SPEAKERS
WISDOM FROM THE LAND
The Florida Pioneer Festival is proud to welcome a lineup of passionate homesteading enthusiasts, teachers, and experts who walk the walk every day. From backyard farmers and herbalists to builders, food preservers, and sustainable living advocates—our speakers are here to inspire, educate, and empower.
Whether you're brand new to the lifestyle or decades into your journey, these sessions offer practical tips, deep knowledge, and a healthy dose of encouragement rooted in faith, family, and Florida grit.
Joel Salatin, PolyFace Farms
Speaking at the Florida Pioneer Festival 3 times daily on the main stage!
When to see Joel:
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Friday 10:00 AM — Pastured Broiler Business (Main Stage)
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Friday 12:00 PM — Rotational Grazing (Main Stage)
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Friday 2:00 PM — Q&A: Marketing with Julie Barber (Main Stage)
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Saturday 10:00 AM — Pastured Broiler Business (Main Stage)
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Saturday 12:00 PM — Rotational Grazing (Main Stage)
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Saturday 2:00 PM — Panel: Joel, Rachel & Hester (Main Stage)
Laura Cox, Cox Homestead
Hop Into Homesteading with Meat Rabbits
Join Laura Cox of Cox Homestead as she shares her expertise on raising rabbits for meat. In this workshop, Laura will walk you through the why behind choosing rabbits as a sustainable protein source, the how of raising and processing them responsibly, and the when to make the most of your herd. With her practical, faith-filled approach to homesteading, Laura makes rabbit husbandry approachable for anyone looking to add this efficient, family-friendly livestock to their farm or backyard.
When to see Laura:
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Friday 11:00 AM — Meat Rabbits (Main Stage)
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Saturday 11:00 AM — Meat Rabbits (Main Stage)
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Saturday 2:00 PM — Panel: Joel, Rachel & Laura (Main Stage)
Rachel Hester, Whoopsy Daisy Farm
Dairy Sheep & Wholesome Milk
Rachel of Whoopsy Daisy Farm has a heart for traditional, wholesome foods and the animals that make them possible. Her passion for dairy sheep grew from a desire to provide nutrient-dense, healing foods for her family—especially rich, creamy sheep milk, which is naturally easier to digest and packed with vitamins and minerals. At the Florida Pioneer Festival, Rachel will share her love of sheep and the vital role their milk plays in creating a sustainable, health-focused homestead. Come learn why these gentle animals are at the heart of her farm and how sheep milk can make a difference in both health and homestead living.
When to see Rachel:
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Friday 9:00 AM — Intro to Dairy Sheep (Main Stage)
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Saturday 9:00 AM — Intro to Dairy Sheep (Main Stage)
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Saturday 2:00 PM — Panel: Joel, Rachel & Hester (Main Stage)
Maddison Hebenstreit, Juniper Food Truck
Jars with Juniper: The How-To Water Bath Canning Workshop
Join farm-to-table expert Maddison, owner of Juniper Food Truck, for a hands-on introduction to the art of water bath canning. Learn time-tested methods to preserve your harvest, extend your pantry, and take a step toward food sovereignty. Maddison will share insider tips and practical skills that empower you to store wholesome, homegrown food the pioneer way.
As seen on FOX NEWS 13 Tampa Bay
When to see Maddison:
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Friday 4:00 PM — Waterbath Canning (Tent A)
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Saturday 4:00 PM — Waterbath Canning (Tent A)
Andrew Arumugam
Central Florida Fruit Varieties
Andrew’s lifelong love for tropical fruit trees began in his childhood in Singapore and grew into a career rooted in sustainable farming. After converting a 78-acre Colorado farm into a USDA-certified organic hemp operation, he now runs a specialty tropical fruit tree nursery in Sebring, FL, offering rare varieties of mangoes, avocados, lychees, and more.
Workshop: At the Florida Pioneer Festival, Andrew will share insights on growing tropical fruits at home—covering flavor profiles, growth habits, and harvest seasons—helping attendees discover the perfect trees for year-round fruit and abundant backyard harvests.
When to see Andrew:
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Friday 11:00 AM — Central Florida Fruit Varieties (Tent B)
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Saturday 11:00 AM — Central Florida Fruit Varieties (Tent B)
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Katya Luniova
Slavic Beauty
Topic: Milk Cows & Cream + Raw Milk Fermentation
When:
• Friday 1:00 PM — Cream Separation Demonstration (Main Stage)
• Saturday 1:00 PM — Raw Milk Fermentation (Main Stage)
Description:
Join Katya Luniova of Slavic Beauty for two hands-on demonstrations celebrating the art of traditional dairy processing. On Friday, Katya will showcase the use of her Slavic Beauty cream separator to efficiently separate cream from raw milk, saving time and maximizing yield for home dairies. On Saturday, she’ll explore the ancient process of raw milk fermentation, walking attendees through clabbering, cottage cheese making, and the health benefits of naturally fermented dairy. With deep roots in Eastern European traditions, Katya blends old-world wisdom with modern practicality to make home dairy simple, safe, and delicious.
Bio:
Katya Luniova is the owner of SlavicBeauty.net, a company founded in 2006 that provides small farms and homesteaders with professional-grade dairy and cheese-making equipment. Inspired by her grandmother and Eastern European upbringing, Katya has become a respected voice for natural fermentation and no-waste cooking. She is the author of The Art of Clabber: Applying Nose-to-Tail Philosophy to Dairy, a comprehensive guide to raw milk processing. Through her workshops and social media (@slavicbeautyseparator), Katya shares practical techniques, recipes, and timeless wisdom that empower others to embrace traditional dairy at home.
