Issuu

Good DAY!

A quarterly publication of the National Grange Vol. 7, Issue 1 l April 2023

From Farm to Tap One Pennsylvania company has set out to help breweries craft truly "local" drinks, while working with farmers to create new income streams through cover crops.

™

Good DAY!

N & V

GRANGE NEWS & VIEWS

FOUNDATION

S RA

THE STATE OF RURAL AMERICA

IDEAS FOR GRANGE PROGRAMS & ACTION

MEMBERSHIP NEWS & RECOGNITION

M J

JUNIOR GRANGE

GRANGE YOUTH

H & L

HOBBIES & LIFESTYLE

F & R

FOOD & RECIPES

L W

LAST WORD

™

PERSPECTIVE Food21 Farm to Tap pilot

On the cover: Alquin Heinnickel of Heinnickel Farms preparing the soil for the 2022-2023 fall barley crop. Photo provided by Food21

Follow us on Social Media National Grange, National Junior Grange National Grange Youth, National Grange Lecturer @nationalgrangeofficial

@nationalgrange

National Grange

Good Day! Magazine is a quarterly publication of the National Grange. located at 1616 H St. NW, Washington, DC 20006. ISSN: 2688-6030. | All comments and questions can be directed to pvonada@nationalgrange.org. Reproduction or distribution of any part of this magazine is prohibited by anyone other than a Grange member or a chartered Grange without written permission from the National Grange Communications Department.

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE ®

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Staff

WHAT’S THE GRANGE? The National Grange was founded as a fraternal organization for farm families in 1867 – opening its doors to men and women equally from the start. From rural free delivery of mail to the direct election of U.S. Senators by the people, Grange has influenced many aspects of American life and culture. Today we continue to advocate for rural Americans and those interested in all areas of agriculture – including those who just like to eat – and our local Granges provide millions of dollars and hours of service to their neighbors annually. Each Grange operates as a grassroots unit, taking on projects most appropriate for their communities and advocating based on their members’ beliefs.

OUR

Betsy E. Huber, Publisher National Grange President President, Grange Foundation President, Grange Advocacy betsy@nationalgrange.org Philip J. Vonada, Editor Communications Director pvonada@nationalgrange.org communications@nationalgrange.org Stephanie Wilkins, Subscriptions Manager IT Director swilkins@nationalgrange.org

Learn more at www.nationalgrange.org.

OUR

Burton Eller, Advertising Partner Legislative Director Executive Director, Grange Advocacy beller@nationalgrange.org

Officers

Betsy Huber, PA, President betsy@nationalgrange.org

William “Chip” Narvel, DE, National Steward

Chris Hamp, WA, Vice President champ@grange.org

John Plank, IN, National Assistant Steward

Lynette Schaeffer, IL,

Executive Committee Chair lschaeffer@grange.org Susan Noah, OR

Executive Committee Member snoah@grange.org Leroy Watson, NH Executive Committee Member & Grange Advocacy Board Chair leroyawatson@nationalgrange.org William “Buddy” Overstreet, TX, Executive Committee Member boverstreet@grange.org Ann Bercher, MN, National Lecturer

lecturer@nationalgrange.org

Amanda Leigh Brozana Rios Membership & Leadership Development Director & Grange Foundation Associate abrozana@nationalgrange.org Loretta Washington Sales, Benefits, Programs & Membership Recognition Director lwashington@nationalgrange.org

Kathy Gibson, MA, National Lady Assistant Steward

Samantha Wilkins National Junior Grange, Youth & Young Adults Director samantha@nationalgrange.org

Barbara Borderieux, FL, National Chaplain Joe Goodrich, VT, National Treasurer

Pete Pompper Community Service Director communityservice@nationalgrange.org

Debbie Campbell, PA, National Secretary

Sean O’Neil Legislative Assistant soneil@nationalgrange.org

Christopher Johnston, MI, National Gatekeeper Cindy Greer, CO, National Ceres Kay Stiles, MD, National Pomona

HEADQUARTERS PHONE (202) 628-3507

Welina Shufeldt, OK, National Flora

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE

4 ®

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Betsy E. Huber

Contests have played a major

and cruise and a week’s vacation in

role in the Grange for many decades.

