2025 Homestead Conference
2025 HOMESTEAD CONFERENCE
Get ready for the Perry County Fair Homestead Conference, happening September 12–13, 2025.
This year’s exciting theme, “Old Ways for New Days,” celebrates timeless skills that can empower today’s families on their own homesteading journeys. Join us for two days of demonstrations, expert-led workshops, and invaluable knowledge-sharing from seasoned professionals. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to deepen your skills, there’s something for everyone—including fun activities and a variety of vendors the whole family will enjoy. Come learn, connect, and grow with us in Perry County!
2025 Homestead Conference Speakers
Ruth Ann Zimmerman
Speaker
RuthAnn and her husband Elvin have been married for 25 years and live with their family on a 21-acre homestead in Northeast Iowa. They have seven children, two sons-in-law, and one grandson. Since 2001, they’ve embraced a self-sufficient lifestyle rooted in their Mennonite heritage, involving their children in all aspects of homesteading—from raising meat and gardening to dairy processing and food preservation—seeking to instill character, integrity, and a desire to honor their Heavenly Father.
Kody Hanner
Speaker
Kody Hanner is a homesteader, homeschool mom, and founder of The Homestead Education, a company dedicated to teaching children self-sufficiency through hands-on learning. Drawing from her background in agriculture and her family’s journey, Kody and her husband moved to Idaho to build their own homestead. While homeschooling her children, she recognized a gap in resources that aligned with the homesteading lifestyle. This led her to create educational materials designed to equip the next generation with essential life skills and a love for sustainable, agricultural living.
Riley Du Brul
Speaker
Riley and Thomas Du Brul have built a small homestead in Morrisville, Missouri, where they are raising their two energetic and beautiful boys. What began as a personal mission to create cleaner, healthier products for their home has grown into something much greater—a true calling. Now, their passion lies not only in making these natural products available to others but also in teaching people how to create them for themselves. While they are still learning every day, they feel incredibly blessed to be on this journey together on their little farm.
Joyce Morris
Speaker
Joyce Morris is incredibly knowledgeable and can speak on a wide variety of topics. She and her husband, Gene, homeschool their large family of eleven, which includes six boys and three girls. They share their life and expertise in home preservation and more on their YouTube channel, Morris Patch of Heaven Homestead. We are thrilled that Joyce will be joining us this year to speak about Fermentation for Gut Health. Through the process of fermenting foods, gut healing can occur, which may improve digestion, support heart health, and reduce the risk of disease.
Heifer USA
Speaker
Heifer USA, based in Perryville, Arkansas, is a program of Heifer International that supports small-scale farmers through sustainable agriculture. By offering training, resources, and access to markets, they help build successful, environmentally responsible farming businesses. We’re excited to welcome them to this year’s conference to share their expertise.
U of A Perry County Extension Office
Speaker
The Perry County Extension Office is a vital resource that brings research-based knowledge and practical education to Perry County. We are excited to have them for some of our speaker sessions at this year’s conference.
Ashley Elmore
Class Host
Ashley Elmore is the Family & Consumer Science Agent for UAEX in Little River County, where she shares her passion for food, health, and self-sufficiency through hands-on education. Her approachable style and practical knowledge make her classes both fun and informative.
Conference Tickets
Adult Tickets
- Join us September 12–13 for inspiring speakers, hands-on demos, and full access to our vendor market.
- Learn new skills, shop unique goods, and connect with fellow homesteaders
- Ages 17 and older will need a paid ticket.
Children's Tickets
- Kids 17 and under get in free, but must be registered.
- We believe homesteading is a family journey, and there’s no better way to grow together than by learning side by side.
- Bring the whole family and enjoy our Kid Zone, filled with free hands-on activities designed just for young homesteaders.
Conference T-Shirt
- Show your homestead pride with the official 2025 Perry County Fair Homestead Conference T-Shirt!
- Featuring our “Old Ways for New Days” design, this soft, high-quality tee is perfect for the farm, fair, or everyday wear.
- Grab yours as a keepsake from this unforgettable event!
Riley DuBrul's Class
Soap Class- Riley Du Brul will lead a hands-on soap-making class, sharing the skills she’s mastered on her own homestead.
- This class is a great opportunity to connect with traditional skills, get creative, and walk away with something useful you made yourself.
- Limited to 150 spots—only $10 per person, so don’t wait to reserve your place in this exciting, hands-on experience.
Ashley Elmore's Class
Sourdough ClassDon’t miss this hands-on Sourdough Class with Ashley Elmore!
In this small-group setting, Ashley will guide you through everything from starting your own sourdough culture to baking a simple loaf and even tackling more advanced recipes.
Choose from three class times, each limited to 15 participants for just $20. Perfect for beginners and those ready to level up their sourdough game!
2025 Event Schedule
*A tentative schedule will be posted closer to the event date.
Homestead Conference Sponsors
Sponsor the
2025 HOMESTEAD CONFERENCE
The Perry County Fair Association is pleased and excited to announce that we
will be hosting our first homestead conference this fall, September 12-13, 2025.
Our goal for this conference is to showcase talks and demonstrations that can greatly contribute to our homestead community and surrounding areas. We are actively planning the speakers and demonstrations that will be available for everyoneattending but hope to include topics from food preservation to non -toxic hygieneproducts to regenerative farming.
