Sugaring isn’t just for the Northeast anymore. And the truth is — there are opportunities for food, resources, and self-sufficiency sitting right in our own backyards… if we’re willing to look a little closer.

In this episode of The Homestead Education Podcast, Kody Hanner sits down with David Knudson of Montana Maple Works to talk about the surprising world of tapping trees for syrup in the Western U.S. — and what it really takes to turn sap into something usable, valuable, and even profitable.

From tapping city trees to navigating regulations, building a business from scratch, and teaching others along the way — David shares how curiosity turned into a full-blown maple syrup operation, and what that means for homesteaders and families looking to learn new skills.

From understanding tree types and sap flow to the reality of how much work goes into a single gallon of syrup — this episode breaks down both the science and the practicality behind it all.

This isn’t just about maple syrup. It’s about recognizing the resources around you — and learning how to use them.

If you care about:

• Learning practical, real-life homesteading skills
• Alternative ways to source sugar and natural resources
• Small-scale production and turning skills into income
• Understanding trees, seasons, and natural systems
• Building resilience and self-sufficiency at home

This episode will open your eyes to what’s possible — even in places you might not expect.

• How maple syrup production works — from sap to finished product
• Why the West hasn’t traditionally tapped trees (and why that’s changing)
• What types of trees can be tapped beyond sugar maples
• The realities of sap-to-syrup ratios and production time
• How David built a business from a simple idea
• The challenges of regulations and accessing trees
• Why learning skills like this matters for long-term self-sufficiency

If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to connect with David and learn more about tapping trees and syrup production.

🌐 Visit: Montana Maple Works

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Sometimes the resources we’re looking for aren’t far away — they’re just unfamiliar.

The more we learn to see what’s around us, the more capable we become of providing for ourselves — one skill at a time.

Food systems are shifting. Farming is shifting. And the reality is — making a living in agriculture today looks nothing like it used to.

In this episode of The Homestead Education Podcast, Kody Hanner sits down with Lexi Wright of the Farming on Purpose podcast for a real conversation about what it actually takes to make farming work in today’s economy — from direct-to-consumer sales to managing multiple income streams and navigating the challenges modern farmers are facing.

From the disconnect between consumers and their food to the growing pressure on farmers to become marketers, educators, and business owners all at once — this episode breaks down what’s really happening behind the scenes.

This isn’t about going back to the “old way” of farming. It’s about building something that actually works today.

If you care about:

• Direct-to-consumer farming and selling your products
• The reality of farm income and multiple revenue streams
• Marketing and building relationships with customers
• Small-scale farming, homesteading, and sustainability
• Understanding where your food comes from

This episode will challenge how you think about agriculture — and what it takes to make it work.

• What it really takes to make money in farming today
• Why direct-to-consumer is becoming essential for farmers
• The challenges of marketing, education, and selling your products
• How farmers are balancing multiple income streams
• The disconnect between consumers and real food systems
• What’s changing in agriculture — and what it means for the future

If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to connect with Lexi Wright from Farming on Purpose and support the work she’s doing to help farmers and rural businesses grow.

🎙 Listen to her podcast: Farming on Purpose 📲 Follow on Facebook

📲 Follow on Instagram

Homestead Education Curriculum: https://thehomesteadeducation.com

Shop Books & Resources: https://thehomesteadeducation.com/shop

Join the Email List for Resources & Updates: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/subscribe

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homestead_education

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehomesteadeducation

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/thehomesteadeducation

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@homesteadeducation

If this episode challenged or inspired you:

✔️ Follow the podcast so new episodes show up automatically ✔️ Leave a review — it helps more families find this message ✔️ Share this episode with someone who cares about food, farming, or self-sufficiency

Farming today isn’t just about raising animals or growing crops. It’s about building relationships, creating value, and finding a way to make it all work — even when the system doesn’t.

Food systems are shifting. Education is shifting. And in 2026, the question isn’t if things need to change — it’s how we do better moving forward.

In this Season 7 kickoff episode of The Homestead Education Podcast, Kody Hanner takes a hard look at the current state of agriculture, the rise of AI and digital influence, and the growing disconnect between people and their food.

From the dilution of farming practices under trending labels to the increasing reliance on broken education systems, this episode breaks down what’s actually happening — and what families, educators, and communities can do about it.

This isn’t about turning everyone into a farmer. It’s about raising a generation that understands food, land, and responsibility.

If you care about:

• Food security and self-sufficiency

• Agriculture education for kids and families

• Homesteading, small-scale farming, and real-life skills

• The impact of AI and media on learning and culture

This episode will challenge the way you think — and give you a path forward.

• What’s really happening in agriculture in 2026

• How AI and online content are shaping (and distorting) education

• The problem with “trendy” farming movements losing their roots

• Why traditional systems are failing to prepare capable adults

• How small-scale agriculture education can rebuild stronger communities

• Practical ways families can start taking back control of their food and learning

Homestead Education Curriculum: https://thehomesteadeducation.com

Shop Books & Resources: https://thehomesteadeducation.com/shop

Join the Email List for Resources & Updates: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/subscribe

Follow on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/homestead_education

Follow on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/thehomesteadeducation

Follow on TikTok:

https://www.tiktok.com/thehomesteadeducation

Subscribe on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@homesteadeducation

If this episode challenged or inspired you:

✔️ Follow the podcast so new episodes show up automatically ✔️ Leave a review — it helps more families find this message ✔️ Share this episode with someone who cares about food, education, or self-sufficiency

We don’t need more noise. We need more people who actually know what they’re doing — and are willing to teach it.