Grab your pen and notepad - this episode of the Sustainable Alaska Podcast is your homesteader’s guide to livestock health in Alaska. From first-aid basics to must-have medications for your barn cabinet, you’ll learn what every Alaskan homesteader should keep on hand to protect their animals. We cover common livestock health challenges unique to Alaska’s climate, signs to watch for, and practical tips to stay prepared when vet care isn’t immediately available. Whether you’re raising goats, cattle, or sheep, this guide will help you keep your animals healthy and thriving in Alaska’s rugged conditions.
In this special episode, Tandy and Kelli sit down to tackle your biggest questions about homesteading, farming, and sustainable living in the Last Frontier. They share practical advice and personal insights.
But this Q&A wasn’t just about answering - Tandy and Kelli also walked away with new knowledge and fresh ideas from the folks who joined the live conversation.
It was a true exchange of wisdom, stories, and solutions for living sustainably in Alaska.
Tandy sits down with Mary Lee, from Heirlooms Evermore Seed Co. in Idaho, to pull back the curtain on what it really takes to run a seed business. Mary shares the story of how her love for gardening and preserving tradition grew into a thriving business dedicated to heirloom seeds. Mary also opens up about the seasonal cycles of the business, how she chooses which seeds to offer, and why supporting small seed companies matters now more than ever.
Tandy interviews David Stelzer, founder and CEO of Azure Standard, to talk about the future of food security - both in Alaska and beyond. David highlights the practical side of resilience: the importance of keeping a well-stocked pantry, being prepared for disasters, sourcing reliable canning jars, and even food security for your livestock. This episode is perfect for anyone passionate about resilient food systems, sustainable living, and building security in uncertain times.
Shop here:
https://www.azurestandard.com/?a_aid=1tgPd1lZHA
Save 15% off your first order with this code:ALASKA15
In this episode of the Sustainable Alaska Podcast, Tandy and Kelli chat about what it really looks like to “close the loop” on the homestead. From growing more of your own feed and improving soil, to cutting back on outside inputs and - every little step adds up.
They also talk about the role community plays in all of this. None of us can do it alone, and sometimes it’s the local bartering, swapping, or just leaning on neighbors that makes self-sustainability possible in Alaska.
It’s an honest conversation about the challenges and the wins when you’re trying to create a farm or homestead that can stand on its own - and with the help of community.
Subscribe to the Sustainable Alaska Podcast to never miss another episode!
Join Tandy and Kelli as they dig into one of the simplest yet most effective homestead hacks, the deep-bedding method. From keeping animals warm in the winter to creating rich compost for your garden, Tandy and Kelli break down how this system works, why it matters, and how you can put it into practice on your own homestead.
In this episode, Tandy and Kelli dive into the biggest challenges of farming and homesteading in Alaska from short growing seasons, to high costs of supplies. They share how these hurdles impact daily life, and why Alaskans have to get extra creative to keep their homesteads thriving.
In this episode, Tandy and Kelli dive into the biggest challenges of farming and homesteading in Alaska from short growing seasons, to high costs of supplies. They share how these hurdles impact daily life, and why Alaskans have to get extra creative to keep their homesteads thriving.
Tandy and Kelli are laying it all out - milk, meat, manure, and the all that comes with raising cows and goats in Alaska. From the biggest differences, to fencing, and which animal gives you better compost, they’re not holding back.
If you’ve ever dreamed of fresh milk and rich garden soil, but don’t know whether a cow or goat would work best on your homestead - this one’s for you.
After a recent tsunami warning rocked Kodiak Island, where Kelli lives, Tandy and Kelli sit down to talk about real-life disaster preparedness from a homesteader’s point of view. What happens when the power goes out, and the clock is ticking?
From emergency communication plans to off-grid food and water security, just straight talk about what works, what we’ve learned, and what we’re still figuring out.
Join Tandy and Kelli as they chat all about the messy, magical world of raw dairy. We’re talking cows, goats, clean milking, sour cream wins, and bucket fails - no judgment, no fluff. Just two Alaskan homesteaders talking about what it really takes to bring raw milk into your life and why we still think it’s worth it.
