Please explain Homesteader Underground?

[Davinci]

Hub wants to know exactly what this refers to. Underground as opposed to...mainstream? Tell us your philosophy, please?

Sorry..have no idea why this is in the Livestock section? Not sure how to move it.

[Sweetened]

The Canadian Homesteader Underground and Small Farm Alliance are two different projects merged into one. We chose to call it "underground" partly because it's not mainstream, but mostly because people who homestead generally keep it tucked away like a skeleton in a closet. It's not something city-goers like to talk about with other city friends because of the weird looks and awkward conversation it arouses.

I suppose we could just call it the Canadian Homesteader and Small Farm Alliance (CHASFA). I should change the name while we only have 4 members, perhaps

[prairie dog]

I'm sure that the member list will change once it's out there that it's here

[Sweetened]

Maybe I should add a Rural internet column, since I've been down the past couple days!

Davinci, your question (which you deleted  ), was an appropriate one.  For those who didn't see it, you wanted to know what I defined Homesteading was over small/hobby farming.

One can be a homesteader in an apartment!  That's truly the difference.

Broadly defined, homesteading is a lifestyle of self-sufficiency.

If a person does things like knit, crochet or sew, can or dry food, maintain the family through homeschooling and so on, all those things are homesteading for the purposes of this forum. The small farm section, though it can have homesteaders within it, is a section that covers the land, animal and equipment aspects of the small and/or hobby farm lifestyle. Many small timers don't consider themselves homesteaders and so it is the opposite way as well. But together, there is a shared set of skills, wants and desires that I think most who join here could relate to.

[Davinci]

Yes, I did delete my question. I was afraid it was a bad question. I am feeling a little gun shy.

So, it is a philosophy as opposed to a strict set of criteria? If you live in an apartment, grow dill on your balcony and dry that dill in the window, you can be a micro-homesteader. Or if you live on 5000 acres and heat your house with a coil carrying water through your constantly heating manure pile, you can be an innovative poo homesteader. Am I understanding? It's about what you do to take care of your own needs that is not store bought? Yes? No? Close?

[ooptec]

I personally like the 'underground' part as it differentiates us from the 'above ground' consumer class

Personally I have retreated to my paradise from being born, raised and worked mainly in cities starting from huge, to smaller and smaller till made the move to the country.

I am not as 100% self sufficient as I'd like to be, mainly power is the last sticking point, (and fuel) but if push came to shove could suffice right this minute w/o a few things that would be mainly comfort/convenience driven

cheers

[niglefritz]

I think "Underground" should stay. You are correct about those who do so hiding. I personally know only of a couple...some relatives, and us.

I have recently found out that there are a few more in my area, but am unsure how much they would want to get together and learn in person. It is kind of sad, really.

It is ironic, that the only way to become self sufficient is to learn from others and learn with others.   

I would like to organize a group who is willing to do this and make a face to face working connection. Maybe this will help bring some more people out from the "underground". I am hoping...

[Back 2 Basics]

A person can get a lot of good ideas watching the Prairie Farm Report on the Rural channel ( that is what shaw calls it ) Alaska the last frontier is a great homesteader show. I believe it is on the discovery channel
I think the underground should stay as well, as their can be a lot of trading and cash sales

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