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In summer 2012, we launched a new series of homesteading workshops, the purpose of which is to share with others the skills and knowledge we've learned from working our farm. We're pleased to say that the workshops have been very successful, so successful that we've expanded our offerings for 2013. Participants come from a variety of backgrounds and lifestyles, but all have one goal in common: they want to gather whatever practical tools they need to sustain themselves and their families.

If you are interested in learning more about or attending any of our workshops, please call 865.717.6222 or click here to email: wingedelmfarm@yahoo.com. If you have ideas for other workshops we could host, we'd love to hear about them!

 2013 HOMESTEADING WORKSHOPS

All of our workshops include a tour of the "lower 30," and with it an introduction to whatever livestock and plantings the season offers on our farm. To make sure everyone gets the attention they deserve, we limit the number of participants ... so reserve your spot early if you're really interested in attending a particular workshop.

April

Foraging in the Wild: Saturday, April 27, 10:00 a.m.
Follow Jeff Ross, garden manager at Blackberry Farms, into the woods and through the fields of our 70-acre farm, and come away knowing just what's edible and what's not. 

May

Fermenting: Kraut and Kimchi: TBA
Venture into the age-old practice of preserving foods through fermentation. Discover the whys and wherefores of making kraut and kimchi.We'll provide the ingredients, and you choose which ones to combine. 

August

Butchering the Bird: TBA
This hands-on workshop takes you through the process of butchering your extra chickens, whether they be old hens or surplus roosters. Be prepared to learn about and experience catching and handling, killing, scalding, plucking, eviscerating, and cleaning. You'll take home the chicken you've butchered, along with some delectable ways to prepare it.

September

Workhorse 101: TBA
Sharon Anderson brings years of experience in driving horses and mules when she shares the basics of using a horse on the farm. Among the topics: choosing a horse to fit your needs, ground driving and other basic training, and harnesses and harnessing. One of Sharon's seasoned Haflingers, as well as Winged Elm Farm's greenbroke Haflinger and Morgan, will be on hand to demonstrate.

October

Raising the Homestead Hog: TBA
Discover what it takes to produce your own tasty, healthful pork on a small scale. Learn about fencing, shelter, feeding, pig health, and a whole lot more. Meet our feeder pigs and see firsthand how they live and grow.

November

Pruning Fruit Trees: Saturday, December 7, 10:00 a.m.
Led by Andrew Merris, a certified aesthetic fruit tree pruner who hails from Northern California, this workshop takes you into our half-acre orchard for a demonstration of how to prune for maximum productivity and beauty. Plan to practice what you've learned: Bring your pruning shears and tree saw, if you have them. If not, don't worry--we'll have some on hand. Cost is $20, $10 if you attended the pruning workshop last November and just want a refresher.


 2012 HOMESTEAD WORKSHOPS

Summer 2012

Chicken Butchering: August 4, 10-noon, $20 per person; we provide the birds
This hands-on workshop takes you through the process of butchering a bird: killing, scalding, plucking, eviscerating, and cleaning. You'll take home the chicken you've butchered, along with some delectable ways to prepare it.


Fall 2012

Raising a Homestead Hog: October 6, 10:00-noon, $10 per person
Discover what it takes to produce your own tasty, healthful pork on a small scale. Learn about fencing, shelter, feeding, pig health, and a whole lot more. Meet our feeder pigs and see firsthand how they live and grow.

Harvesting Medicinal Herbs

Pruning Fruit Trees

Chicken Butchering