The Timeline
The Past
In the 1800s, homesteading in Kansas was a means for settlers to own land and establish a new life. The Homestead Act of 1862 allowed individuals to claim up to 160 acres of government-owned land, provided they cultivated and improved the land for at least five years. Many homesteaders in Kansas faced challenges such as harsh weather conditions, isolation, and conflicts with Native American tribes. To survive, homesteaders often built homes, dug wells, and cleared land for crops. They also had to learn how to preserve food for the winter months. Despite these difficulties, homesteaders continued to arrive in Kansas, drawn by the opportunity for land and a new life. Homesteading in Kansas was an important chapter in American history. Here is the story I am piecing together from pictures and letters about my family's farm in Kansas starting in the 1800's.
The Present
Remastering old farm skills is crucial for maintaining the sustainability and productivity of agriculture. As technologies keep advancing, it's important to preserve traditional farming skills that have been passed down from generations. These skills include planting, harvesting, preservation, and soil conservation techniques, among others. By learning and utilizing these skills, farmers can reduce their reliance on modern technologies, which have sometimes proven to have negative environmental impacts and high costs. Remastering old farming skills also promotes the production of organic and locally grown food, which is essential in promoting healthy living and sustainability. Additionally, preserving these skills and traditions helps to maintain the cultural heritage and identity of farming communities and ensure that their knowledge is not lost to future generations. To achieve this goal, we are looking back at my family's farm in Kansas and trying to learn skills they once took for granted.
The Future
"At Carson Farm, we are trying to learn the skills from our past generations while enhancing the skills & products with today’s advancements."
ABOUT US
Richards Farm
Kansas (1880s – 1930s)
Our farm is inspired by family. We are going back and documenting family stories, pictures, and recipes that have been passed down to us. We are using the stories as inspiration for the Carson Farm by trying to learn skills of previous generations.
The Richards Farm was homesteaded in the 1880s in Kansas and lost during the great depression. It was my great-great grandparents’ farm.
