The documentary film “A Homestead: Year One” follows the story of the Wilsons, a family running the Hannah Brook Hills farm. Once 25 acres of barren land, the Wilsons turned it into a farm teeming with life and more importantly, sustainability.
Going Back to Basics
Hannah Brook Hills, nestled in the scenic Fraser Valley of British Columbia, Canada, was once an abandoned farm that had been swallowed by Mother Nature. When Emily and Cody Wilson first stepped onto the property, they were faced with a daunting challenge — a tangle of overgrown brambles, scattered garbage and dilapidated buildings.
Yet, despite the challenges, they saw the opportunity for something special — transforming the land into a thriving homestead. As shared by Emily:1
“We want to nurture the land in a way that is mutually beneficial, but ultimately puts the land and all its creatures first! We take our time to connect with the land. We watch and try to give her what she needs. We want to plant in a way that flows. We want to ensure that things are working together, not against each other. We try to really listen. And see where are our obstacles and how can we utilize them to make lemonade that everyone can enjoy.
We are creating an oasis where this little ecosystem can hopefully thrive for generations. Becoming more and more self-sufficient as the years progress.”
Emily grew up on a different farm during her childhood, Whonnock Farm. She learned farming and other skills when she was younger, and was looking for a new place to put those skills to good use. Coincidentally, her neighbor Aaliyah had a property Emily and Cody could check out, which was Hannah Brook Hills.
Despite the dismal conditions, she fell in love with the place during her first visit.2 They were excited by the blank slate before them, but also aware of the daunting amount of work ahead.
However, a surprise eviction from their previous residence in Whonnock Farm forced their hand. With only 60 days to pack up their possessions and make a decision, Emily and Cody found themselves at a crossroads. Choosing to make a leap of faith, they decided to turn the old property into a homestead.
Prepping and Renovating the Land and Infrastructure
Reclaiming Hannah Brook Hills from Mother Nature was nothing short of a battle. For months, Emily, Cody and their friends worked tirelessly to clear the land. Blackberries had taken over everything — even creeping up to the second-story windows of their house.
The Wilsons unearthed old structures, including a chicken coop completely swallowed by overgrowth, and even discovered a hidden pond buried beneath layers of thorny vines. Aside from reworking the environment, they also had to take out all the manmade junk that was abandoned. All in all, they removed 13 tons of unusable items from the property.
While the outside demanded immense effort, the house that came with the property was a different story altogether. Initially, the plan was to do some minor touch-ups, such as painting the walls and repairing parts here and there to make it livable. However, as soon as they started peeling back layers, they discovered significant issues — water damage, structural problems and floors that were sunken in places. What began as small repairs turned into a full-scale renovation.
They worked at breakneck speed, driven by the goal of moving in by Christmas. Every room needed attention, from the floors to the ceiling. They ripped out old cupboards, replaced damaged walls and rebuilt entire sections of the house. There was no "chill time," according to Emily.
With hard work, the Wilsons reached their renovation goals — they had managed to make it livable, setting up their bed just before Christmas. The renovations weren't finished, but they had a place to call their own.
Establishing Gardens and Greenhouses
With the initial renovations behind them, Emily and Cody turned their attention to the land. They started small, with just a garden bed or two. Eventually, they added greenhouses and more garden space. Most of the structures they built were made from things discarded by other businesses or repurposed from other projects. Overall, sustainability was their goal, and they enjoyed finding creative ways to make use of what others considered waste.
One of the biggest challenges was the soil itself. Much of it was rocky and difficult to work with, requiring creative solutions like using large auger bits to drill holes for planting. The next problem was the critters — field mice, skunks and raccoons — that had appeared ever since they cleared the land of debris.
Night after night, the garden trays left outside were eaten by wildlife. Emily tried putting traps, but that didn’t work. So, after trying to push them out, she embraced them. She placed food outside, which worked to her advantage. While there were still trays that were eaten, some had manage to grow, particularly the tomatoes.3
The Homestead Became More Than Just Land
One of the most important aspects of the homestead was creating a community that grew alongside it. Emily and Cody didn't tackle this project alone; they asked help from friends of friends and neighbors who shared their passion for sustainable living. Workdays became events filled with laughter, shared meals and a deep sense of connection.
Emily spoke of her philosophy, which is "building a bigger table, not higher walls," when you have everything you already need. The homestead is a place where people could come together, contribute their skills, and share in the bounty of the land.
Exploring the Emotional Component Behind the Project
The journey of homesteading was not just physical; it was deeply emotional as well. For Emily, reconnecting with the land was a way to heal from past trauma. She had experienced dark times in her life, such as addiction and hardship. Working the land helped her find peace and a sense of purpose. There were moments of overwhelming stress, but there was also immense joy in seeing the land come back to life.
