Whether you’re looking to enhance your herbal first-aid skills, dive into the art of sourdough baking, or explore organic gardening, there’s something for everyone.

As we gear up for the 2nd Annual On the Farm Homesteading Conference, we’re excited to offer a diverse lineup of hands-on workshops designed to empower you with essential skills and knowledge.

Join us to connect with experts, gain practical insights, and take your homesteading journey to the next level.

Here’s the line up of workshops you won’t want to miss!

• How many can you choose? I know it’s hard to choose but you will need to decide on one for morning and one for the afternoon. When you purchase your session ticket you will receive an email confirmation and a form to reserve your chosen sessions in the order of your purchase date.
• VIP farm members will receive a special code next week to reserve their workshop and jump to the front on the line. (You are VIP if your participated in the Give Send Go campaign at one of the 3 levels.)

 

Morning Workshops – Purchase Ticket Here

First-Aid for the Home Herbalist with Karla, “The Artful Herbalist”

If you want to feel more confident in handling everyday ailments or first-aid situations, this workshop is for you. Karla, a seasoned herbalist with over 20 years of experience, will teach you how to grow, forage, and prepare herbs that are essential for home first-aid. You’ll learn to make healing salves, poultices, and more, plus take home a sample and handouts to help you start your own herbal first-aid kit.

Herbal Treasures: A Guided Foraging Walk with Jim Furey

If you’ve ever wanted to learn the art of foraging, this workshop is for you. Join Jim Furey, a Clinical Herbalist, Forager, Naturopath, and Master Gardener, as he guides you through the fundamentals of ethical foraging. Discover the differences between native and invasive plants, learn the basics of foraging wild mushrooms, and gain essential skills for identifying and harvesting edible and medicinal plants. After the discussion, you’ll explore the land on a guided walk, putting your new knowledge into practice.

Sourdough Bread Making at Home with Vincent Vercillo

Ready to take the next step to master the art of sourdough bread making?  Led by Vincent Vercillo, an experienced baker with a decade of expertise in sustainable food, you’ll learn everything from feeding and maintaining a sourdough starter to understanding fermentation stages and flour selection. This hands-on class will allow you to practice forming your own loaves and will include live demonstrations of the entire bread-making process. You’ll leave with a sourdough starter, detailed handouts, and the confidence to bake your own delicious sourdough at home.

Fermenting for Beginners with Erik of Untamed Ferments

If you’re curious about the world of fermentation, this workshop is a perfect starting point. Led by Erik of Untamed Ferments, whose kombucha and vegetable ferments are beloved by farm members, this class will teach you the basics of fermenting foods at home. You’ll learn how to create delicious and healthful fermented vegetables using simple techniques that anyone can master. The workshop includes hands-on opportunities to start your own ferments, with necessary materials provided.

Homesteading Decision Making Before You Start -a Farm Tour with Farmer Reuben

If you’re considering producing anything for your family’s sustainability, this workshop is an essential first step. Reuben, who has been organically farming full-time since 2009, will guide you through the key decisions you’ll need to make before starting your own project. With years of experience in building organic systems for pasture, grass-fed animals, and vegetables, Reuben will share practical advice on land selection, animal considerations, and crop management. This tour offers valuable insights for both beginners and those looking to refine their approach to homesteading.

 

Afternoon Workshops – Purchase Ticket Here

Wild Food & Herbs: How to Use What You Find with Jim Furey

If you’re eager to expand your foraging skills and make the most of nature’s bounty, this workshop is a must. Led by Jim Furey, a Clinical Herbalist, Forager, Naturopath, and Master Gardener, you’ll continue the day’s plant walk by foraging for more medicinal and edible plants and mushrooms. Jim will guide you through the process of transforming your finds into useful products, such as dehydrated herbs, fresh tinctures, and herbal oils. This hands-on session will empower you to incorporate wild plants into your daily life, making it ideal for anyone looking to harness the power of nature in their home. This workshop can be taken without the morning session.

Organic Gardening to Save Grocery Money with Joshua Parr

If you’re curious about starting an organic garden but don’t know where to begin, this introductory workshop is ideal. Josh Parr, Lafayette College’s manager of La Farm, will guide you through the basics of organic vegetable gardening. You’ll learn fundamental concepts of organic soil management, vegetable selection, and basic gardening techniques. This two-hour session will provide a solid foundation to help you get started with your own garden, making it an ideal step toward growing your own food organically.

