acorncreekfarmstead.com

Women's Homesteading Society Conference
2024-04-26 09:30 - 21:30 UTC
Come fellowship with lady farmers, homesteading women, and even women who aspire to one day begin this journey! This two-day event will be held at Foxcroft Farms in Dickson, Tennessee!
I have the pleasure of speaking and I couldn’t be more thankful or excited! I hope to see you there, make sure to grab your tickets now.

Chick Days on the Farm
2024-05-18 09:00 - 13:00
Join us for our 2nd annual Chick Days on the Farm community event!
Not only will you be able to select from some of the best homesteading chicken breeds out there, you will also have the opportunity to:

Tour the farm and learn about our regenerative farming practices
Walk the garden and discover how we grow and preserve the harvest, allowing us to consume from it year-round

For those visiting our small family farm again, make sure to see our progress. Quite a bit has changed in a year, and we believe you will see it too!
To those who are new to our Chick Days event, we hope this becomes a regular annual visit to our farm. As we grow, we will incorporate new activities into this community event!

All in One Canning Workshop
2024-06-01 09:00 - 14:00
This all-in-one canning workshop will cover everything listed below and much more:

Gain the confidence to work canning tools such as a hot water bath and steam canner, steam juicer, and pressure canner.
Learn how to modify recipes according to your dietary needs.
Understand Botulism and how it applies to home canning.
Gain the skills needed to work with both high and low-acidic foods.
Learn tips for canning bone broth, meat, game, and fish.
Get comfortable with canning soups and stews in order to stock your larder with healthy, ready-to-consume meals.
Properly can tomato products.
Learn how to navigate and comprehend the National Center for Home Food Preservation’s website.
Gain knowledge about best practices for storing your home-canned goods.

Learn more and reserve your spot here!

Canning for Beginners
2024-06-22 11:00 - 14:00, 2025-06-07 11:00 - 14:00
You will gain the confidence need and learn more about canning:

Jams
Jellies
Chutneys
Pie fillings
Pickled items
Juices
Sauces
Tomato products

Take a minute to learn more about the hands-on workshop and reserve your spot!

Murray Fest
2024-06-29 - 2024-07-01
Join me in Iowa for the first Murray Fest hosted by McMurray Hatchery! In addition to a hatchery tour, you will learn from incredible homesteaders and small-family farmers. Whether new to the homesteading life or a seasoned homesteader, there is always room to learn. Grab your tickets now, and I’ll see you there!

Hot Water Bath Canning Workshop
2025-03-29 11:00 - 14:00
This hands-on workshop covers:

Traditional and modern tools are used to can highly acidic foods
Proper handling of canning jars
Understanding the pH balance in fruits and vegetables
Sweeteners
Pectin options
Vinegar choice as an acidic booster
Troubleshooting potential issues

You’ll be able to learn more about this hands-on hot water bath canning workshop and reserve your spot here.

Hands-on Fermentation for Beginners Workshop
2025-04-05 11:00 - 14:00
In this hands-on fermentation workshop, you will gain the knowledge and confidence needed to create your menu of fermented items. Learn:

The health benefits of consuming fermented items
Fermented foods, beverages, dairy, and adult beverages
The different food cultures – starters, SCOBY, sourdough starter, the mother
Equipment and supplies to have on hand
How to properly handle and store your live bacteria, fermented foods, and drinks
Identifying and troubleshooting issues during the fermentation process
Make an easy seasonal ferment kraut recipe

You can learn more about this hands-on fermentation workshop and reserve your spot here.

Hands-on Sourdough Workshop
2025-04-19 11:00 - 14:00
In this hands-on workshop, we will cover:

The process of maintaining a healthy starter, including feeding, storing, and how to use it in recipes
We will be sampling sourdough goodies.
Learning the difference between active sourdough starter and sourdough discard
How to utilize sourdough discard in a recipe
The hands-on portion of this sourdough workshop will have you participating in making a rustic sourdough boule
You will leave with a healthy, active sourdough starter jar to use in your home and a few of my favorite recipes to get you on your journey!

You can learn more about this workshop here.

Herbal Salves and Tinctures Workshop
2025-06-28 11:00 - 14:00
You will gain the confidence need and learn more about:

Understanding the science behind creating salves and tinctures
Building your apothecary with the necessary supplies
Discovering whether to use fresh or dried herbs, select the best carrier, and determine the correct percentage for each ingredient
Learning how to safely use salves and tinctures

Take a minute to learn more about the hands-on workshop and reserve your spot!

