Hey. I’m Nichole Sheley
Hi, I’m Nichole Sheley—an agriculture communications student, a daughter of Christ, and a proud Illinois farm girl at heart. Born and raised in the rich farmlands of Central Illinois, I’ve since planted roots in the quiet countryside of West Central Illinois. Here, the pace is slower, the air is sweeter, and life feels a little more grounded.
At Broken P Ranch, we believe in honoring the seasons, living simply, and finding beauty in the everyday. For over 20 years, I’ve been on a journey of natural living. This began when I started researching how to clean up our home and eliminate toxins. That shift opened the door to reevaluating our diet and lifestyle. What I found wasn’t easy to swallow. The Standard American Diet and a fast-paced way of life had taken a toll on my health, leading to decades-long battles with autoimmune disease.
But those struggles lit a fire in me. I was determined to give my family something better. This meant a life rich in real food, clean living, and the kind of self-sufficiency that comes from working the land with your own two hands. For over 12 years, we’ve embraced a homestead lifestyle. Raising gardens, preserving the harvest, and filling our table with wholesome meals made from natural, whole, and organic ingredients are daily practices. Daily staples like fermented vegetables, homemade bone broth, and fresh-from-the-garden produce have become part of our rhythm.
Here at Broken P Ranch, I share what we’ve learned along the way:
From-scratch recipes that are allergy-friendly, high in protein, and full of feel-good flavor.
Practical homesteading skills to help you grow, preserve, and enjoy the bounty of each season.
Simple heartland wisdom for slowing down, savoring the little things, and creating a life that feels more meaningful.
Pull up a chair and stay awhile. Whether you’re ready to bake your first loaf of sourdough, plant your first seeds, or swap a few pantry staples for cleaner options, you’re in the right place. Together, we’ll make the most of every season—one jar, one recipe, and one memory at a time.
Welcome home to Broken P Ranch.
Peace, Love, and Mason Jars,
Nichole Sheley
“…What starts as a reconnection to the external world culminates in humans who are more centered, balanced, and whole on the inside, too.”