Classes
It wasn't long after we moved to Antiquity Oaks that people started asking us to teach them things -- how to make soap or cheese, how to raise chickens, and so on. The first few years we spent quite a bit of time teaching and helping people one-on-one for no cost, but as we became busier, and as the requests became more numerous, we realized it would be more efficient to start teaching classes on the subjects most often requested. The classes scheduled below are group classes, but we do offer private classes on request. Every class listed is the result of someone asking us to teach them, so if you're interested in learning something not listed, don't hesitate to ask!
In addition to the classes on the farm, Deborah is also teaching some sessions at the upcoming Homesteading Conference at Illinois Valley Community College from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, March 17, 2012. Deborah will present "Choosing Livestock for Your Homestead," "Gardening For Cowards," "Marketing Your Homestead Business," and "The Natural Home Dairy." Visit IVCC's website to learn more.
Soapmaking 101
1 - 3 p.m., Saturday, March 3, 2012
You'll learn the history of soapmaking, how modern soapmaking is different, and how to create your own soap recipes. Watch every step of cold-process soapmaking from start to finish. Each participant will receive handouts, including a list of references for future use, and you'll go home with a small loaf of soap (retail value $28) that you can slice a day or two later after saponification is complete.
Fee: $32 per person, and reservations are required. Class is limited to six people, so everyone will receive personalized instruction.
The Home Dairy
10 a.m. - noon, Saturday, March 3, 2012
We'll start in the barn with instructions in goat milking, and we'll talk about how it's different than milking a cow or a sheep (and how their milk is different). Then we'll head into the kitchen to talk about the history of dairy in this country and demonstrate how to make a variety of dairy products, such as chevre, mozzarella, yogurt, and buttermilk.
Fee: $24 per person, and reservations are required. Class is limited to six people, so there will be ample opportunity for discussion.
Homesteading 101
6 - 8 p.m., Saturday, March 3, 2012
So, you think you'd like to live in the country, grow your own vegetables, milk goats, and raise chickens? We'll discuss the advantages and disadvantages of a homesteading lifestyle, and we'll talk about the practicalities of choosing land, building a house, choosing livestock to fit your lifestyle, and learning new skills, such as gardening and animal husbandry. Then, join us for evening chores as we discuss the basic care of different animals that live on Antiquity Oaks and how each one fits into a sustainable homestead. Arrive a little early and bring a picnic supper to enjoy on the deck or under an oak tree.
Fee: $20 per person or $30 per couple, and reservations are required. Class is limited to eight people, so there will be ample opportunity for discussion.
Goats 101
10 a.m. - noon, Saturday, February 18, 2012
10 a.m. - noon, Saturday, March 24, 2012
Learn the basics of keeping goats, whether as pets, for milk, or for meat. Most of this class will be held in the barn and pasture, as we discuss what goats need for housing, fencing, and nutrition. We'll also talk about basic health care, including deworming. You'll see first-hand how to administer medicine to goats and how to trim their hooves. Be sure to wear closed-toe shoes and long, well-worn pants or jeans. Be forewarned that our goats are very friendly and may jump on you like a dog, and their feet are not always clean. This class is free for anyone who is purchasing or has purchased a goat from Antiquity Oaks.
Fee: $20 per person or $30 per couple, children free with parent.
Goat Breeding and Birthing
1 - 3 p.m., Saturday, February 18, 2012
1 - 3 p.m., Saturday, March 24, 2012
If you want milk, you have to breed your goats to freshen yearly. In this class, we'll talk about how to detect heat, pen breeding vs. hand breeding, nutritional requirements during pregnancy, signs of labor, and the birth process. Several goats are due around the date of this class, so you should get some hands-on experience in checking tail ligaments, assessing udders in relation to kidding time, seeing how the belly changes when a doe is close to kidding, and perhaps even seeing kids born, if timing is just right. You will probably see newborn kids and learn to determine if a kid is polled. We'll talk about bottle-feeding vs. dam-raising kids and how to do each one. Castration, disbudding, and tattooing will also be covered. Be sure to wear closed-toe shoes and long, well-worn pants or jeans. Be forewarned that our goats are very friendly and may jump on you like a dog, and their feet are not always clean. This class is free for anyone who is purchasing or has purchased a goat from Antiquity Oaks.
Fee: $20 per person or $30 per couple, children free with parent.
Composting for Everyone
Compost happens, right? Well, yes, but depending upon how you do it, you can have compost in a few weeks or a year. You can also use worms to create a much richer compost right in your kitchen, which makes it perfect for apartment dwellers. Discover inexpensive options for creating compost bins and a worm bin. Learn about hot and cold composting, as well as vermicomposting, and turn your kitchen scraps and junk mail into black gold for your garden or houseplants.
Learn to Knit
In only two hours, learn the basics of knitting, including knitting terminology, types of yarns, how to cast on, and the basic stitches (knit and purl), which the rest of the art is built upon. You will have the beginning of a scarf by the end of the class. Needles and yarn are included in the $30 fee for the class. Limited to only four participants.