All-in-One Canning Course
2025-07-12 11:00 - 14:00
The Sustainable Canning Workshop is an extensive class covering pressure and hot water bath canning.

Gain the confidence to work with canning tools such as a hot water bath, steam canner, steam juicer, and pressure canner.
Learn how to modify recipes according to your dietary needs.
Understand Botulism and how it applies to home canning.
Gain the skills needed to work with both high and low-acidic foods.
Learn canning bone broth, meat, game, and fish tips.
Get comfortable with canning soups and stews to stock your larder with healthy, ready-to-consume meals.
Properly can tomato products.
Learn how to navigate and comprehend the National Center for Home Food Preservation website.
In addition, gain knowledge about best practices for storing your home-canned goods.

You can learn more about this all-in-one canning workshop and reserve your spot here.

Pressure Canning Workshop
2025-08-02 11:00 - 14:00
During this hands-on class session you will learn:

Identifying high and low-acidic foods
What is Botulism and how to avoid it in home canned goods
The components of a pressure canner
Preparing jars for canning – what you’re not told
Determining the correct processing time and PSI
Understanding the National Center for Home Food Preservation’s website and other websites
Tips for canning meat, winter squash, vegetables, soups, stews, and tomato products
What to avoid when pressure canning food at home
How to properly store home canned goods

Take a minute to learn more about the hands-on workshop and reserve your spot!

Hands-on All-in-One Canning Workshop
2026-04-04 11:00 - 14:00
The Sustainable Canning Workshop is an extensive class covering pressure and hot water bath canning.

Gain the confidence to work with canning tools such as a hot water bath, steam canner, steam juicer, and pressure canner.
Learn how to modify recipes according to your dietary needs.
Understand Botulism and how it applies to home canning.
Gain the skills needed to work with both high and low-acidic foods.
Learn canning bone broth, meat, game, and fish tips.
Get comfortable with canning soups and stews to stock your larder with healthy, ready-to-consume meals.
Properly can tomato products.
Learn how to navigate and comprehend the National Center for Home Food Preservation website.
In addition, gain knowledge about best practices for storing your home-canned goods.

Learn more about this all-in-one canning workshop and reserve your spot here.

Hands-on Fermentation for Beginners Workshop
2026-04-25 11:00 - 14:00
In this hands-on fermentation workshop, you will gain the knowledge and confidence needed to create your menu of fermented items. Learn:

The health benefits of consuming fermented items
Fermented foods, beverages, dairy, and adult beverages
The different food cultures – starters, SCOBY, sourdough starter, the mother
Equipment and supplies to have on hand
How to properly handle and store your live bacteria, fermented foods, and drinks
Identifying and troubleshooting issues during the fermentation process
Make an easy seasonal ferment kraut recipe

Learn more about this hands-on fermentation workshop and reserve your spot here.

Hot Water Bath Canning Workshop
2026-05-09 11:00 - 14:00
This hands-on workshop covers:

Traditional and modern tools are used to can highly acidic foods
Proper handling of canning jars
Understanding the pH balance in fruits and vegetables
Sweeteners
Pectin options
Vinegar choice as an acidic booster
Troubleshooting potential issues

You can learn more about this hands-on canning workshop and reserve your spot here.

Homesteaders of America Conference
2026-05-22 - 2026-05-23
Learn How to Homestead in a Weekend Conference
Join me at Polyface Farms in Swoope, Virginia, for the Learn How to Homestead in a Weekend conference! This Homesteaders of America event occurs on May 22 – 23, 2026
This unique conference helps aspiring homesteaders expedite their journey through demos, hands-on workshops, and lectures taught by seasoned homesteaders and small-family farmers across America. This valuable workshop is an experience you will not find elsewhere!
Homesteaders of America conference tickets
This is a very small event, and only 300 tickets are available. Tickets for this incredible event go on sale January 1, 2026 to members. Tickets to the public will be available starting January 15, 2026.
Make sure to grab your tickets before they are sold out!
One last thing
In case you didn’t know, Homesteaders of America members have the opportunity to purchase tickets before they are open to the general public. In addition to this, members have access to view past conferences. You really need to learn more about becoming HOA a member!

