Over the last few years, the Harrison County Extension ANR, Horticulture, and FCS Agents have noticed an increase in individuals with an interest in homesteading.  The agents are more frequently receiving phone calls and questions related to how to grow and process their own food.  After some discussion, the agents, along with the office program assistant, decided to offer a series of classes focused on five different components of homesteading.  The sessions would be called the Homesteading Series and would be offered once a month, at 6:00 p.m., at the extension office, beginning in October.

When planning for the series the agents took into consideration the specific questions they had been asked and specific courses that had been suggested to offer.  It was decided to offer:  October – Small Scale Rabbit Farming, taught by the extension program assistant and local rabbit producer.  November – Meat Canning, taught by Harrison County FCS agent, after attending a training session.  December – Poultry Production for Meat, speaker secured by Harrison County ANR agent.   February – Beekeeping, taught by local beekeeper and president of local beekeeping club, secured by Harrison County ANR Agent.  March – Gardening for the Homestead, taught by Harrison County Horticulture Agent.

Each course would focus on beginner homesteaders.  Participants would learn how to get started in each of these topic areas.  A survey was provided for each topic and results were as follows:  

1. 100% of survey participants indicated an increase in knowledge in each topic, of each session they attended.  
2. Small Scale Rabbit Farming – 50% of participants plan to begin or continue to raise rabbits.
3. Meat Canning – 100% of participants plan to begin or continue to can their own meat for personal use.
4. Poultry Production for Meat – 100% of participants plan to begin or continue to raise poultry for personal use.
5. Beekeeping – 75% of participants plan to begin or continue to participate in beekeeping.
6. Gardening for the Homestead – 100% of participants plan to begin or continue to have a home garden and/or orchard.

When participants were questioned about their level of satisfaction, 100% of participants indicated they agree or strongly agree that the Homesteading Series subject matter was timely, the information was practical, the series of classes were educational, and they would recommend this program to others.

When asked what the most important thing was that the Homesteading Series provided, participants stated “more confident in becoming self-reliant”, “comfortable and prepared to can veggies and meat”, “info on composting and raised beds is invaluable”, “I know what I am eating because I canned it!!!”. Based upon the positive comments received from participants, the Homesteading Series was deemed a success and the Harrison County ANR, Horticulture, and FCS agents plan to offer the series again, with different homesteading practices featured.