We would love for you to consider becoming a sponsor for our event. This event is a huge undertaking for our association, and we would appreciate your support more than we could possibly express. The sponsorship form is enclosed, and we ask that you take the time to look at the levels and consider supporting this great event. We are hoping this becomes an annual event for our community that we can continually grow and offer more to the attendees.
If you have any questions or would like to speak to someone about the event, please feel free to call
Tessie Mix at 501-215-9752 or Cassidy Roland at 501-889-8285 for further information.
Thank you so much for this consideration,
Perry County Fair Association Board of Directors
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Perry County Fair Homesteading Conference?
Join us for the Perry County Fair Homesteading Conference on September 12–13, 2025—a family-friendly event dedicated to reviving old ways for the new days ahead. Whether you’re a seasoned homesteader or just getting started, this conference offers hands-on learning for all ages. Discover practical skills, connect with like-minded folks, and help inspire the next generation of farmers, gardeners, and homemakers. Come learn, grow, and be part of a thriving homesteading community!
Will I receive a physical ticket with my purchase?
No – You will present your confirmation email at the gate in exchange for your event armband.
T-Shirts will also not be shipped but picked up at the event.
What are the ticket prices, and where can I purchase them?
Tickets are $25 for both days, and children 17 and under are free.
We also have a limited number of spots for specialty add-on classes. Both children and adults must register for tickets. Purchases tickets directly from our website.
What will parking be like?
Parking close will be limited, so it would be wise to arrive early. More parking information will be released closer to the conference dates.
What if the weather is bad?
Due to the size and planning of the event, we will hold it rain or shine. Please dress for the weather and bring an umbrella if the forecast calls for it.
What payment methods may be used at the event?
Cash is always the best policy. Vendors can accept payment methods of their choosing, and some may not have digital capabilities.
A few ATMs are available in town, and internet access will be limited at the fairgrounds.
Will there be a map?
A map and schedule will be available online closer to the conference dates, and a few will be posted at the conference.
If we leave the conference, can we return?
As long as you have your armband, you can gain re-entry. Those that do not have an armband will not be allowed back in the gate.
Will there be food available on site?
Our fair kitchen, food trucks, and drink stations will be available during the conference.
Are dogs allowed?
Only certified service animals will be allowed on the grounds; papers must be on your person. No animals will be permitted in the barn area.
Homestead Conference Vendors
Be a VENDOR for the
2025 HOMESTEAD CONFERENCE
Join Us as a Vendor at the Perry County Fair Homesteading Conference!
We’re excited to bring together a vibrant vendor market as part of this year’s Perry County Fair Homesteading Conference. This is a perfect opportunity to showcase your products, connect with the community, and be part of a weekend dedicated to self-sufficiency, old-fashioned skills, and local talent.
Vendor applications are open now and will be accepted until June 30, 2025. Approved vendors will be notified by August 1,2025.
Vendor Details:
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A $50 deposit is required to reserve your space (due by August 1, 2025)
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The deposit will be refunded at the end of the event
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No-shows or early departures will forfeit their deposit
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Priority will be given to vendors offering products related to homesteading and old-fashioned skills, but all types of vendors are encouraged to apply
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Include links to your website and product photos with your application
Set-up begins at 8:00 AM on September 12, and all booths must be in place by Noon that day. Tear-down begins at 7:00 PM on September 13, and deposits will be returned at that time.
Please note:
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Vendors are responsible for providing their own setup, including tables and tents
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This is an outdoor, rain-or-shine event—please come prepared for all weather
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Vendors are encouraged to help promote the event within their networks
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The Perry County Fairgrounds is not responsible for any property damage or injuries
Space is limited, so get your application in early to secure your spot!
Questions? Contact Tessie Mix at 501-215-9752 for more information.
Let’s make this a weekend full of community, craftsmanship, and connection!
Homestead Conference Food Trucks
Bring Your Food Truck To The
2025 HOMESTEAD CONFERENCE
Calling All Food Trucks!
We’re thrilled to welcome food vendors to the Perry County Fair Homesteading Conference – where great food and great people come together!
There’s nothing like the aroma of sizzling street food to bring a community together, and we want you to be part of that magic. Whether you serve savory barbecue, farm-fresh eats, or sweet treats, your food could be what keeps our visitors smiling all day long.
Location: Perry County Fairgrounds
Event Dates: Set up starts at 7:00 AM on September 12, and tear-down is after 7:00 PM on September 13
Vendor Details:
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A $200 deposit is required to reserve your spot (due by August 1, 2025)
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$100 of the deposit will be returned upon completion of the event
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No-shows or early departures will forfeit their deposit
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Space is limited – we aim to avoid overlapping menus, so apply early
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Spots are limited, so get your application in as soon as possible
This is an outdoor, rain-or-shine event, so come prepared for sunshine or sprinkles. Let’s feed the community, celebrate local homesteading, and create something unforgettable together.
Ready to roll in and serve up something delicious?
Contact Casey McKendree at 501-889-4552 for more information or to reserve your spot.
Let’s make this a weekend of food, fun, and fellowship.