Organic Farming Conference to highlight homegrown living with hands-on sessions Nov. 6-7

The Organic Farming Conference, which will take place Thursday, Nov. 6 and Friday, Nov. 7, will again have a section called the Organic Home, with the focus on healthy, sustainable and creative living. Two days of sessions will include most of the speakers displaying what they are sharing on a table with handouts, some food samples, and allowing attendees the opportunity to visit and ask questions. There will be a play table for children, a small nursery for moms who need space with their babies and a bulb exchange.

Thursday will start with Katie Kline, a local farmer’s wife, having a session titled All About Lard. She has lots of experience using lard and will discuss some of the benefits of using natural, organic fats, and she will demonstrate how to render lard and use it to make pie crust.

The next session will be about seed saving, which will be informative for gardeners who are trying to be more self-sufficient. Janelle Mast also will explain the benefits of saving seeds.

Jessica Hershberger will present a sewing demonstration, teaching attendees about how to sew their family's sweatshirts.

There will be three burn team members at the conference to share about first aid at home.

Thursday will wrap up with Betty Ann Raber, a do-it-yourselfer, showing how to turn trash into treasure.

Friday also will have a variety of topics, starting with Betty Raber, a local artist.

After Raber there will be a panel of local women discussing how to be organized. They will share what works for them and their families.

Elsie Miller will then present savory soup ideas, from the garden to the jar. She will share tips on canning.

In the afternoon Toni Mishler, a local lady who has been a great help to many people who have lost a child, will give tips on ways to support and help family and friends work through their grief.

The last event of the Organic Home Section will be a Q-and-A session titled Freezer Prep with Elmina Yoder and Marie Beachy, creators of the newly released book, "Home Inspirations." Attendees will learn how to simplify their lives by doing things ahead.

The Organic Farming Conference will be held at the Mt. Hope Event Center. Registration for the two-day event is $25 per person per day or $40 per person for both days. A full-course organic meal and snacks are included with the registration.

Vendors also are being accepted. For more information call 330-231-4226 or write to OFC, 5119 Township Road 613, Fredericksburg, OH 44627.

Visit the conference's website at www.organicfarmingconf.com.