Organic Farming Conference adds “Organic Home” focus on healthy, creative living

The Organic Farming Conference will take place Thursday, Nov. 6, and Friday, Nov. 7, at the Mt. Hope Event Center. This year’s program includes the Organic Home section, with a focus on healthy, sustainable and creative living.

Both days will feature sessions where speakers display their work on tables with handouts, food samples and opportunities for attendees to ask questions. A play table for children, a small nursery for mothers with babies and a bulb exchange will also be available.

Thursday’s sessions begin with Katie Kline, leading “All About Lard.” She will discuss the benefits of using natural, organic fats, and demonstrate how to render lard and use it in pie crust. Later sessions include seed saving with Janelle Mast, a sewing demonstration with Jessica Hershberger, and a presentation on first aid at home from three burn team members. The day concludes with Betty Ann Raber demonstrating how to turn trash into treasure.

Friday opens with Betty Raber, a local artist, followed by a panel of local women discussing organization in family life. Elsie Miller will present savory soup ideas, including canning tips. In the afternoon, Toni Mishler will share ways to support family and friends coping with the loss of a child. The final event will be a Q-and-A titled “Freezer Prep” with Elmina Yoder and Marie Beachy, authors of the new book “Home Inspirations.”

Registration costs $25 per person per day or $40 for both days and includes a full-course organic meal and snacks. Vendors are being accepted. For more information, call 330-231-4226, write to OFC, 5119 Township Road 613, Fredericksburg, OH 44627, or visit www.organicfarmingconf.com.