Pressure Canning Workshop
2026-05-30 11:00 - 14:00
During this hands-on class session, you will learn:

Identifying high and low-acidic foods
What is Botulism and how to avoid it in home canned goods
The components of a pressure canner
Preparing jars for canning – what you’re not told
Determining the correct processing time and PSI
Understanding the National Center for Home Food Preservation’s website and other websites
Tips for canning meat, winter squash, vegetables, soups, stews, and tomato products
What to avoid when pressure canning food at home
How to properly store home canned goods

Take a minute to learn more about the hands-on workshop and reserve your spot!

Hands-on Sourdough Workshop
2026-06-06 11:00 - 14:00
In this hands-on sourdough workshop, we will cover:

The process of maintaining a healthy starter, including feeding, storing, and how to use it in recipes
We will be sampling sourdough goodies.
Learning the difference between active sourdough starter and sourdough discard
How to utilize sourdough discard in a recipe
The hands-on portion of this sourdough workshop will have you participating in making a rustic sourdough boule
You will leave with a healthy, active sourdough starter jar to use in your home and a few of my favorite recipes to get you on your journey!

You can learn more about this workshop and reserve your spot here.

Poultry Processing Workshop
2026-06-13 11:00 - 14:00
If you are ready to take on the actual farm-to-table concept, allow us to help you get there. In this hands-on workshop, we will cover the following:

Breed selection – broiler, heritage, dual purpose, dual purpose broiler
Feed options
Pasture-raised
Humane dispatching
Plucking options – hand or machine
Excavating the bird
Identify internal health issues
Parting the bird
Packaging for long-term storing

Learn more about this hands-on poultry processing workshop and reserve your spot here.

Natural Soapmaking Workshop
2026-07-18 10:00 - 14:00
In this three-and-a-half-hour workshop, you will gain the knowledge and confidence to make natural soaps in the comfort of your home. Providing your family with a more natural option ensures your family’s skin is free from unnatural colorants, chemicals, and preservatives. Individuals who attend this hands-on natural soapmaking workshop will:

Receive an overview of the natural soapmaking process
Learn safety protocols and procedures
Know what materials are needed for soapmaking at home
Utilize home-grown plants and animal matter from your homestead to make all-natural soaps
How to scent your soaps

You will have the opportunity to:

Make a loaf of your very own handmade soap, approximately 7 bars of soap ($56 value)
Take home a reusable, heavy-duty silicone soap mold and cutter. ($15 value)
Enjoy a sample pre-cured soap bar ($5 value)
Gain the confidence and skill to make soap at home safely. (Invaluable)
Practice with a beginner soap recipe
Gather necessary soapmaking materials and supplies with a supply list designed for beginners

You can learn more about this hands-on natural soapmaking workshop and reserve your spot here.

Poultry Processing Workshop
2026-08-01 11:00 - 14:00, 2026-09-05 11:00 - 14:00
If you’re ready to develop the skills necessary to raise and process pasture-raised poultry, we’re here to help you get there. In this hands-on workshop, we will cover the following:

Breed selection – broiler, heritage, dual purpose, dual purpose broiler
Feed options
Pasture-raised
Humane dispatching
Plucking options – hand or machine
Excavating the bird
Identify internal health issues
Parting the bird
Packaging for long-term storing

You can learn more about this hands-on workshop and reserve your spot here.

Kombucha and Water Kefir Brewing Workshop
2026-08-15 11:00 - 14:00
In this hands-on workshop, you will:

Learn how to keep your kombucha SCOBY and kefir grains healthy and happy, as well as how to properly store them.
Create kombucha and water kefir flavors your family will enjoy through a second ferment, also known as a F2.
Master how to create carbonation for a fizzy beverage.
Taste test homemade raw kombucha and water kefir brews.

You can learn more about this hands-on workshop and reserve your spot here.

Homesteaders of America Conference
2026-10-09 - 2026-10-10 | Warren County Fairgrounds, Front Royal, VA, United States
Join me for the 10th annual Homesteaders of America Conference, where you will have the opportunity to learn about real homesteading from real people in real life. Hands-on workshops will be held on Thursday, October 8th. This year, I will be teaching a hands-on fermentation workshop.

Warren County Fairgrounds
Front Royal, VA