Links:
Cheese From Scratch: Natural Cheesemaking From Home
In this special introductory episode, get to know the voices behind Sustainable Alaska. Tandy Hogate and Kelli Foreman share their personal paths to homesteading, what sustainability looks like in the far north, and why they’re passionate about local food, community resilience, and teaching others how to live more intentionally.
I am so very excited about today’s podcast - partly because it is a subject that folks are curious about but don’t usually talk about.
Like, what the heck is all the hype about cod liver oil? And - why do people ferment it? Isn’t that taking things just a bit too far?
Today we talked with Addie Bartlett from Green Pasture Products and she not only shares the story of this tiny but might company but also, the why’s, how’s, and all things cod liver oil.
Here’s a little bit more about Green Pasture Products:
Green Pasture honors the tradition of Fermentation by including "fermented" in the name of our product. However, it's important to note that we ferment the liver itself, not the oil. Learn more about the benefits of our Fermented Cod Liver Oil here: https://www.greenpasture.org/nutrition/cod-liver-oil-benefits/
We are committed to providing a high-quality, safe product. Explore our quality standards and sustainability practices here: https://www.greenpasture.org/nutrition/quality-and-sustainability/
Green Pasture is an honored sponsor of the Alaska Homestead Expo - they helped pay to bring Holistic Hilda to Alaska!
Here’s the thing. If you listen to this podcast, I’m pretty sure you’re going to want to dig deeper and maybe even try this out for yourself. I HIGHLY recommend going with a product that you know is pure, clean, sustainable, and that is fermented for maximum absorption.
I started taking it a little over a month ago to replace my vitamin D pill (NOT giving medical advice, just sharing what I did) and I was amazed at the difference it made in my energy levels! That was a side effect I wasn’t anticipating but it sure is welcome!
Check them out here: https://www.greenpasture.org/
Today we’re talking home butchering with Andy & Doug from Hand Hewn Farms.
What tools are necessary (hint - if you’re going frugal the list is short), what tools are helpful, and what gadgets really aren’t very helpful at all.
Home butchering can save money plus you get the cuts you want - and you make sure you keep all of the parts you want! But it’s not for the faint of heart.
Having proper tools is a big part of your success.
Spoiler alert: Their #1 tool is a good knife - and not what you would expect. I was surprised to hear them say they prefer a knife made of high carbon steel which is exactly what Gene makes at Common Ground Bladesmith! If you want a quality knife to use around the homestead - that will double as a really good butchering knife, too - check out his selection!
https://commongroundalaska.com/product-category/common-ground-bladesmith/
We also chatted a bit about the 2-day course they will be teaching this year at the Alaska Homestead Expo. They will be sharing how to butcher large game and livestock with a demonstration on butchering a pig from snout to tail.
Enjoy the podcast and be sure to grab your expo tickets because it’s a show you do not want to miss! https://commongroundalaska.com/alaska-homestead-expo/
Today I had the opportunity to talk with James from Pluck Seasonings. I met James this summer at the Modern Homesteading conference and got to not just try Pluck but I also got to learn about the passion and mission behind his product. Want to know what makes his seasonings great? They are made with organ meat. Seriously. Pluck is like seasoning salt on steroids because they use only the best salt, responsibly sourced herbs and spices - and organ meat. Now if you’re like me and have been hearing all your life how you should be eating organ meat but aren’t quite ready to jump into liver and onions then this might be just the right answer for you. However, this isn’t a sales pitch for James’ business. I learned so much and was so encouraged listening to James as he told his story and helped me truly understand the “why” behind organ meats. Give it a listen and let us know what you think. And check out Pluck: eatpluck.com
Oh my word - what a WONDERFUL conversation I had with Ellen today and I can hardly wait to share it with you!
If you have any desire to garden in Alaska, you need to listen to this podcast because it’s packed with time-tested Alaska gardening wisdom!
Note: If you’re listening to the podcast, you may want to jump over to YouTube to watch this one because there are some really good graphics in it but even if you just get the audio, you’re sure to be encouraged!
Also, Ellen is leading a 6-week gardening course starting in February that is going to help you “grow” in skill and passion. Think of all the food you’ll learn to grow!
Link to Palmer Class: https://commongroundalaska.com/product/regenerative-gardening-in-alaska-palmer/
Link to Wasilla Class: https://commongroundalaska.com/product/regenerative-gardening-in-alaska-wasilla/
Space is limited in both so be sure to sign up in plenty of time!
