(10/18/24) BOSSIER CITY, La. — The LSU AgCenter Red River Research Station hosted the second annual Louisiana Homesteader’s Conference Oct. 11 and 12. The convention invited locals interested in homesteading to check out local vendors as well as hear from experts on topics surrounding farming and self-sufficiency.

More than 1,500 people came out to the event over the course of the two days, with many people coming from different levels of experience in homesteading. Some visitors already owned farms and land and wanted to learn how to expand while others were hoping to start smaller endeavors on their property.

Similarly, vendors were from a large array of backgrounds and purposes. Some were selling homemade products like cutlery, art and mushrooms. Others were there to educate visitors. The AgCenter had booths, and so did a few plant nurseries and a family informing people about Angora rabbits.

Some vendors, like Fiona Benjamin, offered community members the chance to support a small local business. Benjamin began selling her wellness products in 2020 and frequently comes out to farmers markets and similar events.

“I just want to contribute to the community, provide the wellness products that I have to the community and also meet other vendors,” Benjamin said. “There's a lot going on, more than just the market, and I want to go to the tents and see what they’re doing and learn some stuff too while I’m here.”

Another vendor, Patty Ebarb, was selling her handmade garden crafts along with worms for composting. The worms, which Ebarb took the time to name each Mary, could be bought in a cup or by the bin, of which she had plenty.

The conference also hosted several speakers who talked about different aspects of homesteading on both days. These talks varied from best irrigation practices for backyards, raising goats and sheep and even beekeeping. Because of greater interest in homesteading, AgCenter regional director Ronald Strahan wanted to give people information from researchers they could trust on the topic.

“There are a lot of YouTube channels, and they'll have all kinds of crazy information, but nobody gives out a lot of research-based information on how you can homestead,” Strahan said. “So we have AgCenter experts, we have them here, and they're doing talks or they have a booth here, and that's how we're dispensing information.”

The AgCenter had several tents set up around the research station, including a 4-H booth, a group from LaHouse and researchers from the Sweet Potato Research Station in Chase. They were educating visitors on different services the AgCenter offers as well as the benefits of the research they do.

Another AgCenter representative present was Tyler Barlow, an extension agent in Rapides Parish and sheep and goat program coordinator. Barlow, whose setup included two goats and information on raising goats and sheep, talked about the importance of educating the public on agricultural practices that many might not be aware of.

“I hope some people that maybe aren't exposed to more animal agriculture can come out, learn some different things and maybe pick up some things that they can take back and implement at their place,” Barlow said.

Beyond the Homesteader’s Conference, the Red River Research Station has hosted other homesteading events, with some about orchards and vegetable production. Strahan hopes to continue these programs, as there is a clear enthusiasm in the area for it.

“There’s so much interest in this kind of stuff. We're trying to bring all the stuff that they're interested in. We're trying to have our experts focus on those areas because there is a need for it,” Strahan said. “And obviously, when you can get all these people to show up, there's a need for it.”

A vendor hands out a sample of tea to a visitor at the Louisiana Homesteader’s Conference. Photo by Anthony Bailey/LSU AgCenter

Fiona Benjamin and her husband pose at their booth while promoting their wellness products at the Louisiana Homesteader’s Conference. Photo by Anthony Bailey/LSU AgCenter

Patty Ebarb showed off one of hundreds of worms she had for sale at her booth at the Louisiana Homesteader’s Conference. Photo by Anthony Bailey/LSU AgCenter

A vendor talking to a potential buyer of his cutlery at the Louisiana Homesteader’s Conference. Photo by Anthony Bailey/LSU AgCenter

A nursery displays a colorful layout of products at the Louisiana Homesteader’s Conference. Photo by Anthony Bailey/LSU AgCenter