Self-Sufficiency Summits in Ohio Reflect Surging Interest in Homesteading

‘We are now several generations removed from commonly knowing how to gut a chicken, tap a maple tree, and plant tomatoes,’ regenerative farmer Joel Salatin said

Joel Salatin, founder of Polyface Farm and an organic farming expert, takes a break from his presentations at the Food Independence Summit. Courtesy of Emma Low/Food Independence Summit

Decades ago, many Americans lived on farms and in small towns, and they grew and raised the food that they consumed. After an age of reliance on store-bought items, many Americans are returning to those roots.

Two gatherings in Ohio this month—the Heritage Skills USA Homesteading Summit and the Food Independence Summit—represent an emerging trend of events focused on teaching a more self-sufficient lifestyle.