Canning Tomatoes at Home with Vince Vercillo

If you’re eager to learn how to preserve the bounty of your tomato harvest, this workshop with Vince Vercillo is a great opportunity. With a rich background in sustainable food practices and hands-on experience in traditional food skills, Vince will guide you through the essentials of home canning. You’ll learn the step-by-step process of canning tomatoes, from preparation to sealing, ensuring that your preserved tomatoes retain their flavor and nutritional value. The workshop will include practical demonstrations, so you’ll see the canning techniques in action and get hands-on experience.

5 Simple Ways to Save and Stock Up with Tessa DeMaster

If you’re looking to enhance your food preservation skills, this workshop with Tessa DeMaster is a must-attend. With over 25 years of experience in food storage and bulk buying, Tessa will guide you through five essential methods: canning, freezing, dehydrating, fermenting, and bulk buying. This interactive session will include practical problem-solving opportunities, where you’ll collaborate with others to find the best solutions for your food storage needs. You’ll leave equipped with a detailed guide to help you implement techniques to create a more sustainable and resilient food system at home.

Understanding Animals from the Ground Up – a Farm Tour with Farmer Reuben

For those curious about the intricacies of raising and caring for animals on an organic farm, this workshop with Farmer Reuben offers valuable insights. With years of experience in building organic systems for pasture and grass-fed animals, Reuben will take you on a detailed tour of Willow Haven Farm, focusing on the key aspects of animal husbandry. You’ll learn about the practicalities of managing different types of livestock, their feed, and how organic practices are applied to ensure their well-being. This tour will provide a deep understanding of the essential elements of successful animal farming, with opportunities for questions and discussion.

Click Here to Purchase Full Day Option. 

• includes breakfast, all day coffee, tea and lunch salad bar.

Are you ready to take action?

These in-depth two hour workshops are perfect for both beginners and experienced folks, especially those who are looking for community support as they learn.

• First-Aid for the Home Herbalist
• Herbal Treasures: A Guided Foraging Walk
• Sourdough Bread Making at Home
• Fermenting for Beginners
• Reuben’s Farm Tour: Homesteading Decision Making Before You Start
• Wild Food & Herbs: How to Use What You Find
• Intro to Organic Vegetable Gardening
• Home Canning Tomatoes with Vince
• 5 Simple Ways to Save and Stock Up
• Farmer Reuben’s Farm Tour: Understanding Animals from the Ground Up

Why Attend?

• Exclusive Workshops: Gain practical skills and take home knowledge from expert-led sessions
• In-Depth Learning with Farmer Reuben: Delve into Organic Systems for Vegetable Growing and Pastured Dairy Animals, and get essential advice on Homesteading Decision Making.
• Network with Like-Minded Individuals: Build connections and exchange ideas with others who are committed to organic living and sustainable farming.

Schedule:

• 8:00 am: First Saturday Catholic Mass
• 9:00 am: Breakfast & Check-in
• 10:00 am: Workshop Session #1
• 12:00 pm: Lunch Break (Salad bar and Brick Oven Pizza available for purchase)
• 1:30 pm: Workshop Session #2
• 4:00 pm: Closing Prayer

Event Details: 2024 Homesteading Conference 

Date: September 7, 2024
Location: Willow Haven Farm, 7686 Herber Rd, New Tripoli, PA 18066
⏰ Time: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm

Pricing:

• Full Day: $95 (includes all-day coffee, tea, and lunch salad bar)
• Half Day: $34 (includes breakfast)
• Salad Bar Lunch: $15 (no pre-purchase)
• Pizza Lunch: $15 (first come first served)

Secure your spot now and invest in your progress toward sustainable living.

Register Now!

(if this link doesn’t show all the options you want, use the links above for each session. I’ll work to fix them asap.)

As Always…

We support your desire to have a good, healthy way of life and food on your table that supports that goal.

We’ll keep farming for you!

Reuben and Tessa DeMaster
Willow Haven Farm

P.S. Pizza Night features Round Table with Dr. Carrie Chapp – Pizza on the Deck and great conversation.

P.S. Visit your farmers at Night In the Country tomorrow – Saturday 4 pm – 10 pm. 

Farm Events

Willow Haven Farm Bakery & General Store bring

Healthy Food Choices

to the food vendor selection

Night in the Country!

Look for Vinces’s scones and flatbreads, Untamed Ferments Kombucha and the DeMaster family!

25th Annual A Night in the Country Festival and Car Show

Food · Community · Games · Live Music · Car Show · Basket Raffle · Fireworks · Beer Tent ·

Army Blackhawk Helicopter