Bermuda.

They allow us to show off our talents,

The

National

Grange

Stuffed

whether sewing, yarn work, quilting,

Toy Contest was extremely popular

photography, growing vegetables, or

because all the toys were given to

musical and dramatic talent. Grangers

hospitals to benefit children. Tens of

love to compete! It creates interest

thousands of stuffed toys were created

among our members and attracts new

each year by Grangers all across the

members who want to exhibit their

nation. Poly-fil sponsored this contest

skills too.

as well as the Quilt Contest for several

Back as far as 1929, the Grange

years.

sponsored

conservation

topics

such

essay

60s,

The Youth

sponsor contests you can read about in this issue.

take great photos. For the quilt block contest, bring some fabric scraps and a couple sewing machines and have everyone practice making this year’s pattern. Fun for all ages! Have everyone work together to design a publicity item, especially if your Grange is planning an event. You can have fun, work together, learn how to design a promotional piece, and promote your event all at the same time.

There are numerous ways you

You can also think up your own

“Conservation of our Soil Resources,”

can use our contests to interest your

contests based on your members’

“Soil

Nation’s

members and attract others. For the

interests. A talent show is always great

Future,” and “Conservation Farming

photo contest, ask each member to

fun, and you can invite family members

for Abundant Living.”

bring their favorite photo they’ve taken

who don’t usually attend to come and

Contest

this year to show at your next meeting,

perform.

began in 1958 with fabulous prizes

just for fun or for competition. Invite a

The Grange has a rich history of

including a mink coat, a fifty-two piece

photographer to speak about how to

contests and competitions of all sorts.

set of solid sterling silver, a Symphonic

take better pictures. Help members

Check out the contest information in

Hi-Fi, and even a new Ford Mustang,

learn how to use their cell phones to

this issue and try them out!

Fertility

National

and

Grange

the

The famous

Sewing

N GOOD DAY! MAGAZINE & V ™

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ADVERTISE WITH US Our quarterly publication welcomes advertisers. Up to a 20% discount may be offered to Grange members on their ad purchases. All rates shown are for pre-designed content submitted at least 2 weeks in advance of press date for an issue. You may request rates for ads to be designed by our staff.

GOOD DAY!™ 2023/24 PRESS DATES Issue

Due Date

Hits Mailboxes

V7, I3

August 31

October 2023

February 28

April 2024

V7, I2 V7, I4 V8, I1

May 31

November 30

July 2023

January 2024

Classified ads are also welcomed at $0.50 per word up to 25 words, $1 thereafter; $2.50 per website, email, or other link regardless of word count; $5 per photo (will appear no larger than 1.5”x1”). Special requests (bold design, font increase) available for extra charge. All copy should be submitted no later than 10 days prior to the due date. National Grange assumes no responsibility for that which is advertised in Good Day!™ and reserves the right to reject ads deemed offensive or irrelevant. Please contact Philip Vonada by email at pvonada@nationalgrange.org or by phone at (814) 404-7985 for details.

WRITE FOR US This is your chance! This is your magazine. Submissions may be made by any Grange member in good standing, especially including Junior and Youth members, and must be your own original work. For Juniors, you may get your parent, guardian or another mentor or adult’s assistance to write or draw the piece, but we expect all those who assist to adhere to high ethical standards and allow the Junior’s work to be reflected without influence by the adult/ older assistant. All work must be in good taste and appropriate for our audience. The National Grange reserves the right to reject any submissions.

