Meet the Speakers.
Meet the Speakers.
Bo Brown
Bo Brown is the author of two Falcon Guides books - Foraging the Ozarks and Foraging Central Grasslands, and is founder/director of First Earth Wilderness School LLC.
His career as an avian field biologist began in 1985, taking him throughout the U.S. and Belize until he returned in 1992 to start a wilderness school. Over the last three decades, he has led countless courses on foraging, stone-age wilderness survival, including 9 years as a Naturalist for Missouri Department of Conservation.
Bo also conducts weekly foraging walks and stone-age skills demonstrations at Johnny Morris’ Dogwood Canyon Nature Park near Blue Eye, Missouri, presents foraging programs for various area groups and organizations, and offers public speaking at events.
Bo Brown is the author of two Falcon Guides books - Foraging the Ozarks and Foraging Central Grasslands, and is founder/director of First Earth Wilderness School LLC.
His career as an avian field biologist began in 1985, taking him throughout the U.S. and Belize until he returned in 1992 to start a wilderness school. Over the last three decades, he has led countless courses on foraging, stone-age wilderness survival, including 9 years as a Naturalist for Missouri Department of Conservation.
Bo also conducts weekly foraging walks and stone-age skills demonstrations at Johnny Morris’ Dogwood Canyon Nature Park near Blue Eye, Missouri, presents foraging programs for various area groups and organizations, and offers public speaking at events.
Bo Brown is the author of two Falcon Guides books - Foraging the Ozarks and Foraging Central Grasslands, and is founder/director of First Earth Wilderness School LLC.
His career as an avian field biologist began in 1985, taking him throughout the U.S. and Belize until he returned in 1992 to start a wilderness school. Over the last three decades, he has led countless courses on foraging, stone-age wilderness survival, including 9 years as a Naturalist for Missouri Department of Conservation.
Bo also conducts weekly foraging walks and stone-age skills demonstrations at Johnny Morris’ Dogwood Canyon Nature Park near Blue Eye, Missouri, presents foraging programs for various area groups and organizations, and offers public speaking at events.
Mike Peters, DVM
Mike Peters, DVM
Mike Peters, DVM
Dr. Peters grew up on a horse farm in Marshfield, Missouri, that led him to pursue his passion in animal medicine. Graduating from the University of Missouri's College of Veterinary Medicine, his interests have always leaned towards the small livestock farmer. Today he couples his veterinary practice ownership and experience with raising pasture pigs, commercial hogs, duck flocks, chicken tractors, horses, cattle, and bison; applying his medical knowledge to his small family farm and the surrounding homesteading community's animals.
Dr. Peters grew up on a horse farm in Marshfield, Missouri, that led him to pursue his passion in animal medicine. Graduating from the University of Missouri's College of Veterinary Medicine, his interests have always leaned towards the small livestock farmer. Today he couples his veterinary practice ownership and experience with raising pasture pigs, commercial hogs, duck flocks, chicken tractors, horses, cattle, and bison; applying his medical knowledge to his small family farm and the surrounding homesteading community's animals.
Larry Soles
Larry Soles is currently the Vice President at Johnson County MO Beekeepers Association, where he has severed for the last 4 years. Muddy Creek Honey sells Hygienic Nucs and a beekeeping equipment supplier. He is dedicated in creating Natural Infused Honey and Cream Honey products. They currently have 20 Cream Honey flavors for your taste buds.
Larry Soles is currently the Vice President at Johnson County MO Beekeepers Association, where he has severed for the last 4 years. Muddy Creek Honey sells Hygienic Nucs and a beekeeping equipment supplier. He is dedicated in creating Natural Infused Honey and Cream Honey products. They currently have 20 Cream Honey flavors for your taste buds.
Larry Soles is currently the Vice President at Johnson County MO Beekeepers Association, where he has severed for the last 4 years. Muddy Creek Honey sells Hygienic Nucs and a beekeeping equipment supplier. He is dedicated in creating Natural Infused Honey and Cream Honey products. They currently have 20 Cream Honey flavors for your taste buds.
