The Farmstead Heritage Festival

STONE GROUND GRAIN & WHY IT MATTERS: In this introductory session, Craig from Deep Roots Milling will explore the fundamentals of stone-ground grains and how traditional milling methods preserve flavor, nutrition, and character in every bag. He’ll share what sets Deep Roots Milling products apart—from careful sourcing and small-batch milling to a deep commitment to community and quality—offering insight into why fresh-milled flour makes a meaningful difference for bakers and home cooks alike.

BACKYARD CHICKENS: Getting started with backyard chickens- choosing breeds, brooding chicks, feed and nutrition, housing, predator prevention.

HAND-DIPPED BEESWAX CANDLE DEMO: A traditional way of making beeswax candles using a few basic materials and beeswax. I will also discuss the benefits of using beeswax and supplies needed to make candles of your own.

NO LONEWOLVES: REVIVING AGRARIAN COMMUNITIES - Today the American homesteading movement is steeped in the mythology of radical independence. But what if the most important skill we will need for a resilient future is reclaiming the lost art of neighboring. Join us as we look at moving beyond a lonewolf mindset, examine what is necessary to revive agrarian communities, and lessons learned over a decade of community building in the local food movement.

SO YOUR GARDEN HAS GONE WILD...NOW WHAT? INTRO TO CANNING -This talk will set you on the right path into the world of canning. We will talk about both water bath and pressure canning, the tricks of the trade, new technology available, and answer and questions you may have.

GUT HEALTH, ANCESTRAL FERMENTS AND THE WISDOM OF TRADITIONAL FOODS - What if some of the most powerful tools for health have been hiding in plain sight for generations? Join Kellie Hughes of Owl Spoon for a conversation exploring the timeless practice of fermentation and its role in supporting gut health, nourishing families, and preserving the harvest. Together, we'll look at how our ancestors partnered with beneficial microbes to transform simple ingredients into nutrient-rich foods and beverages, long before modern conveniences existed. Through stories, science, and practical wisdom, we'll explore how traditional fermentation can help us reconnect with seasonal eating, local food systems, and the rhythms of the natural world. Whether you're new to fermentation or a seasoned fermenter, you'll leave inspired by the profound ways that small daily practices can cultivate healthier people, stronger communities, and a deeper connection to the land.

FREEZE DRYING YOUR HARVEST - Discover the power of freeze drying to preserve your garden's bounty with maximum nutrition and flavor intact. Alan and Lara will share practical techniques for using a freeze dryer to create shelf-stable foods perfect for both short-term enjoyment and long-term storage. Learn how this innovative preservation method locks in nutrients, extends shelf life, and opens up exciting possibilities for your homestead's food security and self-sufficiency.

Texas BBQ with a Twist, Made in Virginia! Voted "FAVORITE FOOD TRUCK" in the 2025 Daily Progress Readers' Choice Awards

Rooted in Tradition, Crafted with Ambition. A family owned winery and brewery serving finely crafted beers and beautifully blended wines in Louisa, Virginia.

Hersheys ice cream, sundeas, and floats 🍨

Serves freshly squeezed lemonades with fun twists, plus hot dogs and nachos ranging from classic to fully loaded. 🍋

We sell wearable art clothing, handcrafted jewelry, hair barrettes,cotton bags etc.

They sell value-added products such as award-winning jams, pickles, applesauce, vinegars, and herbs. Orchard Hill Farm specializes in heirloom fruits, vegetables, and value-added products. Based out of Louisa County VA, many of their offerings have won awards at the Virginia State Fair. 

Heart of Piedmont Wildlife Rescue (HOPW) is a passionate, volunteer-driven nonprofit founded after witnessing the overwhelming pressure Virginia’s rehabilitators face every day. As a group of dedicated conservationists, we’re determined to bridge the gap between native species in crisis and the expert care they urgently need.

We are a non-profit organization dedicated to sharing the conservation needs of Virginia's bats

We produce high quality flours that help foster a strong, healthy, equitable food system comprised of a diverse network of small growers. 100% of the grain that we use is responsibly sourced from family farms in the mid-Atlantic region.

Handcrafted baskets made in Richmond, VA

Owl Spoon is a Richmond, Virginia-based probiotic beverage company dedicated to helping people cultivate vibrant gut health through traditionally crafted water kefir and fermentation education. Rooted in the wisdom of ancestral foods and inspired by the connection between personal health, community, and the land, Owl Spoon empowers individuals to nourish themselves from the inside out and rediscover the transformative power of living foods and drinks.

Wild Earth specializes in fermented vegetable products including Kimchi, Sauerkraut, Hot Sauce, Pickles, and more using local and organic produce.

A grassroots group dedicated to protecting people and the environment from toxic sewage sludge that's being spread on Virginia lands.

All original cyanotypes and sun prints on everything from cards, prints, postcards, journals and jewelry to totes, tess and more. All handmade with love and the sun!

The Lit Bae Bookshop is a traveling pop-up bookshop based in Richmond, Virginia. They travel all over the DMV area offering new books, used books, blind date with a book, and blind date with an oracle reading! The Lit Bae Bookshop is passionate about reading literacy, building and strengthening community, and connection!

Please fill out this interest form and we will get in touch shortly!