School of Ranch

What a fantastic evening of chicken talk, flock planning, and community connection!

At our Chicken Farming for Self-Reliant Families workshop, participants explored the essentials of raising healthy, productive chickens in Central Oregon. Together, we covered how to choose breeds that fit your goals, create safe and comfortable coops, and handle the basics of flock health care throughout the seasons.

Through guided discussions and practical examples, attendees gained the knowledge and confidence needed to start planning their own backyard flocks—or improve the ones they already have. And, of course, no School of Ranch gathering is complete without sharing food and stories around a potluck table.

Whether your dream is fresh eggs, a more self-reliant homestead, or simply the joy of tending a flock, we loved helping participants take the next step on their chicken-keeping journey.

Ready for your next homestead adventure? Join us for Goat Curious, an interactive workshop designed to help you explore what goat ownership could look like for you. Whether you're dreaming of fresh goat milk, cozy goat fiber, or the company of quirky, lovable goats, you'll work with experts and our Goat Companion app to create a personalized goat-keeping plan. Plus, there's a potluck!

Learn more and register here: https://schoolofranch.org/workshop/goat-curious/

Looking for even more hands-on learning opportunities? Browse our full workshop catalog: https://schoolofranch.org/workshops/

What a day at Warm Springs Craft and Culture Day: Weaving and More!

We spent the day immersed in tradition, creativity, and community while learning the beautiful art of Sally bag weaving with master weaver Valerie Switzler.

Participants got hands-on experience starting a Sally Bag using the Wasco flat-bottom technique, practicing twining methods, and building confidence working with traditional weaving materials. Along the way, we explored the rich cultural context behind this enduring art form, gaining a deeper appreciation for the knowledge and traditions that continue to be shared across generations.

The day was made even more special with a shared potluck meal, plenty of conversation, and a private museum tour that added even more depth and connection to the experience.

A huge thank you to Valerie for sharing her expertise, stories, and warm-hearted teaching. Opportunities to learn directly from culture bearers and master craftspeople are what make gatherings like this so meaningful.
Ready for another creative adventure?

Join us for Needle Felting: Mushroom Portraits, where you'll turn fluffy wool into a whimsical fungi-inspired work of art. This beginner-friendly, hands-on workshop explores color, texture, layering, and light—no drawing skills required! You'll even head home with a starter kit so you can keep creating.

Learn more and register:
https://schoolofranch.org/workshop/needle-felting/

Or browse all upcoming School of Ranch workshops:
https://schoolofranch.org/workshops/

Sparks flew, confidence grew, and a whole lot of steel got joined at our recent Practical Welding for Ranch and Farm workshop!

Over three evenings at Boondock Garage, participants rolled up their sleeves and got hands-on with MIG welding in a professional shop setting. With plenty of one-on-one coaching and individual welding stations, students learned how to safely set up and operate a welder, prepare and join steel materials, and build the practical skills needed for repairs and projects around the ranch or farm.

One of our favorite things about workshops like this is watching people discover that welding isn't just for professionals—it's a skill that can open the door to all kinds of creative and practical possibilities. By the end of the workshop, participants had put their new knowledge to work and completed a small project of their own.

A big thank you to Boondock Garage for hosting us and helping create a welcoming space for learning and skill-building.

Looking for your next hands-on adventure? Join us for Introduction to Pine Needle Basket Weaving, where you'll learn the ancient art of coiling and stitching pine needles into beautiful, functional baskets. You'll leave with a basket in progress, new skills, and all the materials needed to continue weaving at home.

Learn more: https://schoolofranch.org/workshop/pine-needle-intro/

Or browse all upcoming workshops here: https://schoolofranch.org/workshops/

What a powerful evening of learning!

This week at School of Ranch, participants rolled up their sleeves for DIY Home Electric Basics, a hands-on workshop led by licensed journeyman electrician Bino Fowler at Hardenbrook Hardwoods.

Together, we pulled back the curtain on the mysteries of home electrical systems, learning how circuits, breakers, outlets, switches, and safety devices all work together behind the scenes. Participants practiced using voltage detectors and multimeters, learned how to safely replace common electrical devices, and gained confidence troubleshooting electrical issues on mock setups designed for beginner-friendly learning.

One of our favorite things about workshops like this is watching people discover that a skill they once found intimidating is actually something they can understand and approach safely with the right knowledge and practice. By the end of the evening, attendees had a stronger grasp of when a repair is within homeowner scope—and when it's time to call in a professional.

A huge thank you to Bino Fowler for sharing his expertise, stories, and decades of electrical experience, and to our partners at Hardenbrook Hardwoods for hosting us.

Looking for your next hands-on adventure?

