"On Farm" Homesteading Conference, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026
Discover the art of sustainable living and immerse yourself in a day filled with hands-on workshops and in-depth farm tours led by experts in their fields. Whether you’re a seasoned homesteader or a curious enthusiast, this event promises to be a unique and rewarding experience!
Farmer Reuben says, “Our goal is to bring together experts in the field to share their wisdom, passion, and practical expertise. Each workshop will present in-depth content, quality food, and take-home projects of value.”
Workshop Highlights Include:
- Sourdough Bread Baking
- Building a Chicken Tractor
- Foraging Herbs Walk with Herbalist
- Yogurt Making
- Organic Gardening to Save Time & Money
Farm Tour Sessions
- Animals on the Land: See Pasture-Based Farming in Action
- Farm without (or with) Land Farm Tour with Farmer Reuben
Our Program
The day begins with a Traditional Catholic Mass at 8:00 am for those who want to experience the beauty of Gregorian chant in the rustic barn setting, followed by a delicious farm breakfast at 9:00 am.
Throughout the day, you have the opportunity to explore a variety of workshops and farm tours, each designed to provide a valuable take-home projects and expert knowledge to implement in your own real food desires and your sustainable homesteading journey.
Lunch
Bring your own lunch or purchase fresh farm food in our market store. You’ll connect with fellow attendees and presenters, share experiences, and savor the feeling of community.
Organizers
Reuben DeMaster of Willow Haven Farm, with his 30 years of teaching skills and 17 years of organic farming experience, hosts the event.
Tessa DeMaster, real food mom of nine, brings the wisdom of 29 years of feeding her family to your table every week of the year by nurturing their farm members. Organizing and speaking at this event is a highlight of her year.
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to learn from local experts and gain invaluable insights into real food skills, sustainable living and homesteading practices. Secure your spot now, as registration is limited!
Registration Options
- General Admission + breakfast (13+): 30 + eventbrite fees
- Paid Workshop Add ons: 20 + fees
- Free Workshop Add ons: free
- Kids ticket age 3-12 (includes breakfast): 10 + fees
- We can’t wait to see you at Willow Haven Farm on August 30, 2025
Our Speakers
The On the Farm Homesteading Conference: Prepare for Life’s Uncertainties brings together experienced farmers, homesteaders, and real-food teachers who actually live what they teach.
You’ll spend the day learning hands-on skills you can take home and put to work—from making sourdough and traditional foods to growing food, working with animals, using herbs, and making smarter decisions about your land and resources.
You don’t need a farm or years of experience to begin. Come learn practical ways to produce more of your own food, depend less on the broken food system, and become a more self-reliant family—one skill at a time.
Morning Workshops
Vincent Vercillo, Willow Haven Farm Bakery — Sourdough from Starter to Loaf: Hands-On Bread Making
Isaac Madore, Wood-Stone-Steel Construction — Chicken Tractors 101: Build One from the Ground Up
Reuben DeMaster, Willow Haven Farm — Thinking Like a Farmer: Making Wise Choices Before You Have the Farm
Sister Maria Rosaria, MICM — Know Your Common Herbs: Growing & Foraging Medicinal Plants
Sister Maria Philomena, MICM — Raising Capable Kids—and Trainable Animals
Afternoon Workshops
Annika Vecillo, Willow Haven Flowers — Homemade Yogurt: Turn Milk Into a Superfood for Your Family
Sister Maria Philomena, MICM — Raise Chickens with Confidence: 7 Mistakes to Avoid
Reuben DeMaster, Willow Haven Farm — Animals on the Land: See Pasture-Based Farming in Action
Sister Maria Rosaria, MICM — Make Your Own Herbal Salve: A Remedy You’ll Actually Use
Joshua Parr, LaFarm at Lafayette College — The High-Value Home Garden: What’s Worth Growing Yourself
Practical, hands-on skills you can take home and use to help your family become more self-reliant now.
