School of Ranch

Craft & Draft: An Evening of Making, Connecting, and Creating

What a wonderful evening at our June Craft & Draft gathering at Bevel Craft Brewing!

Makers of all kinds came together to share space, inspiration, and creativity while working on their own projects. From fiber arts and handcrafts to other works-in-progress, the evening was a reminder that making is often even better in community. There’s something special about settling in with a craft, a good drink, and a group of fellow creators who appreciate the joy of learning and making by hand.

We’re grateful to our friends at Bevel Craft Brewing for hosting us and providing the perfect setting for an evening of creativity and connection.

Looking ahead: If you enjoy learning traditional skills and making things from scratch, check out our upcoming Fermentation Workshop! Join us for a fun and flavorful exploration of probiotic-rich foods as we demonstrate how to make sauerkraut, fermented cucumbers, and mustard, while sharing tips, techniques, and the science behind fermentation. Participants will even take home a fermentation lid and glass weight to continue their fermentation journey.

Learn more and register: https://schoolofranch.org/workshop/fermentation/

And don’t forget to browse our full catalog of upcoming workshops: https://schoolofranch.org/workshops/

Healthy soil, healthy plants, happier gardeners!

We had a great morning digging into the science (and practical reality) of growing healthy plants in Central Oregon’s famously challenging soils. Participants learned how plants interact with soil to access water and nutrients, explored the nutrient strengths and common deficiencies found in our local soils, and discussed simple soil-building practices that can lead to healthier, more resilient gardens and farms over time.

One of the biggest takeaways? Our sandy, low-organic-matter soils may present challenges, but understanding how they work opens up a whole world of possibilities. When we learn to work with our soils instead of against them, better growing becomes a whole lot more achievable.

A big thank you to Well Rooted Produce for hosting us and helping create a welcoming space for learning, connection, and community. And of course, thanks to everyone who joined the conversation, shared a potluck meal, and spent part of their Saturday growing their knowledge alongside their neighbors. 💚

🌾 Coming up next: Pasture Management!
If you’re raising grazing animals, your pasture is more than a patch of green—it’s a living system. Join us to learn the fundamentals of pasture management, then head out on a farm tour to see healthy pasture practices in action.

Learn more and register:
https://schoolofranch.org/workshop/pasture-management/

Want to see everything we have coming up? Browse our full workshop catalog:
https://schoolofranch.org/workshops/

What happens when wool, needles, fabric, and a little creativity come together? Fiber art magic!

This week at School of Ranch, participants joined Painting with Wool: Beginner Needle Felting and discovered how to turn colorful wool fibers into charming mushroom portraits. Through hands-on practice, they learned the fundamentals of needle felting, from building texture and layering color to creating depth, light, and shadow with wool.

Along the way, students explored how these techniques can be used far beyond wall art—think jackets, tote bags, home décor, and all kinds of creative projects. Best of all, everyone left with a take-home kit so they can keep felting long after class ends.

A big thank you to instructor Tova Opatrny of Professor Pincushion for sharing her expertise, enthusiasm, and love of all things crafty. We can't wait to see what our new fiber artists create next!

Looking for your next confidence-building skill? Check out our upcoming Handyman 101 workshop. Over two hands-on sessions, you'll learn practical drywall repair, basic plumbing, and household electrical skills—perfect for tackling those everyday fixes around the house yourself.

Learn more: https://schoolofranch.org/workshop/handyman/

And don't forget to browse our full workshop catalog for more opportunities to learn something new:
https://schoolofranch.org/workshops/

What a rope-tastic afternoon at Roping Basics: Championship Secrets for all Ages!

Participants joined us at Ghost Rock Ranch for a hands-on introduction to the art of ground roping, guided by none other than Judy Robinson, 1978 World Champion All-Around Cowgirl. From learning how to properly coil and handle a rope to building a loop, aiming with confidence, and pulling slack like a pro, attendees got plenty of practice and one-on-one coaching every step of the way.

The workshop wrapped up with a friendly rope-off challenge, giving everyone a chance to put their new skills to the test and celebrate how much they learned in just a few short hours. Whether it was their very first time holding a rope or they were sharpening existing skills, participants left with a stronger foundation and a deeper appreciation for this classic ranching tradition.

Looking for your next ranch adventure? Join us for Goat Curious! If you've been dreaming of fresh goat milk, cozy goat fiber, or simply adding some lovable goat personalities to your life, this interactive workshop is for you. Work alongside experienced goat keepers, use our Goat Companion app to build a personalized plan, and enjoy a potluck while connecting with fellow goat enthusiasts.

Learn more and register: https://schoolofranch.org/workshop/goat-curious/

Explore all upcoming School of Ranch workshops: https://schoolofranch.org/workshops/

What a wonderful afternoon of weaving, learning, and connecting at our Pine Needle Basket Weaving Intro workshop!

Participants spent four hands-on hours exploring the traditional art of pine needle basketry with instructor Lorraine Lapekes, learning the foundational technique of coiling—a method of spiraling and stitching Ponderosa pine needles into beautiful baskets. From identifying suitable pine needles to mastering the use of gauges, weaving needles, and cordage, everyone left with new skills, new confidence, and the tools to continue their basket-making journey at home.

One of the joys of artisan skills is discovering just how much patience, practice, and creativity go into a handcrafted piece. While pine needle basket weaving is a slow and intentional process, participants got a solid start on their own baskets and gained the knowledge needed to keep weaving long after the workshop ended.

Of course, no School of Ranch gathering is complete without good company, and sharing a potluck meal together made the day even sweeter.

Looking for another chance to connect with fellow makers? Join us for Craft & Draft on Thursday, June 11th from 5–8pm at Bevel Craft Brewery in Bend. Bring whatever craft you're working on—knitting, basketry, leatherworking, carving, jewelry making, or something entirely your own—and enjoy an evening of creativity, community, food, drinks, and live music from Broken Charley. Best of all, it's free!

Learn more: https://schoolofranch.org/workshop/craft-and-draft/

And be sure to explore all upcoming School of Ranch workshops here: https://schoolofranch.org/workshops/

What a fantastic evening of chicken talk, flock planning, and community connection!

At our Chicken Farming for Self-Reliant Families workshop, participants explored the essentials of raising healthy, productive chickens in Central Oregon. Together, we covered how to choose breeds that fit your goals, create safe and comfortable coops, and handle the basics of flock health care throughout the seasons.

Through guided discussions and practical examples, attendees gained the knowledge and confidence needed to start planning their own backyard flocks—or improve the ones they already have. And, of course, no School of Ranch gathering is complete without sharing food and stories around a potluck table.

Whether your dream is fresh eggs, a more self-reliant homestead, or simply the joy of tending a flock, we loved helping participants take the next step on their chicken-keeping journey.

Ready for your next homestead adventure? Join us for Goat Curious, an interactive workshop designed to help you explore what goat ownership could look like for you. Whether you're dreaming of fresh goat milk, cozy goat fiber, or the company of quirky, lovable goats, you'll work with experts and our Goat Companion app to create a personalized goat-keeping plan. Plus, there's a potluck!

Learn more and register here: https://schoolofranch.org/workshop/goat-curious/

Looking for even more hands-on learning opportunities? Browse our full workshop catalog: https://schoolofranch.org/workshops/