to learn, its proponents believe it’s worth the effort. The sense of independence, the connection to nature and the satisfaction of producing something with one’s own hands are all driving forces behind this movement.
For those who aren’t ready to jump in with both feet, starting small is key: A couple of tomato plants, a small herb garden or even just a backyard chicken or two can be enough to get started on the homesteading journey.
One thing is for sure — the Ozarks are fertile ground for this growing movement, and more and more people are choosing to embrace the homesteading way of life.
