Happy New Year and welcome to Episode 144 of the podcast!We’re kicking off 2026 by going back to basics — because let’s face it, a lot’s changed in the last couple of years and it’s time for a reset.

This month on the podcast, we’re talking all things beginner homesteading — where to start, what to think about before diving in, what you absolutely don’t need, and how to avoid that slap-in-the-face overwhelm that can knock you sideways when you try to do too much, too soon.

Whether you’re dreaming of backyard chooks, a veggie patch, or just making your own soap and skipping the supermarket aisle, this episode is your practical and honest starting point.

I’ll share:

• My journey from suburban block to 120 acres in the Southern Tablelands

• Why homesteading isn’t about perfection, or even farming

• The real reasons people are ditching the store and taking back control

• The gateway drugs of homesteading (spoiler: it’s probably chickens)

• And my top 5 tips for getting started without losing your mind

Plus, I’ll be talking about how 2026 is my year of no hospital visits (you’ll get it when you listen) and what’s coming up for Ditch the Store, Not the Farmer’s Wife, and our new printables and course launches.

🛒 Books by CJ Steedman

• Brooder to Plate – Raising Meat Chickens the Practical Way

• Eggs Without Cartons – coming soon to Amazon! Keep an eye out!

🌱 Mojo Homestead Freebies, Courses & Printables→ https://www.mojohomestead.net – Sign up for the newsletter and grab your freebies to help plan your homestead journey.

👕 Homestead-Themed Gear (T-shirts, Towels, Linens & More)→ www.notthefarmerswife.com – Practical and fun products for real homesteaders, not influencers.

What's your why for wanting to start homesteading this year? Leave a comment or message me on socials – I’d love to hear your goals for 2026.

🎧 Next Week (Ep. 145): What Even Is Homesteading?We’ll dig into the definition — what it is, what it isn’t, and why you don’t need a farm (or a flowing linen dress) to do it right.

📚 Mentioned in this episode💬 Let’s Chat

It’s Christmas Day, and if you’re tuning in — thank you. Whether you’re milking goats, cooking a roast, working a shift, or hiding from the in-laws with your earbuds in — this episode’s for you.

I’m looking back on 2025 with real honesty. It was the year where plans went pear-shaped: a knee replacement, a broken leg, a dog attack, and a veggie garden that never even got planted. But amongst the chaos, there were wins too — healthy goat kids, infrastructure progress, and an incredible show of support from my family (and you).

So in this episode, I’m sharing:
🎁 What 2025 taught me about resilience, rest and real life on a working homestead
🎁 Why your worth as a homesteader isn’t measured in productivity
🎁 What to do when you feel like you’ve achieved “jack-all”
🎁 How I’m planning smarter (not harder) for 2026

This isn’t your typical “look what I achieved this year” wrap-up. It’s a raw, practical and heartfelt check-in for anyone who feels like life got in the way of their homesteading dreams.

Here’s to doing what we can, when we can — and being kind to ourselves when we can’t.

Merry Christmas from Mojo Homestead 🎄🐐
Catch you next week for the New Year episode!

#ditchthestore #homesteadinglife #farmfailures #christmaspodcast #honesthomesteading #ruralaustralia #mojohomestead

🎙️ EP 142 – My Farm Accident

(Warning: Graphic Content)
This episode is raw, real and straight from the paddock. I’m sharing the full story of my recent farm accident — from a routine neighbourly favour to an emergency dash in the ambo and major surgery.

It’s not pretty. It’s not polished. But it’s important.

Farm accidents do happen. And if you’re working with animals, you need a plan for what to do when things go pear-shaped.

I'm sharing the moment it all went wrong, the pain, the paramedics, the x-rays (which you’ll see on YouTube), and the slow road to recovery — bedrest, blood thinners, and all.

If you’ve ever wondered how you'd cope with a serious injury on the land, this one's for you.

📌 Heads up: This episode contains some graphic medical descriptions, injury photos on YouTube, and a few well-earned swear words.

Thanks for sticking with me. It’s good to be back 💪

#farmaccident #homesteadingreality #rurallife #backontrack #ditchthestore

It’s time to talk about the stuff under your boots — soil.

Industrial farming has turned living earth into lifeless dirt, and the fertiliser companies are cashing in on the damage. In this episode, we dig into how Big Ag broke the soil — and how you can fix it in your own backyard.

