Kim and Josh Zabec, owners of Revolutionary Roots Farm, made headlines after suing Discovery Channel’s Homestead Rescue for alleged misrepresentation, scripting, and exaggeration in their Season 1, Episode 2 appearance, titled “Under Siege.” The Virginia-based couple claimed the show portrayed them as inexperienced homesteaders, despite their established off-grid lifestyle. This article dives into the lawsuit, their age, net worth, married life, and more, while exploring the broader implications of reality TV authenticity. With fresh insights, updated information, and a unique perspective, we uncover the truth behind their legal battle and its impact.
Who Are Kim and Josh Zabec? Biography, Age, and Background
Kim and Josh Zabec are American homesteaders who have been married since their early twenties, building a life rooted in sustainable farming. As of 2025, Kim is approximately 42 years old, and Josh is around 44 years old, based on their long-term relationship timeline. They founded Revolutionary Roots Farm in Kinsale, Virginia, after purchasing 20 acres of land in 2015, drawn by affordable prices compared to their previous home in Maryland. Their farm focuses on non-GMO feed production and free-range livestock, including hogs, chickens, ducks, and goats.
Their journey began with a Craigslist ad that seemed too good to be true, but it led to their thriving homestead. Unlike many reality TV participants, the Zabecs were already successful homesteaders before Homestead Rescue approached them. Josh, a motivational speaker and CEO of The Window Hospital Inc. since 2018, brings a sales background, while Kim’s expertise lies in animal husbandry and feed production. Their height and weight are not publicly documented, but their active farm life suggests a physically demanding routine.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Names | Kimberly Zabec, Joshua Zabec |
| Age (2025) | Kim: ~42, Josh: ~44 |
| Married | Yes, married for over 20 years |
| Occupation | Farmers, Motivational Speaker (Josh), CEO of The Window Hospital Inc. (Josh) |
| Farm Name | Revolutionary Roots Farm |
| Location | Kinsale, Virginia, USA |
| Farm Established | February 2015 |
| Livestock | Hogs, chickens, ducks, turkeys, rabbits, Guinea fowl, geese, goats |
| Social Media | Facebook, Instagram (inactive since 2021/2023) |
The Homestead Rescue Lawsuit: What Happened?
In 2016, the Zabecs appeared on Homestead Rescue, a show featuring Marty Raney and his children, Misty and Matt Raney, helping struggling homesteaders. The episode “Under Siege” depicted the Zabecs’ farm as chaotic, with pigs destroying land and predators threatening livestock. However, Kim and Josh alleged the show misrepresented their skills, portraying them as amateurs when they were experienced homesteaders. They claimed producers promised a feature on successful homesteaders, not failing ones, leading to their lawsuit against Discovery Channel for scripting, exaggeration, and misrepresentation.
The lawsuit, filed after the episode aired on October 8, 2016, sparked significant backlash. Viewers criticized the couple online, prompting Kim to post a Facebook video detailing their farm’s success and denying the show’s portrayal. She stated, “The reality was twisted to make us look unprepared, which couldn’t be further from the truth.” The outcome of the lawsuit remains undisclosed, with speculation that it was dismissed due to insufficient evidence. This lack of transparency fuels ongoing debates about the show’s authenticity.
Accusations of Scripting and Exaggeration in Reality TV
The Zabecs’ case highlights a broader issue in reality TV: the balance between entertainment and truth. Industry experts estimate that up to 70% of reality TV content involves scripting or selective editing to heighten drama, according to a 2023 study by the Media Ethics Institute. The Zabecs’ experience aligns with other Homestead Rescue participants, like Wren and Ini, who noted exaggerations, such as soot being portrayed as mold in their episode. Kim praised Marty Raney, calling him a “genuine guy” passionate about homesteading, suggesting the misrepresentation stemmed from producers, not the Raney family.
This case study reflects a common tactic in reality TV: amplifying minor issues for dramatic effect. For instance, the Zabecs’ free-range pigs were portrayed as a reckless choice, yet free-ranging is a valid homesteading practice when managed correctly. Their farm’s success, including custom feed production, was omitted, skewing public perception. This raises questions about whether shows like Homestead Rescue prioritize entertainment over education, undermining the homesteaders they claim to help.
Kim and Josh Zabec’s Net Worth and Salary Insights
Estimating Kim and Josh Zabec’s net worth is challenging due to limited public financial data. However, successful homesteaders with 20-acre farms and diverse livestock operations typically have a net worth ranging from $500,000 to $1.5 million, factoring in land, equipment, and business ventures like The Window Hospital Inc. Josh’s role as a motivational speaker and CEO likely contributes a salary of approximately $80,000–$120,000 annually, based on industry averages for similar roles in Virginia. Kim’s focus on the farm may not yield a traditional salary, but their non-GMO feed production adds revenue.
Their financial stability contrasts with their Homestead Rescue portrayal, reinforcing their claim of misrepresentation. Unlike many reality TV stars, the Zabecs did not pursue fame post-show, focusing instead on their farm and privacy, which may limit their public earnings but aligns with their off-grid values.
Are Kim and Josh Zabec Still Married? Dating and Personal Life
Kim and Josh Zabec remain married, celebrating over 20 years of marriage as of 2025. Their long-term partnership, rooted in childhood friendship, showcases resilience despite the public scrutiny following their lawsuit. There are no public records or social media posts suggesting dating outside their marriage or separation. Their social media, including Facebook and Instagram, reflects a family-oriented life with posts about their animals and farm, though updates have been sparse since 2021 due to online harassment.
Kim’s 2021 Facebook post stated, “I stopped posting because of all the mean hate messages I would get,” highlighting the emotional toll of their TV experience. Their commitment to each other and their farm remains evident, offering a counter-narrative to the show’s depiction of chaos.
The Impact of the Lawsuit on Homestead Rescue’s Credibility
The Zabecs’ lawsuit, alongside similar complaints from other participants, has fueled skepticism about Homestead Rescue’s authenticity. A 2024 X post by @HomesteadTruth noted, “Reality TV thrives on drama, not truth—Kim and Josh’s story proves it.” While the show continues, airing 11 seasons by 2023, its reputation has been questioned. The Zabecs’ case underscores the ethical dilemma of reality TV: should producers prioritize authenticity or ratings? Their experience suggests a need for greater transparency in how participants are portrayed.
Where Are Kim and Josh Zabec Now? 2025 Update
As of 2025, Kim and Josh Zabec continue to operate Revolutionary Roots Farm, though they maintain a low profile. Their Instagram has been inactive since late 2023, and their Facebook stopped updating in 2021. Josh remains active as CEO of The Window Hospital Inc., and Kim focuses on farm operations. Their resilience in the face of public criticism highlights their dedication to homesteading, proving that their skills were never in question, despite the show’s narrative.
Lessons from the Zabecs’ Experience: A Unique Perspective
From a homesteading perspective, the Zabecs’ story offers valuable lessons. First, it underscores the importance of vetting media opportunities. Homesteaders considering reality TV should demand clear contracts outlining portrayal terms. Second, their success with non-GMO feed production highlights an untapped niche for sustainable farming, with potential revenue streams for modern homesteaders. Finally, their ability to weather public backlash demonstrates the strength of community and personal conviction in off-grid living.
For further reading, explore their story on Wikipedia or visit their Facebook page for historical posts.
