Today we were blessed to be able to attend the Arkansas Homesteading Conference.
It is great to have moved here to the Ozarks where there are many people with a similar goal for their lifestyle. By meeting others and sharing information, we can all do a better job at what we are trying to accomplish. The other day, 
PRESENTATIONS
There were several presentations throughout the day featuring such topics as Solar Energy, Wild Herbs, Gardening, DIY Solar Projects, and Dairy Cows. It gave us a lot to think about as we consider how to proceed and a lot of good information that we can apply right now. We are still not sure if we want to go completely off-grid, but it certainly is an option and it has its advantages.
VENDORS
There was also a vendor hall featuring all sorts of great things to buy. Garden plants, herbs, essential oils, Gold & Silver bullion, emergency food supplies, books, videos and other goods were for sale. We picked up a homemade candle, some more herbs, and some lunch too.
Larger items like solar panels and windmills were also available to purchase or check out. It is very interesting to consider all the things that man has done in his attempt to harvest energy from the world around us.
DEMONSTRATIONS
There were some pretty cool demonstrations too. We got to learn how to make wooden shingles and other woodworking skills. From the practical to the delicious, there was a little of everything.
Watching a solar oven make some smores was an interesting sight too. You could literally watch the chocolate melt and sun down the marshmallow.
With no fire and no electricity, the smores were made and great deliciousness was achieved.
MY HIGHLIGHT
My personal highlight of the day was meeting "Pa Mac" from The Farm Hand's Companion Show. I had not previously seen any of his work, but we had a lot in common, like a current Poison Oak rash! LOL. We enjoyed his presentation a lot too.
He also did some great demonstrations and was a wonderful man just to talk to. I got to learn a few good things from him that he did not cover in his presentation, and know a little bit more about working the land with goats and hogs, which I am already starting to do anyway.
Since he happens to be a *Homesteading YouTuber, he is already aware of one of newer steemians, 
CLOSING THOUGHTS
I am pretty sure that we will be heading back for Day 2 tomorrow. We learned quite a bit and got to meet some great people, so we are excited about learning some more. Perhaps we will even meet someone to pick up some goats or guinea fowl from, as those are on our current to do list.
The path that we are on as a family is tough work, but it is rewarding and we are enjoying it. It looks like another one of our rabbits started giving birth today too, so the 
As always, I'm 
and here's the proof:
proof-of-arkansas-homesteading-conference
Until next time…
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