KDTime: Interview with Lucas Daniels

Episode 78

I had the pleasure of having a guest on the show who could talk about growing and cultivating crops for goods. It was quite the experience to learn and talk through that lifestyle and it gave me a perspective on how life could be when you grow your own way. Lucas Daniels came on the show to talk about his life as a homesteader. What is a homesteader you may ask? 

A homesteader traditionally refers to a person or family who establishes a homestead, which is a dwelling with its land and buildings, typically in a rural area. Historically, homesteading was associated with the settlement of undeveloped land in the United States under the Homestead Act of 1862. Under this act, individuals could acquire ownership of a parcel of public land by meeting certain requirements, such as building a dwelling and cultivating crops.

Homesteaders played a crucial role in the economic development of the country by contributing to agriculture, expanding settlements, and promoting economic self-sufficiency. Here are some ways in which homesteaders were beneficial to the economy:

Agricultural Productivity: Homesteaders were often farmers who cultivated the land they acquired. This contributed to increased agricultural productivity, leading to the production of food and other agricultural products.

Population Expansion: The movement of homesteaders into previously uninhabited or sparsely populated areas led to the expansion of settlements. This contributed to the growth of local economies as new communities were established.

Infrastructure Development: Homesteaders were instrumental in developing infrastructure in their communities. This could include the construction of roads, schools, and other essential facilities that supported economic activities.

Resource Utilization: By settling in previously untamed areas, homesteaders utilized natural resources and contributed to the extraction of raw materials. This resource utilization further fueled economic activities.

Entrepreneurship: Many homesteaders engaged in entrepreneurial activities, such as starting small businesses to meet the needs of their communities. This entrepreneurial spirit contributed to the diversification of local economies.

While the historical context of homesteading in the U.S. is well-established, it's important to note that the term can also be used more broadly today to describe individuals or families who choose a self-sufficient and sustainable lifestyle, often involving agriculture and a connection to the land. In contemporary settings, the benefits to the economy may vary based on the specific activities and contributions of modern homesteaders.

While having Lucas on the show, he opened up my knowledge on the average life of homesteader. I had a great conversation with him on some of the fantastic ways he has used his lifestyle to grow and flourish fruits and veggies right in his backyard. Now he is also a podcaster who speaks on his daily life activities as well as how the world could really benefit from adhering this kind of approach to living. 

here is his social media information

Podcast Name - Broken Shovel : Homesteading for a Sustainable Future

EMAIL: brokenshovel802@gmail.com

Lucas on TikTok @brokenshovelfarm

Check him out and leave your thoughts in the comments :)