Workshop Catalog

Chainsaw 101 is your no-experience-needed intro to using a chainsaw with skill and confidence. We’ll start with the most important part—safety—and move through all the essentials: PPE, maintenance, starting up, and making your first cut. You’ll get time to observe, then practice hands-on with direct guidance. By the end, you’ll not only know your chain from your bar oil, but you’ll be making clean, confident cuts while understanding how wood behaves.

Got a holey sock or a sweater that's seen better days? This hands-on, beginner-friendly workshop will show you how to turn "worn out" into "worn with pride." Learn essential darning techniques, from weft and warp to simple stitches, and experiment with various threads to make repairs that are both functional and fun. With plenty of guided time to work on your own pieces, you'll leave with newfound confidence — and a darning needle to keep the magic going at home.

Learn the fundamentals of safe and effective trailer towing in this interactive, hands-on steering wheel workshop. Designed for beginners, this session will cover understanding tow vehicle and trailer components, proper hook-up techniques, and how towing impacts driving dynamics. Participants will practice with their own vehicles and trailers in the IITR truck driving yard to gain practical experience in adjusting trailer brakes, navigating a tight driving course, and executing backing-up maneuvers.

Whether you’re a brand-new driver or just tired of nodding politely at your mechanic while wondering what an “upper control arm bushing” is, this hands-on workshop is for you. You’ll get under the hood (literally), check your own fluids and tires, and walk away knowing what’s worth fixing, what’s an upsell, and how to handle roadside hiccups without panic.

We’ll work on real cars, in real time, so you can drive away with actual confidence—not just car talk. 

Build the skills to tackle essential homestead maintenance projects with confidence. This two-session, beginner-friendly workshop covers basic plumbing, electrical fixes, and drywall repair. Whether you’re sprucing up your space or repairing minor damage, you’ll leave with the know-how to handle it all.

You always wanted to try welding, right? Here's your chance to learn to weld in a safe, welcoming environment. Sign up for our three-session program and learn practical welding, the skills you need day to day on your property. Small group training with a skilled professional welder and instructor will help you build your skills and confidence.  If you are a novice, picking back up a past hobby or needing help finishing a small welding project, this workshop is for you.  

This hands-on, three-part workshop series is designed to give you real-world skills in basic furniture-making. Whether you're looking to build sturdy tables, cabinets, or chairs, journeyman carpenter Jonathan Chatman will guide you through every step. By the end, you’ll have hands-on experience constructing a project from the ground up.

Gravel Road Basics is a hands-on adventure in building and maintaining the backbone of any rural property: a solid gravel road. In just three action-packed hours, you’ll work with 30 yards of gravel, a skid steer, and your own two hands—no experience needed, just a good attitude and closed-toe boots! We’ll cover everything from crowning to compacting, with a focus on safety and working smart.

 This female led workshop is for women looking to put the power saw notch on their belts. Learn safe techniques for six types of saws: chainsaw, skill saw, sawzall, compound miter saw, table saw and multi-tool. You will have in-depth practice with three saws in the shop. 

Ready to harness the sun for off-grid adventure? This workshop will guide you through building a 12v solar system for your trailer or RV. Over two engaging sessions, you'll learn to how to make solar panels, controllers, batteries, and more in a working system. 

In this hands-on, flavor-packed session, you’ll go from bag of masa to taco in hand. We’ll mix, press, and cook traditional corn tortillas—then fill them with something truly delicious. With expert guidance from Mayra Santana and Oscar Molina of Roots at Heart, you'll build skills and build tacos, one puff at a time. Expect tips, laughs, and a shared feast at the end.

Ready to add some zing to your kitchen skills? In this interactive demo, we’re diving into three different pickling methods: quick refrigerator pickles, traditional fermented cucumbers, and sweet pickled peaches. You’ll learn the science behind each process, how to pickle safely, and how to get creative with brines, spices, and more.

Join us for a fun and flavorful deep dive into the world of fermentation! In this demonstration workshop, you’ll learn how to craft probiotic-rich sauerkraut and fermented cucumbers using simple, natural techniques. Watch as Beth walks you through the process of making fermented mustard—then take home Beth's preferred fermentation lid and a glass weight! Plus, enjoy a community potluck and a tasting session to round out the experience! 

Become a Farm Cheese Whiz! Unlock the secrets of homemade farm cheese with our upcoming workshop at School of Ranch! Join us and learn to transform fresh milk into a delicious, creamy and flavorful cheese that's surprisingly easy to make. This workshop is perfect for anyone interested in artisanal food crafts and using locally sourced foods.

Get ready to transform fresh produce into shelf-stable treasures. This workshop covers the essentials of water bath and pressure canning, making it perfect for beginners or anyone needing a refresher on safe food preservation. Through step-by-step demonstrations, you’ll gain the skills to can fruit, sauces, and other pantry staples—ensuring homemade goodness all year long! 

 Curious about food dehydration but don’t know where to start? This beginner-friendly workshop breaks down the essentials of drying food for long-term storage and lightweight, ready-to-eat meals for camping and backpacking. We’ll cover different dehydration methods, compare equipment, and share best practices for maximizing shelf life and food quality. 

Laminitis can sneak up on even the most attentive horse owners—but it doesn’t have to. This hands-on workshop is all about prevention. Learn what causes pasture-associated laminitis, how to spot early warning signs, and what you can do today to protect your horses from painful flare-ups tomorrow. Whether you’re managing one horse or a whole herd, this class will help you make safer, smarter grazing decisions with confidence. 

