Join us for the Rooted & Resilient Homesteading Conference, where you'll dig deep into the practical skills and knowledge needed to build a thriving, self-sufficient homestead.
REGISTRATION OPEN NOW TO NOVEMBER 5
REGISTER HERE2026 Rooted & Resilient Homesteading Conference
Community Learning Center
401 E Diamond Street
Kendallville, IN 46755
Join us at the Rooted & Resilient Homestead Conference, where you'll dig deep into the practical skills and knowledge needed to build a thriving, self-sufficient homestead. This hands-on event brings together local experts and passionate homesteaders to share their expertise on everything from sustainable farming and food preservation to livestock management and business management techniques. Whether you're a seasoned homesteader or just starting out, you'll gain valuable insights, learn time-tested techniques, and connect with a community of like-minded individuals. Come prepared to get your hands dirty and leave with the confidence and tools to cultivate a resilient and self-reliant lifestyle.
Dr. Fred Whitford
Homesteading, Extension & the Seeds of Knowledge
Long before smartphones, YouTube tutorials and online homesteading groups, farmers and rural families relied on their neighbors, local leaders and agricultural educators to share knowledge. In this engaging look back at the roots of Purdue Extension, Dr. Fred Whitford will explore the fascinating connections between early homesteading, rural life and the birth of agricultural Extension. Discover how farmers learned from one another, how Purdue began taking research and new ideas directly to the farm, and how many of the principles that guided early Extension still have a place in today’s homesteading movement. Come discover just how far back our desire to learn, share and become more self-sufficient really goes.
Dr. Fred Whitford is a Clinical Engagement Professor in Purdue University’s Department of Botany and Plant Pathology and has served as director of the Purdue Pesticide Programs since 1991. A passionate agricultural educator and historian, Dr. Whitford has devoted much of his career to documenting the history of Indiana agriculture and Purdue Extension. He has authored more than 300 publications, nine books and more than 160 Extension bulletins, and has delivered more than 7,000 presentations. His books include Scattering the Seeds of Knowledge, Enriching the Hoosier Farm Family and Planting the Seeds of Hope, which chronicle the people and stories behind the development of agricultural Extension in Indiana. His contributions to Extension education have earned him numerous honors, including the Frederick L. Hovde Award of Excellence in Educational Service to the Rural People of Indiana and the Honorary Master Farmer designation.
REGISTRATION OPEN NOW TO NOVEMBER 5
REGISTER HEREREGISTRATION OPEN OCTOBER 5 to NOVEMBER 5
2026 REGISTRATION PRICE
$50 FOR 1 or 2 days
$25 for Youth ages 5-12*
Free for youth under 5*
*Youth under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2026 SCHEDULE
A hands-on introduction to getting started with sourdough.
Practical information for incorporating small-fruit production into the homestead.
Learn about grant opportunities and strategies for developing a successful SARE grant proposal.
Bee the Keeper:
Beekeeping Basics*
Glenn Hile
An introduction to the fundamentals of keeping bees.
Know Your Numbers:
Creating an Enterprise Budget
Jon LaPorte with MSU Extension
Learn how enterprise budgets can help homesteaders understand costs, income and the financial side of an enterprise.
Worms, Waste & Wonderful Soil*
Julie Coe
Wabash Master Gardeners
Explore composting, worms and ways to turn household and garden waste into valuable soil amendments.
Cut, Press & Preserve: Flowers That Last
Jamie Carter
A hands-on opportunity to learn techniques for preserving flowers.
(LIMIT 12)
Let's Conserve Food!
Dr. Ellison & Dr. Byrd
Purdue University
Information focused on food conservation and preservation.
From One Plant to Many: The Art of Plant Propagation*
Karen Mitchell with Purdue Extension
Learn techniques for propagating plants and expanding your garden from existing plants.
Fungus Among Us: The World of Mycology*
Mike Palombi with Mikes Mycology LLC
Explore the fascinating world of fungi and how to raise them on your homestead.
A hands-on kitchen session exploring fermentation through pepper salsa.
Practical strategies for improving and maintaining healthy, productive homestead soils.
An introduction to livestock identification and basic animal health practices.
LATE AFTERNOON Tour of ROBERTS Farms
2085 W 900 N, Wawaka, IN 46794
TRANSPORTATION ON YOUR OWN OUT TO THE FARM
Join us as Tracy Roberts shares her family's farm journey to become an agritourism destination every fall! We will talk about agritourism in Indiana and some of the logistic considerations.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2026 SCHEDULE
Abigail Creigh with Purdue Extension
Learn how herbs and spices can be grown and incorporated into the homestead.
Garden Questions?
We've Got Answers!
Ask a Master Gardener Panel
Bring your gardening questions and learn from experienced Master Gardeners.
Trapping for the Homestead*
Christy Miller with Countryside Creations
An introduction to trapping and its potential role on the homestead.
From Chores to Checkout:
Involving Kids in Your Homestead Business*
Stephanie Hine with Amelia and Griffin
Hine Farms
Explore ways to involve children in the work and business side of a family homestead.
Transforming Your Harvest with Value Added Products
Liza Sexson with Red Moon Hollow
Explore ways to turn homegrown products into value-added products and potential income streams.
From Berry to Bottle:
Elderberry Syrup
Kristie Betts with Grounded Herbs
A hands-on session focused on making elderberry syrup.
(LIMIT 25)
Saving Seeds for Success*
Geoff Schortgen with Purdue Extension
Learn the basics of saving seeds to help preserve and expand your garden from year to year.
Eggs: From Coop to Counter*
Kathryn Jennings with Purdue Extension
Explore egg production, handling and getting eggs safely from the backyard flock to the kitchen.
Don't be a Flake! Make them Instead!*
Kristin Mains
A hands-on session centered around making flakes.
Start Your Own Vegetable Garden*
Sue Billian & Cora Hill
Practical guidance for getting a vegetable garden started and growing successfully.
Raising Rabbits for the Homestead*
Elysia Rodgers with Purdue Extension
An introduction to rabbit production, management and the potential role rabbits can play on a homestead.
Passion Tables in Multipurpose Room A
Join many of our speakers and Extension specialists as we just sit and share questions, stories, and the like based on several broad categories including:
Invasive Plants
Fiber Types & Wool
Food Preservation
Livestock and Forage Production
And Many Others!
NEW THIS YEAR
We have indicated classes that are more kid-friendly so our youth can take part in the conference and learn alongside everyone!
Check the schedule for the * for these classes!
REGISTRATION OPEN NOW TO NOVEMBER 5
REGISTER HEREHOTELS & ACCOMMODATIONS
Visit the Noble County Visitor's Bureau for an extensive list of local hotels and sleeping accommodations.
Contact Information
If you are in need of accommodations or an interpreter or translator to attend this program, or if there are special dietary needs, please contact Elysia or Cora by November 1, 2026.
Elysia Rodgers, Purdue Extension--DeKalb County, eberry@purdue.edu, 260-925-2562
Cora Hill, Purdue Extension--Allen County, hill272@purdue.edu, 260-481-6826