Guidelines & The Fine Print Entries may include: photo essay (at least three photos that together tell a story with captions identifying the people in the photo if applicable and what is happening in the scene); short story (max. 1,500 words); poem; essay/article (maximum 1,500 words and must include at least two relevant photographs with captions); skit (no more than six speaking characters; should not take more than 10 minutes to perform and should not require an elaborate set); D-I-Y (do-it-yourself) project with supply list, step-by-step instructions and photos of each step; or open category (examples include but are not limited to a coloring book page related to Grange or agriculture; comic strip or box; recipes, etc.).

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Each entry must be submitted digitally and include name, address, phone number, email (if applicable) and Grange details (name, number and state of Subordinate Grange and office held). Junior 1+ members can list the Subordinate or State Grange they are affiliated with. E-members can list National Grange E-member. Submission

acknowledgment

that

publication is authorized. In the case of Junior submissions, this is acknowledgment of right to publish by both Junior and their parent/ guardian. All submissions must be made via email to pvonada@nationalgrange.org.

From the desk of the PHILIP J. VONADA

Editor

When was the last time you were a true beginner

assumptions and try to look at them from new angles. This

at something? Was it learning to ride a bike? Maybe it

will help you start to feel less upset when you can’t control

was a craft project or a new hobby, a sport, maybe even

every situation. 2. Take inspiration from children. Look at how they

becoming a parent? While one of the first things many people think of is the

interact with the world. They ask questions - what is

struggle they had in learning the “newness” of whatever

this, why does it work like this, how can I make this do

they’ve started; others remember the joy of their successes

something else? Just like children approach the world

and the thrill of being able to approach something with

with eager and questioning eyes, adults should try to look

no preconceptions.

at things from a new perspective.

Try adopting a beginner’s mindset. What does this mean and how does it work? The term is translated from the word shoshin in Zen Buddhism. It means to look at every situation as if it’s the first time you are seeing it. In other words... you are opening yourself up to a world of possibilities where any existing expectations you’ve had are wiped clean from the table. Cultivating and living with a beginner’s mind allows us to get out of “ruts,” or avoid becoming stale in situations. In our Granges, it can allow us to approach events (community service, programming, fundraising) with fresh and more creative minds. While experience and expertise are important, they can also set us on the pathway of feeling like we “know it all,” or have all of the answers, and that can pigeonhole our activities into only happening certain ways - the “my

3. Slow down. It’s so easy to go into autopilot, but do you question why things are done in certain ways? Betterup suggests that we “act with intention and live in the present moment.” Don’t just go through the motions - look for a new approach. 4. Remove the word “should” from your vocabulary. With no preconceived notions or expectations, we don’t know how something “should” turn out. Let the outcome be whatever it is, based on the new way you’re approaching something - know your goals, but let the path there be a surprise as you work together in your Grange. 5. Put your ego on the back burner. You may be an expert at one thing, but you probably aren’t an expert at all things. Try letting go of your need to be “right” at all times, and allow yourself to approach each situation as an opportunity to learn. With a beginner’s mind, you and your Grange may

way or the highway” attitude. So how do we get there? According to betterup.com

find that, as you learn together, you’re also drawn closer

and the book Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind by Shunryu

together. This mindset allows all - newcomers and “elders”

Suzuki, there are five main steps:

- to provide ideas, work together, and feel ownership over

1. Ignore the “stories” past experiences tell you.

their activities.

This is the “we’ve tried that before” mentality that can

It’s not an easy thing to do - I’m certainly not an

stifle creativity and new ideas. It will also help you to put

“expert” at it, but it’s something that I try. I encourage

things in perspective - i.e. if you’re not looking forward

you to take a deep breath the next time you feel the urge

to working with another person because of a past

to say “what we usually do is...” or “the best way is...”

experience, consider was that person really out to hurt

Allow yourself the time - and the grace - to experience

me, or were we both just in a bad mood? Question your

something from a new perspective and mindset.

