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IN-DEPTH: ‘Homesteading Tsunami’: Thousands Flock to Self Reliance Summit in Ohio’s Amish Country

IN-DEPTH: ‘Homesteading Tsunami’: Thousands Flock to Self Reliance Summit in Ohio’s Amish Country
Levi Schlabach taught children the ropemaking process at the Food Independence Summit. Courtesy of Everitt Townsend
Jeff Louderback
Jeff Louderback
Reporter
6/28/2023|Updated: 6/29/2023
0:00

WALNUT CREEK, Ohio—Amid the rolling green hills of eastern Ohio, Amish and Mennonite farms dot the landscape along roads traveled by horse-drawn buggies and automobiles. Here, self-sufficient living is a way of life. This is a reason why the Food Independence Summit has already become one of the country’s largest sustainable living events where experts provide insight and hands-on demonstrations about organic farming and food preservation.

Last week, around 4,000 homesteading enthusiasts from all experience levels flocked to the summit in its second year. The intent is to encourage and provide the tools and information to take steps toward discovering the freedom that comes with homegrown and local food, co-founder Marcus Wengerd told The Epoch Times.

Jeff Louderback
Jeff Louderback
Reporter
Jeff Louderback covers major news and politics, including the Make America Healthy Again movement and regenerative farming. Since joining The Epoch Times in 2022, he has covered national elections, the Robert F. Kennedy Jr. presidential campaign, the East Palestine train derailment, and the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina. Jeff has 30-plus years of professional experience as a reporter, editor, and author.
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Related Topics
organic farming
sustainable living
homesteading
Food Independence Summit
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