Deana Imhoff
Deana Imhoff is a dedicated agricultural mentor, coach, and successful farm owner with a lifelong passion for helping others grow and thrive on both their land and in their lives. Raised in agriculture, she has spent her entire life immersed in farming, raising livestock, homesteading, food preservation, and homemaking. Guided by unwavering core values—God first, family second, and career third—she believes true success is built on a strong foundation of faith, meaningful relationships, purposeful living, and relentless grit.
In addition to her deep expertise in agriculture, Deana specializes in personal development, sustainable living and building authentic connections. Whether coaching aspiring farmers, mentoring business owners, or empowering individuals to overcome challenges, she is committed to fostering sustainable growth in agriculture, business, and personal fulfillment.
Deana Imhoff is a dedicated agricultural mentor, coach, and successful farm owner with a lifelong passion for helping others grow and thrive on both their land and in their lives. Raised in agriculture, she has spent her entire life immersed in farming, raising livestock, homesteading, food preservation, and homemaking. Guided by unwavering core values—God first, family second, and career third—she believes true success is built on a strong foundation of faith, meaningful relationships, purposeful living, and relentless grit.
In addition to her deep expertise in agriculture, Deana specializes in personal development, sustainable living and building authentic connections. Whether coaching aspiring farmers, mentoring business owners, or empowering individuals to overcome challenges, she is committed to fostering sustainable growth in agriculture, business, and personal fulfillment.
Ginger Miller
Ginger Miller grew up in rural Missouri outside of Windsor on a family farm. She got her Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Kansas studying insect communication. She came to the Dept. in 2016 after teaching a variety of college biology courses. She enjoys fishing, gardening, food fermentation, and spending time with her rescue Pekingese pack. She loves the challenge of identifying insects and spiders from blurry pictures and helping folks overcome their fear of nature. She has a passion for outdoor cooking and preparing gourmet wild edibles and wild game.
She has been with MDC for nearly 10 yrs. Her current role is Conservation Educator for Henry, Pettis, Benton, Johnson, and Lafayette Counties. She trains educators to implement our Discover Nature Schools program, which is pre-K – 12th grade, hands-on, inquiry-based, and meets science standards through conservation education. She also trains teachers to implement our hunter education program and our National Archery in Schools program and helps write and revise curriculum materials and develop outdoor skills classes for both teachers and the public.
Ginger Miller grew up in rural Missouri outside of Windsor on a family farm. She got her Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Kansas studying insect communication. She came to the Dept. in 2016 after teaching a variety of college biology courses. She enjoys fishing, gardening, food fermentation, and spending time with her rescue Pekingese pack. She loves the challenge of identifying insects and spiders from blurry pictures and helping folks overcome their fear of nature. She has a passion for outdoor cooking and preparing gourmet wild edibles and wild game.
She has been with MDC for nearly 10 yrs. Her current role is Conservation Educator for Henry, Pettis, Benton, Johnson, and Lafayette Counties. She trains educators to implement our Discover Nature Schools program, which is pre-K – 12th grade, hands-on, inquiry-based, and meets science standards through conservation education. She also trains teachers to implement our hunter education program and our National Archery in Schools program and helps write and revise curriculum materials and develop outdoor skills classes for both teachers and the public.
Ginger Miller grew up in rural Missouri outside of Windsor on a family farm. She got her Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Kansas studying insect communication. She came to the Dept. in 2016 after teaching a variety of college biology courses. She enjoys fishing, gardening, food fermentation, and spending time with her rescue Pekingese pack. She loves the challenge of identifying insects and spiders from blurry pictures and helping folks overcome their fear of nature. She has a passion for outdoor cooking and preparing gourmet wild edibles and wild game.
She has been with MDC for nearly 10 yrs. Her current role is Conservation Educator for Henry, Pettis, Benton, Johnson, and Lafayette Counties. She trains educators to implement our Discover Nature Schools program, which is pre-K – 12th grade, hands-on, inquiry-based, and meets science standards through conservation education. She also trains teachers to implement our hunter education program and our National Archery in Schools program and helps write and revise curriculum materials and develop outdoor skills classes for both teachers and the public.
Ellie Brown
Mo 2 Grow began in 2022 when Ellie and Nathan Brown turned their passion for microgreens into a business. After growing microgreens for six years and experiencing their many benefits firsthand, they decided to bring their fresh harvests to local farmers markets and share them with their community.
