Homesteading in the NW

Im not sure if this has been talked about much before, but I have an interest in homesteading in the NW. Specifically the Dakotas, Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho. Does anyone have any experience here? If so what are some things I would need to take into account when in comes to gardening or raising animals if I decide to move out there from the east coast?

Wheaton Labs is located in Montana and they have a lot of events focused on homesteading. If you went there for a visit you'd probably pick up some good tips.

https://wheaton-labs.com/events/

Nic Trib wrote: I have an interest in homesteading in the NW. Specifically the Dakotas, Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho.

That's a pretty broad range to get specific feedback. In our part of Idaho there are a lot of microclimates while the southern part of Idaho is hotter and drier. Wyoming is know for its winds, etc. In general, the western states have more issues with drought than east coast. Water availability and quality is a high priority.

When we were looking for land in this area, we looked at mining history, oil and gas drilling, or anything else that could compromise water quality. You will find a lot of areas have mining history and the water can be contaminated. One house we looked at had a uranium filter for the house. Hmm. We passed on that one and everything else in that valley. By looking for things that I didn't want I was able to exclude many regions which helped in narrowing the search area.