As for Cody, the homestead project was bittersweet. While he loved working on the land, he also missed his father's farm in Alberta. Taking on Hannah Brook Hills meant leaving behind that dream.
Another meaningful project on the homestead was the ceremony circle. Emily envisioned a space that could serve as the heart of the farm — a place for community gatherings, healing and reflection. It was built with intention, using natural materials and a design that emphasized balance and peace. Essentially, the circle was designed to be a focal point for the community.
One example is the planting of spring bulbs in the ceremony circle in anticipation of Aaliyah's upcoming baby. Aaliyah was now starting her own family, and the circle became a symbol of generational connection. For Emily, it was a powerful experience that helped her regain her optimism.
How Can You Play Your Own Part?
Emily and Cody Wilson’s story shows the perseverance of farmers with small capital, compared to the sleek and industrialized operations of billion-dollar companies. But it is through the little guys that will allow us take back control of our health.
Small businesses make up the backbone of agriculture in America. Statistics indicate that 89% of all farms are operated by families, and they have 45% share of the land used for agriculture. But despite their number, they only own 18% of the gross value produced.4
Modern agriculture has bastardized food because of the many unnatural practices employed that further destroy the environment. Instead, we must look toward the wisdom, care and expertise of small farmers. Their commitment to embracing biodiversity and sustainability is what will protect the health of future generations. To support this small, but important sector of America’s food system, consider the following:
Choosing heirloom and open-pollinated varieties when possible — These often have higher nutrient levels and better flavor than hybrid varieties. |
Supporting local farmers and farmers markets — Small-scale producers are more likely to grow diverse, nutrient-dense crops. |
Grow your own — Even a small garden or a few containers provide incredibly nutritious produce. |
Opt for organic — While not a guarantee of higher nutrients, organic produce is less likely to contain harmful pesticide residues. |
Eat a diverse diet — Don't rely on just a few fruits and vegetables — incorporate a wide variety to ensure you're getting a broad spectrum of nutrients. |
Consider targeted supplementation — While whole foods should be the foundation of your diet, high-quality supplements can help fill nutrient gaps. |
Support organizations working to preserve seed diversity and promote sustainable agriculture. |
Stay informed and spread awareness — Share this information with friends and family to help drive change. |
Support Regenerative Farmers to Protect Future Generations
Growing your own food is one of the best ways to becoming independent from the massive chokehold of big agricultural corporations. However, not everyone has that option, but you can still help by supporting small farms that practice regenerative agriculture. Below is a list of websites I recommend:
American Grassfed Association — The goal of the American Grassfed Association (AGA) is to promote the grass fed industry through government relations, research, concept marketing and public education.
Their website also allows you to search for AGA-approved producers certified according to strict standards that include being raised on a diet of 100% forage; raised on pasture and never confined to a feedlot; never treated with antibiotics or hormones; born and raised on American family farms. |
EatWild.com — EatWild.com provides lists of farmers known to produce raw dairy products as well as grass fed beef and other farm-fresh produce (although not all are certified organic). Here you can also find information about local farmers markets, as well as local stores and restaurants that sell grass fed products. |
Weston A. Price Foundation — Weston A. Price has local chapters in most states, and many of them are connected with buying clubs in which you can easily purchase organic foods, including grass fed raw dairy products like milk and butter. |
Local Harvest — This website will help you find farmers markets, family farms and other sources of sustainably grown food in your area where you can buy produce, grass fed meats and many other goodies. |
Farmers Markets — A national listing of farmers markets. |
Eat Well Guide: Wholesome Food from Healthy Animals — The Eat Well Guide is a free online directory of sustainably raised meat, poultry, dairy and eggs from farms, stores, restaurants, inns, hotels and online outlets in the U.S. and Canada. |
Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture (CISA) — CISA is dedicated to sustaining agriculture and promoting the products of small farms. |
The Cornucopia Institute — The Cornucopia Institute maintains web-based tools rating all certified organic brands of eggs, dairy products and other commodities, based on their ethical sourcing and authentic farming practices separating CAFO (concentrated animal feeding operation) "organic" production from authentic organic practices. |
RealMilk.com — If you're still unsure of where to find raw milk, check out Raw-Milk-Facts.com and RealMilk.com. They can tell you what the status is for legality in your state, and provide a listing of raw dairy farms in your area. The Farm to Consumer Legal Defense Fund also provides a state-by-state review of raw milk laws.5 California residents can also find raw milk retailers using the store locator available at RAW FARM.6 |
You can also follow the Wilsons on their Facebook page, “The Wilsons on Wilson”7 for regular updates on their farm. The family has a YouTube channel,8 too, where you can watch how they grow their vegetables and the produce they’re harvesting, as well as how they make use of the equipment they have.