The ultimate test of survival and self-sufficiency returns when “Homestead Rescue” launches its thirteenth season on Discovery on September 23, 2025. The hit series continues its mission to help struggling city slickers and aspiring off-gridders who are on the verge of failure. Facing the harsh realities of wildlife predators, extreme weather, and their own inexperience, these families get one last chance to succeed, guided by the most awesome experts in the field. Each episode is a dramatic transformation, turning dangerous and dysfunctional homesteads into safe, sustainable, and productive properties.

Leading the charge is the Raney family, whose combined decades of Alaskan homesteading experience make them the perfect teachers. Marty Raney, Misty Raney, and Matt Raney return as the core expert team, alongside their trusted build crew including Clint Morehouse and Maciah Bilodeau. This season, they face some of their most challenging rescues yet, teaching vital skills in construction, farming, and hunting to determined families like Michelle and Barry Whelchel, who are desperate to make their dream a sustainable reality.

Homestead Rescue Season 13 full cast lineup

1: Marty Raney as Self / The Builder

The patriarch and foundation of the operation, Marty Raney is “The Builder,” a rugged Alaskan pioneer with over 40 years of experience living off the grid. Marty’s expertise lies in solving the most dire structural and infrastructural problems on a homestead, from building storm-proof shelters and installing essential water systems to fortifying properties against predators and the elements. His no-nonsense, tough-love approach is driven by a deep desire to see people succeed against all odds, and he isn’t afraid to push the homesteaders—and his own family—to their limits to get the job done right.

Marty is the strategic mastermind of each rescue. He assesses the land, identifies the most critical life-threatening issues, and devises a practical, often ingenious, plan to address them using available resources. His leadership style is hands-on and authoritative, teaching by doing and emphasizing that strength, perseverance, and common sense are the most vital tools for any homesteader. He represents the unbreakable spirit and practical knowledge required to conquer the wilderness.

2: Misty Raney as Self / The Farmer

Misty Raney, “The Farmer,” brings the essential skills of agriculture and animal husbandry to every rescue. As a second-generation homesteader who runs her own successful farm, Misty’s focus is on creating sustainable food sources. She teaches struggling families how to cultivate gardens in difficult climates, build predator-proof chicken coops and animal pens, preserve food, and manage livestock. Her approach is patient, knowledgeable, and centered on creating long-term self-sufficiency.

Misty provides the heart and the nutritional backbone of the operation. While Marty and Matt focus on shelter and security, she ensures the family will be able to feed themselves for years to come. Her segments are filled with practical, actionable advice on turning barren land into a productive homestead. She often works alongside the women of the family, empowering them with the skills and confidence to manage the day-to-day demands of farm life.

3: Matt Raney as Self / The Hunter

Matt Raney, “The Hunter,” is the family’s wilderness expert and master of resource acquisition. His skills are crucial for homesteads located in areas teeming with wildlife, both as a potential threat and a vital resource. Matt specializes in teaching hunting, trapping, and fishing techniques for sustainable harvesting, as well as how to properly butcher and store game. He also plays a key role in predator control, installing fencing and other deterrents to protect livestock and families from bears, wolves, and coyotes.

Matt brings a younger, energetic perspective to the team, often tackling the most physically demanding tasks. His expertise turns the surrounding wilderness from a frightening liability into a valuable pantry. He teaches respect for the animals and the ecosystem, emphasizing that hunting is not a sport but a critical means of survival on the homestead. His presence ensures that the families learn to safely coexist with and utilize the natural world around them.

4: Clint Morehouse as Self – Build Foreman

Clint Morehouse serves as the trusted Build Foreman for the Raney family. As Marty’s right-hand man, Clint is a master craftsman and problem-solver who leads the on-the-ground construction efforts. He is instrumental in executing Marty’s often complex designs for cabins, barns, and defensive structures, efficiently managing the build crew and the hectic timeline of each rescue. His strength, skill, and calm demeanor are vital assets in high-pressure situations.

Clint’s role is to translate the Raneys’ vision into a sturdy, safe reality. He works closely with the homesteaders, teaching them fundamental construction skills so they can maintain and repair their new structures long after the team has left. His reliability and expertise make him an indispensable part of the rescue team, ensuring that every build is completed to the highest standard of safety and durability.

5: Maciah Bilodeau as Self – Misty’s Husband

Maciah Bilodeau, Misty’s husband, is a key member of the build crew who brings additional muscle and skill to every project. Having married into the Raney family, Maciah has been fully immersed in the homesteading lifestyle and embodies its values. He is a versatile worker, adept at handling everything from heavy lifting and logging to detailed finish work, always supporting the family’s mission with a strong work ethic.

Maciah’s presence strengthens the show’s core theme of family. He is not just an employee but a son-in-law who has embraced the Raney legacy. His involvement showcases how the knowledge and passion for self-sufficient living are being passed down to the next generation, ensuring that these essential skills endure.

6: Owen Bird as Self – Build Crew / Matt’s Nephew

Owen Bird, Matt’s nephew, represents the third generation of Raneys learning the family trade. As a member of the build crew, Owen is apprenticing under his grandfather, uncle, and the experienced foremen. His involvement shows the passing of the torch, as he learns the intricate skills of building and problem-solving in extreme environments firsthand.

Owen brings youthful energy and a willingness to learn to the team. His journey is a subtle but important narrative within the show, highlighting the importance of mentorship and the value of teaching vital survival skills to younger generations. He is the future of homesteading, and his participation ensures the Raney legacy will continue.

7: Michelle & Barry Whelchel as Self – Homesteaders

Michelle and Barry Whelchel are one of the many families featured this season who are in desperate need of the Raneys’ expertise. Their story is typical of the show’s protagonists: city dwellers who pursued a dream of off-grid living only to be overwhelmed by the immense, unforeseen challenges. They face specific threats, likely related to inadequate shelter, failed crops, or predator attacks, that have brought them to the brink of giving up.

The Whelchels’ journey provides the emotional core of their episode. Their struggles, fears, and ultimate transformation under the Raneys’ guidance are what make the show so compelling. They represent every aspiring homesteader, and their success story serves as a testament to the fact that with the right knowledge and hard work, a sustainable life off the grid is achievable.

8: Gauge Bilodeau as Self – Misty’s Son

Gauge Bilodeau, the son of Misty and Maciah, makes appearances, further solidifying the show’s focus on family and legacy. Even at a young age, Gauge is being exposed to the homesteading lifestyle, whether he’s observing the build site or helping with small tasks. His presence is a powerful reminder that this way of life is about creating a sustainable future for one’s children.

Gauge symbolizes the ultimate goal of homesteading: to raise a family in harmony with the land, providing them with security, independence, and a profound connection to nature. His occasional appearances on screen add a layer of warmth and illustrate the multi-generational commitment to the homesteading ethos.

9: Ted Cocos as Self – Homestead Tenant

Ted Cocos is featured as a homestead tenant, likely living on or working with one of the families the Raneys are helping. His role could be that of a friend, a hired hand, or a fellow homesteader who is also invested in the property’s success. He adds another perspective to the rescue, showing that building a community is often just as important as building a structure.

Ted’s involvement highlights the collaborative spirit that is essential for survival off the grid. It demonstrates that while self-sufficiency is the goal, no one truly succeeds alone, and relying on a trusted network is a key part of the homesteading philosophy.