James Burnette, Author at Survivalpunk

Making Money on a Homestead and Online Part 2 | Episode 337

January 20, 2025January 20, 2025 James Burnette Leave a comment

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Making Money on a Homestead and Online Part 2 | Episode 337

In this second installment of our series on making money from a homestead or online ventures, we’re diving into creative ideas that push the boundaries of traditional thinking. From renting specialized equipment to taking inspiration from unexpected sources, this episode is all about maximizing your potential and income streams.

Renting Out a Freeze Dryer: Community Profits

One innovative idea is to purchase a freeze dryer and rent out its usage to people in your community. Freeze dryers are expensive, and many individuals who want to preserve food for long-term storage can’t justify buying one for themselves. By offering rentals at $20 per day (or more), you provide access to a valuable resource while creating a substantial income stream.

Imagine if a single rental session allowed someone to preserve hundreds of dollars’ worth of food. You keep your machine running during its downtime, recouping your investment quickly while building goodwill in your community. Add-ons like selling pre-packaged freeze-drying trays or offering tutorials could further boost your earnings.

Lessons from MMORPGs: Crafting and Gathering Economies

Online multiplayer games like MMORPGs have rich crafting and gathering systems that closely mirror real-world opportunities. These games teach players to identify high-demand items, gather materials efficiently, and create valuable products. Why not apply that same logic to your homestead?

Crafting: Use your skills to create soaps, salves, or artisan goods tailored to niche markets.
Gathering: Harvest wild edibles, herbs, or even firewood to sell locally or online.
The trick is to view your homestead as a resource hub where every item can be leveraged for profit.

Thinking Beyond the Ordinary

The key to success is combining creativity with practicality. Whether it’s renting equipment, honing a unique craft, or adopting strategies from unexpected places, the possibilities are endless.

Tune in to hear more insights and actionable advice to make your homestead and online endeavors thrive!

Making Money on a Homestead and Online Part 1 | Episode 336

January 17, 2025January 17, 2025 James Burnette Leave a comment

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Making Money on a Homestead and Online Part 1 | Episode 336

Turning your homestead into a source of income is a dream for many, but it’s not always as simple as it seems. In this two-part series, we’ll explore how to make money both on and off the homestead. Today’s episode focuses on starting small and finding what works for you.

The Common Starting Points

Many homesteaders take the same first steps—selling soap, salves, and chicken eggs. While these can be great products, the market is often oversaturated. If you love making soap or your chickens are prolific layers, go for it! Just know it might not be the goldmine you hope for unless you find a unique angle, like specialty ingredients or local farm markets with limited competition.

Lean Into Your Strengths

One key to success is finding what you’re good at or enjoy doing and building from there. Are you great with woodworking? Sell custom furniture or smaller craft items. Have a knack for gardening? Start a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) or grow high-demand niche crops. By leaning into your strengths, you’ll not only enjoy the work but also increase your chances of success.

Take Every Form of Payment

A critical part of selling is taking every form of payment possible. From cash to cards and even mobile payment apps, the more convenient you make it for your customers, the better. Modern payment options can be especially valuable at local markets or roadside stands.

The Value of Mechanic Work

Don’t underestimate the value of mechanic work. If you’re handy with tools and know how to repair equipment, this skill can be a major moneymaker. From fixing lawnmowers to farm machinery, there’s always demand for a reliable mechanic in rural areas.

Canning Confidence: Don’t Let Fear Ruin Your Pantry | Episode 335

January 16, 2025January 16, 2025 James Burnette Leave a comment

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Canning Confidence: Don’t Let Fear Ruin Your Pantry | Episode 335

In a Facebook group post, a man shared how comments from a canning discussion left him so alarmed that he considered throwing away all his home-canned goods and dedicating a year to learning from scratch. While caution is good, this story highlights the unnecessary fear that can arise when tackling home canning. Let’s debunk the myths and build some confidence in the process.

FDA Canners vs. Rebel Canners

In the world of canning, there’s often a divide between those who strictly follow FDA guidelines and those who embrace “rebel canning.” FDA canners meticulously stick to approved recipes and methods to ensure safety, while rebel canners may experiment with non-traditional techniques or recipes. Both approaches have their merits, but it’s essential to understand the risks and science behind what you’re doing. If you’re just starting out, stick to trusted resources like the Ball Blue Book or the National Center for Home Food Preservation until you gain confidence.

