The Haven Farmstead

Janelle Anderson

​Janelle, her husband Ben, and their children started Haven Farmstead on raw land in the fall of 2022. Guided by the principles of being a “Haven” for others and practicing sustainable farming, they traded a North Dakota cattle ranch for a homestead in middle TN. Haven Farmstead is dedicated to raising quality meat, raw milk, and eggs for their family and community while enhancing soil quality.

Speaking Topics: 

1. Dairy Cow--The Queen of the Homestead

2. Cattle topic TBA

3. Expert Panel TBA

Cattywampus Acres

Jason Allen

Homesteaders, Goat-Milk Soap Makers, and Content Creators

Jason and Lauren never imagined owning a farm until their shared love for homesteading brought them togther. Both from the Midwest—Jason from southeast Michigan, Lauren originally from Minnesota—they landed in Georgia (Jason in 2007, Lauren in 2004), crossed paths, and married in June 2018.

Their homesteading journey began in 2014, when Jason transformed a bare five-acre property into a thriving homestead—building a shop, coop, goat barn, and starting with chickens and a few goats. True to form, the chickens were just the beginning!

After marrying, Lauren instantly dove in. Together they've grown a vibrant homestead filled with diverse animals, a garden, and an orchard—experimenting and learning every step of the way, and sharing the journey on their YouTube channel.

When their goat herd grew, so did their milk supply. They explored cheese, yogurt, ice cream—and eventually soap. What started as small kitchen batches matured into a full garage-based soap studio, after loved ones insisted their goat-milk soap was too good not to share.

Today, Jason and Lauren craft luxurious goat-milk soap using milk from their healthy, well-cared-for herd. Their mission? To share the natural benefits of goat-milk soap —moisturizing, skin-loving, and made with real care.

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Speaker Topics:

1. Dairy Goats

2. Full-Time Work & Homesteading: Finding the Balance

3. Expert Speaker Panel: TBA

Speaker Live Demo:

1. Goats milk Soap Making

Five Oaks Farm

Jenni McCarty

Jenni and her husband Mike are the founders and owners of Five Oaks Farm, a thriving first-generation farm and online farm shop based in North Alabama. What began as a family’s effort to grow 80% of their own food, quickly evolved into a seven figure business, built on handmade, farm-based products and a deep-rooted commitment to sustainable living.

With a degree in Business Management and a background in entrepreneurship, Jenni has built and scaled multiple businesses, but nothing as fulfilling as Five Oaks Farm. In just over a year, her farm shop has shipped more than 30,000 orders, created meaningful employment for over 35 local women, and made it possible for her husband to leave his 9-to-5 job.

She’s passionate about helping others build profitable, purpose-driven farm businesses that are rooted in authentic values, not trends. Through transparency, and education, Jenni teaches how to turn homesteading skills into income without sacrificing your family, faith, or sanity.

Whether it’s a handmade beeswax bread bag, a sourdough course, or a lesson in scaling a rural brand, Jenni proves that it’s possible to live well, live simply, and make a real living doing what you love.

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Speaking topic:

1. Sourdough, Soap, and Seven Figures part 1

2.  Sourdough, Soap, and Seven Figures part 2

3. Expert Panel TBA

Resaca Sun Feeds

Alyssa Atwater

Alyssa Atwater is a dedicated livestock nutritionist with almost a decade of experience working with an array of animals but specializing in pastured livestock. Leveraging her field experience and her master's degree in animal nutrition from the University of Nottingham in England, she has developed a unique approach to livestock management, focusing on regenerative practices.

In addition to professional expertise, Alyssa raises pastured poultry and pigs on a small scale, embodying a hands-on approach to sustainable farming. Driven by the goal of helping farmers and homesteaders raise nutrient-dense products, Alyssa is committed to advancing the health and productivity of animals through innovative nutritional strategies.

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Speaking topic:

1.From Hatch to Harvest: Brooding for Success

2. Speaker panel TBA

Backyard Beekeeper

Michael Shelnutt

​Since 2020, I have been passionate about beekeeping, growing my hives from an initial two to twenty. As a dedicated student of the craft, I have gained knowledge through hands-on experience and by learning from seasoned beekeepers. When I'm not tending to bees, I am a Quality Engineer by profession. Outside of work and beekeeping, I’m a proud father of three, two of whom are involved in marching band and one with baseball. I've been happily married for 21 years and am constantly balancing family, profession, and my love for bees. I am passionate about sharing knowledge with others.