Mo 2 Grow began in 2022 when Ellie and Nathan Brown turned their passion for microgreens into a business. After growing microgreens for six years and experiencing their many benefits firsthand, they decided to bring their fresh harvests to local farmers markets and share them with their community.
Mo 2 Grow began in 2022 when Ellie and Nathan Brown turned their passion for microgreens into a business. After growing microgreens for six years and experiencing their many benefits firsthand, they decided to bring their fresh harvests to local farmers markets and share them with their community.
Maria Dietz Spade
Maria Dietz Spade is the owner of Lazy Daizy Farm, LLC; a small sheep and goat dairy. She started milking goats in 2018. As people learned of the availability of raw goat milk, a steady customer base was formed. The farm grew and added 8 more does to the milking herd. In 2020 two pregnant East Friesian/Lacunae ewes were purchased. Thus began the love of sheep and their wonderful milk. Since the first ewes arrived, the dairy sheep herd has grown to 16 (14 ewes and 2 rams). At the present time, we produce raw sheep milk for farm to consumer sales.
Lazy Daizy Farm has been focused on improving herd genetics for optimum efficiency in production and udder confirmation. We have formed mentorships with successful producers, partnered with land grant universities and worked with national organizations to position ourselves for future growth.
Maria Dietz Spade is the owner of Lazy Daizy Farm, LLC; a small sheep and goat dairy. She started milking goats in 2018. As people learned of the availability of raw goat milk, a steady customer base was formed. The farm grew and added 8 more does to the milking herd. In 2020 two pregnant East Friesian/Lacunae ewes were purchased. Thus began the love of sheep and their wonderful milk. Since the first ewes arrived, the dairy sheep herd has grown to 16 (14 ewes and 2 rams). At the present time, we produce raw sheep milk for farm to consumer sales.
Lazy Daizy Farm has been focused on improving herd genetics for optimum efficiency in production and udder confirmation. We have formed mentorships with successful producers, partnered with land grant universities and worked with national organizations to position ourselves for future growth.
Maria Dietz Spade is the owner of Lazy Daizy Farm, LLC; a small sheep and goat dairy. She started milking goats in 2018. As people learned of the availability of raw goat milk, a steady customer base was formed. The farm grew and added 8 more does to the milking herd. In 2020 two pregnant East Friesian/Lacunae ewes were purchased. Thus began the love of sheep and their wonderful milk. Since the first ewes arrived, the dairy sheep herd has grown to 16 (14 ewes and 2 rams). At the present time, we produce raw sheep milk for farm to consumer sales.
Lazy Daizy Farm has been focused on improving herd genetics for optimum efficiency in production and udder confirmation. We have formed mentorships with successful producers, partnered with land grant universities and worked with national organizations to position ourselves for future growth.
Jermy and Katie Phillips
Stover Hatchery located at 103 North Maple st. downtown Stover Mo. Owned and operated by Jermy and Katie Phillips and their 2 sons Kolton and Jarrett. Our Hatchery dates back to 1923 with the Koester family, who had started it in the back of a blacksmith shop across the street and then built the current building in 1958. It was purchased by the Phillips family in 1983 and then by Jermy and Katie in 2016, and continues to specialize in the hatching of thousands of fast growing Cornish cross broiler chicks every week starting in Early February and ending in late November.
We have recently expanded our hatching to include a few layer breeds as well in the last couple of years. Between decades of hatching experience and raising our own layer flocks we have a lot of information and knowledge to pass on to our customers as well as first time chicken owners. We are family run businesses that strives to give customers the best quality chicks possible.
Stover Hatchery located at 103 North Maple st. downtown Stover Mo. Owned and operated by Jermy and Katie Phillips and their 2 sons Kolton and Jarrett. Our Hatchery dates back to 1923 with the Koester family, who had started it in the back of a blacksmith shop across the street and then built the current building in 1958. It was purchased by the Phillips family in 1983 and then by Jermy and Katie in 2016, and continues to specialize in the hatching of thousands of fast growing Cornish cross broiler chicks every week starting in Early February and ending in late November.
We have recently expanded our hatching to include a few layer breeds as well in the last couple of years. Between decades of hatching experience and raising our own layer flocks we have a lot of information and knowledge to pass on to our customers as well as first time chicken owners. We are family run businesses that strives to give customers the best quality chicks possible.
