Ohio is experiencing a surge in homesteading summits that teach forgotten self-sufficiency skills, with renowned organic farmer Joel Salatin among those leading a return to America’s traditional roots.

At a Glance

• Two major events—the Heritage Skills USA Homesteading Summit and Food Independence Summit—are drawing crowds in Ohio
• Americans are increasingly seeking to learn traditional skills like butchering, maple tree tapping, and food preservation
• Joel Salatin of Polyface Farm has become an influential voice in the regenerative farming movement
• This trend represents a significant shift away from store dependence toward self-sufficiency
• Summit attendees learn practical skills that were common knowledge to previous generations

Ohio Becomes Hub for Self-Sufficiency Movement

Ohio has emerged as a focal point for Americans seeking to reclaim the self-sufficient lifestyle that defined previous generations. The state recently hosted two significant events—the Heritage Skills USA Homesteading Summit and the Food Independence Summit—both aimed at teaching participants how to reduce their dependence on commercial supply chains. These gatherings reflect a nationwide trend of citizens looking to reconnect with traditional knowledge that has been largely forgotten in our convenience-oriented society.

The summits offer hands-on training in essential skills that were once commonplace in American households, from butchering animals and preserving food to identifying wild edibles and building simple structures. Participants travel from across the country to learn these fundamental techniques that can help them become more self-reliant in an increasingly uncertain world. Organizers report steadily growing attendance numbers, suggesting this movement extends well beyond isolated pockets of enthusiasts.

Joel Salatin’s Influence on Modern Homesteading

At the forefront of this revival stands Joel Salatin, the pioneering farmer behind Virginia’s Polyface Farm. Salatin has become a guiding voice for the modern homesteading movement through his books, lectures, and consulting work. His approach to regenerative agriculture has inspired thousands to reconsider their relationship with food production and land management. Salatin frequently speaks about the critical importance of relearning skills that would have been second nature to our grandparents and great-grandparents.

During his appearances at various homesteading summits, Salatin emphasizes that the current food system has created generations of consumers who lack basic understanding of where their food comes from or how to produce it themselves. He advocates for what he calls “participation in our food system,” arguing that even small steps toward self-sufficiency can have profound personal and environmental benefits. His practical, accessible approach has made complex agricultural concepts approachable for beginners.

Rediscovering Lost Knowledge

Many summit attendees express surprise at how quickly fundamental skills disappeared from American culture. Tasks that were routine just three generations ago—such as gutting a chicken, tapping a maple tree for syrup, or preserving a season’s harvest—now seem foreign to most Americans. The homesteading summits seek to bridge this knowledge gap by providing both theoretical understanding and practical application. Instructors often demonstrate techniques that have been passed down through families or rediscovered through historical research.

The curriculum at these events typically includes both immediate survival skills and longer-term sustainability practices. Participants learn everything from starting seeds and managing small livestock to building root cellars and setting up off-grid power systems. What distinguishes these summits from typical educational conferences is their emphasis on hands-on practice—attendees don’t just learn about butchering a chicken; they actually perform the task under expert guidance.

Beyond Trendy Homesteading

Organizers and participants alike stress that this movement goes deeper than the “hobby farming” trend that has gained popularity in recent years. For many attendees, learning these skills represents a fundamental shift in lifestyle philosophy—moving away from consumerism toward production, from dependence toward self-reliance. The practical knowledge gained at these summits often translates into meaningful changes in daily living, whether participants have rural homesteads or urban apartments.

The demographics at these events reflect a diverse cross-section of Americans, suggesting the appeal extends beyond any single political or social group. Young families concerned about food quality, retirees looking to reconnect with traditional practices, and working professionals seeking greater independence all find common ground in these gatherings. This broad appeal indicates that the desire for self-sufficiency may represent a significant cultural shift rather than a passing fad.