Lehman's welcomes notable farmers to homesteading event
Joel Salatin is an American farmer, lecturer and author whose books include "Folks, This Ain't Normal," "You Can Farm" and "Salad Bar Beef."
Wherever you are on your homesteading journey, Lehman's wants to offer you a way to learn more June 29-30.
The family-owned and operated business in Kidron has curated some of the most well-known and respected homesteaders including Joel Salatin of Polyface Farms, Doug and Stacy of "Off Grid with Doug and Stacy" on YouTube, and many other local experts.
They will teach people how to raise, grow, cook and maintain the homesteading lifestyle in one's own backyard. These knowledgeable instructors use their skills day in and day out.
Lehman’s also will present children’s classes this year. Taught by their own in-store experts and a local homesteader and his mom, this will be a fun event for children as well. Children also are welcome in the adult classes, and the standard children's rate applies.
Register for the full-day pass for only $35 to delve into many areas of homesteading. Included in the full-day pass is a lunch provided by the Cast Iron Cafe. Children's tickets also are available for $7 and do not include a lunch ticket, though there will be a special child-friendly lunch and special price.
During registration and throughout the day, there will be demo tables set up at the event for perusing.
Doug and Stacy and Salatin will be in the store to talk with customers on Friday, June 29 at 10 a.m. for a meet and greet, Q-and-A session with customers, and book-signing. Salatin will be in Tent A, and Doug and Stacy will be in Tent B. Lunch will be in the café at noon. Session two's meet and greet, Q-and-A session with customers, and book-signing will be at 1:30 p.m. with Salatin in Tent A and Doug and Stacy in Tent B.
Things will begin on Saturday, June 30 from 7:30-9 a.m. with registration and open demonstrations. Salatin's keynote opening will be from 9-9:30 a.m.
Beginner's Class on Raising Chickens with AJ Miller (local Amish man and chicken expert), Healthiest Food to Grow for Food and Selling by Doug and Stacy, and Butter/Noodles/Apples with Lehman’s very own Mrs. BJ and Mr. Chuck will all be session one from 9:45-10:30 a.m.
Growing and Preserving Herbs by Karen Geiser (local organic gardener), Make a Profit from Your Pasture: How to earn a living while living on the homestead by Salatin, and Homemade Ice Cream and the Science Behind It by Nelle Weaver (Mama's Homestead) will all be session two from 10:45-11:30 a.m.
A lunch break will take place from 11:30-12:15 p.m.
Living the Pioneer Life in the 21st Century (plus Q-and-A) by Doug and Stacy, Fermented Favorites by Karen Geiser, and Butter/Noodles/Apples by BJ and Chuck will all be session three from 12:30-1:15 p.m.
Essential Skills for Every Homesteader: What to know before you grow by Salatin, Raising Goats for Dairy by Deb Grey (Harvest Hills Farms), Helping on the Homestead by Obadiah Geiser and his mother will all be session four from 1:30-2:15 p.m.
Cast Iron Cooking by Nelle Weaver and Raising Bees Advanced by Aaron Weaver, local Amish man and bee expert (this class may go until 4 p.m.) will be session five from 2:30-3:15 p.m.
Salatin is a well-known author and farmer. The principles by which he runs his farm (including sales only to local buyers, no shipping) should mean his fame stays local, but in fact the opposite is true. Thanks to a series of radical books including "Everything I Want To Do Is Illegal: War Stories from the Local Food Front" and "The Sheer Ecstasy of Being a Lunatic Farmer" as well as radical articles, radical podcasts and other in-your-face defenses of holistic farm management, his fame runs wide and deep.
Doug and Stacy have taken the homesteading world by storm. Their down-to-earth charm and common-sense advice speaks to anyone longing to throw off their stressful job and live a simpler life.
Karen Geiser's gardening expertise is top-notch, and it's always provided in the neighborly, interesting and informative fashion she has become known for.
Gray has been raising dairy goats since 2000. Growing up, she had a pet goat and loved him. When the opportunity came along for her to get a goat (4-H), she jumped at it. Her daughters were launched into a career of 4-H and goats. Her family has had many learning experiences along the way and have gone from one little goat to a herd that is generally about 30. They drink the milk and make goat-milk soaps and lotions.
Aaron Weaver and his three sons manage 15 hives of bees on their land in Wayne County. He started with one hive seven years ago and since has grown to 20 hives. Most of the hives are on his 2.5 acres with some hives on neighboring properties to assist in pollination. His grandfather raised bees, which inspired him to pursue it as well. He is constantly experimenting and enjoys teaching people everything they need to know to get started successfully with bees.
AJ Miller has his own flock of 50 hens to provide eggs for his family. He with his wife not only own Creek Valley Farm, but also are raising five boys that help with raising all their meals from their farm.
BJ and Chuck, both experts at Lehman’s, are excited to churn butter, make homemade noodles and peel apples along with making apple cider. This child-friendly class will be interactive and taught with much enthusiasm.
Obadiah Geiser, age 9, and his mother Karen will share ideas of child-friendly homestead chores and projects, from caring for chickens to garden adventures. Obadiah Geiser also will bring along some of the items he grows and makes to sell. He will teach the technique for spinning mini-gourds and let everyone have a try.