Row by Row Episode 170: Homesteaders of America Conference 2021. The Truth!
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Tonight, Greg and Sheila discuss their experiences at the Homesteaders of America Conference in Virginia this past weekend. Met with lots of affiliates, YouTubers, fans of Hoss Tools, and so much more!
What's Up in the Veg and Flower Garden:
Out in the main garden, Greg has lots of Sun Sugar tomatoes growing, along with his delicata squash. Sheila is still harvesting Jambalaya Okra and has finally started seeing blooms on her Roselle Hibiscus after many months of waiting.
Homesteaders of America
Greg and Sheila both agreed that it was a truly magical and heartwarming experience to be able to meet and see everyone at the Homesteaders of America Conference. "We were surrounded by so many great, knowledgable people - from YouTubers, Affiliates, and Hoss Tools Family, we are truly blessed.", Greg Says. "It was so heartwarming to be able to hug, shake hands, share stories, and finally meet a lot of these people we've known for years face to face and also add to our Hoss Tools family.", Sheila added. We took a lot of our affiliates that were there out to dinner and had a wonderful time with everyone. They have given us much advice on how to get started in raising pigs.
Cattywampus Acres
Jason and Lauren, from Metro Atlanta, make handcrafted soap and goodies from goat's milk. Jason is a police officer and Lauren is a butcher. On their farm, they have goats, pigs, chickens, a mini donkey, and a garden. Give them a follow here!
4 Kids and A Farm
Rachel and Aaron, from Northern California, and have 4 amazing kids. Aaron is a nurse, he could not say enough about Rachel and how she has such a major role in their homestead. We had a wonderful time talking to them and their commitment to raise their own food and be self-sustainable. They love to garden and share their knowledge about raising pigs, sheep, goats, and chickens. Plus, being in northern California, they get to grow year-round! Give them a follow here!
Whispering Willow Farm
Jill and Nathan are from rural Arkansas. She is a self-taught gardener, which is so amazing to see in a new generation. They have recently purchased Roots and Refuge farm and are growing quickly. Sheila really enjoys watching her videos, Jill is down to earth and has the most calming voice. Give them a follow!
Just Dig It Farm
Tracy and Gene, from Alabama, have a dream of becoming self-sufficient and striving for a better, healthier lifestyle. Tracy has the most beautiful cottage garden. If you want to be inspired by an amazing potager garden, you should check them out. They have lots of animals, orchards, and she is such an inspiration to Sheila. Follow them!
Stivers Homestead
Zack and Gen are from the Appalachian Mountains in Kentucky. We also had the pleasure of meeting their daughter Ray Ray. They have a passion for preserving food, raising animals, homesteading, and gardening. They are known for their Calendula Salve! Great stuff. They also have an Airbnb. Tons of animals, including Kune Kune pigs. Y'all should check them out!
2 Quacks & 5 Clucks Farm
Scott is one of our newest affiliates, mainly on TikTok. Scott and his wife are from Virginia. We thoroughly enjoyed meeting him. He is extremely knowledgeable in gardening and has a big following. He teaches you the easy ways to garden and gives you the skills you need. They have pasteurized chickens and a growing garden! Give him a follow!
The Honeystead
Kaylee from Quail Hollow Farm is a beekeeper, gardener, and forager. On her farm, she has chickens, goats, cows, honeybees, and pigs. She is extremely knowledgeable in beekeeping and has a wealth of knowledge of herbs. She spoke at the conference as well, her topic was "How to keep your bees alive and healthy through the winter." If you are wanting to get into beekeeping, Kaylee is the one to follow!
Crowley House Flower Farm
Jason and Beth are from Oregon. Beth is a floral designer, flower farmer, and gardener. She is also an author. Her book is "Furrow and Flour", we can't wait to read it. She is from a large family of 12 and is also a wine enthusiast which Sheila was excited about. They are both great, down-to-earth people. Give them a follow!
Naked Hog Farm
Wes and Angie from Louisiana have been such a blessing to Hoss Tools for a few years now but especially at this conference. They worked so hard at the Hoss Tools booth. They are homesteaders, market gardeners with goats, chickens, and pigs. They are a family of 6. Angie is a former nurse and Wes was in the Navy. Wes manages our affiliate program for Hoss Tools. Y'all should follow them!
Cool Season Cover Crops
Greg was one of the speakers at the conference, his topic was on Cool Season Cover Crops. It is a profitable long-term investment when you use cover crops. They help with erosion control, improves soil health, weed control, attract pollinators, savages nutrients, nematode control, adds nitrogen, and pest management. One of our favorite cool-season cover crops is a combination of Hairy Vetch and Winter Rye.