Stover Hatchery located at 103 North Maple st. downtown Stover Mo. Owned and operated by Jermy and Katie Phillips and their 2 sons Kolton and Jarrett. Our Hatchery dates back to 1923 with the Koester family, who had started it in the back of a blacksmith shop across the street and then built the current building in 1958. It was purchased by the Phillips family in 1983 and then by Jermy and Katie in 2016, and continues to specialize in the hatching of thousands of fast growing Cornish cross broiler chicks every week starting in Early February and ending in late November.
We have recently expanded our hatching to include a few layer breeds as well in the last couple of years. Between decades of hatching experience and raising our own layer flocks we have a lot of information and knowledge to pass on to our customers as well as first time chicken owners. We are family run businesses that strives to give customers the best quality chicks possible.
Kenny Thompson and Charles Luvin
With well over 10 years of collective experience between us, we continue to grow both our farms and our knowledge together. We are continually involved with local Farmers Markets and other seasonal events, sharing information and experiences with anyone who wants to know. We may not know it all, but we can sure tell you what to do - and what not to do - along your way. We are very passionate about mushrooms and their many, many uses, from culinary to medicinal.
With well over 10 years of collective experience between us, we continue to grow both our farms and our knowledge together. We are continually involved with local Farmers Markets and other seasonal events, sharing information and experiences with anyone who wants to know. We may not know it all, but we can sure tell you what to do - and what not to do - along your way. We are very passionate about mushrooms and their many, many uses, from culinary to medicinal.
Elijah Coleman
Elijah Coleman grew up on a small piece of land, where his family raised the occasional steer, chickens, and meat rabbits. He learned how to butcher rabbits and chickens at a young age. He and his family live on a small homestead on the outskirts of Sedalia, where they raise and process their own animals. Eli has led multiple classes on how to process farm animals; from chickens, turkeys, goats, sheep and pigs. He currently is a processing manager at a locally owned custom butcher shop, and has grown in his knowledge of the different cuts of meats. He is dedicated to the field of animal husbandry: from the beginning to the end.
Susan Jaster
Susan Jaster joined Lincoln University Cooperative Extension-Innovative Small Farmers Outreach Program in 2009 as an extension agent. She provides extension services to the West Central Region of Missouri. She provides research-based agricultural information to small, non-traditional, woman-centric, specialty, and underserved farmers and ranchers. She assists producers with adaptive grazing, hightunnels, small ruminants, poultry, soil health, regenerative agricultural practices, and the Missouri AgrAbility Program. She is a regenerative sheep rancher.
Larry Soles is currently the Vice President at Johnson County MO Beekeepers Association, where he has severed for the last 4 years. Muddy Creek Honey sells Hygienic Nucs and a beekeeping equipment supplier. He is dedicated in creating Natural Infused Honey and Cream Honey products. They currently have 20 Cream Honey flavors for your taste buds.
Jim Sublette
I have been fascinated with the weather and storms since I was knee high! I began my journey at University of Missouri with an emphasis in Meteorolgy. I was a part of the MU Meteorology Club and met some incredible friends whom I still have contact today. I am a Storm spotter for the NWS, Allison House Storm Spotter accreditation, MPing participant and creator/administrator for Subby's Weather Talk Facebook Group. My hope is to focus on West Central Missouri and bring a more finite forecast for our area as well as up to the minute info as it pertains to our counties.
Cassandra Everly
Cassandra Everly is a local regenerative agriculture leader, land manager, and educator committed to building sustainable food and farming systems. She is one of the managers at Good Oak LLC and helps lead the Midwest Center for Regenerative Agriculture at Powell Gardens, a 600-acre demonstration farm, education site, and research center, as well as Chairman for the American Poultry Association’s History Committee. A wife and busy mother to 4, Cassandra is a second generation homesteader, and fifth-generation farmer. Her work is grounded in extensive research and hands-on experience in animal science, breed selection, livestock evaluation, animal health, rotational grazing, herd and flock management, and long-term agricultural sustainability. She is particularly known for her work with heritage livestock, and commitment to preserving agriculture history for future generations. Raised in a deeply agricultural family, Cassandra bridges centuries of collected knowledge with modern science. Through education, continuous research, and community engagement, she works to reconnect people to the land, strengthen rural economies, and help ensure that farms and especially the families who steward them, have the tools they need for success.
