This past Saturday, Sept. 27, Franciscan students got their hands dirty while visiting a local homestead.  

The students departed from the Rosary Circle at 2:45 p.m. and took a quick ride to the homestead, located on the property of the Franciscan TOR Sisters’ motherhouse. But the homestead is operated by Shawn and Beth Dougherty.  

The Doughertys first led students around the property, frequently stopping to answer questions and explain the basics of how a homestead operates. Many students asked questions and engaged in conversations regarding the costs, benefits and hardships of maintaining a Homestead.  

“90% of what we eat, and what our animals eat, is food we grow. When covid hit it was like nothing for us,” Mr. Dougherty explained, regarding the benefits of living off the land. “I wouldn’t say the work is hard … God is the one who provides … it’s our job to work with Him, so not hard but consistent.”  

When asked about the essentials needed to start a homestead, Mrs. Dougherty stated simply that, “Grass is everything.”  

While learning, students also had the ability to spend time corralling cattle and learning about milking cows through first-hand experience. 

“Regardless of future plans, I think this is a lifestyle that everyone should be aware of, even if only on a small scale,” said Karolina Dabrowski, who offered to carpool with others to the event. 

The event was organized by Damiano Watkins, a sophomore political science and government major who works for the Catholic Land Movement (CLM) and serves as the president of the Franciscan chapter.  

Watkins, who participated actively on the trip, is passionate about CLM because “we glorify God through being stewards of the land and partaking with the tools He has provided us.” More information on the CLM is available through the chapter’s GroupMe or on their website.  

And more information about the Doughertys and their homestead is available on their website one-cow-revolution-.com.