What to Expect
On April 19th, 2026, local Montana homesteaders and livestock producers will be gathering between noon and 5:00 pm to buy, sell, trade amongst each other, and educate the public! The event is like a farmer’s market, but with a focus on homesteading goods such as honey and tallow, charismatic poultry, cuddly bunnies, and curious goats. It’s a time and place for all folks to network amongst the homesteading community.
The Homestead and Small Livestock Exchange event is the vision of Caiden Dowell and his mom, Tracie. Caiden has been raising a breed of chickens called Silkies since he was in first grade, and then added Nigerian Dwarf goats and a Highland steer while in third grade! This dynamic mother-son duo has dreamed of strengthening local production of these animals through the shared economy. With the financial aid of Missoula County Department of Ecology and Extension, the event has been brought to life for the first year at the Missoula County Fairgrounds and open to the public.
Educational Activities
Come learn how to handle and care for chickens, rabbits, and small goats! At the top of each hour- between 1 and 4 pm- local 4Hers and MSU Extension agents will be teaching FREE 15-minute classes. Learn about the many products that can be made from living on the land and how to be prepared for the many types of emergency situations with animals.
April is Autism Awareness month, so the event is also embracing any organization that supports members of our neurodivergent community. Event organizers are currently collecting raffle items to support Missoula Adaptive Recreation and Sports.
How to Participate
Vendors may register on the link below. Buyers and/or spectators do NOT need to register. A vendor is anyone who intends to sell or trade homesteading goods and/or small livestock. Restrictions on animal numbers and size are detailed in the registration form. Dogs and cats are NOT allowed. Vendors will be sent instructions on unloading, parking, assigned spacing, and animal restrictions in the weeks before the event. For any questions, reach out to Tracie Carrasco at tracie.carrasco@yahoo.com or finding her on Facebook.
