(10/26/26) BOSSIER CITY, La. — The annual Homesteaders Conference returned in 2026 on a windy day on Oct. 16. The two-day event, on a Friday and a Saturday, brought together vendors, educators and experts from across Louisiana to better inform the public about homesteading as well as bring about some fall celebrations.

Artisans, plant lovers and local groups congregated at the LSU AgCenter Red River Research Station in Bossier City for the fourth edition of the event, which began in 2023. Wendy Christoph, a seller at Southern Uniquities, said she hopes events like this help educate young people on how to better sustain themselves and the world.

“I love learning about all the different things, and I like encouraging that in other people that have the opportunity to do it because that’s part of sustainability,” Christoph said. “I think it’s really important that our people going forward, our young people especially, know how to take care of things themselves, and I think there’s so many opportunities for people to do that to become more self-sufficient."

Christoph sells art that was handmade by her using resources that were mostly found by her grandson, who is autistic. He goes to different estate sales and thrift stores finding unique and interesting knickknacks and brings them to Christoph to make jewelry and decorations.

Nearby, AgCenter extension agent Shakera Williams had a display for healthy and quick snacks made from easily accessible places. Williams showed visitors to her table how to put together snack-sized charcuterie, which contained nuts, cheese and fruit as well as containers of dried apple slices.

Williams said this is a great opportunity to educate people about homesteading and its importance as well as showing attendees how the AgCenter can help people achieve their self-sufficiency goals.

"I think it’s needed in our climate today. It’s just something to showcase what we do at the LSU AgCenter and how to get people more aware about homesteading,” Williams said. “So, I think it’s a great opportunity that we get to host it every year.”

Throughout the day, the AgCenter also hosted guest speakers from around Louisiana about different aspects of homesteading. These included experts on poultry, cattle, fruit and many other topics that are fundamental in having a homesteading operation. For Donna Haynes, the AgCenter Northwest Region administrative coordinator, these presentations are an integral part of the conference.

“Teaching people how to homestead helps the attendees learn how to be self-sufficient, and it benefits the AgCenter because they are able to get research-based information and realize the AgCenter is a great resource for them to lean on for the information they need,” Haynes said.

Marvin and Mona LeLeux sold a variety of Cajun food and seasoning at one table while running a booth for Red River Farm & Plant Nursery at the next table. With the nursery, they wanted to educate locals on the importance of native pollinators and had multiple displays of plants that will support native insects and birds, many of which can only live with specific pollinator plants.

It was very important for Marvin LeLeux to educate the public on local bees and other pollinators.

“We all have honeybees, but they only pollinate maybe 20% of the plants,” he said. "And so, 80% of the pollination for fruits and vegetables comes from native pollinators, which are indigenous to this area, and they are in turn responsible for one-third of the food in Louisiana.”

Ronald Strahan, director of the AgCenter Northwest Region, said this event is important to bring together community members from around the state to bond and share knowledge that can benefit anyone.

“A lot of attendees have questions about things like equipment, livestock, gardening, food preservation, fencing or starting a small farm business, and the vendors can share what they’ve learned through their own work and experiences,” Strahan said. “They add a hands-on element to the conference and give people an opportunity to see what’s available, compare options and make connections that can help them as they begin or expand their homesteading journey.”

Jessica Salley, a former LSU AgCenter nutrition agent, presents on how to safely process and preserve chickens. Throughout the Homesteaders Conference, guest lecturers were invited to speak about different aspects of homesteading. Photo by Anthony Bailey/LSU AgCenter

A 4-H’er from DeSoto Parish stands in front of his pig at the animal displays at 2026 Homesteaders Conference at the Red River Research Station. Photo by Anthony Bailey/LSU AgCenter

Marvin LeLeux speaks to visitors about native plants and pollinators at his Red River Farm & Nursery booth. Photo by Anthony Bailey/LSU AgCenter