The Monticello Homestead Exchange One man’s surplus is another’s head start!

Heather Ainsley
ECB Publishing, Inc.

Part of living in a rural area is the appeal to a rustic life. Property owners who live in rural areas enjoy a peaceful getaway from hectic and busy city life. But while living outside of well-populated city centers may be peaceful, it also means that some everyday resources may not be readily available. For this reason, many individuals who live in rural Florida have turned their homes into homesteads, and taken up the age-old occupation of farming, making it possible to create those resources right in the comforts of home.
It takes a lot of skill to learn how to grow your own food, can or jar your own preserves and raise your own farm animals. Many homesteaders and farmers learn by doing, and over the years they accumulate a wealth of knowledge, skill and experience on what the best processes, tools and techniques are for just about any job out on the farm. This wealth of knowledge came at a great cost through trial and error, and many farmers and homesteaders are happily wiling to share their knowledge with other farmers, in the hopes of sparing them the trouble of learning while doing.
One of the many ways that local homesteaders can share their specialized wealth of knowledge and experience is by participating in a local homestead exchange group. Monticello has a vast network of local farms and talented individuals who are looking for ways to share their skills and knowledge with others in their community. Perhaps you are new to the area, and are looking for quality animals to start your very own farm, or maybe your vegetable garden was extremely prolific this year, and you'd like to give away the excess. It could be that you've been heavily impressed with the company who repaired your horse barn door, and want to share this quality service with other barn-owners in your area. It could also be that you've seen dangerous wildlife activity and want to spread the news to others who own livestock in your area. No matter what the reason, or what you have to share, the Monticello Homestead Exchange is a great place to start sharing valuable information with individuals in your area.
Local woman, Sarah Brabham, says that she has quite the backyard farm, with bunnies, quail and chickens that all have come from the Homestead Exchange. She and her family are relatively new to the area, and moved to Monticello in 2021.
Another homesteader, Teri Smith, who has been a member of the Monticello Homestead Exchange since 2020, says that she and her husband, Rex, have gotten all three of their geese from a breeder that they met through the Exchange. Their gaggle is comprised of a gander named Gus and his two sweet dames named Louise and Blu. Although Gus is still young, Teri and Rex believe they might have a chance at goslings this year!
Other members of the Exchange have reached out to the community about recommendations for quality veterinary services, local pet grooming services, trusted home and barn repair companies, farm fresh eggs and discussions for when the next Farm Swap meeting will be. Small farms were also able to discuss the trade, sale and rehoming of several different farm animal species, including KuneKune pigs, baby rabbits, cows, chicks, turkeys, roosters and goats.
The Monticello Homestead Exchange requires that any animals sold, traded or given away be in good health before being exchanged. If you are offering an animal that has been bought at an auction, this information must be disclosed to the buyer or new owner. Any animals that have been sick before being offered up for exchange must be seen and treated by a licensed veterinarian prior to being sold, with proof of health provided to the new owner.
The Exchange community meets periodically in person at a predetermined location for a Farm Swap. Individuals are encouraged and welcome to bring any supplies, products or livestock animals to these meetings for discussion about trading or selling. The last Farm Swap took place on April 29 in Tallahassee, and was a great place for members of the community to meet in person, share stories and support one another.
Farming is no small task. It takes a lot of hard work, patience and know-how. Trial and error can provide valuable lessons, but can also be costly and time-consuming. By sharing their learned experiences, and offering up their surplus products, farmers and homesteaders in the Monticello area can create a network of support and collaboration with fellow homesteaders. Farmers that have limited space can re-home surplus livestock and farm animals to families that are looking to welcome new farm animals onto their properties. One farmer's surplus is another's head start!