Homestead Speaker'25

Meet the Minds Behind the Movement

Our speakers are seasoned homesteaders, educators, and experts who live what they teach—from sourdough baking and seed saving to butchering, composting, and fermentation. Come learn from the best in the field and walk away inspired, empowered, and ready to put skills into action.

Julie Daniels

Juliet Daniels (or as her friends call her, Julie) is a University of Wyoming Community Vitality and Health Extension Educator. As a professional educator and trained facilitator, Julie works with individuals, families, and communities to create healthy and thriving spaces to live, work, and play. During her 18-year career with Extension, her programs have focused on community capacity building and healthy living. During the last 3 years, Julie has increased her emphasis on nutrition, food safety, and food preservation to better meet the needs of the communities she serves.

Boiling-Water & Pressure Canning Workshop- Join Julie Daniels and Mary Evans for a hands-on session covering both boiling-water and pressure canning methods. Learn how to safely preserve food at home with practical instruction, guided recipe prep, and expert tips. You’ll practice canning techniques in a supportive setting and explore topics like jar prep, processing times, and spoilage prevention. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refresh your skills, this workshop offers confidence and real-world canning experience to take home.

Del Jimenez

Del Jimenez is a respected agriculture specialist with over 30 years of service at New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension. A champion of sustainable practices, he’s known for pioneering affordable hoop house structures and helping producers adapt to shifting climates and markets. Jimenez has led 150+ workshops across the West, sharing hands-on techniques in livestock, crops, and season extension. His work has empowered thousands of producers and earned national recognition, including the NACAA Distinguished Service Award.

Based in Alcalde, NM, Del provided vital support to growers across northern New Mexico through research, education, and one-on-one mentorship. His legacy lives on in the resilient, innovative practices embraced by the communities he’s served.

Jennifer Thompson

Saving Seeds– There are many reasons to save seeds and doing so for many plants is not hard. However, depending on your goals some of the vegetables can be a little more complicated. In this session we’ll go through the basics of how to successfully collect, process and store seeds touching both on flowers and vegetables. Bring your questions!

Planning out your garden– Time spent planning out an edible garden can lead to greater harvests while reducing the effort needed for maintenance. Join us as we discuss some of the factors that will help your garden thrive.

Mary Louise Wood

Mary Louise Wood is the 4-H/Youth Development Educator in Park County with UW Extension. She learned about raising dairy goats and meat goats first hand when her now adult children were 4-H/FFA members. At one time her family had 150 head of goats. She has had some wonderful mentors and would like a chance to share with others.

Your backyard dairy- Have you ever wondered what it would be like to raise a couple of dairy goats? Come and learn the logistics and requirements of space, etc. to have a few dairy goats in your backyard. Also, there will be discussion of why you would want goats and what can be done with their products.

Jessica Friis

Jessica grew up in Cheyenne with a deep admiration for the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens. While studying at LCCC, she discovered her passion for horticulture and went on to earn a degree in Landscape Management from BYU. She began at the Gardens in 2009 and returned to her role in 2020 after time away supporting her husband’s career. Jessica specializes in annual plant production and the High Plains Arboretum. She also enjoys sharing the German language and culture with her two children.

Native Fruits in Wyoming– Jessica will talk about plants native to the Great Plains with edible fruits, as well as some not-exactly-native, but suitable for our climate fruits to add to the palette. Growing fruit in Wyoming takes persistence, patience, and perseverance, but can be very rewarding. She’ll also share tips for growing success.

Renée Gebault King

Renée King has nearly a decade of experience with the USDA’s National Organic Program, where she currently serves as an International Specialist managing global organic trade relationships. She has worked across regulatory, research, education, and marketing roles in agriculture for over 20 years. Renée has held positions with the Wyoming Department of Agriculture, Sheridan College, and the University of Wyoming. She holds degrees in animal science, meat science, and soil science. Based in northeastern Wyoming, she enjoys volunteering with 4-H and hiking in the Big Horns with her family.

