COVINGTON, Ind. – University of Illinois Extension and Purdue University Extension are excited to announce their inaugural Bi-State Homesteading Conference. This marks the first time the Bi-State team has put together a conference designed specifically for homesteaders, aspiring homesteaders, and those interested in learning more about sustainable living.
The conference will feature a diverse lineup of engaging speakers, including:
- Tabby Flinn, Purdue Extension Ag and Natural Resources Educator for Vigo County will present Adding Bees to Your Homestead, covering the basics of beekeeping, such as boosting pollination to harvesting honey.
- Sarah Hanson, Purdue Extension Food Systems Coordinator, and Rachel Mannen, University of Illinois Extension Nutrition and Wellness Educator, will host a Local Food Panel Q&A session. Sarah will discuss resources for beginning farmers and homesteaders as well as potential outlets for their production, while Rachel will cover food safety and preservation techniques, offering participants the latest updates and best practices in this area.
- Dr. Darrin Karcher’s talk, Backyard Poultry, will cover the basics of backyard production, including how to keep birds happy, healthy, and productive
In addition to learning from these Illinois and Indiana experts, the conference will also provide an opportunity for attendees to connect with other homesteaders and learn from their experiences.
“We are thrilled to host this unique event that brings together the expertise of both the University of Illinois and Purdue University Extensions,” said Purdue Extension Educator and conference organizer Jamie Reed. “This conference offers a valuable opportunity for individuals to learn from leading experts and connect with others who share a passion for sustainable living.”
The conference is on Feb. 18, 2025, starting at 10:30 a.m. and concluding at 2:00 p.m. (EST). The cost of $30 includes the full conference and a delicious lunch served by the Beef House. Cash or checks will be taken at the door. Registration closes on Thursday, February 14th.
For more information or to register, visit go.illinois.edu/BiStateHomesteading. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate, please email Jamie Reed at 219-285-8620 or reed258@purdue.edu. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs.
About Purdue Agriculture
Purdue University’s College of Agriculture is one of the world’s leading agricultural, food, life and natural resource sciences colleges. The college is committed to preparing students to make a difference in whatever careers they pursue; stretching the frontiers of science to discover solutions to some of our most pressing global, regional and local challenges; and, through Purdue Extension and other engagement programs, educating the people of Indiana, the nation and the world to improve their lives and livelihoods. To learn more about Purdue Agriculture, visit ag.purdue.edu.
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 700 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through six program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, family and consumer science, integrated health disparities, and natural resources, environment, and energy.