 Toxic plants are sneaky—and they can be deadly. This hands-on  workshop is all about giving you the confidence to walk your pastures  and know exactly what's growing there, what’s harmful, and how to handle  it. We'll cover how toxic plants affect different types of livestock,  when they're most dangerous, and smart management strategies to keep  your animals safe.

If you're raising grazing animals, your pasture is more than a patch of green—it's a living system. This beginner-friendly class breaks down the basics of pasture management, helping you create healthier fields and happier animals. We'll start in the classroom, then head outside for a farm tour where you'll see good pasture practices in action. Whether you're new to grazing or just want a firmer grip on forage, you'll leave with practical insights you can use right away.

Curious about raising your own pork but not sure where to start? This no-nonsense, hands-on class will walk you through every step of raising pigs for home meat—from picking the right piglets to planning out your freezer space. Whether you're dreaming of bacon or just want to know where your food comes from, you'll leave with real-life know-how, realistic expectations, and a whole lot more confidence. We’ll cover breeds, feed, housing, humane care, timelines, and the fine art of staying sane on processing day.

Dreaming of a freezer full of beef you raised yourself? This workshop walks you through the whole enchilada—from breed selection to burger patties. We’ll talk species, feed, housing, humane care, growth timelines, and how to plan for the big day (aka processing). Whether you’re just getting started or leveling up your setup, you’ll leave with practical know-how and the confidence to raise animals for your family table.

 Join us on the farm for a wooly good time! Lambing Basics is a hands-on workshop where you’ll learn the essentials of caring for  newborn lambs—tail docking, bottle feeding, health checks, and more.  Whether you’re thinking of raising sheep or just want to cuddle a baby  lamb, this is your chance to get into the barn and get your hands dirty  (and possibly snuggled). With 95 ewes on site, lamb cuddles and photo  ops are basically guaranteed.  

This is a full-day hands-on course with horses.  

Understand first aid basics.

Learn to identify and assess emergency situations.

Practice hands-on first aid techniques for various scenarios. 

Gain knowledge on preventing emergencies in the first place.

Plus, you’ll leave with a certificate of completion and a comprehensive first aid manual.

Learn the foundational skills of ground roping in this all-ages, hands-on beginner workshop. With one-on-one coaching and live demos from guest star Judy Robinson.  you’ll get step-by-step guidance in the art of roping. From coiling your rope to building a loop to pulling your slack, you’ll build confidence in the techniques that set the stage for arena or ranch work. The workshop ends with a rope-off challenge.

 In this interactive workshop, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of horse behavior and communication through evidence based information from Lucinda Baker's Being Herd program and Horse Speak®. We’ll explore the science and language of horses, focusing on presence and connection when working with your herd. Whether you’re new to horsemanship or looking to refine your skills, this session will offer valuable insights into the world of equine connection. 

Thinking about raising chickens? Whether you're dreaming of farm-fresh eggs or a self-sustaining meat operation, this workshop gives you the tools to start and maintain a thriving flock. You'll learn how to choose the right breeds, set up a safe and comfortable coop, and handle basic chicken health care—all with Central Oregon’s unique climate in mind. Plus, you'll get to test out our AI-powered chicken farm planner to design a setup tailored to your space and goals! 

 Central Oregon’s soil can feel like it’s working against you. It’s sandy, stingy with nutrients, and not exactly the lush loam of gardening dreams. But here’s the good news: you can grow healthy, thriving plants here—once you understand what your plants are trying to tell you. In this workshop, you'll learn why our local soils behave the way they do, how plants interact with them, and how to choose amendments and practices that actually work. 

 Toxic plants are sneaky—and they can be deadly. This hands-on  workshop is all about giving you the confidence to walk your pastures  and know exactly what's growing there, what’s harmful, and how to handle  it. We'll cover how toxic plants affect different types of livestock,  when they're most dangerous, and smart management strategies to keep  your animals safe.

If you're raising grazing animals, your pasture is more than a patch of green—it's a living system. This beginner-friendly class breaks down the basics of pasture management, helping you create healthier fields and happier animals. We'll start in the classroom, then head outside for a farm tour where you'll see good pasture practices in action. Whether you're new to grazing or just want a firmer grip on forage, you'll leave with practical insights you can use right away.

If you own land — or plan to — you need to know the deal with your water. Whether you're dreaming of crops or just curious about your options, this workshop breaks down what your water rights are (or aren’t), how to find out, and what you can do about it. Led by pros from the Oregon Water Resources Department, you'll get hands-on with online tools, explore real scenarios, and leave with practical next steps.

This beginner-friendly workshop will teach you how to grow simple, useful herbs like mint, chamomile, lavender, calendula, and basil. Whether you have a backyard or just a sunny kitchen window, you’ll learn how to keep these herbs thriving and how to turn them into calming teas, soothing oils, and simple salves. You’ll leave with your own homemade salve, a starter herb plant, and the know-how to start your own mini herb garden.

 In this problem-solving, interactive workshop, you’ll learn to identify invasive weeds with free apps, explore effective strategies to combat them, and design a sustainable, long-term management plan to reclaim your property. 

Get ready to buzz into the world of beekeeping!

In this hands-on, family-friendly workshop, you’ll dive into the fascinating world of honeybees. Learn about their biology, social structure, and what it takes to start a hive. Observe a working bee colony  and taste different kinds of honey while discovering what makes each one unique. 

Starting seeds indoors, in a greenhouse, or straight into the ground is a game-changer for Central Oregon gardeners—and you don’t need a magic wand, just a little know-how. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll dig into climate-smart seed selection, prep the perfect soil, and create ideal conditions to bring your garden to life. Whether you're working with trays on a windowsill or dreaming of a thriving outdoor bed, we’ve got you covered.