N GOOD DAY! MAGAZINE & V ™

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Editorial: Partnering for Success

Grange. My daughter, one of our six children, is a fifth-generation

By Dave Roberts

Connecticut State Grange Lecturer/ Program Director Connecticut Lions District “B” Governor

Grange member. Since Grange helps members promote leadership skills, I serve as President of my local community Grange (Riverton Grange #169 in Barkhamsted, Connecticut), Vice President of Mountain Laurel Pomona Grange in Connecticut, and State Lecturer/Program Director for the Connecticut State Grange. I volunteer service for all of these positions, and I am pleased that

We have all heard the old adage that the best way to find successful outcomes to weighty problems is to partner with like-mind-

my family supports my Grange activities, particularly since I retired from my professional career six years ago to enjoy life!

ed individuals and groups. With that in mind, Rural Minds was

So, while in Reno at the National Grange Convention in 2022,

founded by Jeff Winton with the mission to “serve as the informed

I attended Jeff Winton’s keynote speech on Rural Minds and

voice for mental health in rural America, and to provide mental

thought his presentation was awesome. After his lunch presenta-

health information and resources.” Rural Minds knew that they

tion, I rushed to the seminar room where Jeff held a follow-up lec-

needed partners to be successful, so they reached out to numer-

ture that provided more information on mental health awareness

ous organizations to collaborate to promote impactful solutions.

and collaboration. I sat front and center and introduced myself to

One of those partners is the National Grange. The Grange

Jeff. I told him that I saw so many opportunities for partnering. The

is a family and community organization with roots in agriculture.

room was packed, and chairs had to be added to accommodate

Founded in 1867, The Grange was formed as a national organiza-

the overflow audience. The presentation was a home run and in-

tion with a local focus. Since its founding, Grange members have

spired me to do more.

been given the opportunity to learn and grow to their full potential

Next Steps to Collaborate and Make a Difference

as citizens and leaders. National Grange, under the leadership of President Betsy Hu-

During my flight home to Connecticut, I had time to think

ber, recognized that mental health was a top priority for many

about next steps. First, I knew I wanted to build a strong, resilient

Grange chapters and members throughout the United States, so

collaboration with people who could make a difference.

it chose to partner with Rural Minds. The COVID-19 pandemic ac-

As one of three District Governors for Lions Clubs International

celerated the importance of addressing this challenge, as mental

in Connecticut, I knew that Lions had resources to help build pro-

health is a serious concern to many Grange families in rural areas

grams. For those who don’t know, Lions Clubs International was

of the country.

founded in 1917 and today is the world’s largest service organiza-

In order to help educate Grange members from across the

tion, with over 48,000 Lions Clubs around the world. Some Lions

United States, Rural Minds founder Jeff Winton was invited as a

Clubs focus on their communities and some Lions Clubs are known

keynote speaker to the 156th Annual Convention of the National

as specialty clubs that focus on a special need.

Grange in Reno, Nevada, which was held on November 17, 2022,

I immediately called a friend whom I had just recruited to Lions

National Rural Health Day. As keynote speaker, Jeff hosted a work-

and said, “I have the prefect initiative for you.” Kim Becker is a

shop to help attendees see the opportunities of strategic partner-

community leader and active citizen in Granby, Connecticut. She

ing.

immediately said she wanted to be part of this new initiative. So I

I happened to be one of the attendees of the National Conven-

told her she had to join a local Grange, which she did immediately!

tion in Reno. By way of background, I am 62 years old, a 47-year

What did we do? Lions Clubs International requires a minimum

Grange member, and a fourth-generation member of National

of 20 members to establish a new Lions Club. However, a new Li-

N GOOD DAY! MAGAZINE & V ™

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ons Club Branch can be formed with only

start a Lions Club Branch in Connecticut

training helps save lives and reduce sui-

five members, as long as a Lions Club will

to partner with the Connecticut State

cidal behaviors by providing innovative,

sponsor you.

Grange and local community Granges.

practical, and proven suicide prevention

The Northwestern Connecticut Cyber

The Branch recruited six adults as Lions

training. Quality education empowers

Lions Club immediately said that they

and two high school students as Leos.

people, regardless of their background,

would sponsor this new branch. (My son

The new members selected the name

to make a positive difference in the lives

happens to be the president of this Lions

“Connecticut 988 Lions Club Branch” as

of others.