Join us for Pine Needle Coiling, where you'll learn the ancient art of spiraling and stitching pine needles into beautiful, functional baskets. Instructor Lorraine Lapekes will guide you through the foundational techniques, and you'll leave with a basket in progress plus everything you need to continue weaving at home.

Learn more: https://schoolofranch.org/workshop/pine-needle-intro/

Or browse our full lineup of upcoming workshops here:
https://schoolofranch.org/workshops/

Dehydration Demystified: Drying Food, Expanding Possibilities!

This week at School of Ranch, we gathered to explore the surprisingly versatile world of food dehydration with local food alchemist Beth Covert. From preserving garden harvests to creating lightweight meals for camping adventures, participants learned the fundamentals of drying food with confidence.

Together, we dug into the science behind dehydration, compared different methods—from dedicated dehydrators to oven and air drying—and discussed how to recognize when foods are properly dried and ready for storage. Along the way, we uncovered some of the more unexpected uses for dehydration, including drying flowers, making yogurt, proofing bread, and finding creative new life for leftovers.

A big thank you to Beth for sharing her enthusiasm, experimentation, and wealth of practical knowledge. If you've ever wondered whether that extra zucchini, apple harvest, or camping meal could have a second life, this workshop offered plenty of inspiration.

Looking for your next hands-on creative adventure? Join us for Pine Needle Coiling, where you'll learn the ancient art of spiraling and stitching pine needles into beautiful, functional baskets. You'll leave with a basket in progress and all the supplies needed to continue weaving at home.

Learn more: https://schoolofranch.org/workshop/pine-needle-intro/

Curious what else is coming up at School of Ranch? Browse our full workshop catalog:
https://schoolofranch.org/workshops/

What a great evening at our brand-new Raising Beef for Your Freezer workshop with OSU Extension in Redmond!

Participants gathered to learn the ins and outs of raising beef for home use—from understanding feed and care to planning for processing and freezer storage. Whether folks are looking to become more self-sufficient, better understand where their food comes from, or take the first steps toward raising livestock, this workshop offered practical guidance and plenty of thoughtful conversation along the way.

A big thank you to Scott Duggan and our partners at OSU Extension for sharing their expertise and helping make this workshop possible. And of course, thanks to everyone who joined us (and brought something delicious for the potluck 🍽️).

Looking for your next School of Ranch adventure? Check out our upcoming Chicken Workshop! Whether you’re dreaming of fresh eggs or building a backyard meat flock, you’ll learn breed selection, coop setup, health basics, and even get to try our AI-powered chicken farm planner built for Central Oregon conditions.
https://schoolofranch.org/workshop/chickens/

And don’t forget—you can explore our full lineup of upcoming workshops here:
https://schoolofranch.org/workshops/

That’s a wrap on our Intro to Heritage Cheese Making workshop at School of Ranch! From learning the tools of the trade to exploring the process behind Halloumi, mozzarella, and chèvre-style cheeses, participants got a delicious deep dive into the world of small-batch cheesemaking.

A huge thank you to Rebecca Saul of Glimfeather Farm for sharing her knowledge, experience, and love of traditional food crafts with our community. We loved learning more about the art (and science!) behind transforming fresh milk into flavorful homemade cheese.

This workshop reminded us that heritage skills are alive and well — and often tastier than expected. Whether folks came curious about cheesemaking, local food systems, or self-sufficiency, everyone left with new knowledge and inspiration to keep experimenting at home.

Ready for your next food preservation adventure? Check out our upcoming Food Dehydration Workshop and learn the basics of drying foods for long-term storage, camping meals, and everyday kitchen magic:
https://schoolofranch.org/workshop/dehydration/

And if you’re hungry for more hands-on learning, browse our full workshop catalog here:
https://schoolofranch.org/workshops/

What a sweet morning at Bee Curious: Intro to Beekeeping this past weekend! Participants gathered at Well Rooted U-Pick Farm to learn all about the fascinating world of honeybees with local beekeeper Brittany Dye of Brittany’s Bees and Honey. From bee biology and hive dynamics to honey tasting and regenerative beekeeping practices, this family-friendly workshop gave folks a chance to slow down, get curious, and appreciate the tiny pollinators that keep our ecosystems thriving.

Guests explored what it takes to start a hive, learned why honey comes in so many different colors and flavors, and connected over a shared curiosity about sustainable agriculture and life on the land. Huge thanks to Brittany’s Bees and Honey for sharing their knowledge, passion, and dedication to healthy bees and healthy communities!

Thinking about adding more feathered friends to your homestead? Check out our upcoming chicken workshop and learn how to raise a thriving flock in Central Oregon — from coop setup to breed selection and even an AI-powered chicken farm planner!
https://schoolofranch.org/workshop/chickens/

And don’t forget — you can browse our full lineup of hands-on rural living workshops here:
https://schoolofranch.org/workshops/