NE Mississippi here too. Not too far from Tupelo. We are *just* starting on our homesteading journey. We have been moving around and renting apartments for years, but have finally decided to stay in one place for a while. We are still renting, but it is a house with a good yard. We are raising our first group of chickens right now (they are chipping in the den as I type) and we should have eggs from them by summer. We are starting our first garden this year. We are not "preppers" like my parents (who also live in the area) are, but I do believe in being self-sufficient and having the skills to take care of ourselves should the end come. And if not, then at least we can live cheaper and healthier.