The Homesteading Signature Experience
For Those Who Want to Take Their Health Into Their Own Hands and Reconnect With Forgotten Skills
Join Us January 16, 17, & 18, 2026 at Von Holten Ranch
Three days. Two instructors. Ten homesteaders. One unforgettable experience that could change how you live forever.
Save Your SpotReady to live a life of self-sufficiency?
Farm to Table Meals Made with Love
Fresh Milled Flour Bread Making
Medicinal Herbs Made Easy
Indoor Herb Gardening
Food Preservation: Waterbath, Pressure Canning, and Juicing
Small Business Basics
Holistic Health & Parasite Knowledge
Tea Towel, Pot Holder and Apron Sewing
Homemade Non-Toxic Cleaning Products
Cattle, Equine, and Chickens
Homemade Herbal Butter and Tallow
Fun Surprises!
Learn From the Experts
Brandy Von Holten
Owner and Founder of Country Tough Homesteading
2024 Missouri's Best Ranch & Homesteading
CEO and Chief Editor of National Magazine, Country Tough Times & 7X Magazine Cover Appearances
Former Elected Official for Pettis County Health Board
5X International Fighter & Mounted Archer
Biologist
Author
Mrs. Mary Ella Zimmerman
Master Gardener & Instructor
Mother of 7, Grandmother of 42
Country Tough Times Magazine Article Contributor
Mennonite Matriarch
Home Cooking Caterer
Cookbook Author
Welcome to Von Holten Ranch!
Home of the Country Tough Homesteading Expo and voted Missouri's Best Ranch. We are a fourth generation working ranch started in 1906.
We are located just outside of Sedalia, Missouri. We are considered the gateway to the Ozarks and conveniently located in the same county as the Missouri State Fair.
Event Information
Dates: January 16, 17, & 18, 2026
Start Time 10:30 AM, January 16th
Finish Time: 3:00 PM January 18th
What you'll get:
- 3 Immersive Days of Hands-on Learning
- Meals Included
- Lodging Included (limited)
- Take Home Samples
- Smart Chix T-Shirt & Apron
You'll get all of this and more for just $165 per day.
We have four cabins and 32 electric sites. Lodging is included until we run out. Cabins will get booked quickly. Two cabins have a single queen bed, and two cabins have two twin beds. Let us know if you'll be bunking with a friend.
This event is open to 10 homesteaders only and is selling out FAST!
Yes! I want to attend Smart ChixWeather & Refund Disclaimer: Smart Chix was scheduled in January because fewer things are going on in the world. It's going to be cold, but we have a climate-controlled venue. If the event has to be canceled due to weather, we have a backup date of January 30, 31 & February 1, 2026. Make sure both dates work for you in case we have to reschedule. Your deposit is non-refundable unless we have to cancel both the original date and the makeup date.
Since this event is only open to 10 people, if you are unable to attend and we are able to fill your spot, we will refund you. Your deposit is non-transferable to another person who has already signed up to attend.
