Episode Summary: 1KHO 538: You Can Change Everything in Three Years | Janelle Anderson, The Haven Farmstead

Podcast: The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast
Host: Jenny Yurch
Guest: Janelle Anderson, The Haven Farmstead
Release Date: July 31, 2025

Introduction

In episode 538 of The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, host Jenny Yurch welcomes Janelle Anderson, founder of The Haven Farmstead, to discuss her transformative journey from ranching to homesteading. This episode delves into Janelle's unique background, the challenges she and her family faced, and the inspiring progress they've made in less than three years.

Guest Background and Heritage

Jenny Yurch: Janelle brings a rich heritage to her homesteading endeavors, rooted in her upbringing in rural Wisconsin and her husband's 100-year-old ranching legacy from western North Dakota.

Janelle Anderson: "What I learned growing up—hunting, fishing, raising chickens and cattle—has been invaluable in establishing The Haven Farmstead."

Janelle emphasizes the generational knowledge that both she and her husband inherited, which has been instrumental in their successful transition into homesteading.

Transition from Ranching to Homesteading

After the passing of her father in late 2021, Janelle and her husband faced the daunting decision to move from North Dakota to southern middle Tennessee. This move marked a significant shift from traditional ranching to a more diversified homesteading lifestyle.

Janelle Anderson: "Moving to Tennessee was chaotic and challenging. We started on raw land with no power or water, bathing in a nearby river and relying on our resilience to get through."

This transition was fueled by a desire to prioritize family over the demanding hours her husband dedicated to the ranch and the business operations, leading them to embrace a more intentional and balanced lifestyle.

Establishing The Haven Farmstead

Within less than three years, Janelle and her family transformed their chaotic beginnings into a thriving homestead that offers workshops, courses, and a supportive community through their podcast, Farmstead Revival.

Jenny Yurch: "In less than three years, you've gone from bathing in a river to hosting workshops and speaking at festivals. How did you find the bravery to make such a leap?"

Janelle Anderson: "I've always been willing to take risks. Trusting that God would guide us was key. Selling everything and starting anew was terrifying, but it was necessary for our family's future."

Janelle highlights the importance of hard work, open communication, and mentorship in overcoming the steep learning curves associated with homesteading.

Current Projects and Offerings

Workshops and Education: The Haven Farmstead offers a variety of in-person workshops focusing on dairy farming, cheese making, and cattle management. These sessions are designed to equip newcomers with practical skills and reduce the likelihood of costly mistakes.

Janelle Anderson: "Our workshops on family milk cows and hard cheese making have been incredibly well-attended. People leave empowered to start their own homesteads."

Community Engagement: Beyond workshops, The Haven Farmstead fosters a sense of community through the Farmstead Revival podcast and a supportive network called the Homestead Hive. Janelle's sister also collaborates on a related podcast, enriching their shared experiences and insights.

Challenges and Resilience

Janelle candidly shares the hardships of their early days in Tennessee, including lack of infrastructure and the emotional toll of transitioning from North Dakota. However, these challenges have only strengthened their resolve and deepened their reliance on faith and family.

Janelle Anderson: "The transition was really hard, but looking back, I’m proud of how far we’ve come. Having mentors and a supportive community made all the difference."

Her story underscores the theme of resilience and adaptability, demonstrating that significant life changes, while daunting, can lead to meaningful and rewarding outcomes.

Insights and Advice

Balancing Family and Homesteading: Janelle emphasizes the paramount importance of family, sharing how intentionality in relationships has been a cornerstone of their success.

Janelle Anderson: "Our first priority is being good parents and nurturing our family. Homesteading supports that by allowing us to spend quality time together while working towards our goals."

Stewardship and Sustainability: She advocates for responsible stewardship of resources, highlighting practices like using clabber for cheese making to minimize waste and maximize utility.

Janelle Anderson: "Being good stewards of what God has given us means turning raw milk into products that benefit our family and community. It’s about responsibility and sustainability."

Encouraging Others: Janelle inspires listeners to take bold steps towards their own homesteading dreams, assuring them that with dedication and support, significant changes are achievable.

Janelle Anderson: "If you are willing to work hard and communicate openly with your loved ones, you can accomplish incredible things in a short time."

Community and Spiritual Growth

Janelle shares how homesteading has deepened her spiritual connection, providing practical insights into biblical teachings on agriculture and stewardship.

Janelle Anderson: "Living on the farm has given me a deeper understanding of the Bible. Practical experiences, like raising lambs, bring scriptures to life in ways books alone cannot."

Her integration of faith and farming serves as an inspiration for those looking to find spiritual fulfillment through hands-on, meaningful work.

Favorite Childhood Memories

In keeping with the podcast’s tradition of sharing personal memories, Janelle recounts cherished outdoor experiences from her childhood, highlighting the profound impact of growing up in a free and nurturing environment.

Janelle Anderson: "On Christmas Eve, my siblings and I would go ice skating on the frozen pond in the dark, with moonlight shining. Those moments with my family are priceless."

These memories reinforce the podcast’s theme of valuing outdoor play and family connections, illustrating how early experiences shape one’s values and passions.

Closing Thoughts

Janelle Anderson's journey from ranching to establishing The Haven Farmstead exemplifies the transformative power of determination, family commitment, and faith. Her story offers listeners a beacon of hope and a roadmap for making significant life changes within a relatively short timeframe. Through workshops, community building, and authentic storytelling, Janelle inspires others to reclaim their childhood and embrace the benefits of an outdoor-focused lifestyle.

Janelle Anderson: "Planting small seeds can lead to a bountiful harvest. With faith and hard work, you can achieve incredible things."

Resources Mentioned:

• The Haven Farmstead: havenfarmstead.com
• Farmstead Revival Podcast: Farmstead Revival
• Homestead Hive Community: Homestead Hive
• Untold Story of Milk by Ron Schmid
• RealRealmMilk.com: Real Realm Milk
• Guide to Purchasing Raw Milk: Download Here

Notable Quotes:

• "What I learned growing up—hunting, fishing, raising chickens and cattle—has been invaluable in establishing The Haven Farmstead." [01:28]
• "Moving to Tennessee was chaotic and challenging. We started on raw land with no power or water, bathing in a nearby river and relying on our resilience to get through." [11:22]
• "Our first priority is being good parents and nurturing our family. Homesteading supports that by allowing us to spend quality time together while working towards our goals." [37:51]
• "Planting small seeds can lead to a bountiful harvest. With faith and hard work, you can achieve incredible things." [51:52]

This episode offers a heartfelt exploration of Janelle Anderson's homesteading journey, providing valuable insights and encouragement for anyone considering a similar path. Her authentic storytelling and practical advice make it a must-listen for those looking to embrace an outdoor-centered lifestyle and create lasting family legacies.