🌾 In this episode:

• What’s really killing our soils

• The fertiliser myth that’s keeping farmers broke

• How to bring your soil back to life naturally

• Compost, worms, and microbes — your real soil army

Because if the soil dies, so does our food. And rebuilding it starts with us.

The backyard veggie patch isn’t just about saving a few dollars — it’s about taking back control of your food.

In this episode, we’re talking about why growing even one tomato plant is a quiet act of rebellion against a food system that’s broken, overpriced, and overprocessed.

🌱 In this episode:

• Why growing food matters more than ever

• The truth about supermarket dependence

• How home gardening builds independence and resilience

• Turning your backyard (or balcony!) into a personal food revolution

This one’s for the doers — the people ready to take their food supply into their own hands and say, “No thanks, I’ll grow my own.”

Every goat keeper faces it sooner or later — Barber’s Pole Worm, the bloodsucking parasite that can take down even the healthiest doe overnight.

In this episode, we’re diving deep into how to recognise, prevent, and manage Barber’s Pole Worm without relying on constant chemical drenches.

🐐 In this episode:

• What Haemonchus contortus actually is — and why it’s so dangerous

• Early warning signs and how to use the FAMACHA card properly

• The truth about faecal egg counts (FECs) and what your results really mean

• Pasture management tips that break the worm life cycle

• How to use COWP boluses safely to support resistance

• Natural vs chemical treatments — what actually works and what’s just hype

• Post-treatment recovery and building long-term herd resilience

🎙️ Whether you’re running a small herd or a full farm, this is your go-to guide for staying ahead of worms and keeping your goats thriving.

Links

Dr Sandra Baxendell - https://goatvetoz.com.au/home

WormBoss - https://wormboss.com.au/

FAMACHA - https://animal.ifas.ufl.edu/media/animalifasufledu/small-ruminant-website/fact-sheets/FAMACHA-Factsheet.pdf

Raw goat’s milk is one of the most talked-about — and sometimes controversial — topics in the homesteading world. In this episode, we’ll unpack the benefits, the risks, and how to handle raw milk safely so you can decide if it’s right for your homestead.

🥛 In this episode:

• Nutritional benefits of raw goat’s milk vs cow’s milk

• Safety concerns and how to reduce risks with good hygiene

• How to store and use raw milk at home

• Why raw milk is more than just food — it’s part of food sovereignty

💡 Resources to explore:

• Raw Milk Institute — education & standards for safe raw milk

• Jannei Goat Dairy — an Australian raw goat milk story

Raw milk is a deeply personal choice — and this episode gives you the tools to make an informed one.

📥 More goat-keeping resources at: www.mojohomestead.net
📸 Share how you use your raw goat’s milk with @MojoHomestead.

So you’ve got goats — now it’s time to fill the bucket! In this episode, we’re walking through exactly how to milk a goat, from the first squeeze to storing that fresh milk in your fridge.

🐐 In this episode:

• When to start milking after kidding

• Setting up your milking space and equipment

• Step-by-step milking routine (without the fuss)

• Hygiene tips for safe, long-lasting milk

• How to store and handle your milk to keep it fresh

Whether you’re brand new to goats or just want to refine your routine, this episode will give you the confidence to sit down on the stool and get milking.

📥 More goat-keeping resources at: www.mojohomestead.net
📸 Share your milking set-up with @MojoHomestead — we’d love to see your dairy in action!

Sometimes goat kids can’t stay on mum — and that’s when bottle-feeding steps in. In this episode, we’re covering everything you need to know about raising bottle babies with confidence.

🍼 In this episode:

• When and why to bottle-feed (rejection, multiples, weak kids, or management choice)

• Colostrum and the first 24 hours

• Feeding schedules and what to feed

• Preventing bloat and scours

• Bonding and training benefits of bottle babies

Bottle babies take more work, but they also become some of the friendliest, easiest goats you’ll ever own.

📥 Learn more and grab goat-keeping resources at: www.mojohomestead.net

📸 Share your bottle baby photos and tag @MojoHomestead — we’d love to see them grow!

Episode 135: Doe-Raised Kids

When goat kids arrive, you’ve got two choices: raise them on mum or step in with a bottle. In this episode, we’re talking about the natural way — letting kids stay with their doe.