Club!) I told Kim that we had to find at

their official branch name. They select-

Just as people trained in CPR and

least four more members to join her to

ed 988 as it is now the new three-digit,

the Heimlich maneuver save thousands

form a Lions Club Branch.

nationwide phone number that connects

of lives each year, people trained in QPR

Right before all this happened, Con-

directly to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

learn how to recognize the warning signs

necticut had experienced a terrible trag-

Lions Clubs International has to approve

of a suicidal crisis and how to question,

edy when a mentally disturbed young

all Club and Branch names, so I had to

persuade, and refer someone to help.

man ambushed three police officers in

justify this unique name. Lions approved

QPR can be learned in one Gatekeeper

Bristol, Connecticut, killing two of them.

the name and the Branch is now up and

course in as little as one hour.

Lions immediately wanted to join with

running. Kim Becker was elected Char-

Rural Minds is also speaking to many

others who wanted to help. While the

ter President and the new members have

state and local Granges around the Unit-

community raised over $1million dollars

met via Zoom as they live in two separate

ed States. Connecticut State Grange will

for the families of the slain officers, Lions

rural Connecticut counties.

host a Rural Minds speaker this spring

wanted to do more. So, the idea began to germinate to

to encourage all Connecticut Granges

Looking for Ways to Spread Mental Health Awareness in Rural America Moving forward, members will determine how to spread mental health awareness

information,

particularly in rural areas, to those in need. Students will research needs in the towns of New Hartford and Barkhamsted, Connecticut, to see what gaps, if any, exist in providing mental health services. QPR training will be evaluated to see if members might promote offering this training as many Lions Clubs and Granges already offer cardiopulmonary

resuscitation

(CPR)

training to members. QPR stands for QuesFrom left: Connectict State Grange Lecturer Dave Roberts, CT 988 Lions Clubs Branch President & Granby Grange Member Kim Becker, Granby Grange Lecturer Judy Doyle, Lions Global Membership Team Chair Alan Hill. Photo provided

to incorporate mental health awareness and training into their lecturer’s programming. National Grange has launched a new initiative for any Grange that completes one mental health program during the year to be named as a Golden Honor Grange. I want many of our Connecticut Granges to be named Golden Honor Granges to showcase our commitment to helping our communities. I want to thank Jeff Winton and Rural Minds for approaching National Grange and for opening this important opportunity to us. With Lions Clubs International, National Grange, State Granges, Pomona Granges, and local community Granges partnering with Rural Minds, Jeff Winton’s vision that launched over 10 years ago is taking giant steps forward. We truly are Partnering for Success! For more information, please contact Dave Roberts at granbydavidroberts@ gmail.com or contact him at 860-4695067.

tion, Persuade, and Refer – the three simple steps anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide. QPR

N GOOD DAY! MAGAZINE & V ™

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Aloha to Hawaii’s first Grange by Elizabeth Hiner Senior Communication Fellow

