46 Pioneer Skills for the Modern Homesteader
by Gaye Levy
These days, most people define “homesteading” in terms of lifestyle. This is especially true among preppers who seek self-sufficiency by embracing old-style, pioneer-era skills to define their independence from traditional supply chains and government interference. This does not necessarily mean we live off-grid in some far out location where there are no modern conveniences whatsoever. Quite the contrary.
21st century homesteading is a mindset that can take place in the city core, an apartment, a planned community or suburbia. And of course, the homesteading mindset prevails in rural communities, farmlands and other more traditional homestead-type locations.
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Becoming a 21st century homesteader means downsizing, minimizing and living a healthier life. Today I share 46 skills that most modern homesteaders will want to learn as they strive to live a better, yet simpler, life.
46 Pioneer Skills for the Modern 21st Century Homesteader
- Vegetable Gardening
- Cooking on an Open Fire
- Baking
- Herb Gardening
- Herbal Medicine
- First Aid and Emergency Medical Care
- Animal Husbandry
- Butchering
- Fire-starting and Fire Building
- Carpentry
- Masonry
- Plumbing
- Sewing
- Knitting and Crochet
- Weaving and Spinning
- Hunting
- Fishing
- Canning and Preserving
- Home Brewing
- Gunsmithing
- Soap Making
- Candle Making
- Power Generation (Solar and Wind)
- Vehicle Maintenance
- Mechanical Repair and Maintenance
- Equipment Operator
- Home Maintenance
- Welding
- Blacksmithing
- Leatherwork
- Well Building
- Foraging
- Knife Sharpening
- Bartering
- Milking
- Beekeeping
- Seed Harvesting
- Orchard Management
- Waste Management
- Pest Control
- Grinding Wheat and Other Grains
- Interpersonal Skills
- Leadership
- Patience
- Perseverance
- Faith
The Final Word
The homesteading mindset embraces using less energy, eating wholesome, locally sourced food, and making life choices relating to a rich and rewarding family life. It means living comfortably yet within the bounds of doing as much as you can in a sustainable manner.
In addition to having pioneer skills, most 21st century homesteaders are good citizens and community minded. They are also preppers of the highest order.
Can you think of some other useful pioneer skills for the modern, 21st century homesteader?
Enjoy your next adventure through common sense and thoughtful preparation!