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Speaker Topic:

1. Backyard Beekeeping

2. Speaker Panel TBA

Bread For Life

Beth Holland

In 1991, facing her family’s health concerns, Beth felt led to mill her own grains and embrace whole foods. By 1992, marked improvements led her to share her journey—thus founding Bread For Life. Since then, she’s:

• Taught 5½-hour seminars on biblical eating

• Authored Bread For Life Volumes I–III, plus The Coming Famine and Some Common Nutritional Fallacies

• Spoken widely at conferences, women’s groups, and Sukkot celebrations on topics like whole grains, food preservation, and spiritual preparedness

• Explored the Hebrew Roots of faith since 1998

Beth lives by two simple eating principles:

1. Eat only what God created as food.

2. Consume it as close to its original form as possible.​

Today, Beth continues inspiring transformation through whole-food living, biblical insight, and creative arts.

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Speaking topic:

1. Making Bread from Freshly Milled Flour

2. Food Preservation: Dehydration

Regenerative Farmer

Jake Holloway

Jake Holloway is a sixth-generation farmer based in the Dot community of southwest Carroll County, Georgia. Fifteen years ago, he and his wife, Lindsey, purchased their farm from family, continuing a legacy that has spanned more than a century. While large-scale vegetable production isn't the farm’s primary focus, Jake has long held a passion for growing—and growing big.

For over two decades, he has specialized in competitive gardening, setting numerous Georgia state records for giant produce, including a 264.5-pound watermelon, a 58-pound cantaloupe, a 240-pound gourd, and a 4.63-pound tomato. His success in the field is rooted in a commitment to continual learning and experimentation with innovative growing methods.

As Jake’s family grew, so did his farming philosophy. Driven by a desire to provide healthier food for his children, he began transitioning to regenerative practices that prioritize soil health, sustainability, and nutrient density. Not only did these methods improve the quality and resilience of his crops—they also transformed his competitive gardening results. Today, Jake combines traditional wisdom with regenerative techniques to grow produce that is more flavorful, disease- and pest-resistant, and packed with nutrition.

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Speaker Topic:

1. Cover Crops for Pastured Livestock

2. Expert Panel TBA

Functional Medicine Doctor

Rhett Bergeron, MD

Rhett Bergeron, MD, has over 25 years of experience as an integrative and functional health practitioner. Dr. Bergeron grew up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and received his medical education at Louisiana State University Medical School, located in New Orleans, Louisiana. After graduation, he completed an internship in Pediatrics and Internal Medicine at the Charity Hospital System of Louisiana. He finished his Family Medicine residency at Earl K. Long Medical Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Dr. Bergeron worked with ImmunoComp Research Laboratory studying the immune system in chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, and cancer patients. Dr. Bergeron has trained and practiced in the areas of environmental, biological, functional, metabolic medicine, and has significant experience in metabolic - immune therapies for cancer. Dr. Bergeron has received continuing medical education with the following medical professional organizations:

● American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine.

● Academy of Integrative and Comprehensive Medicine.

● American College for Advancement in Medicine .

Dr. Bergeron enjoys music, camping, swimming, and spending time outdoors. He is a devout Christian and credits his faith for the ability to understand the privilege, accountability, and carefulness needed to help his patients improve their health.

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Speaker topics:

1. TBA

2. Expert speaker Medical Panel

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Reclaiming Health 365

Rachel Smith, NP

Rachel Smith has a 30-year background in nutrition and holistic living, drawing inspiration from Hippocrates' admonition to "let food be your medicine;" a proverb which she has carried with her through her 15+ years in healthcare. After personally being vaccine-injured, Rachel used her healthcare background and knowledge to dig through the established narrative, using real science to find the truth. After well over 1000 hours of research in journals, publications, and research studies, Rachel comes to present her findings to you with a passion for empowering parents to make truly informed healthcare decisions for their families.  

