By OBBM Network Editorial Staff

Derived from an episode of Anne of All Trades.

“The number one thing all successful homesteaders have in common is they have simplified their diet,” Ruthann Zimmerman declared, her voice echoing over rows of onions the size of softballs. In the rolling fields of northeast Iowa, a mother of seven demonstrates how a life stripped of modern distractions can yield both abundant food and deeper family connections.

From Ex‑Mennonite Roots to Iowa Fields

Ruthann and her husband grew up in an Old Order Mennonite community that, to outsiders, often resembles Amish life. “We were excommunicated when we stopped following the rules,” she recalled, explaining that leaving the church forced them to re‑imagine how a homestead could serve a modern family. Their 8,000‑square‑foot garden is a direct response to a short growing season—roughly 120 days from May 15 to September 15—requiring careful succession planting of potatoes, English peas, and other root crops that store well.

Their approach is pragmatic: rather than trying to replace the grocery store, they focus on the “bare necessities.” Ruthann notes, “We’re just eating chicken and maybe a side of green beans. That’s it. The only time we’re fancy is when we have guests.” This disciplined menu reflects the core rule she teaches—simplify the diet, simplify the farm.

Teaching Children Through Work, Not Screens

In a world saturated with organized sports and media, Ruthann argues that homestead chores provide the same character‑building benefits. “The antidote to boredom is chores,” she said, adding that her children receive dopamine hits from a job well done. The boys’ first responsibilities—shooing flies off cows with a branch—evolved into milking duties that build both muscle and work ethic. One son proudly noted, “I’m getting a lot of muscles,” while another joked that milking is “better than doing the dishes all the time.”

Ruthann prioritizes her family’s emotional needs above all else. She categorizes daily priorities into three tiers: emotional, nutritional, and housekeeping. When a child needs comfort, she pauses gardening to listen, even if it means a crop may suffer. “Emotional needs trump nutritional needs,” she explained, illustrating how a mother’s presence can shape the rhythm of farm life.

Practical Homestead Hacks: From Onion Prisons to Milk‑Cow Magic

Visitors are often stunned by the size of Ruthann’s onions—”softball‑size” bulbs that she describes as an “onion prison” for her son Alexander, who jokes about being trapped behind an “enormous onion mountain.” The secret? She lets the onions grow without the traditional hilling process, allowing only the roots to stay underground. This unconventional method, combined with firm soil, yields impressive yields without extra labor.

Milk production is another cornerstone. Ruthann runs two milking cows, a practice that began when her boys were three or four. The routine provides daily protein and a structured schedule that reinforces responsibility. She emphasizes that milking is not just a chore but a bonding moment: “The milk cow magic” as she calls it, teaches patience and consistency.

Balancing Simplicity with Community Sharing

While the Zimmermans feed seven family members three meals a day, they also share surplus with adult children and neighbors, embodying a communal spirit rooted in their heritage. Their garden’s output—potatoes, peas, onions, and occasional greens—supports this sharing model, reinforcing the idea that a homestead can be both self‑sufficient and generous.

Ruthann’s lifestyle also reflects a deliberate avoidance of media and entertainment, a cultural trait from her Mennonite upbringing. “There is no media, there is no entertainment; the only dopamine hit comes from a job well done,” she explained. This mindset not only reduces distractions but also aligns with the broader goal of letting the homestead serve the family’s well‑being rather than becoming a burden.

Why Simplification Matters in Today’s Food Landscape

Ruthann’s rule—simplify the diet—offers a counterpoint to the modern push for hyper‑diverse home gardens that aim to replace supermarkets entirely. By focusing on nutrient‑dense, storage‑friendly crops, she reduces waste, labor, and the stress of trying to grow everything. This strategy resonates beyond Iowa, offering a template for families nationwide who seek resilience without overwhelming complexity.

In an era where food insecurity and supply‑chain disruptions dominate headlines, Ruthann’s approach underscores a timeless principle: sustainable food systems begin with clear, manageable goals. Her story illustrates how cultural heritage, practical ingenuity, and a commitment to family values can converge to create a thriving homestead that feeds both body and spirit.

Ruthann Zimmerman’s journey from ex‑Mennonite outcast to respected Iowa homesteader reminds us that the most powerful changes often start with a single, simple rule. By simplifying what we eat, we free ourselves to focus on what truly matters—family, community, and the satisfaction of a job well done.

The full episode of Anne of All Trades is available on OBBM Network TV.