By homesteaders, For Homesteaders
We believe in living a simple life. We believe in modern and conservative homesteading. And we believe in making homesteading normal again. We are men, women, children, old, young, college-educated, and high school dropouts. We are simply people taking control of our lives to live a more sustainable lifestyle. Growing gardens, raising farm animals, and becoming self-sufficient in a backyard, on a rooftop, or on 100 acres.
Our Story
From One Homestead to a Growing Community
Homesteaders of America began with a simple desire: to make practical homesteading education more accessible and bring together people who share a passion for self-sufficient living.
Our founder, Amy Fewell, began her homesteading journey after her son’s asthma diagnosis inspired her to make changes in her family’s lifestyle. What started with a few chickens and a garden soon grew into a passion for growing food, raising animals, and learning traditional skills.
As Amy continued learning, she recognized a need for trustworthy homesteading education and a community where people could learn from one another.
In 2016, Homesteaders of America was founded to help fill that need.
What began as one family’s journey has grown into a nationwide community connected through conferences, educational resources, memberships, and a shared love for the homesteading lifestyle.
Although HOA has grown over the years, our purpose remains the same: to help people learn practical skills, connect with experienced homesteaders, and build a more self-sufficient life.
Our Mission
Preserving Skills. Strengthening Families. Building Community.
At Homesteaders of America, we believe homesteading is about more than growing food or raising animals. It’s about developing practical skills, taking responsibility for the things we can control, and building a lifestyle that creates greater independence and resilience.
We believe valuable knowledge should be passed from one generation to the next, that families and communities are stronger when they work together, and that there’s room for everyone in the homesteading movement.
You don’t need a hundred acres or years of experience to begin. Homesteading can start with a backyard garden, a few chickens, a kitchen full of home-preserved food, or simply the desire to learn something new.
Our mission is to provide trustworthy education, meaningful connections, and encouragement to homesteaders at every stage of the journey.
We’re here to help make homesteading a lasting way of life, not just a passing trend.
In-Person Events
Our conferences, workshops, and special events bring homesteaders together to learn from experienced teachers, discover practical skills, and build friendships with people who share their interests and values.
Educational resources
From how-to articles and educational videos to magazines, planners, podcasts, and practical guides, we share resources to help you learn new skills and put them to work on your own homestead.
Online Memberships
Keep learning all year with access to homesteading lessons, conference recordings, educational resources, and a members-only community. Learn from experienced homesteaders wherever you are!
Meet the Team Behind Homesteaders of America
Real Homesteaders with a shared Purpose
Behind Homesteaders of America is a small, dedicated team of women who share a passion for homesteading, education, and community.
We’re gardeners, livestock keepers, mothers, educators, and homesteaders ourselves. Between tending our own homes and homesteads, we’re working behind the scenes to bring you educational resources, organize events, support our members, and keep this growing community connected.
Each of us brings different skills and experiences to the organization, but we share a common goal: helping homesteaders across America learn, grow, and build a more self-sufficient life.
Get to know the women who make it all happen!
Amy Fewell
Founder
Mary-Katherine Sheads
Director of Operations
Jessica Quinn
Executive Assistant
Katerina Shifflett
Bookkeeper, Sponsor & Workshop Coordinator, Customer Service
Marcia Schabel
Membership Coordinator
Janet Garman
Vendor Coordinator
Grace Margrave
Kidsteader Lead
Samantha Armel
Magazine Editor
Abby Anderson
Social Media Manager
Samantha Davis
Volunteer Coordinator
Be a part of the Homesteaders of America community
There’s a Place for You Here!
Homesteaders of America is more than an annual conference or a collection of educational resources. It’s a community of people who believe in learning practical skills, sharing knowledge, and encouraging one another along the way.
Whether you’re just beginning your homesteading journey or have years of experience to share, we’d love for you to be part of what we’re building.
01
Become a Team Member
Keep an eye out on our socials! When we are hiring, we will post on Facebook & Instagram with application instructions.
02
Share Your Knowledge
Apply to become a speaker and help educate the next generation of homesteaders.
04
Become a Volunteer
Help make our events possible by joining our volunteer team!
05
Become a Member
Get access to educational resources and connect with other homesteaders throughout the year through an HOA Membership.
06
Attend an Event
Join us for hands-on learning, experienced speakers, and opportunities to meet fellow homesteaders. Explore Upcoming Events.