The Farmstead Heritage Festival

REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE - RESTORING THE LAND FROM THE GROUND UP: Regenerative agriculture is about more than growing food — it’s about rebuilding the living systems that make healthy farms, healthy ecosystems, and healthy communities possible. In this talk, explore how soil health, biodiversity, animals, plants, and people are all connected through thoughtful farming practices.Learn how regenerative methods such as building living soils, increasing biodiversity, supporting natural cycles, and working with the land instead of against it can create more resilient farms and gardens. Discover practical ways these principles can be applied at any scale — from a backyard garden to a working farm — and how small changes can help restore the relationship between people and the land. Pasture walk is included during this talk, weather dependent.

FROM GARDEN TO JAR - HARVESTING & DRYING HERBS: Harvesting herbs at the right time and drying them properly can make all the difference in preserving their flavor, aroma, and quality. In this hands-on workshop, learn the fundamentals of when and how to harvest medicinal and culinary herbs, along with simple drying techniques that can be done at home.We'll cover the best stages of growth for harvesting leaves, flowers, seeds, and roots, proper handling methods, and how to store dried herbs to help maintain their freshness and usefulness throughout the year.Whether you're growing herbs in a backyard garden or on a larger homestead, you'll leave with practical skills to confidently preserve your harvest and enjoy homegrown herbs long after the growing season has ended.

TEA BLENDING- CRAFT A TEA FOR HEALTHY DIGESTION: Join us for a hands-on herbal tea blending workshop focused on supporting healthy digestion through the use of traditional herbs. Learn how herbs such as peppermint, ginger, fennel, chamomile, meadowsweet, and other herbs have been used for generations to promote digestive comfort and everyday wellness.You'll explore the basics of balancing flavor, aroma, and herbal properties while creating your own custom digestive tea blend. Along the way, we'll discuss simple brewing techniques, how to incorporate herbal teas into your daily routine, and the role of herbs in supporting overall digestive health.Each participant will leave with their own handcrafted tea blend and the confidence to continue blending nourishing herbal teas at home. Whether you're new to herbalism or simply love a good cup of tea, this workshop offers a relaxing and practical introduction to the art of herbal tea blending.

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.

UNEARTHING COLOR: HISTORICAL NATURAL DYEING METHODS - An informational demonstration of historical dyeing that brings ancient craftsmanship to life by transforming raw plant materials, minerals, and insects into a vibrant palette of organic color.

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.

ABOUT SAAT - Alpha-gal allergy is often described as a red meat allergy, but those living with it know the reality is far more complex. Reactions can be unpredictable, delayed, and triggered by hidden mammalian ingredients found in foods, medications, supplements, and everyday products. In this talk, Jessica will explore what Alpha-gal is, why symptoms can vary so dramatically, common misconceptions, and the challenges many patients face in finding answers. She will also introduce an option that many people seek -- the patented Soliman Auricular Allergy Treatment (SAAT), invented by Dr. Soliman, MD, an amazing approach that has gained attention among Alpha-gal sufferers seeking options beyond lifelong avoidance. Whether you are newly diagnosed, caring for someone with Alpha-gal, or simply curious to learn more, this presentation offers education and hope.

PRINCIPLES OF THE WESTON A. PRICE FOUNDATION - An introduction to the 11 dietary principles of healthy traditional diets and how they connect with broader implications of our healthy and society at large and what you can do to get involved.

BREATHE FREE - Modern diets and lifestyle have changed the breathing pattern of up to 90% of people in the western world, leading to a plethora of chronic conditions. The good news is that breath retraining has shown to successfully reverse most if not ALL of these conditions, which, along with the healthy traditional diets of our ancestors, fresh air and nature immersion on a daily basis guarantees radiant health and well-being throughout our lifetime!

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.

BASICS OF ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION - Gain an understanding of the various types of electromagnetic radiation, why exposure to certain kinds can be harmful, and discuss ways to minimize exposure with hands on demonstrations using a professional emf meter.

CONSCIOUS COMPOSTING: In this talk, we will be learning all about the importance of compost, what you can to do with it, how to maximize your use of compost in the garden, facts about food waste and natural sources of nutrients to enhance your soil without the excess. There will be a compost-making activity to follow that is geared towards children of all ages. They will learn about what can go in the compost pile as they get to play with worms and soil! At the end of the activity, they will be able to take home their own mini "wormery" and see the biological processes at work! They will also have the opportunity to add their own artistic flare to their wormery. Children 5 and under should be accompanied by a parent during the activity.

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.

The Louisa County History Museum serves as the local repository for over 20,000 records and over 1,000 artifacts related to Louisa County. The Museum also serves at a Visitor Information Center, supporting tourism in Louisa County. Owned and operated by the Louisa County Historical Society (LCHS), the Museum brings to light, preserves and promotes the history of Louisa County. We share the stories of past Louisans through our museum exhibitions, educational programs, publications, research assistance, digital resources, and care of our growing collection of buildings, documents and artifacts.

Welcome to Zoey's Earrings! I'm an eleven year old entrepreneur and I'm so excited to share my earrings with you! Take a look at all the fun designs and hopefully you'll find a pair or two that fit your style. I love earrings but had trouble with reactions to metals when I first got my ears pierced. So, I started making earrings with plastic hooks for my sensitive ears. Most of the earrings you see will have the plastic hooks, but I'm happy to swap out for metal if you'd prefer. Come find your style!

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.

The Weston A. Price Foundation is dedicated to restoring nutrient-dense foods to the human diet through education, research and activism.

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.

Handmade and hand poured natural renewable palm octagon pillar candles with unique fragrance combinations and votive candles as well for your enjoyment. In addition, we create hand built pottery plates and hydro dipped glass plates for the candles.

Lifetime garden tools made in the USA

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!