Above middle: When the bees and butterflies arrive in the lavender field, Katie says it is time to harvest. " The butterflies know, " she says. The farm is home to 16 varieties, and Katie says they are always adding or removing varieties to see what is the best fit. Above right: The Lockwood family crafts around 20 different scents of artisanal soap. They use lavender oil distilled right on the farm. A local favorite is the Tiger Stripe Lavender Soap, which is a nod to the University of Missouri where both Jason and Katie work. Bottom left: Last year the drying barn at Battlefield Lavender was filled with 10,000 bundles of lavender. Dried lavender will keep its color and scent for years. Painting and craft classes are held in the barn, so guests can enjoy the amazing smell (photo courtesy Battlefield Lavender). Bottom right: In November and December guests can watch essential oil distillation demonstrations as Katie and Jason fire up a 100-liter Portuguese copper still to extract the oils from the lavender bundles. JUNE 2024 | RURALMISSOURI.COOP 17http://www.RURALMISSOURI.COOP