Organic farming practices– Attendees will learn about the term “organic” from a regulatory perspective and how anyone can apply organic practices for crops, livestock, and food processing to their small-scale farm or business.

Richard Woodward

Dr. Richard Woodward is an Extension Horticulture Specialist at the University of Wyoming, where he joined the Plant Sciences Department in 2025. With over 30 years of experience as a plant pathologist, he specializes in diagnosing horticultural problems and teaching plant production. He is a member of the UW Plant Diagnostic Team and manages the ACRES Student Farm in Laramie. His previous work includes research on biosolid composting and its effects on soilborne plant pathogens.

Home Composting for Wyoming- This session will delve into the science of composting, as well as the benefits and challenges we face when home composting in Wyoming. Composting at home in Wyoming can be a rewarding process for both the environment and your garden. Kitchen and yard waste are diverted from the landfill and converted into nutrient-rich soil. However, Wyoming’s climate brings unique challenges, particularly the cold winters that can slow decomposition.

Abby Perry

Abby Perry started her current position as Small Acreage State Specialist in late February. Prior to that Abby was a county Extension Educator in Carbon County for almost 10 years. In her Small Acreage role, she is the content editor for Barnyards & Backyards magazine, and help coordinate that effort. She is also the coordinator for the Small Acreage Team. As a team, in addition to the magazine, they work on publications and workshops centered around the small acreage audience.

Making Boxelder Syrup– Did you know you can make maple syrup from trees right here in Wyoming? This workshop dives into the process of turning Manitoba maple (boxelder) sap into syrup. We’ll go through tree selection, timing, equipment, and getting to the finished product. We’ll also have buckets, lids, and spiles (taps) available for free if you want to try at home.

Amy Smith

Amy Smith is a University of Wyoming Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator. Amy has a B.S. in Agroecology from the University of Wyoming, and a MAS in Agronomy from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. Amy is a lifelong learner and enjoys discovering new skills along the way. She has a special place in her heart for entomology, is a flower enthusiast and is fascinated by the insects that visit them. Amy works closely with her husband on the family cattle ranch. She is based in Goshen County and can be contacted at asmit207@uwyo.edu.

How to process tallow– Learn how to transform raw tallow product into a purified, processed form that can be used in a variety of ways. This workshop provides a step-by-step overview of the purifying process, both stovetop and crockpot methods, that can be applied to any type of tallow.

Linda Williamson

Linda is a functional nutritionist, local food caterer, and fermentation enthusiast based in Lander, WY. Her passion for fermentation began with a simple love for the tangy flavors of kimchi, miso, yogurt, and sourdough, but was magnified by her understanding of the critical role of bacteria and yeast in promoting human health and longevity. Linda explores the fascinating world of microbes through teaching, sharing ferments, and helping people heal by restoring gut health.

Fearless Fermentation– Have you ever wanted to make your own sauerkraut? Been curious about kimchi? Fancy a tangier way to preserve the fall harvest?! Become fearless about fermentation with a deep dive into all things cultured. You’ll learn about the importance and nutritional value of fermentation; gain an overview of the types, tools, and techniques commonly used; sample a variety of delicious, fermented foods featuring Wyoming-local ingredients; and walk away with two favorite recipes to get you started fermenting at home.

Hudson Hill

Hudson grew up involved in agriculture. He does not have any memories that do not include being involved in food production. Over the last 30 years, being involved with universities and trying to dispense research based information to the general public he has seen many things change. The ones important to him, however, have stayed the same. He will talk about the keys to success that he has watched landowners utilize in order to be successful managers of their properties for food production.

Keynote speaker- With decades of experience, Hudson will share some keys to being successful in Wyoming growing your own food and maybe share a story or two of experiences along the way.

Sara Fleenor

Sara Fleenor has been cultivating curiosity and connection in Crook County for over 13 years as an Extension Educator. Passionate about food, family, and tradition, Sara champions the value of knowing where your food comes from—and how to prepare it with purpose. Inspired by the time-honored techniques passed down from her grandmother, she brings a blend of old-school wisdom and modern insight to every community program she leads.

