JILL WINGER
Online homestead mentor and author of The Prairie Homestead cookbook
“When we look at things like canning or gardening or keeping animals, and we start to understand the benefits to us as humans—it’s better for our health; there are studies that show that being in the dirt, the microbes are actually antidepressants—science is starting to back this up.
That’s why I’m such a fan of encouraging folks, even if you live in an apartment in New York City, to weave these rural arts and skills into your life. Not because you’re trying to be trendy, but because it’s going to bring you a lot of health benefits, mental benefits, and peace in the process.”
The Winger homestead— a once tumbledown property that is now a thriving and sustainable platform for Jill’s brand— The Prairie Homestead.
Listen to Jill’s story.
Jill Winger’s homesteading evolution began when she and her husband Christian bought a 67-acre, tumbledown property outside of Chugwater, Wyoming. Flooded with an overwhelming rush of inspiration on how she could make their land sustainable, they started a compost pile, bought a few chickens, and began delving into the homesteading lifestyle. In 2010, Jill launched her official brand, The Prairie Homestead, which started as an online blog to share what she was learning with other like-minded souls.
Today, Jill has grown her brand into a global platform with tens of thousands of followers who want to live more intentional lives. She recently debuted her cookbook in partnership with Macmillian Publishers; it quickly became an Amazon best seller. Self-described as “old-fashioned on purpose,” Jill’s philosophy to return to the land is not to be trendy but because it brings her a great sense of peace and joy.
An entrepreneur and influencer, Jill loves empowering others to incorporate rural arts and skills into their lives, no matter where they live, and reap the physical and mental health benefits that can result from living more simply.
Rain, snow, wind or shine — Jill and her family live off the land as much as possible. Jill shares her expertise with the masses as an online homestead mentor and creator of The Prairie Homestead lifestyle brand.
Farm to table — Jill believes in using simple, whole ingredient foods — most of which she grows or raises on her property near Chugwater, Wyoming.
“I wanted the cookbook to be attainable and doable and empowering, because there’s no reason bread or gravy should be complicated. I also wanted to use a lot of whole food ingredients and teach others how to make down home, simple ingredient food, because making really good food shouldn’t be scary.”
Jill released her debut cookbook in partnership with NYC publisher Macmillan in April 2019. It quickly became an Amazon best-seller.
A family affair — Jill and her husband raise three children from their 67-acre homestead near Chugwater, Wyoming.
“Look at what lights you up and follow that spark. I believe that every single person has something special that they’re meant to develop and share. For me, it’s homesteading, and I love entrepreneurship as well. Find out what that is for you, and chase it like crazy.”
Jill Winger— online homestead mentor, cookbook author, entrepreneur and creator of The Prairie Homestead lifestyle brand.
