From Basement to Barn: The Knox Family’s Homesteading Success Story.

When Codi and Michelle Knox made the leap from a cramped basement apartment to a 5.6-acre homestead in Ohio, they embarked on a transformative journey. With four children in tow, they set out to grow their own organic food, a dream fueled by their past struggles and newfound passions.

Codi’s previous life in a North Carolina woodshop was marked by exhaustion and frequent dental issues. A turning point came when he read "Cure Tooth Decay" by Ramiel Nagel. This led him and Michelle to embrace a healthier lifestyle through raw milk, grass-fed meats, and organic produce. But as they soon discovered, eating healthily on a tight budget was unsustainable in their small apartment.

A lifeline came in the form of a private loan, allowing them to purchase a rundown property in 2014. This new chapter marked the beginning of their homesteading adventure—a steep learning curve that tested their limits. Living in a camper while Codi built a house, they acquired chickens and a milk cow, and began selling eggs. The journey was far from smooth.

Michelle recalls the early days as overwhelming, particularly after developing adrenal fatigue. Chronic stress from managing the farm, caring for their growing family, and juggling a full-time job led to burnout. They made hard choices, scaling back their operations and focusing solely on producing food for their family. The couple also sought marriage counseling to navigate the strain on their relationship.

Despite these challenges, the Knoxes persisted. Today, their homestead is a model of efficiency and sustainability. They manage a smaller flock of pastured hens, raise broiler chickens annually, and keep a milk cow while considering a switch to dairy sheep. Their garden thrives, with produce stored for the winter and pastures maintained through rotational grazing.

Their four children, aged 3 to 11, contribute to daily chores, learning valuable skills in the process. The Knoxes have embraced a strategy of working smarter, not harder. Automation, careful planning, and prioritizing high-yield crops have streamlined their operations, reducing stress and improving their quality of life.

The rewards are evident. The family enjoys camping trips, kayaking, and other adventures, balancing their homesteading lifestyle with leisure and family time. Michelle’s favorite aspect of homesteading is the satisfaction of growing wholesome food and the partnership with nature it represents.

The Knoxes now share their experiences through their YouTube channel, “More Than Farmers,” aiming to help others navigate the complexities of homesteading with less stress. They emphasize that you don’t need a vast amount of land to be self-sufficient—5.6 acres is enough to make a meaningful impact if used wisely.

Their journey underscores the importance of starting small, mastering a few skills before expanding, and finding a balance that allows for both productivity and personal well-being. The Knoxes prove that with determination and the right approach, homesteading can be a fulfilling and manageable endeavor, no matter the size of the land.