Registration
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9:00 to 10:00
Weed Walk – Jane Woodcock
Did you know that you probably have lots of free food growing on your property? And you've probably been taught that it should be destroyed! Yes, we're talking about weeds! Join Jane for a walk around the farm to see which weeds are edible, as well as when they're at their tastiest and how you can prepare them.
Fermenting Food -- Cheryl Zacek
Fermenting vegetables is one of the oldest forms of food preservation and the only one that can actually increase the health benefits of the food by increasing beneficial bacteria, enzymes and B vitamins. As if that’s not enough, it requires no expensive equipment - and is very simple to do! Come learn more about fermenting and see how to get started.
10:15 to 11:15
Mobile Chicken Housing -- Deborah Niemann
Walk around the farm with Deborah to see Antiquity Oaks chicken tractors 3.0 and 4.0 that are used for raising young chickens. She'll tell you what happened to tractors 1.0 and 2.0 so that you can avoid making the same mistakes -- and why there is only one version of 3.0. She'll explain how to build 4.0, which is the farm favorite. Then walk out to the field where you'll see the newly renovated hen-mobile and learn how they turned a former construction site trailer into a portable home for their laying hens.
Making Tinctures-- Jane Woodcock
If you've ever purchased tinctures, you might be surprised to learn how inexpensively and easily you can make your own. You'll discover which herbs are best for making into tinctures, as well as some simple guidelines on combining herbs for more effective treatment of symptoms. Bring along a pint-sized jar with a tight-fitting lid so that you can take home the tincture that you make in class.
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11:30 to 12:30
Cob Oven Building and Baking-- Jane Woodcock
"Cob" is a traditional building material that has been used for centuries to build houses, ovens, and other structures. It's a mixture of sand, clay, and sawdust or straw, and it's especially great for building an oven because of its thermal mass. This session will be held at the farm's new cob oven, which was constructed in April with Jane's help and oversight. This was Jane's fourth oven. She'll explain to you how the oven was built, and she'll bake a batch of gluten-free brownies in it so that you can see first-hand exactly how it works.
Making Salve – Cheryl Zacek
You’ve seen healing salves in catalogs - generally for high prices - and wondered, “Can I do that?” YES you can! Making herbal salves is a very simple process and very inexpensive, especially if you grow your own herbs or use wild ones. This workshop will show you how. Bring a small jar and take home some of the salve that is made in this workshop!
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12:30 to 1:30Lunch (included in registration)
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1:30 to 2:30
A Year in Beekeeping -- Michael Thompson
Honeybees are raised in cultures all over the world except the arctic. This ancient practice requires specific care for these incredibly resilient creatures. Understand why and how you might want to start beekeeping in the Upper Midwest. We will include a basic seasonal timeline that goes through a year in beekeeping.
Waterbath Canning -- Cheryl Zacek
Have you ever wanted to can your extra fruit, veggies, or meat to save for winter eating, but been too afraid to dive in and try? Come to this workshop to find out how. Learn about both water bath and pressure canning, when to use which method, the equipment you'll need, and some tips and tricks to make it a simple and - even fun - process! This session includes an actual demonstration of water bath canning.~~~
2:45 to 3:45
Learn to make wine using "kits" or concentrated grape juice from vineyards all over the world. You will get to see and help with every stage of the wine-making process. Mike has four different batches of wine going, and they are all at different stages, so you will learn first-hand how to get started, rack the wine, degas it, and bottle it.
Waterbath Canning (Continued) -- Cheryl Zacek
4:00 to 5:00
Fence Walk -- Deborah Niemann
Come along with Deborah to see all the different fences being used on Antiquity Oaks. She'll talk about which ones work best for which animals and which ones to avoid. You'll see woven wire, welded wire, livestock panels, pig panels, ElectroNet, and poultry netting. You will even get the chance to help pick up, move and re-install a roll of the temporary electric netting.
Please note that although we have made every reasonable effort to confirm the speakers and sessions, there is always the possibility that someone may not be able to make it. In the event of a speaker cancellation, we will attempt to replace them with someone who will talk on the same subject, although there are no guarantees.
