Reviving Roots and Building Dreams at Gnomestead Farms

A couple of weekends ago, my son Josh and I got my grandpa’s old garden tractor running again. It wasn’t just about fixing an engine—it was about reconnecting to my roots. As we tinkered, I could almost hear that old wooden screen door slam shut and my grandpa calling out, “Joe Joe,” with that big smile of his. He had a way of making you feel seen, and hearing that tractor rumble after years of silence brought those memories flooding back.

I didn’t inherit my dad’s mechanical skills—good thing Josh was there to help! We had to get creative, patching up a vacuum leak and dry-rotted gas lines with some redneck engineering. Two trips to town later (and nearly breaking out the duct tape), it roared to life. That sound took me back to my childhood, exploring the woods on my dad’s 10-acre plot in Poynor, just south of Doniphan, MO. Walking down to the country store for ice cream. To me, those woods were endless, even though we didn’t have much.

Back then, we lived in a one-room shack—no power, no water, and a bathroom 50 yards away. You learned to plan your nighttime trips! We washed dishes in a stock tank, and I’ll never forget the day our ducks decided it was their bathtub while Mom wasn’t looking. Dad even accidentally set a few acres on fire once—might be why he helped start a volunteer fire department. Over time, we added a couple of rooms, but those early days taught me resilience and the value of making do—qualities we’re bringing to Gnomestead Farms.

Growing up, I watched my grandpa tend to all kinds of animals, and my dad always dreamed of a place of his own. That dream stuck with me. A couple of years ago, I moved my family closer to home to start this homestead. My dad passed away about a year ago, and I still feel that loss—but I see his ornery twinkle in my granddaughter’s eyes, and it makes me smile.

Right now, we’re small, but we’ve got big plans. We’re clearing space for a mini-home—or as Josh calls it, a “gnome home”—and expanding our sustainable practices. From reviving that tractor to dreaming up future farm-made products, every step is about building a self-sustaining homestead that honors the land and inspires others.

We’re excited to share this journey with you. Our whimsical merchandise—like gnome-themed tees and cozy blankets—helps fund our growth, and soon we’ll be adding farm-made goods to the mix. Keep watching, because we’re just getting started.

Join us as we grow! Follow along on the blog, grab some schwag, or share your own stories. Together, we’re building a community rooted in sustainability, family, and the joy of simple living.