Issue:
Residents in the Buffalo Trace area showed strong interest in sustainable living and self-reliance but lacked hands-on skills. Rising food costs, food security concerns, and a desire to reconnect with agriculture created a clear need for education in gardening, food preservation, and small-scale meat processing.

Program Description:
The Buffalo Trace Homesteading Series was a hands-on educational program promoting self-sufficiency and environmental stewardship. Sessions covered gardening, food preservation, mushroom cultivation, and meat processing, with expert demonstrations and take-home resources to build confidence and practical skills.

Partners:
Local producers, Extension specialists, and volunteers contributed equipment, locations, and demonstrations to create a locally relevant, experience-rich learning environment.

Target Audience:
More than 75 participants from diverse backgrounds—small farmers, families, local food advocates, and older adults—joined the program to reduce costs, increase independence, and deepen their connection to food and land.

Outcomes:
100% of participants learned something new, and 90% said the topics were directly useful. Many have already applied the skills, preserving food, growing more at home, or trying new techniques. The program fostered stronger community engagement and more sustainable practices.