This coming year’s theme here on the Howard Homestead is simple:
setting ourselves up for success by trusting God’s timing and learning from the past.
God willing, the days of putting the cart before the horse are behind us. We’ve made mistakes, we’ve stretched ourselves thin, and we’ve tried to grow faster than our foundation could hold. But this year? This year is about wisdom over hurry, structure over chaos, and stewardship over stress.
We’re learning that if we can’t properly care for what we have now—emotionally, financially, or physically—then “bigger” won’t fix anything. Sometimes the most faithful step forward is one that slows you down first.
We can always grow later.
But we must be steady and intentional today.
But we must be steady and intentional today.
And that might mean scaling back for a season so we can prosper in the next.
Garden Goals for the Year
Our garden plans are all about sustainable growth:
- Gradually adding raised beds as we can afford them
- Creating a better layout and increasing our variety of foods
- Selling any extra produce at our farm stand
- Dreaming of a greenhouse—possibly starting small to support the garden and farm stand
Every addition will be done at a pace that reflects where we are, not where we wish we were.
Livestock Improvements
This year’s biggest work will be improving the livestock areas so we can care for our animals the right way.
Here’s what’s on the list:
General Improvements
- Move livestock areas farther back on the property
- Place pens closer together for convenience and safer management
- Add better drive‑up access for feed transportation
- Improve feed storage and access points
- Install upgraded feed bins accessible from outside the pens
- Weather‑proof, higher‑capacity water systems
- Better access points for every single pen
Chickens
- Reinforce and secure the coop run
- Protect them from predators
- Strengthen the structure for Michigan winds and heavy snow
Pigs
- Create more solid ground—no more never‑ending mud pit
- Build proper shelter to protect them from the elements
Goats
- A sturdier, safer play area
Ducks & More
We’re hoping to finally begin the duck area, develop the creek, and also build a meat‑chicken tractor. We’d love to get a mobile electric livestock fence this year to help with rotational grazing and reduce feed costs.
All of this must be in place before we expand our flock and herd again—more goats, pigs, chickens, and eventually adding meat birds and ducks.
Farm Stand & Homestead Projects
We’re hoping to upgrade our farm stand into a small self‑serve shed shop—so many exciting ideas brewing! Lotions are currently in the works, and of course our “leave one, take one” library will happen.
Other seasonal dreams include:
- Adding another berry bush each year
- Continuing to grow our little orchard by adding a tree yearly
- Expanding our hunting land coverage by gradually adding trees
- Focusing on structure and landscaping across the whole property
- (God willing!) Finally getting our balcony and porch built
Indoor projects will likely wait until fall or be squeezed in between outdoor work.
And yes—there will be a huge barn sale this year, along with plenty of DIY crafting.
Family Time & Adventures
We’re hoping for more family bonding around the pond again this year. Liam is campaigning for a water slide—so we’ll see what kind of magic Mom and Dad can pull together first, lol.
I’m excited to get started on his playground, too. That little boy is made for the outdoors, and he’s ready to run the land!
Thank You for Following Our Journey
Stay tuned as the warm months arrive. There will be plenty of updates, plenty of chaos, and plenty of fun here at the Howard Homestead.
And we’ll be holding tightly to this verse as we work:
Galatians 6:9 (KJV)
“And let us not be weary in well doing for in due season, we shall reap, if we faint not.”
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