Rachel has also spent nearly a decade as a medical historian, educating the public on 19th century medicine and surgery across the eastern United States. Demonstrating medical practices of the era in such places as Andersonville, Bentonville, and Gettysburg, she has educated tens of thousands of people on a widely overlooked aspect of a conflict that shaped our nation. She is a 5-time nationally published author on Civil War medicine, and is a current member of the Society of Civil War Surgeons. She has also lectured publicly before physicians and legislators on one of the topics she is presenting at the Farmstead Forum!

Speaking Topics: 

1. Vaccines: Science or Religion?

2. 10 Things to Start Your Home Pharmacy

3. Expert Speaker Medical panel

The Homesteading Pastor

Denny & Jennifer Dillman 

Denny and Jennifer Dillman have been married since 1999. After a major windstorm in 2008, and a major ice storm in 2009, each time shutting down power for over a week, they began a journey of homesteading and preparedness. This began in their suburban backyard, with raised bed gardening and egg laying chickens, Today they live in a cabin on 12 1/2 acres in Henryville, IN, where they are developing a permaculture homesteading operation, raising chickens, turkeys, pigs and rabbits, a food garden and an herb garden. Denny serves as the preacher and pastor of Henryville Community Church. Jennifer is a homeschool mom, a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, and a Doctor of Naturopathy. The Dillmans have 10 kids, some grown and out on their own. They are also the proud grandparents of (soon to be) 8 amazing future homesteaders. They are passionate about serving God, serving their family, and serving the church by challenging others to live in a way that proclaims this question: “God, what would you have us to do with ALL that you have ENTRUSTED to us?” Their new effort is preparing the church for hard times and for the likelihood of a coming persecution, and to bring a Biblical worldview to homesteading, preparedness, and natural health. Their desire is to honor Jeremiah 29:4-7, to glorify God by building homesteads, planting gardens and eating the food, growing our families, and caring for the welfare of our community.

Speaking Topics: 

1. "Find your 12"

2. Herbal Medicine TBA

3. Speaker Expert Medical Panel TBA

4. Speaker Panel TBA

Emboldened Minds Learning Studio

Rikki Chandler

My name is Rikki Chandler. I have been married to my amazing husband, Josh, for 18 years. Our daughter, Charleigh, is 13 years old and consistently inspires me to be a better person. I spent 20 years in public education and cherished my time in the classroom. I enjoyed building relationships with students, encouraging and supporting them as they faced challenges, and watching them grow in confidence and ability. I also loved creating engaging lessons, adapting them to meet the needs of all my learners, and empowering my students through rigorous instruction.

However, one aspect of public education I continued to struggle with was the lack of real-life connections. Too often, it felt like we were preparing students for a future determined by narrowly defined—and sometimes not easily understood—parameters of success. Instead of helping students develop the skills and confidence needed for authentic challenges, much of our focus was on multiple-choice questions, organized in predictable structures and meticulously analyzed, all to demonstrate that both teachers and students were succeeding according to those standards.

In 2021, we made the decision to homeschool our daughter. During our first year, I continued to work full time, so we did instruction in the afternoons. Charleigh spent part of her week with my parents at their sign shop, where she learned how to talk to and build relationships with customers and gained insight into various aspects of the sign business. The rest of the week, she was with my mother- and father-in-law, who are both retired but active in their church’s senior group. It was important to us that Charleigh not only learn to respect her elders but also to value their experiences, contributions, and relationships. During this time, she developed real friendships with the seniors she met. Over the next two years of homeschooling, I transitioned to part-time work and was able to spend more time with her, while she continued to have this valuable time with her grandparents—a time she will cherish in the future. In the winter of 2023, I made the decision to leave my job to begin my learning pod. I had no idea what God had planned, but I am excited to be on this ride. 

Our learning pod, Emboldened Minds Learning Studio, is built on God’s truth, and that’s really at the heart of everything we do. I wanted a place where kids could learn at their own pace, in a way that actually makes sense for them, instead of being boxed in by someone else’s idea of success. We approach learning thematically, weaving subjects together so everything feels connected and meaningful—not just boxes to check off.

We spend a lot of time working on how we communicate, how we collaborate, and how we problem-solve—because those skills matter just as much as any worksheet. Play is a big part of our day, too; I believe kids need time to be creative, explore, laugh, and just be kids. But we also play with words and numbers as we experiment with communication and mathematical reasoning. We talk openly about gratitude—finding things to be thankful for each day helps us all keep perspective and appreciate each other and the world around us. Reflection is important here as well. We take time to think about what we’ve learned, how we’ve grown, and what we might do differently tomorrow.

It’s a hands-on life here. We have chickens and donkeys that the students help care for, and together we plant and tend our garden each season. It’s messy and real, and the learning that happens outside the classroom is just as important as what happens inside. We also believe in giving back. The kids get involved in community projects, which helps them see their own impact and teaches them the value of serving others.

What I love most is seeing these kids grow into thoughtful, grateful, playful, and compassionate people—ready for real challenges, not just the next test. That’s always been my hope as an educator and as a parent, and I’m grateful every day for this journey we’re on together.

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Speaking Topic:

1. TBA

2. Speakers panel

Our Apothecary at Bremen Farms

Grant Wallace

Grant Wallace is the passionate steward behind Our Apothecary at Bremen Farms, a thriving 660‑acre homestead nestled west of Atlanta. Featured in Atlanta Magazine, he credits his inspiration to Henry David Thoreau and his upbringing in California’s “Salad Bowl of the World,” dreams that steered him into independent farming by age 17 .

Grant cultivates a diverse repertoire of produce and herbs—from cilantro, fennel, and native mountain mint to specialty items like African blue basil, anise hyssop, and chamomile. He employs regenerative, biodiversity-forward practices such as mulching with grass clippings, planting cover crops, and low-impact trenching, methods that helped shield his fields during recent storms .

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Grant is also a committed father of three boys (ages 10–15), who are deeply involved in farm life—from planting and mowing to garnishing tacos with cilantro flowers. “Nothing makes me happier than to see him grinning from that tractor,” he reflects about his eldest .

Through farmers’ markets, a bustling online herb and produce business, and wholesale relationships with Atlanta-area chefs (including Avize, Gunshow, Indaco, and Kimball House), Grant merges traditional farming with community impact. His fragrances—like the farm inspired “Deep,” which features African blue basil—extend his farm’s reach into perfumery and mixology .

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Speaker Topics:

1. Tea Blends with Herbs

2. Expert Speaker Panel: TBA

Holly Bottom Farm's

Chris Musselwhite

Based in Macon, Georgia, this passionate land steward has spent the past four years cultivating a thriving regenerative farm—one that flourishes without synthetic fertilizers or chemical inputs. Every decision on the farm is rooted in a deep respect for nature, with a focus on soil health, biodiversity, and sustainable livestock practices.

With a heart for teaching and a hands-on approach, the goal is simple: restore the land, grow nutrient-dense food, and build resilient communities. Whether encouraging new farmers, connecting with community leaders, or sharing hard-earned lessons with fellow growers, the message is clear—regenerating the earth is not only possible, it’s powerful.

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Speaker Topics: 

1. Homesteading 101

2. Expert Panel TBA

A Humble Homestead

Kayla Hales

 Kayla Hales – Homestead Speaker, Maker & Teacher – is a passionate, self-taught homesteader with a deep love for all things homemade, homegrown, and heartfelt. Over 15 years ago, she began gardening without any background in traditional skills, just a strong desire to learn and care for her family. What started as curiosity has grown into a lifestyle full of passion for simple and intentional living.

With a background in skincare and a love for herbal remedies, Kayla began creating nourishing, tallow-based products using what the Lord provides through the land.

She’s also passionate about the art of sourdough baking, gardening and food preservation, and loves helping others gain the confidence to grow, create, and nourish their families through these time honored skills.

Kayla and her family recently moved to a small town in East Alabama, where they’re building their new homestead one intentional step at a time. Whether in the kitchen, the garden, or around the table, Kayla seeks to glorify God in all she does and to steward the land and life He has called her to. Her mission is to help others gain the skills to nourish their families from the soil up, to encourage them to return to the good, simple things in life, and to boldly step into the work God has placed in their hands.

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Speaker topics:

   1. Sourdough for Beginners

   2. Speaker Panel TBA

Speaker Live Demo:

   1. Tallow Skincare 

🍓 Water Bath Canning: Strawberry Jam Workshop
📅 Thursday, November 6th, 2025
📍Spots are very limited—only 10 seats available for this hands-on, small-group workshop!

Registration details will be announced soon via email only, so be sure you’re subscribed to our newsletter to get first access. Once the 10 spots are filled, we’ll begin a waitlist in case of cancellations.

📬 Sign up for our email list at the bottom of this page to be the first to know when registration opens!

Don’t miss this chance to learn the art of water bath canning with a delicious batch of homemade strawberry jam. 🍓

Fermented Foods

Sandy & Theresa
Brown

Theresa Brown has been fermenting vegetables for over 20 years. For nearly a decade she has been co-teaching fermentation classes with Judy Cunningham at Country Gardens Farm in Sharpsburg, GA. She began fermenting vegetables as part of her recovery from an autoimmune condition, and continues fermenting to maintain her health and preserve the harvest. She and her husband Sandy have been gardening organically for almost 30 years. For the last 14 years they’ve been gardening on a grand scale, growing enough vegetables to feed their fermentation habit!

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Speaker Topic:

1. Gardening 101

2. Speaker Panel TBA

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Speaker live Demo:

1. Food Fermentation

Building A Homestead From Scratch

Ally Lothman

Ally Lothman grew up in suburban America, but her heart was always in the outdoors wherever she could find it including the network of creeks in her neighborhood or in the many campgrounds her parents brought her to. In 2019, she discovered homesteading as an alternative  lifestyle and set her sights on attaining her own small homestead some day. To prepare, she took on odd jobs—working on farms, tending animals, and even wrangling landscaping goats. In 2024, Ally and her family traded city life for the country, diving headfirst into building a homestead from scratch. Now, she’s documenting the journey on YouTube, sharing their adventures in growing a garden and raising meat chickens, with plans to expand into sheep and pigs soon. Ally’s story is one of grit, determination, and a deep connection to all things nature.

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🐔 Hands-On Poultry Processing Workshop
📅 Thursday, November 6th, 2025
📍LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE!
Each registration includes:
✅ Hands-on instruction in poultry processing
✅ Admission for 2 participants
✅ 2 pasture-raised, non-GMO chickens to take home

This is a rare and valuable opportunity to learn practical, ethical processing skills from experienced instructors. Space is extremely limited, and we will maintain a waitlist once the class fills.

📬 Subscribe to our email list (bottom of this page) for registration updates—spots will go fast!

🔥 Don’t miss your chance to gain real skills and real food in this unforgettable workshop!

Cedartown Farmer's Market

Melinda King

Melinda is a wife and proud mother of four, living with her family on her husband’s multigenerational farm in Cedartown. For the past 12 years, they’ve raised sheep and a wide variety of animals, embracing the joys and challenges of farm life together.

Before stepping into the world of agriculture, Melinda spent 13 years at Georgia Highlands College, where she coordinated events, workshops, and new student orientations. With no prior experience in farming, she began her journey into homesteading and gardening with curiosity and determination. Her involvement with the Rockmart Farmers Market introduced her to a community of local farmers who shared their knowledge and helped shape her path. What began as a goal to become a vendor soon evolved—she accepted the role of market manager and led the Rockmart Farmers Market for six years.

Melinda later played a key role in founding the Cedartown Farmers Market, which she has successfully managed for the past three years. Her combined experience in event planning and agriculture has made her a passionate advocate for local food systems and community-based markets.

She is currently expanding her horticultural knowledge through the Carroll County Master Gardener program, continuing her hands-on education and deepening her commitment to sustainable living.

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Speaking Topics: 

1. The Do's and Dont's of Becoming a Farmers Market Vendor

2. Speaker panel TBA

Master Gardener

Lisa Todd

Lisa Todd is a lifelong gardener, lover of plants and the growing of them. Having 30 years in both plant retail and landscaping, Lisa has a wide array of knowledge of home gardening and professional landscaping. She is a Master Gardener of Carroll County, an International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist,  Georgia Green Industry Assn Certified Plant Professional and State of GA Certified Pesticide Applicator. She is currently employed as Landscape Supervisor at The University of West Georgia in Carrollton, GA.

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Speaker live Demo:

1. Plant Propagation & Pruning

2. Seed Starting for Success

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