Nurturing a "People First" Homestead with RuthAnn Zimmerman

Jan 17, 2026

RuthAnn Zimmerman, a dedicated homesteader and author from Northeast Iowa, emphasizes the importance of prioritizing people in homesteading. She shares her journey of balancing hospitality with homestead duties and discusses how raising children with a strong work ethic can cultivate character. The conversation explores making time for emotional needs, inviting guests into daily tasks, and the magic of early mornings for productivity. RuthAnn’s insightful approach encourages listeners to cherish relationships while navigating the busy rhythms of homesteading.

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INSIGHT

People Over Tasks

Homesteading's purpose is people, not just tasks or productivity.
RuthAnn reframes homesteading as caring for family and community first, then chores.

ANECDOTE

Chores To Build Character

RuthAnn shares that chores were intentionally chosen to teach her children work ethic and character.
They kept extra animals like two milk cows partly so boys would have chores and responsibility.

ADVICE

Make Hospitality Practical

When guests stop by, prioritize hospitality and put tasks aside when appropriate.
Invite visitors into work or accept simpler meals like pizza to keep relationships central.

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Homesteading is about so much more than chores, food, and checklists. In this episode, I’m joined by RuthAnn Zimmerman from Homesteading With the Zimmermans for a conversation that goes straight to the heart of what this lifestyle is really about: people.

We talk about balancing hospitality with busy homestead life, raising children with a strong work ethic and character, and learning to trust God’s economy when it comes to time, energy, and priorities. RuthAnn shares how she keeps emotional needs first in her family and why that simple shift brings so much peace to the home.

If you’ve been feeling stretched thin, overwhelmed by the busyness, or wondering how to keep relationships from getting lost in the work, this episode is for you.

📚 RuthAnn's book, The Heart of the Homestead, here: https://homesteadingfamily.com/heart-of-the-homestead-book
🎥 Find her on YouTube: @Ruthannzimm

Thanks for being here and for walking this journey of everyday homesteading with us.

Thanks to Azure Standard for sponsoring this episode of Everyday Homesteading. For first-time customers, use coupon code "HOMESTEADINGFAMILY15" at checkout for 15% off your order of $100 or more: https://homesteadingfamily.com/main-azure-standard-b

Time Stamps:

0:00 - Introduction
2:59 - Azure Standard
5:10 - Main Topic

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MORE ABOUT US!

WELCOME! We're so glad you're here! We are Josh and Carolyn Thomas. Together with our eleven children, we are The Homesteading Family where we’re living a self-sustainable life in beautiful North Idaho. Let us welcome you and show you a bit about us here: http://bit.ly/HFWelcomeVideo

Grow, Preserve & Thrive with us!
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A few highlights you don't want to miss are our FREEBIES!!

Healthy Healing at Home – Learn how to confidently use herbal medicine in your home with this FREE 4 video workshop: https://homesteadingfamily.com/HHHyt

Your Best Loaf – A Free 4 video workshop teaching you how to make great bread at home, every time, regardless of the recipe you are using: https://homesteadingfamily.com/free-bread-workshop

Every month, I host a free live training on a new homesteading skill. This January, we’re focusing on herbal medicine and how to create an effective family herbal protocol to help stop the cycle of winter sickness. Join the free live training on January 22 and start becoming a confident family herbalist. Register HERE!