What Animal Is Best To First To Start Your Homestead? Oklahomans Respond.

It's about to be growing season in Oklahoma, and hundreds of families are already considering starting their own homestead or farmstead this year.

Even with Oklahoma being one of the cheapest states to live in, pennies are still being pinched, and wallets are bare. So, more people are turning to self-sufficient living to help combat the rising costs of living.

We asked Oklahomans everywhere: what's the first animal you would start your farmstead with and why? After all-the first animal you pick for your homestead could save-or cost-you thousands.

Farmstead or Homestead: Your Goals Decide Everything

If you ask Google, the answer is pretty cut and dry. A "farmstead" is a farm and its buildings. A "homestead" is the land and home occupied by a family. But there are major differences between the two that could change your mind about what animals, machines, and even crops you plan on having.

As one of our supporters explained, farmsteading is "geared toward selling locally from the farm." Homesteading, on the other hand, is made to serve you and your family's needs.

For example, if you have a family with lactose intolerance, you likely won't raise dairy animals like cows or goats for a homestead. But, if you plan on collecting raw milk to sell or use to make products, they would better fit a farmstead.

Why should you have a homestead or farmstead in Oklahoma?

The Oklahoma government, in a way, incentivizes people to have their own homestead. Oklahoma's affordable, but a homestead can save even more when you produce your own food.

That's why you should choose carefully which animals you want to start your farmstead with, which we will list at the end.

However, you do end up spending that money on things like feed for animals, vet bills, equipment, replacements, and more.

READ MORE: Chickens vs. Ducks: Which Is The Best Backyard Bird in Oklahoma?

There are ways to get tax exemptions for your homestead, though. In Cleveland County, they have a Homestead Exemption of $1,000 of "assessed valuation."

According to the Cleveland County website, "this could be a savings of $75 to $125 depending on which area of the county you are located."

There is also a homestead exemption in Comanche County, Oklahoma, that not only helps with taxes but also offers legal protection for landowners. Learn more about Comanche County's homestead exemption here.

Is it really worth learning to be self-sufficient?

This question really depends on you and your own situation. If you plan on investing a lot of money, research, and resources into your own farmstead and homestead, then the chances are you'll get more fulfillment than someone who's only going halfway in.

In emergency cases, it's always better to have knowledge and skills than not. And, although you may not find yourself milking a cow in an emergency, the knowledge and resourcefulness you learn from being self-sufficient can't be trained in a book or online.

If starting a new farmstead or homestead this year is on your goal list, here are the best choices for the first animal you should bring home to get it started.