Workshop Schedule Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026
Schedule and workshop offerings are subject to change.
Morning Workshops (10:15 AM – 11:45 AM)
Choose one:
Sourdough from Starter to Loaf: Hands-On Bread Making
Chicken Tractors 101: Build One from the Ground Up
Thinking Like a Farmer: Making Wise Choices Before You Have the Farm
Know Your Common Herbs: Growing & Foraging Medicinal Plants
Raising Capable Kids—and Trainable Animals
Afternoon Workshops (1:30 PM – 3:30 PM)
Choose one:
Homemade Yogurt: Turn Milk Into a Superfood for Your Family
Raise Chickens with Confidence: 7 Mistakes to Avoid
Animals on the Land: See Pasture-Based Farming in Action
Make Your Own Herbal Salve: A Remedy You’ll Actually Use
The High-Value Home Garden: What’s Worth Growing Yourself
Ticket holders will receive information for selecting their workshops. Some hands-on workshops have limited space, so early registration is recommended.
An Immersive day of farm experiences
Main Schedule
Schedule and workshop offerings are subject to change.
7:30 – 8:00 AM – Early Check-In
8:00 – 9:00 AM – Traditional Catholic Mass
9:00 – 9:30 AM – Breakfast & Check-In
9:30 – 9:50 AM – Welcome & Orientation with Farmer Reuben
9:50 – 10:00 AM – Meet the Catholic Land Movement Chapter Leader & Learn About the CLM
10:15 – 11:45 AM – Morning Workshop Sessions
11:45 AM – 12:45 PM – Lunch & Networking / CLM Artist Meet & Greet
12:45 – 1:15 PM – Rosary / CLM SEPA Chapter Meeting
1:30 – 3:30 PM – Afternoon Workshop Sessions
3:45 – 4:30 PM – Meet & Greet with Presenters
4:30 – 5:00 PM – Closing Remarks & Prayer
How Do I Select My Workshops?
Follow link to Get Tickets then select your workshop add on tickets.
pair these workshops for a themed day
Workshop Tracks
Follow one themed path for the day, or mix and match a morning and afternoon workshop based on the skills your family wants to build.
Farm Tours: From Dreaming to Deciding
AM: Thinking Like a Farmer: Making Wise Choices Before You Have the Farm
PM: Animals on the Land: See Pasture-Based Farming in Action
Sourdough & Traditional Food Skills
AM: Sourdough from Starter to Loaf: Hands-On Bread Making
PM: Homemade Yogurt: Turn Milk Into a Superfood for Your Family
Raising Chickens at Home
AM: Chicken Tractors 101: Build One from the Ground Up
PM: Raise Chickens with Confidence: 7 Mistakes to Avoid
Herbs for the Home
AM: Know Your Common Herbs: Growing & Foraging Medicinal Plants
PM: Make Your Own Herbal Salve: A Remedy You’ll Actually Use
Practical Family Homesteading
AM: Raising Capable Kids—and Trainable Animals
PM: The High-Value Home Garden: What’s Worth Growing Yourself
How do I Selct My Workshops?
First, purchase your General Admission ticket. Then choose your Add Ons to select your workshops.
Is this a Family Friendly event?
Yes! We welcome families and children. Kids 12 and under attend with a ticketed adult—just reserve a $10 child ticket so we can plan seating. Children 2 and under are free. All child tickets include the farm-fresh breakfast.
Are Meals Included?
A light farm-fresh breakfast is included with your ticket. Bring your own lunch . Our Farm Store will be open with drinks, snacks, and sourdough pastries throughout the day.
We aim to offer real, clean food with simple ingredients. While we can’t guarantee allergy-free options, we’ll label items and offer gluten-free and dairy-light choices when possible.
May I Meet Presenters and Purchase from vendor tables?
Absolutely! Our farm store and vendor marketplace features locally made food, herbal products, books, ferments, and more. Bring cash or cards to support these amazing creators.
