Come enjoy the scenery of our homestead
We have a little farm tucked away in the hills here in North Dakota.
Our farm is located not far from the Sheyenne River valley. Most the farmland around is flat until you hit the hills and our home is nestled in a valley surrounded by cropland, Hay ground and rolling pastures.
My husband farms and raises beef cattle.
We have a large flock of chickens & ducks, a horse named Sweet William, 3 goats, 7 feeder pigs, and over 150 head of cows.
I love gardening, my flowers, the country and I really enjoy thrifting & antique stores,spending time outdoors, from scratch cooking,raising & processing our own food.
We have 3 kids, ages 17, 12 & almost 3.
One Angel baby.
I came from a large family( 6 siblings!) and was homeschooled (more about why I don’t homeschool my kids later!)
I’m a professionally trained chef and run a food truck during the summer when I’m not teaching.
I teach full time (Culinary Arts) to highschool students on the Spirit Lake Reservation.
I started a blog a few years ago The Phat Hen where I share all things homestead related.
Follow me if you enjoy the farm life❤️
Living the homestead life on our North Dakota farm is truly a labor of love, but oh, the rewards! When people talk about 'farm and charm,' I think of the vibrant green fields stretching out, the peaceful lowing of our cattle, and the satisfaction of a day well spent working the land. It’s a beautiful balance of hard work and breathtaking scenery that truly captures the essence of country living. Our little slice of heaven is nestled amongst rolling hills, a stark contrast to some of the flatter farmland nearby. Every evening, the sunsets paint the sky behind our evergreen trees, casting a warm glow over the hay bales we've stacked. It's moments like these that truly define the charm of country living. Even the wild purple thistles add a touch of untamed beauty to the landscape, attracting buzzing bees and making the pastures feel alive. I particularly love seeing a child and a dog walk through these vibrant green fields – it’s a picture of pure joy and freedom. Managing a herd of over 150 beef cattle, alongside our smaller menagerie of chickens, ducks, goats, and pigs, certainly requires a structured approach – you could almost call it our own 'cattle grid' of daily routines and smart land use. It's not just about letting them roam; it's about intentional grazing on vast fields of green crops, ensuring their health, and producing quality food for our family and community. Good, sturdy rustic wooden fences are absolutely essential, not just for containing our animals but also for defining the beautiful boundaries of our pastures. These fences, along with the strategically placed gates, help us manage the flow of livestock and maintain the integrity of our land, all while contributing to the farm’s timeless, charming aesthetic. From rotating pastures to mending fences, and from collecting fresh eggs to tending my garden, every day brings new tasks and joys. My husband handles the large-scale farming and cattle, while I focus on the garden, processing food, and teaching. We're always learning new ways to make our homestead more efficient and sustainable, ensuring that the charm isn't just superficial, but deeply rooted in our practices. It’s about creating a harmonious balance between working with nature and providing for our family. There’s nothing quite like gathering ingredients from your own farm for a from-scratch meal in the kitchen. It's a life filled with honest work, beautiful scenery, and the genuine satisfaction of making something with your own hands. If you're dreaming of a life where you truly 'do farm and charm,' it's more rewarding than you can imagine!
