University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service
The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service offers a curated collection of research-based resources tailored specifically for homesteading in the Natural State. It includes a current list of Extension events across the state that would be of interest to homesteaders as well as information on gardening, livestock, poultry, food preservation, beekeeping and much more. It also includes links to a resources like the Self Sufficient U blog and the Around the Homestead podcast, among others.
Mother Earth News
With more than a half million subscribers, Mother Earth News has become the recognized authority when it comes to sustainable living. Much like the magazine, the website is loaded with articles and videos on gardening, homesteading, renewable energy and much more. Mother Earth News also has state-specific Facebook pages to help you keep up with sustainable living events in your area. You can find their Facebook page by searching for “Arkansas Community – Mother Earth News.”
Farm Hands Companion
An Arkansas-based website created by Gary “Pa Mac” McWilliams of the Farm Hands Companion YouTube channel. McWilliams dedicates his online enterprises “to preserving, celebrating, and developing old-fashioned skills of the traditional farm.” Pa Mac addresses just about everything from milling your own lumber to raising a garden. You can check out his YouTube here.
Homestead.org
Homestead.org bills itself as “The Homesteader’s Free Library,” and it certainly lives up to its billing. You’ll find articles by various authors on just about any homesteading topic you can image. Once you get to the front page, be sure to click on the “Library” button at the top of the home page. That will take you to a page offering a variety of articles related to all aspects of homesteading. You will also find a “Cookbook” section with lots of recipes.
The Kerr Center for Sustainable Agriculture
The Kerr Center for Sustainable Agriculture is located in Poteau, Okla., just beyond the Arkansas border. The Kerr Center is constantly testing ways to implement sustainable agricultural practices for both gardens and livestock. The website provides a wealth of information on how to implement regenerative practices, nearly all of which are geared toward small farms. Be sure to check out the events listing for the latest workshops being offered throughout the region.
Southern SARE (Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education)
Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education (SARE) is a U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) grants and outreach program. SARE is divided into four regions with the Southern SARE program operating under the cooperative agreements of University of Georgia, Fort Valley State University and the Kerr Center for Sustainable Agriculture (see above).Farmers and ranchers affiliated with SARE is that develop integrated management plans for their farms that use principles from nature for sustainability.
National Center for Appropriate Technology
The National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) has been helping people build resilient communities through local and sustainable solutions that reduce poverty, strengthen self-reliance, and protect natural resources since 1976. Headquartered in Butte, Montana, NCAT has a field offices in Arkansas and staff located in 14 states.
National Center for Home Food Preservation
The National Center for Home Food Preservation website serves as a trusted resource for safe, science-based methods of preserving food at home. It offers detailed guidance on canning, freezing, drying, and fermenting foods, helping individuals extend the shelf life of their harvest while maintaining quality and safety. The site features step-by-step instructions, tested recipes, and educational materials developed in partnership with university extension programs. Whether you’re new to food preservation or an experienced homesteader, the website provides reliable information to support self-sufficiency, reduce food waste, and ensure safe home food storage practices.
USDA Interactive Plant Hardiness Zone Map
A plant hardiness zone map is a tool that helps gardeners and growers determine which plants are most likely to survive in a specific location based on climate. Most of Arkansas falls with either Zone 7 or 8. This map allows you to enter a zip code to see the hardiness zone for your area. In some instances, there could be two levels of a zone within a single county.