Trying Your Best Is Good Enough

The thought of botulism or spoiled food can be intimidating, but the reality is that by following basic safety principles, canning is not as hard—or as risky—as it may seem. Sterilize your jars, use proper processing times, and don’t skip essential steps like acidifying tomatoes when required. Remember, millions of people safely can food every year.

Just Start

Canning doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a good book and a bit of preparation, you can start building your pantry. Begin with simple recipes like jams or high-acid fruits that require water bath canning. Gradually, you can explore pressure canning for low-acid foods.

Home canning is a skill worth learning, and it’s incredibly satisfying to preserve your own food. Don’t let fear paralyze you—take the first step and enjoy the journey!

California Wildfires | Episode 334

January 15, 2025January 15, 2025 James Burnette Leave a comment

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California Wildfires | Episode 334

The Palisades wildfire has drawn significant attention as it rages through the iconic hills of California. Its impact serves as a stark reminder of the challenges wildfires pose, particularly in densely populated and environmentally sensitive areas.

Facts About the Palisades Fire
Located in a region known for its rugged terrain and high-value real estate, the Palisades fire began recently, with investigations pointing to possible human causes, including arson. The blaze has prompted evacuations, destroyed property, and severely impacted air quality. Firefighters face significant challenges containing the fire due to steep hills and dense vegetation.

Preparedness Tips for Wildfire Season
This fire underscores the importance of wildfire readiness. Evacuation protocols like the “ready, set, go” system can save lives. Prepping a go-bag with essentials such as N95 masks, fire blankets, and water is critical. Homeowners in fire-prone areas should focus on defensible spaces, ember-resistant vents, and fire-retardant coatings to reduce risk.

Conspiracy Theories Circulating About the Fire
As with many significant events, conspiracy theories have emerged. Some suggest the fire was intentionally set to devalue land for real estate speculation, while others believe it might be a cover-up for hidden activities in the area. Claims of media suppression regarding the fire’s cause also persist, though there’s no evidence to support such theories.

Broader Implications
The Palisades fire is part of a troubling trend of increasing wildfire frequency and intensity in California. It highlights the need for improved prevention strategies, such as better forest management, stricter building codes, and more robust emergency responses. For preppers, it’s a reminder to stay vigilant and prepared, as disasters can strike unexpectedly.

This episode explores what the Palisades fire teaches us about surviving and thriving in the face of growing wildfire threats.

Are There Fewer Deer to Hunt Now? | episode 333

January 14, 2025January 16, 2025 James Burnette Leave a comment

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Are There Fewer Deer to Hunt Now? | episode 333

As a prepper, and one day hunter, understanding changes in wildlife populations and hunting trends is crucial for ensuring long-term food security. This blog post explores the state of deer populations, shifts in hunting participation, and the potential challenges of hunting during hard times.

Deer Population: Then vs. Now

In 1929, deer populations were at a historic low in the United States, with fewer than 500,000 nationwide due to unregulated hunting and habitat destruction. Conservation efforts, such as regulated hunting seasons and habitat restoration, helped deer populations rebound. Today, there are over 30 million deer across the country. However, regional declines in population due to urban sprawl, disease, and overhunting in some areas mean that not all hunters will find deer as abundant as they might hope.

Fewer Hunters in Modern Times

The number of hunters in the United States has declined significantly. In the 1980s, over 17 million Americans hunted; by 2020, that number dropped to around 11 million. This decline is partly due to urbanization, cultural shifts, and competing recreational activities. Fewer hunters may sound like good news for deer populations, but it can also lead to imbalances in ecosystems, as hunting plays a role in controlling deer numbers.

The Impact of Bad Times

During economic downturns or disasters, hunting often becomes a necessity rather than a sport. Many people turn to hunting for survival, but a lack of experience and skills can lead to inefficiency and waste. Inexperienced hunters may not know how to track game, butcher properly, or hunt ethically, which could strain wildlife populations in the long run.

By staying informed about wildlife trends and sharpening your skills now, you’ll be better prepared to provide for your family in the future, even in difficult times.