Managing a Family Milk Cow & Processing Milk Safely at Home

June 26, 2025 6:00PM—8:00PM

Join Leah & the Sustainable Farming Association for a full milking on the farm and an inside look at keeping a family cow, from daily care to safely processing fresh dairy at home. We’ll hear about managing farm-direct sales and how her on-site farm store connects customers with pasture-raised beef, pork, lamb, and even cheese cultures. This event is part of SFA’s 2025 Homesteading Series.

Registration: It is free to participate. Registration requested, walkups welcome.

Presenter Bio: Leah is the owner of Great Heritage Farm LLC, a 40 acre regenerative farm in Winthrop, MN. Together with her husband, Benjamin, and their five children, she embraces a hands-on, sustainable lifestyle—including keeping milk cows. She loves all things dairy and makes yogurt, butter, cheese, kefir, sour cream, and ice cream from the fresh milk of her heritage-breed cows. Over the years, she has experimented with nearly every method of milking and dairy processing on a budget, continually refining her techniques and equipment.

Info: Mary Fischer, [email protected]

Come and Cast a Bronze Age Sword!

July 9, 2025 9:00AM—3:00PM

ime: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Cost: $100 per participant

Ever wanted to forge a sword like you’ve seen in the movies? Now’s your chance! Join us for an unforgettable hands-on class exploring ancient metallurgy and sword making. You’ll study real artifact replicas, learn Bronze Age casting techniques, and create your very own aluminum sword from start to finish—including casting, grinding, and wrapping the leather handle.

Led by the Sword Casting Guy, this traveling Texas-based class is highly interactive, rooted in history and archaeology, and usually sells out fast—so don’t wait!

Location: Our farm in Winthrop, MN

Watch a feature on the class: BESTAUSTIN video
See it in action: 2.7M+ view episode on YouTube

Grab a friend and come cast your own sword—just like they did 5,000 years ago!

Llama Meet & Greet at the Library

Date: Tuesday, July 1, 2025
Time: 10:15 AM
Location: Honeybee Heights (kitty-corner from the library), Downtown Winthrop, MN
Cost: Free

Join Leah, Natalie, and Marion for a joyful summer storytime—featuring a special guest: Garth the llama!

Settle in as we read llama-themed stories, sing a silly llama song, and enjoy a Q&A where kids can ask questions about life on the farm. Afterward, enjoy a meet-and-greet with Garth, our curious llama who loves snacks & making new friends.

Come make a memory in the sunshine!

Summer Ukulele Lessons at the Library

Location: Winthrop City Library
Dates: July 8, 10, 15, 17, 22
Times:
-11:30 AM – Kids Beginner Class
-12:30 PM – Adults Beginner Class
Cost: Free

Beat the heat and learn something new this summer! These beginner ukulele classes are the perfect way to dip your toes into music—no experience needed.

You’ll learn simple chords, strumming patterns, and familiar songs in a relaxed, supportive environment. Ukuleles will be provided during class (or bring your own).

Taught by Leah, a local farmer and musician, these sessions are all about fun, creativity, and confidence. Whether you’re 8 or 80, come play with us!