Cassandra Everly is a local regenerative agriculture leader, land manager, and educator committed to building sustainable food and farming systems. She is one of the managers at Good Oak LLC and helps lead the Midwest Center for Regenerative Agriculture at Powell Gardens, a 600-acre demonstration farm, education site, and research center, as well as Chairman for the American Poultry Association’s History Committee. A wife and busy mother to 4, Cassandra is a second generation homesteader, and fifth-generation farmer. Her work is grounded in extensive research and hands-on experience in animal science, breed selection, livestock evaluation, animal health, rotational grazing, herd and flock management, and long-term agricultural sustainability. She is particularly known for her work with heritage livestock, and commitment to preserving agriculture history for future generations. Raised in a deeply agricultural family, Cassandra bridges centuries of collected knowledge with modern science. Through education, continuous research, and community engagement, she works to reconnect people to the land, strengthen rural economies, and help ensure that farms and especially the families who steward them, have the tools they need for success.
Cassandra Everly is a local regenerative agriculture leader, land manager, and educator committed to building sustainable food and farming systems. She is one of the managers at Good Oak LLC and helps lead the Midwest Center for Regenerative Agriculture at Powell Gardens, a 600-acre demonstration farm, education site, and research center, as well as Chairman for the American Poultry Association’s History Committee.
A wife and busy mother to 4, Cassandra is a second generation homesteader, and fifth-generation farmer. Her work is grounded in extensive research and hands-on experience in animal science, breed selection, livestock evaluation, animal health, rotational grazing, herd and flock management, and long-term agricultural sustainability. She is particularly known for her work with heritage livestock, and commitment to preserving agriculture history for future generations.
Raised in a deeply agricultural family, Cassandra bridges centuries of collected knowledge with modern science. Through education, continuous research, and community engagement, she works to reconnect people to the land, strengthen rural economies, and help ensure that farms and especially the families who steward them, have the tools they need for success.
Brandy Von Holten
Brandy Von Holten wears many hats: author, motivational speaker, homesteader, mounted archer, former international fighter, and cowgirl! She has been on the cover of 8 magazine covers since 2015, and co-owns a horse trail riding facility in Pettis County called Von Holten Ranch. Brandy comes to the Mid Mo Homesteading Expo with a bachelor's in Biology, and Criminal Justice, and a Masters in Teaching.
She originally moved to Missouri to try to go to the Olympics as a heavy weight fighter, but met a farm boy and returned to her roots. That champion attitude of hers has helped Von Holten Ranch be put on the map as a leader in the equine community.
During Covid, lots of people talked about what the world needed to do, Brandy acted. She won a position on the local health board by coming in first in the largest election in history for Pettis County. Brandy is a firecracker and lives her life to the fullest. Come see why she just won Missouri's Best Business Coach!
Jonas Wagler
Jonas Wagler has been growing vegetables using high tunnels and outdoor plastic culture for more than 23 years. His operation includes just over one acre of high tunnels along with 15 acres of outdoor produce, giving him deep, hands-on experience with season extension, crop planning, and managing production at scale.
Jonas’s approach is rooted in long-term observation, practical decision-making, and methods that work year after year. His presentation focuses on real-world experience growing vegetables in high tunnels, offering insight for gardeners and growers interested in improving consistency, extending their growing season, and making the most of protected growing spaces.
Scott Holmberg
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Tim Field
Tim Field, is a production weaver of handwoven rugs, table runners, tea towels, and reproduction textiles. He has been weaving for 12 years, and has taught multiple classes and workshops on rug weaving. Tim’s woven items are produced on both modern looms and antique “barn frame” looms, the oldest of which dates to the late 18th century.
Tim Field, is a production weaver of handwoven rugs, table runners, tea towels, and reproduction textiles. He has been weaving for 12 years, and has taught multiple classes and workshops on rug weaving. Tim’s woven items are produced on both modern looms and antique “barn frame” looms, the oldest of which dates to the late 18th century.
Tim Field, is a production weaver of handwoven rugs, table runners, tea towels, and reproduction textiles. He has been weaving for 12 years, and has taught multiple classes and workshops on rug weaving. Tim’s woven items are produced on both modern looms and antique “barn frame” looms, the oldest of which dates to the late 18th century