and Amanda Brozana Rios National Grange Membership & Leadership Development Director For years, two states stood alone in Grange history - Hawaii and Utah. There had never been a chartered Grange in either state, but that changed when on January 14 outside of Hilo, 18 people signed a charter application to start a Grange on the “big island” of Hawaii. The successful establishment of Hawaii’s first Grange came both slowly and quickly, included several individuals with past affiliation with the Grange as well as a number of individuals who were being introduced to the organization for the first time, and a bit of luck in timing. Elizabeth Hiner, a Grange member from Colorado, had moved to Hawaii in late 2021. Along with the rest of her possessions, she took a love for the organization and desire to start a Grange somewhere near her. She had spoken to Grange Foundation Chairwoman Joan Smith, who also had connections with Hawaii, about the desire to bring the Grange to the Aloha State, and the two had gathered a list of reasons why a Grange in Hawaii would be a great addition to the state and the Grange as a whole. By November 2022, more people were coming to the conclusion: Hawaii needed a Grange. They reached out to National Grange Membership and Leadership Development Director Amanda Brozana Rios to get more information and within six weeks, an informational meeting was set. The group consisted mostly of individuals who had not previously heard of the Grange, but Brozana Rios was able to contact three other individuals who had been part of or were somehow connected with the Grange on the mainland. Peggy Johnson had been a member in Potomac Grange #1 for several years before moving to Hawaii; Sam de la Paz holds membership in Hessel Grange in California; and Deborah Guanzon often supported or attended Grange functions when in visiting family who are deeply involved in the Grange in Idaho, though she had not been a member herself. Each were in or nearby the Hilo/Hawaiian Paradise Park area where many of the new group members were located. Johnson immediately welcomed Brozana Rios to be her house guest should a meeting of the new group come to pass, and Brozana Rios said she felt the stars were aligning. “My brother and his family are stationed on Oahu with the Air Force. He and his wife had just welcomed my first nephew in December, and I decided it was time to go visit them like I had promised for several years. I had booked my own travel and was able to detour for a few days in order to hold the informational meeting,” Brozana Rios said. National Grange President Betsy Huber said “Despite a

budget crunch, Amanda felt it was worthwhile to take time out of her personal travel to make this dream of a Grange a reality. The true spirit of the Grange helped bring this to life.” Hiner, however, lived an island away on Maui, but wasn’t about to let that stop her from being a part of the new Grange. After being invited to stay with Johnson as well, she made travel arrangements in order to be part of the first meeting. Brozana Rios provided a brief overview of the Grange for the nearly 20 people gathered and held a Q&A period. She then asked those interested in joining to sign the charter application during a break and met with those who had specific questions. She noted if 13 or more of those gathered signed the application, the group could move forward with their first meeting where they would elect a few temporary officers and discuss a name for their new Grange using basic parliamentary procedure. The application filled up with 18 signatures and after the break, Brozana Rios opened the meeting with some familiar Grange language – “The hour of labor has arrived and the work of another day demands our attention” – and had one of the new members provide the opening prayer. She then performed the welcoming ceremony for the new members and congratulated them on making history for the Grange and the state. She asked for suggestions for a name for the new Grange and offered that the group could vote on a name that day or select their name within the next 30 days before submitting the final charter application paperwork and draft bylaws. They then elected a temporary slate of officers including President, Vice President, Lecturer/Program Director, Steward, Chaplain, Secretary, Treasurer and Greeter. Brozana Rios installed the new officers who used the manual to close the first

Amanda Brozana Rios (standing, center) performs the Grange Welcome Ceremony for the charter members of the Grange Photo provided

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Welina, Hawaii!

The officers and members of Big Island Grange #1 (HI) celebrate the creation of their new Grange. Photo provided meeting of the yet-to-be-named Grange. “On the heels of our first year of membership growth in decades, we are thrilled to be able to continue growing in an entirely new part of the country,” said Huber. “This new charter just shows that the Grange is making waves nationwide.” A second meeting was held on January 23, at which time a few officer shifts were made to the temporary group that would serve for three months to get the Grange “on its feet” and allow the group to better understand the roles of the officers and demands of the Grange. The group also discussed and narrowed options for the new Grange’s name, finally voting to be called Big Island Grange #1. In Grange tradition, a potluck dinner followed the meeting. Big Island Grange members expressed great interest in an organization that can serve the community, raise awareness

