Bee Kept

10/13/2025

Homesteading may not be the way of living for many in our nation and culture, and that’s ok. We are all called to different spheres of influence and missions in this beautiful life. But for over 6,000 people this weekend, there was a unity like never before. Homesteaders of America feels like family. Not just with the people you know there, but with the people you don’t know, too.

The atmosphere was vibrating with hope, peace, and perseverance. With confidence and grace, each sponsor, vendor, speaker, attendee, and volunteer stepped up to the plate to teach, work, learn, and share.

Homesteaders of America may be an event, but more than anything it is a true coming together of one mind and accord. Homesteading isn’t a trend, it’s a calling. For whatever reason, you and your family are called to this way of living. Don’t doubt it for a minute. America needs you. The world needs you.

Welcome to creating true systems that work and are sustainable. Welcome to reforming government and culture. Welcome to making real life friends and community that will be there for you when you’re in need. Welcome to discernment of the times and restoration of the earth. The time is now.

10/11/2025

Had a blast speaking to lots of future swarm trappers! Thank you Homesteaders of America for the opportunity once again!!! 🐝🐝🐝 If you have never been to an HOA event, start making plans for next year! Such a great time with so many likeminded individuals and so many opportunities to learn!!

10/10/2025

Here we go!!!
HOA 2025 opening ceremony!

10/03/2025

📢 Did you know? HOA Members can watch the “Big Barn” lectures LIVE online during the 9th Annual Homesteaders of America Conference! 🙌⁠
That means you don’t have to be on-site to soak up wisdom from some of the best voices in homesteading—you can join us right from home. 🏡✨⁠
👉 After the event, all Big Barn sessions will stay online for Premier Members to rewatch anytime.⁠
🚨 Membership Sale: October 3–17! Use code FALL2025 at checkout for your discounted rate. 🍂⁠
🎤 This year’s Big Barn lineup includes:⁠
• Shawn & Beth Dougherty⁠
• Joel Salatin⁠
• Darin & Monica Strong⁠
• Nick Freitas⁠
• John Lovell⁠
• Ann Accetta Scott⁠
• Max Kane⁠
• PLUS a Speaker Q&A Panel!⁠
Ready to watch? 🎥 Become a member today:⁠
👉 https://homesteadersofamerica.com/join-today/

09/29/2025

🐝🐝🐝

Learn to keep bees in the most natural way possible - the way God intended!

Adam Martin takes readers through all stages of beekeeping in an upfront, honest, and naturally sustainable way.

Available at sawdustpublishing.com

09/24/2025

Check out the new one from our publisher!

Something new is coming to Sawdust Publishing readers!

Army veteran Jacob Kelly has given us the honor of publishing his debut book of poems that deeply touches the heart and soul.

While not directly related to homesteading and farming, Jake is one who has devoted his life to service. He speaks to the farmer, the cowboy, policeman, fireman, fellow veterans, and anyone who chooses a life of service.

Coming soon - keep an eye out for glimpses of this book and more!

09/15/2025

Alright kids!!! Who thinks corn syrup is better for bees than honey?!?!
Ryan Welch 😂

09/15/2025

🙌🏻 We had another awesome adventure to the where we we were privileged to be guest speakers and vendors! Adam spoke about swarm trapping and keeping bees in horizontal hives. These events are always about the people whom we call friends, giving God the glory for His intelligent design in honey bees as well, and sharing with others what we have learned. It was so much fun and a ton of work but we LOVE IT!!!

The entire Phelan family joined us to man (and woman 😉) the vendor booths of and ! We love them and they are family!

Steve and Sandy Eplett were such gracious hosts and put on an excellent event full of great information and hands on learning for everyone that attended.

We hung out with one of our Bk Bee Club members, Debbie to chat about bees and life.

It is always fun to get together with our dear friends and Hoyt, Rachel of , and Billy .

We had the opportunity to meet so many new friends as well as connect again with friends we have made in the past few years!

Matt and Jessica also did an excellent job of managing us crazy vendors! Everyone that helped, the vendors, the guests, were all amazing!!!

Thank you Lord for safety there and back and thank you for giving us another great time!

(And as usual we didn't take many pics 😬).

09/14/2025

Save the date now and get your tickets early!!!

We just came off of 2 days of incredible community, teachings, workshops, inspiration and so much more! If you are ready to DO IT AGAIN....then don't miss out of this presale special!

Keep watch on socials for all the video and picture downloads coming your way from this weekend's festival Hardin Valley Event Center.

09/14/2025

Today is a day of mostly rest 😂 for us and dwelling in the thankfulness for the last three days!!! 🙌🏻 We had another awesome adventure to the East Tennessee Homestead Alliance Festival where we we were privileged to be guest speakers and vendors! Adam spoke about swarm trapping and catching on day one. On day two he taught on keeping bees in horizontal hives. These events are always about the people with whom we call friends and giving God the glory for His intelligent design in honey bees as well as sharing what we have learned with others. It was so much fun and a ton of work but we LOVE IT!!! The entire Phelan family joined us to man the vendor booths of Swallow and Bee as well as Bee Kept! We love them and they are family! Steve and Sandy Eplett were such gracious hosts and put on an excellent event full of learning experiences and hands on learning for everyone that attended. It is always fun to get together with our dear friend Janelle Anderson who was accompanied by her son Hoyt as well as our friends Rachel Hester of Whoopsie Daisy Farm and Billy Bond of Perma Pastures. We had the opportunity to meet so many new friends as well as connect again with friends we have made in the past few years! Matt and Jessica also did an excellent job of managing us crazy vendors! Everyone that helped, the vendors, the guests, were all amazing!!! Thank you Lord for safety there and back and thank you for giving us another great time!