Learn more about Against the Grain: The Farm Aid Podcast
Against the Grain brings the magic of Farm Aid’s annual festival to listeners year-round. Hear from farmers and artists, advocates and food experts, activists and policymakers – all of whom are working towards building a more just and equitable farm and food system.
Click here to listen! Check out extra materials – think: bios, how-tos, recipes etc. – from this year’s HOMEGROWN Skills Tent participants.
Salsa on My Mind: Homegrown Salsa y Agua Fresca 101
Presented by Silvia Cruz, El Gallo Cafe in Cheriton, Va
Join us in the Skills Tent for flavor, culture and community during this salsa, agua fresca and tortilla demonstration. Learn how to process watermelon and cantaloupe into agua fresca, corn and tomatoes into salsa and how to make handmade tortillas.
Silvia Cruz was born in Mexico and moved to the Eastern Shore with her parents who earned their living as seasonal (migrant) farmworkers. They chose to make the Shore their home, and Sylvia’s work in food and hospitality today is creating connections between the Latino community and their neighbors. She is working on opening El Gallo, a restaurant and farmstand, with her daughter in Cheriton. Come learn how to make these refreshing treats using fresh ingredients from farmers along the Eastern Shore of Virginia.
Little ditty ’bout raw fleece and yarn: Processing wool 101
Presented by Susan Skalak and Walter Gray, The Chesapeake Fibershed, VA
Starting with a fleece, this demonstration will show you how to scour (wash) it, dry it, pick (separate) the locks, card (align) the fiber and turn the fiber into roving. Susan Skalak and Walter Gray of the Chesapeake Fibershed will simultaneously talk about developing a sustainable, regional network between fiber producers, processing mills, dyers, artisans and enthusiastic users.
Susan has had a varied career, from a degree in Engineering from the University of Tennessee, to an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Clemson University, followed by a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Tech and then to joining the faculty at University of Virginia. But it was during the break between undergrad and grad school that Susan learned to sew and tailor clothing. In the early 2000s Susan owned a fabric store and started a fiber farm. Although seemingly different skill sets, each of her experiences has led to her commitment to regenerative farming and the making of clothing in a circular system.
Walter has honed his skills in both his home studio and through his community. He is an emerging, local fiber artist, intrigued by all things textile and tactile. With a focus on plant-based fibers, Walter spins, dyes, weaves and sometimes naps in open fields. He is excited to build community through the practice of art.
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“Hurtin’ (With Compact Soil): Restoring Soil with Cover Crops 101
Presented by Thelonius Cook, Mighty Thundercloud Edible Forest in Birdsnest, VA
Learn the fundamentals of purposeful cover cropping — selecting and using cover crops strategically to improve soil health, suppress weeds, manage pests and boost yields. During this demonstration you’ll figure out how to match cover crop species to the needs of your space, along with practical planting and termination techniques.
Thelonious Cook is president of the Mid-Atlantic Black Farmer Caucus and works on inherited family land in Birdsnest, VA, where he’s been restoring it from hard-compacted, monocrop-depleted dirt to nutritious soil. He also farms a half acre at his home in Hampton. He practices regenerative agriculture and grows a variety of small-scale crops, fruit trees and raises small-scale heritage livestock. Be sure to join us in the Skills Tent to make sure you know which cover crop mix is best for your soil type, climate and growing goals.
Hey Hey, Fry Fry: Eastern-Shore Clam Fritters 101
Presented by Sean Hart, Exmore Diner, Exmore, VA
Sean Hart is owner of the Exmore diner, a beloved classic diner that serves hyper-regional cuisine, like fried clam fritters. Sean serves up his fritters — made with six ingredients and locally farmed clams — by the gallon to loving customers. During this cooking demonstration, Sean will talk about the history and importance of the aquaculture industry to the Eastern Shore of Virginia, as well as some of the food traditions behind this uniquely regional dish.
Sean and Crystal Hart own the Exmore Diner and Salt & Sand Family Restaurant. Sean knows seafood through and through, as he spent part of his career working as a commercial fisherman. Come to Skills Tent to learn Sean’s recipe so that you can make this Eastern Shore classic at home.
Seeds Marching: Farm Aid 2026 HOMEGROWN Seed Swap
Facilitated by Reana Kim from Share a Seed
Farmers and gardeners: Bring seeds from home and come on down to the HOMEGROWN Skills Tent. Meet enthusiastic seed savers, share some of your own seeds and go home with new varieties to try! If you’re bringing seeds, please keep them domestic, in a sealed envelope and labeled.
Photo: Jessica Ilyse Kurn
