Introduction

Hi everyone and welcome back to the Homestead Education Podcast. Today I have Rose Campos here with me, who she is getting ready to host a new homesteading event over in Montana, which we have desperately been needing one in that area. So I am excited to have her on today to chat about how that got going.

So hi, Rose.
Hi, Kody. Thank you for having me.
Absolutely. So tell us a little bit about you and what brought you and your family to homesteading.

Generational Farming Roots

Well, I come from fifth generation farming, which goes all the way back to farming before all the chemical additives. So I grew up knowing nothing but natural farming. And it’s hard to even put a label on it because it’s just, it’s the way it was back then. Now everything’s got to have a label in order for you to understand what it is.

But I was fortunate. Back when food was food. There weren’t any of these buzz tags attached to any of it. You knew what you were eating was good for you and you didn’t question it past that.

Watching Modern Farming Decline

I have sat back for years and gut-wrenchingly watched the farming environment disintegrate before my eyes into a poisonous commodity. It was hard to sit back and watch this. Some personal events with my husband and I happened and things kind of shifted for us.

Things were brought to me that I needed to start pulling something together to change the direction of where the food sources were coming from and how to gather the people who were growing good food together in Montana.

The Birth of the Montana Homesteaders Festival

Montana is rich with folks who are actually raising and growing food that is clean — not using chemicals, pesticides, GMOs, glyphosate, or any of the things being used to produce our food nowadays.

Using my background from corporate, I started putting those skills and talents together and created this event. I reached out to people and the response was overwhelming. I was getting more people than I could accommodate in a two-day weekend wanting to be speakers at the event.

We’ve already got a waiting list started for next year of people wanting to take speaking slots and be exhibitors.

Building Community and Sharing Knowledge

It lit a fire, and my husband and I are so grateful that everybody has embraced what our hearts wanted to do — bring this community together to support each other. It can be very isolating, and you don’t always have people to reach out to for answers.

We want to bring together this community so that people can share shortcuts and successes in homesteading, farming, and ranching — especially in small-scale, challenging northern climates.

Homesteading in Northern States

Nobody’s talking about the challenges of raising livestock and growing food in colder climates. The conditions in northern tier states are unique and often volatile. Montana alone has four growing zones from west to east, and that makes information hard to find.

Excitement for Regional Events

I’ve traveled to many events across the country, and there are so many on the east coast and in the south — but not nearly enough here in the north or west. We need them.

It’s harder to bring people together here because we’re so spread out, but I get so excited when I see events like this happening.

Featured Speaker: Missoula Fruit Tree Company

Fortunately, we’ve got the Missoula Fruit Tree Company coming in. Luke specializes in cold-hardy fruit trees and berry bushes — all food-producing trees and bushes. He’s going to give two talks on how to get yourself set up in the northern tier area with these types of plants.

I’d suggest anyone visit the Missoula Fruit Tree Company website — his stock is beautiful and he’s a wealth of information.

Featured Speaker: Flathead Permaculture

Mark Kamadi, who owns Flathead Permaculture, will give three talks on implementing different types of permaculture on your property. His approach is customized — not one-size-fits-all.

He’s knowledgeable about creating food forests and maximizing your land’s potential. He and Luke work together often and can help families create generational plantings that last for decades.

Generational Crops and Old Practices

On our farm we had huge walnut groves that produced for generations — true generational crops. Nut trees, hedgerows with rose hips, and other low-maintenance producers were part of old farming traditions that served both people and livestock.

We’ll be reviving those conversations at the event to bring back these valuable, forgotten practices.

Simplicity and Sustainability in Farming

The farm I grew up on was low-maintenance and simple — not like the debt-heavy, 24/7 grind of modern agriculture. It was calm and sustainable.

I hate seeing new farmers making things harder than they need to be. Yes, it takes work, but not the kind of nonstop stress so many have now.

Featured Speaker: Glenn Elzinga, Alder Springs Ranch

Glenn Elzinga from Alder Springs Ranch in southern Idaho is an expert in regenerative land management and raising grass-fed, grass-finished beef.

He and his wife started as small homesteaders, and now manage a thriving ranch. He’ll share about regenerating soil, land testing, and practical restoration — truly the “grandfather” of soil health in the West.

Hands-On Workshops: Chickens and Hogs

Daniel Sollerton will do a live chicken processing demonstration — pulling people from the audience to participate. Many kids are eager to be involved, which is great for the next generation.

Han Yun Farms will lead a live pig butchering and processing over the two days. Abraxas Farms donated a Mangalitsa pig for the demo. They follow traditional Mediterranean methods — curing meat naturally and sharing lost skills.

Old-Fashioned Farm Traditions

We’ll also be reviving community potlucks and cooperative work — everyone bringing food, working together, and sharing a meal afterward. It’s how things used to be done, and it’s wonderful to see it returning.

Old-fashioned living brings peace of mind and a slower, more meaningful pace. People are realizing modern life isn’t sustainable, and many are returning to country living — seeking balance again.

Additional Speakers and Demonstrations

David Knutson from Montana Maple Works will share how he taps and processes maple syrup right in Montana — proving it can be done even in northern climates.

Annie, a long-time Montana homesteader and master gardener, will speak on beekeeping and gardening in cold climates.

Corey Marriott from Blue Alpine Freeze Dryers will demonstrate their machines and discuss freeze-drying techniques and financing options.

Jess Schein will speak about midwifery and undisturbed home births, offering deep knowledge and experience as a homeschooling homesteader.

The Heart of Homesteading Community

Every speaker involved — yourself included — has such a big heart for teaching and sharing. Homesteading is about community, cottage industry, and bringing local production back home.

Every town once had what families needed locally, and it’s beautiful to see that returning — true self-sufficiency and sustainability.

Food and Vendors at the Festival

We’ll have exhibitors, food trucks, and local producers on site.

• Fire and Dough from Kalispell will serve authentic Neapolitan pizza with 72-hour fermented dough.

• A barbecue truck will offer wholesome grilled meals.

• Double Barrel Ice Cream from Helena will make ice cream the old-fashioned way with hand-cranked churns so kids can see the real process.

• A local farm truck will sell fresh produce and goods.

Healthy food was a top priority — no funnel cakes or fried fair food here!

Event Details

Tickets are available at montanahomesteadersfestival.com.

• Dates: June 20–21

• Location: Sanders County Fairgrounds, Plains, Montana

• Cost: $50 for two days (children $15)

• Camping: Full RV hookups (limited) and plenty of dry camping with showers and restrooms available.

The fairgrounds sit along the Clark Fork River — a peaceful, shaded area with orchards, trees, and even a swimming spot for families.

Closing Reflection: “Keep Growing”

What does “Keep Growing” mean to you?

To me, it means keeping your mind open to new possibilities and not being afraid to step into them. Coming out of corporate life was terrifying, but once you take that leap, it becomes second nature.

Listen to your gut. If something sparks that fire in your belly, pursue it. Keep moving forward, keep helping and encouraging others, and stay open to growth and love. It’s the simple things in life that matter most.

Farewell

Well, I thank you so much for what you’re doing for our regional community and what you’re building for us. I’m so excited for this festival and hope it sells out and continues for years to come.

Yeah, we’re heading in the right direction, and my husband and I are blessed to be part of it. We look forward to everyone being there, building a new family, and lifting each other up with loving advice and encouragement.

Thank you so much, and I’ll make sure to link everything in the show notes. Can’t wait to see you in a couple of weeks.
Looking forward to it, Kody. Thank you.