among its members and their neighbors The first officers elected and about personal and installed in Big Island Grange, the local sustainability, and can influence the first Grange ever chartered in the way others understand state of Hawaii, are: agriculture in Hawaii President - Sam de la Paz and Hawaii’s place in Vice President - Susan Hughes the national agricultural Program Director - Ken Honma landscape. They are Chaplain - Mark Jones considering a number Greeter - Deborah Guanzon of service projects Steward - Toni Gorman and programs to Treasurer - Peggy Johnson educate the members Secretary - Elizabeth Hiner and working to find a location to hold regular meetings. The leadership of Big Island Grange has established a Facebook page and website for the new Grange, has sent regular communications via email to its membership and sought out more information about expectations of their roles and desires of the membership. Since chartering, a second pocket of interest in starting a Grange has come about in Maui, and Hiner has been officially named by National President Betsy Huber as the deputy for Hawaii. Hiner and Brozana Rios are also working to cultivate interest in chartering a Grange in Oahu as well as the other islands of the state. If you know anyone living in Hawaii or stationed there for military service who may be interested in the Grange, please contact Brozana Rios at membership@ nationalgrange.org or by phone at 301-943-1090.

M GOOD DAY! MAGAZINE ™

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take it from Life on the Homestead... Let’s the beginning By Suzann Gilliland Peterson High Desert Grange #22, Nevada Unless one is born into a homesteading family, homesteading is a lifestyle choice. Like all choices, the choice to homestead has consequences, both positive and… not-so-positive. Trading a life of relative comfort for one of relative hardship is a bit baffling. Swapping the gym for the shovel is definitely unfathomable. Exchanging time spent with friends for time spent with plants and animals is downright bizarre. And yet, people do it, and they do it for a variety of reasons. Sacrificing established habits for fresh and challenging opportunities opens the door to new friendships and a plethora of explorations into living in greater harmony with nature. Growing a vegetable or herb garden can be done anywhere with relative ease. Should you wish to add raising animals, catching fish, preserving food, selling homemade items, offering animal and/or plant therapy, or any other activity that promotes self-sustainability, then homesteading is something you may want to consider. Homesteading is a self-sufficient lifestyle, one of subsistence agriculture on land owned or rented to support a household. It includes the preservation of home-grown food and livestock. Items made at home such as textiles, garments, and craft work for household use or sale on a small scale may also be part of homesteading. There has been an increase in the number of people who are pursuing agricultural-related activities. One January evening, I

asked Amanda Brozana-Rios, Leadership/Membership Director of the National Grange, why she thinks membership in the National Grange picked up in 2022. “… all fraternal organizations and many other organizations like ours have been in decline since the 1950s,” she said. “People have become busier and less connected to one another through organizations structured with meetings and service. The pandemic, though, may have helped people see what a blessing being part of an organization like the Grange is, an organization that provides so much to its members – friendship, a sense of belonging, an organized group serving others, a place where they can bring their passion to bear and be part of the change they’d like to see.” Not too long ago, I was told that on the roads leading north and east of my town was a line of cars and campers belonging to people who were looking to lay down roots in the desert. They were escaping the pandemic, the high cost of inflation, and the high crime rate related to city living. They came to become homesteaders. Unfortunately, they had no idea what they were doing and ended up trading one headache for another. Ideally, the decision to homestead should be made after determining your goals and researching where and how you can reach those goals. Here I’ve suggested things to consider when thinking about what it takes to create a homestead. Many of these suggestions come from personal experience, observations, communications with homesteaders, and posts on my favorite Facebook pages: “Raising Chickens 101,” “Beginners Homesteading Guide,” “Small Farm, Sustainability & Homestead Living,” and “Homestead Living.” Goals Why do you want to homestead and what are your goals in homesteading? Many people want out of the fast-paced city existence and seek to live in closer harmony with the natural rhythms of life. Others seek the challenge of creating a home entirely of their own making and living within its means. Some pursue the art of husbandry as a means to teach future generations. More than a few crave the opportunity to be connected to one another on a more intimate level, sharing knowledge, working together, and being of service with others of like mind. There are a variety of reasons to homestead and all are as unique as the homesteader. Knowing why you want to homestead and what goals you seek to achieve is the very important first step. It will keep you focused and within the realms of reality and practicality.

Homesteading has been on the rise since the early 2000s, particularly among millennials. For many, the Covid pandemic caused people to want to return to a “simpler” and “more authentic” life. But it isn’t an easy road and requires a lot of planning, and homesteading is certainly not a life that all people can live.