In this podcast, Kelli Foreman shares her experience of first becoming a dairy farm in Alaska, then moving to a Grade A Dairy, then moving back to the raw milk space.
If you want to be encouraged about farming in Alaska, this is a podcast you do not want to miss!
Kelli owns a small farm in Kodiak called The Last Small Farm (formerly Kodiak Goat Dairy). She is also one of the keynote speakers at the Alaska Homestead Expo this April!
Kelli not only shares her farm story, but she gets personal and talks about the importance (and health benefits) of real food and supporting local farms.
This was one of my favorite podcasts to record and I think you’ll find yourself smiling and encouraged every second of the way!
Also, if you want to hear Kelli some more, you can find her at the Alaska Homestead Expo where she will deliver a keynote titled: The Realities of Farming in Alaska: Stories That Will Make You Think.
You can learn more about the expo and get your tickets here: https://www.tixtree.com/e/2025-alaska-homestead-expo-893d3c7f872c
Also, be sure to check out Kelli’s Instagram page @alaskagoatdairy
In today’s podcast, we talk with Darryl Patton AKA The Southern Herbalist (and also 2025 Alaska Homestead Expo speaker). Although he now specializes in herbal remedies using southern plants, Darryl is a former Alaskan and he knows Alaska plants!
Today’s topic is Chaga - we’ve all heard of it but there are many unknowns. Darryl shares his favorite ways to use chaga (from a continuous tea brew for everyday health to a double extraction for use when you have severe dis-ease.
Grab a pencil and paper because you’re going to want to take lots of notes on this one!
Darryl is going to be speaking at the 2025 Alaska Homestead Expo on April 4-6.
Darryl’s topics include:
- Herbs for Pandemics; Past, Present, and Future
- Medicinal Mushrooms
- Special Herbal Formulas for Common Ailments
- Modern and Folk Medicine - how Chemistry Validates Traditional Remedies
Grab your expo tickets here: https://www.tixtree.com/e/2025-alaska-homestead-expo-893d3c7f872c
In today’s episode of the podcast, I share some thoughts about common mistakes Alaskans make when buying (and planting) their orchard plants.
Listen, buying quality plants that will thrive here can be an expensive and time-consuming project but we’re here to help you make sure your investment is “fruitful” and that you can enjoy the “fruits” of your labor for years to come!
As a nursery, we’ve seen and heard stories of mistakes that well-meaning Alaskans make, simply because they didn’t know any better.
Things like buying the wrong variety for your area, not getting the correct rootstock, or even not buying proper pollinators.
If you have any intention of buying any kind of orchard plants this year, I highly encourage you to give this podcast a listen.
As always, we do ask that you click follow - every follow helps support our little farm and it doesn’t cost you a thing
Also, did you know that our plant presale is currently happening! Prices are in effect until December 31 - lock in the better price and ensure you will have everything for your orchard this summer!
https://commongroundalaska.com/product-category/plants-shrubs-trees-bushes/
If you're an Alaskan you may find yourself wondering how to source truly healthy foods and household items that we can't grow or make here. I completely get it. It is a frustration of mine, too!
Today I had the opportunity to visit with David Stelzer, owner and founder of Azure Standard, and what an incredible interview! We talked about a bit of everything including how Azure got started, why their canning jars are made in China (listen up - the answer will surely surprise you), how Alaskans can use Azure as their main source of groceries after buying local, and so much more!
(If you're interested in learning more about Azure Standard, create an account here: https://www.azurestandard.com/?a_aid=1tgPd1lZHA and check it out. Take time to compare everything. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised!)
A few quotes that really resonated with me:
REGARDING SUBSTANDARD CARAB:
"We found that it was impossible so we had to do it ourselves."
"We built our own carab factory - we were the only organic carob manufacturer in the country!"
REGARDING A PRODUCT THAT STARTED INCLUDING A GMO INGREDIENT
"I couldn't continue to sell it and pretend it's not happening."
"We are not going to sacrifice our soul for growth."
There are so many more awesome nuggets but I would encourage you - just give it a listen.
Create your free Azure Standard account here: https://www.azurestandard.com/?a_aid=1tgPd1lZHA
Leave a comment: What is your favorite product from Azure Standard?