🐐 In this episode:

• The benefits of doe-raised kids: natural growth, immunity, and less work for you

• The challenges: sharing milk, weaning, and taming

• How to manage kids while they’re on mum

• Tips for keeping both doe and kids healthy, happy, and easy to handle

Whether you’re new to goats or planning your next kidding season, this episode will give you the confidence to manage doe-raised kids successfully.

📥 Read more and grab goat-keeping resources at: www.mojohomestead.net
📸 Share your goat kid pics with @MojoHomestead — we’d love to see them!

So, you’ve got your goats — now it’s time to plan for baby goats! 🐐 In this episode, we’re walking through the full kidding journey, from breeding and pregnancy right through to birth, kid care, and weaning.

I’ll talk through what age to breed, how to choose between bucks and artificial insemination, signs of labour, what to expect during birth, and how to care for those squishy little newborns once they arrive.

Whether you’re gearing up for your first kidding season or just thinking ahead, this episode will give you the confidence and practical know-how to handle it like a pro.

🎙️ Topics covered:

You don’t need a fancy goat barn or electric fortress to keep goats safe — but you do need to plan ahead.

In this episode, we’re getting practical about what your dairy goats actually need when it comes to shelter, fencing, and paddock layout.

I cover shelter ideas for different weather, what makes a fence truly goat-proof, and how to protect your herd from predators (without breaking the bank). Whether you’re just getting started or tweaking your current setup, this one’s full of helpful tips to keep your goats safe, comfy, and right where they belong.

🎙️ Topics covered:

• Goat housing basics (keep it dry, simple, and secure)
  Fencing that works (and what doesn’t)
  Paddock design & gate tips
  Predator protection

• Bonus tips for feeding & shelter placement
  

👉 Perfect for beginners or anyone adding goats to their homestead.

Not all dairy goats are created equal — and choosing the right breed can make a big difference to your homesteading success.

In this episode, I walk you through the most common dairy goat breeds in Australia (and a few lesser-known ones), comparing milk production, cream levels, personality, and how much space they really need. Whether you're feeding a big family or just want rich milk for cheese, butter or soap, there’s a breed that’ll suit your setup.

I’ll also share what I wish I knew before I bought my first goat, why I’m leaning into Nigerian Dwarfs now, and a few red flags to watch out for when buying your first milker.

👉 Great for beginners, backyard dairy dreamers, and anyone planning their first herd.

🎙️ Topics Covered:

• Best goat breeds for milk, cream, and butter

• How much milk you really need

• Small-property friendly goats

• Loud vs quiet breeds

• What to ask breeders before buying

• Why temperament matters in the milking shed

🛠️ Bonus:
Tips for buying your first goats, avoiding dodgy sellers, and getting the support you need as a new goat owner.

Listen to this old episode to learn about "Why Drink Raw Milk?" https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/mvJ3qzEFnQb

Thinking about adding a dairy goat to your homestead? In this episode, we chat through everything you actually need to know before you bring one home.

I share the story of why we got goats in the first place (spoiler: it started with my son’s supposed lactose intolerance), plus the real-life pros, cons, and must-haves when it comes to owning dairy goats. We’ll talk costs, fencing, daily care, milking, and some common myths that might surprise you.

Whether you’re still dreaming or nearly ready to dive in, this episode will help you work out if goats are right for your setup — and your sanity.

👉 Perfect for beginner homesteaders, backyard dairy dreamers, or anyone keen to get off the supermarket milk treadmill.

🎙️ Topics covered:

• What goats need (and what they don’t)

• Daily milking routines and time commitments

• Fencing tips and housing setups

• Goat milk vs pasteurised milk

• Choosing your first two goats wisely

🔗 Links mentioned:

• Raw Milk Institute

• Goat expert Dr Sandra Baxendell

Some jobs feel too big to tackle — baked-on oven grime, greasy BBQ plates, rusty tools, even that sad-looking cast iron pan. But you don’t need toxic sprays or expensive “specialty” cleaners to get results.

In this week’s Natural Cleaning Series finale, we’re diving into the heavy hitters with safe, affordable, and effective DIY methods.

🔥 In this episode:

💡 If you’ve been putting off the “too hard” cleaning jobs, this episode is your permission to dive in — naturally.

📥 Follow us at: www.mojohomestead.net

📸 Show us your before & after pics — tag @MojoHomestead.

Glass cleaners are one of the most over-marketed — and overpriced — products in the cleaning aisle. In this week’s Natural Cleaning Series episode, we’re ditching the ammonia fumes, single-use plastic, and streaky finishes for a safe, affordable, and effective homemade solution.

