Rooted & Resilient: Cultivating Confidence and Capacity in Modern Homesteaders
Sustainable Agriculture and Natural Resources
Elysia Rodgers
Extension Educator
Purdue Extension
Auburn
Abstract
Interest in homesteading and small-scale food production has increased in recent years as individuals and families seek greater food security, sustainable land stewardship practices, and opportunities to produce their own food. However, many beginning and transitioning homesteaders lack access to comprehensive, research-based education that addresses the diverse skill sets required for small-scale production. Topics such as gardening, soil health, livestock management, food preservation, and equipment maintenance are often learned independently through informal sources, leaving gaps in knowledge and confidence.
The Rooted and Resilient Homesteading Conference was developed to address this need by providing practical, research-based education and networking opportunities for homesteaders, small-acreage farmers, and local food system participants. Over two years (2024 & 2025), the conference engaged 126 participants and demonstrated strong educational outcomes. In 2024, 85% of attendees reported learning new information about gardening and permaculture practices, 45% increased knowledge in animal husbandry, and 35% gained skills in food preservation. Similarly, in 2025, 92% of participants reported learning something new related to gardening and crop production, 50% increased knowledge in food preservation, and 38% gained knowledge in animal husbandry. Across both years, more than 90% of participants reported they intended to apply ideas learned during the conference to their operations or homesteads. Participants identified key skills gained including cover cropping, composting, grazing management, poultry processing, produce safety practices, herb preservation, and small engine maintenance.
Follow-up data from returning attendees indicated that 100% had adopted at least one recommended practice such as improved composting, cover crop implementation, livestock management changes, or equipment troubleshooting. Participant satisfaction was high, with Net Promoter Scores of 80 in 2024 and 75 in 2025; both considered "World-Class."
These results highlight the effectiveness of immersive, hands-on educational programming in building practical skills, increasing confidence, and strengthening local homesteading and small-scale agricultural communities.
Authors: Elysia Rodgers, Cora Hill, Geoff Schortgen, Ann Kline, Kathryn Jennings
-
Elysia Rodgers Extension Educator, Purdue Extension, Indiana, 46706-2381
-
Cora Hill Extension Educator, Purdue Extension, Indiana, 46815
-
Geoff Schortgen Extension Educator, Purdue Extension, Indiana, 46992
-
Ann Kline Extension Educator, Purdue Extension, Indiana, 46701
-
Kathryn Jennings Extension Educator, Purdue Extension, Indiana, 46528