H & L

Location There are many places in the United States conducive to homesteading. The key question is which one is going to support your goals. Here are a number of things to consider about location: • Laws - Laws vary from place to place. What is true for your area

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may not be true for another. -Knowing federal, state, county, and city laws will help you decide if a location meets your goals. • Taxes - Taxes differ by locale. Federal taxes are a given. Some states have no income tax. What percentage of your income would you pay in state and local taxes and what do these taxes fund? Are there any tax breaks for agricultural pursuits? • Building Codes - What are the building codes in the area? If you seek to buy property with a home on it, in what condition is the home? If you wish to build, find out where contractors and construction companies are located. • Weather - How many seasons does the location have? What is the average temperature of each season? Is the area humid, dry, or a combination of both? What is the average number of sunny days, average rainfall/snowfall, and average number of windy days? What is the wind pattern in the area? This will affect where you plant gardens and trees, and position your house, garage, barn, animal enclosures, sheds, and other out buildings. • Elevation - Will the elevation support your goals? • Type of Soil - What type of soil do the property and surrounding area have? Will you have access to inexpensive yet high-quality soil amendments if needed? • Water Quality - If you want a property with a well, what is the quality of the water? Having the water tested is a good idea. How old is the well? How deep is it? What is the average depth of the wells in the area? What is the local protocol for well water use during storms or emergencies? Are there restrictions on what animals, vegetables, and fruits can be grown and sold on a property with a well? • Road Quality - If you will be doing a lot of driving, take a look at the quality of the roads in the area. Wear and tear on your car means spending money that you might want to put to other uses. • Supplies and Equipment - Are there local businesses that will supply your equipment, tools, building materials, and feed needs? How much will you be able to buy locally and how much will you need to buy/order outside the community? Be sure

to check whether there are tax breaks for purchasing agricultural equipment such as tractors or machinery, and breaks for purchasing plants/ trees that will be used for agricultural purposes. Trees used for soil retention and/or windbreaks may also qualify. Check with state nurseries about vegetation tax breaks for soil enhancement. • B u t c h e r i n g Regulations - If you want to butcher your own animals, check the state, county, and city laws to see if there are animal butchering regulations in the area. • Animal and Vegetation Restrictions There may be local/state/ county laws regarding the Are you thinking about starting? Consider reading number and/or types of Small-Scale Homesteading by Stephanie Thurow & Michelle animals you are allowed Bruhn for a simple, factual look at homesteading. Photo courtesy of Simon & Schuster to raise and plants you are allowed to grow. Be sure to check this out. selling homemade items, produce, eggs, or • Types of Pests - What type of garden meat to the local populace, are there avenues pests and animal predators are common to (like farmers markets or co-ops) for you to do the area? Knowing this will give you insight so or will you have to create them? Should into how to secure any animal enclosures you you need or wish to bring in an income other build, which plants will do well, and which than that provided by the sale of homestead bugs to look for inside your house and on your items and food, are there job opportunities in property. the surrounding area? This is not too much of • Schools - If your desire is to have your a problem if you are working remotely from children attend school outside your home, home. what schools are available and how far from • Political Climate - If politics are the homestead are the schools? important to you, find out the political lay of • Medical Facilities - If there is a medical the land. Do your values coincide with those issue with someone in your family, how close/ of the community? If not, consider looking far will you be from immediate medical help? elsewhere. • Supportive Neighbors - Introduce yourself to neighbors in the area. Do you think Your envisioned homestead is within reach. they would be willing to support your efforts? It may take time, years perhaps, but good • Friendliness of the Community - things come to those who wait. Remember Ask yourself if the community reflects your why you want to homestead. Keep your goals personal values and if you think it would help in focus and consider doing some (or all) of you meet your goals. What can you offer the the things I’ve suggested. Necessity is the community? mother of invention. And preparation is the • Income Opportunities - If you envision foundation of success.

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