Savory Sourdough with Herbs– Discover the art and science of sourdough baking in this hands-on, beginner-friendly workshop. Learn how to create and maintain a sourdough starter, understand fermentation, and shape and bake your first loaf, using herbs to enhance flavors. You’ll leave with your own jar of live starter, a step-by-step guide, and the confidence to continue your sourdough journey at home.

Scott Schell

Scott Schell is the Extension Entomology Specialist at the University of Wyoming. After working on a ranch in Kansas, he earned his B.S. and M.S. in entomology back in his home state. He contributed to the development of RAATs, a widely used grasshopper management method, during his time as a research associate. Since 2003, Scott has focused on arthropod identification and integrated pest management through UW Extension. His work helps producers manage pests in more sustainable, environmentally friendly ways.

Promoting Native Pollinators on Your Place– I will explain the habitat needs of insect species, besides honeybees and butterflies, that can help pollinate your garden crops. Often simple things such as a bundle of hollow stems or a patch of bare soil in addition to your flowers are all they need to thrive. Another benefit, besides pollination, of helping many of these insect species that visit flowers is that they are also important for keeping plant pest populations in check.

Jedidiah Hewlett

Jedidiah Hewlett really enjoys cutting, processing, and eating meat. He is the agriculture extension educator for Converse County, based in Douglas, Wyoming. He holds a bachelor’s degree in farm and ranch management from the University of Wyoming and a master’s in agricultural economics from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. He can be reached at jhewlett@uwyo.edu or 307-358-2417.

Processing/butchering– Meat cutting is among the practical homesteading skills that are rapidly disappearing. This session will cover the preparations and equipment needed for a successful butchery day, a brief review of meat law, good meat handling practices, and knife sharpening. Meat preservation methods will be visited as well. Come and learn about preparing meat from on-the-hoof to on-the-table.

Mary Evans

Mary Evans is a UW Extension Community Vitality and Health Educator and Cent$ible Nutrition Educator. She has 10 years with extension and has concentrated her expertise on nutrition, food safety, and food preservation. She seeks to have a positive impact and empower people to make choices that enhance their quality of life.

David Lewis

David Lewis is a hobbyist beekeeper from Cheyenne, WY, who began keeping bees in 2014 after attending a Wyoming Bee College beginner class. Following a challenging first year, he founded a support group for new beekeepers, which later became part of the Southeast Wyoming Beekeepers Association. A past SWBA secretary and frequent Wyoming Bee College presenter, David enjoys helping others get started in beekeeping.

Beginning Beekeeping- Along with local beekeeper Paul, David will cover the basics of beekeeping—hive types, honeybee breeds, buying and installing bees, hive placement, feeding, equipment, first-year care, and managing pests and diseases.

Paul Anderson

Paul Anderson is a beekeeping hobbyist and the owner of Prairie Wind Bee Supply in Cheyenne. With over a decade of experience, he provides bees, equipment, and beekeeping services throughout the region. An active member of the Southeast Wyoming Beekeepers Association, Paul is dedicated to supporting and educating beekeepers at all levels.

Beginning Beekeeping- Along with local beekeeper David Lewis, Paul will cover beekeeping basics—hive types, honeybee breeds, buying and installing bees, hive placement, feeding, equipment, first-year care, and managing pests and diseases.

Andrea Johnson

Andrea Johnson is the Creamery Manager at Medicine Bow Creamery in Saratoga, Wyoming—a seasonal, farmstead goat dairy that produces fresh and aged cheeses and yogurt for Brush Creek Ranch’s restaurants and guest experiences. Before moving to Wyoming, she worked for acclaimed Vermont cheesemakers Jasper Hill Farm and Shelburne Farms. Andi brings deep artisan expertise and a passion for farm-to-table practices to her work.

Cheesemaking with Herbs- Andrea will give a brief overview of cheesemaking before exploring ways to infuse both fresh and aged cheeses with herbs from your own garden.

Contact Us

Have questions about the Homestead Conference? Reach out to Hannah Mills.

The University of Wyoming is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution.