About The RootStead

Rooted in the Land. Built for the Self-Sufficient.

The RootStead exists for people who believe in doing things themselves — raising their own food, harvesting their own meat, and building a life that doesn't depend on a supply chain. Whether you're a homesteader, a hunter, a small-scale farmer, or just getting started, this is where practical knowledge lives.

The Knowledge Behind the Guides

Our flagship resource, Basic Butchering of Livestock & Game, was written by John J. Mettler Jr., D.V.M. — a retired large-animal veterinarian with over 20 years of hands-on experience. Dr. Mettler didn't write this guide from a desk. He wrote it from a lifetime of practice, precision, and deep respect for the animals and the people who depend on them.

With over 180,000 copies in print, this guide has become a trusted companion for generations of homesteaders, hunters, and farmers. It covers 7 animals, features 130 detailed illustrations, and includes 30 recipes — everything you need to go from field to table with confidence.

What You Get

All RootStead guides are delivered digitally — instantly, right to your inbox. No waiting, no shipping. Just practical, time-tested knowledge ready when you are.

Why The RootStead

The skills of the land are worth preserving. The RootStead is here to make sure they don't disappear — and that anyone who wants to learn them can.