In today’s uncertain world, more families are turning to self-sufficiency and homesteading as a way to take charge of their food and resources. The 2025 Louisiana Homesteader Conference and Expo is here to help, offering a FREE, family-friendly, two-day outdoor event designed to empower attendees with practical skills for backyard farming, food preservation, and sustainable living.

The Expo will be held at the LSU AgCenter Red Barn, 262 Research Station Drive, Bossier City, on Friday, October 17, from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday, October 18, beginning at 8:00 a.m.

Visitors can take part in demonstrations and workshops covering:

• Backyard vegetable and fruit tree production

• Beekeeping basics

• Poultry processing and egg production

• Food preservation, including canning

• Raising goats, sheep, rabbits, and small-scale beef

More than 100 vendors and livestock booths will be on site, along with a variety of food trucks offering local flavors.

This event is more than just educational — it’s also a celebration of community. Families can enjoy antique tractor displays, a petting zoo, hayrides, kid-friendly activities, and even football viewing at the
4-H “Franks and Dranks” refreshment barn.

Vendors interested in joining the Expo still have time to register. Contact Donna Haynes at 318-741-7430 or dhaynes@agcenter.lsu.edu, or email rstrahan@agcenter.lsu.edu or wwaltman@agcenter.lsu.edu for more details.

Special note: Organizers announced that, due to storm damage from high winds on September 24, the popular corn maze will not be featured this year.