🪟 In this episode:

• Why ammonia-based cleaners aren’t great for your lungs, skin, or septic
• The hidden cost (and waste) of store-bought sprays
• A simple 4-ingredient DIY glass cleaner that works on windows, mirrors, chrome & stainless steel
• Streak-free technique tips — and when not to clean your windows
• Bonus uses for your homemade spray around the home and even in the car
  

✨ Cheaper. Safer. Zero streaks.

📸 Share your “window glow-up” and tag @MojoHomestead. 🧼 Next week: Natural Cleaning for the Tough Stuff.

Episode 128: Bathroom Cleaning Without the Toxins

Your bathroom might sparkle, but at what cost?

In this episode of the Natural Cleaning Series, we’re tackling one of the most chemical-heavy rooms in the house — the bathroom. From bleach sprays to mould removers, we’ll break down the hidden health and environmental risks, and show you how to swap them for safe, affordable, and effective DIY alternatives.

🧼 In this episode:

• Why bleach, ammonia, and synthetic fragrances aren’t as “fresh” as they seem
  

• How commercial cleaners affect your skin, lungs, septic, and greywater systems
  

• Tips for keeping your bathroom fresh without toxic sprays
  

  
  

  Tea Tree Essential Oil - https://amzn.to/44OI8A0

  Lavender Essential Oil - https://amzn.to/4kTpX0w

  Lemon Essential Oil - https://amzn.to/3GRPb1A

  Peppermint Essential Oil - https://amzn.to/41cdD4v

  Eucalyptus Essential Oil - https://amzn.to/3UrLSBf

  
  

🌿 Healthier for you. Kinder to the planet. Easier on your wallet.

📥 Grab the recipes here: www.mojohomestead.net

📸 Tried them? Tag @MojoHomestead — we love seeing your results. 🧽 Next week: Window & Mirror Cleaning Without the Streaks.

Ditch the Store, Clean the Sink

Store-bought dish soaps and dishwasher tabs might leave your dishes shiny, but what else are they leaving behind?

In this episode of our Natural Cleaning Series, we're diving into what’s really in conventional dishwashing products — from synthetic fragrances and surfactants to phosphates and formaldehyde-releasing compounds. We’ll also chat about how these chemicals don’t just vanish down the drain — they end up in your soil, your waterways, and potentially… on your cutlery.

🧪 What you’ll learn:

• Why natural dishwashing matters for your skin, gut, and garden

• The environmental impact of phosphates, rinse aids, and non-biodegradable suds

• How to make your own liquid dish soap and dishwasher tabs — for less than 10c a wash

• What studies say about chemical residue on your dishes — and what it might be doing to your gut lining

• Why citric acid is safe to use but still needs supervision with kids

Whether you wash by hand or load the machine, these two DIY recipes will clean up your kitchen and your conscience.

🍋 Ready to ditch the bottle? Tune in now, and grab your printable recipe + label set at www.mojohomestead.net

📸 Tag your creations @MojoHomestead

🎧 Episode 126: Homemade Laundry Products

The Load Down: Homemade Laundry Products That Actually Work

Got sensitive skin? Sick of spending a fortune on detergents that smell like a fake rainforest? In this episode, we’re getting stuck into homemade laundry solutions that actually work.

We’ll chat through:

🧺 Bonus? Our homemade recipe avoids the irritants and mystery ingredients flagged by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) — and it costs next to nothing.

Let’s ditch the toxic load and take back our washing machine.

🎙️ Tune in, try it, and tag @MojoHomestead with your results!

👉 Get more info and follow us at  www.mojohomestead.net

This week on Ditch the Store, CJ dives into the essential oils that actually pull their weight in a clean home. These aren’t just for diffusers — we’re talking mold-fighting, degreasing, deodorizing powerhouses.

✅ Top 5 oils that clean AND smell amazing

✅ How to use and store them safely

✅ What’s safe for kids and pets

✅ How to build your own blends

🎁 Join our mailing list at: www.mojohomestead.net

🛒 Farm gear & funny aprons: www.notthefarmerswife.com

🎧 Related Episodes:

• Ep. 124 – One Spray to Rule Them All
  

• Ep. 123 – Deep Cleaning the Natural Way
  

#naturalcleaning #essentialoils #homesteadcleaning #ditchthestore #greenclean #diycleaners