The Woolstead

On this episode I chat with Christine of Kula Cottontail farm, where she raises Angora rabbits, alpacas, and llamas in beautiful Hawaii. Christine shares her story of what led her to start raising fiber producing animals, the beauty that comes along with it, and some of the challenges too. This is an episode you won't want to miss!  Show Notes: Christine's Instagram: @kulacottontailfarm Etsy Shop: ⁠https://www.etsy.com/shop/ChristmasCreation⁠ Airbnb: ⁠https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/39207063?source_impression_id=p3_1712054154_My7AXOlbTK3BN%2F%2Fc

On this episode I chat with Caliegh Bussard from The Buzzard Farm. From falling in love with alpacas to running a fiber arts business, Caliegh shares her journey into fiber farming in the Appalachian region of Pennsylvania. Want to hear more episodes or check out more sheep content? Head over to thewoolstead.com! - Show Notes- Caliegh's website: thebuzzardfarm.com Caliegh's instagram: @fiberinthefoothills

On this episode I chat with The Prairie Shepherdess, Kamden Bartman. Kamden is a 16yr old fiber farmer raising Icelandic and Navajo Churro sheep in Alberta, Canada. During the interview we chat about how she got started shepherding, all about her beautiful flock of sheep, and how she balances school and farm life. And, of course we talk about wool, some of the products she offers, and her new Ebook "Egg Tanned Sheepskins at Home"! Kamden is accomplishing so many things at 16 and is truly inspiring! I can't wait for y'all to hear this episode! - Show Notes - Kamden’s Website: ⁠https://prairieshepherdess.ca Instagram: @prairieshepherdess YouTube: The Prairie Shepherdess Kamden's Ebook: ⁠https://prairieshepherdess.ca/products/egg-tanned-sheepskins-at-home-guidebook

On this episode I chat with homesteader and author Rachel Hester of Whoopsy Daisy Farm. Rachel shares her story into getting started homesteading and what drove her to get dairy sheep. She also shares about her love of wool and her inspiration behind her new book " The Guide to Homestead Dairy Sheep", along with what it was like to birth a baby and write her book in the same year! If you never considered milking sheep before, after hearing Rachel's enthusiasm during this episode, you might be like me and want dairy sheep now! -Show Notes- Whoopsy Daisy Farm Website: https://www.whoopsydaisyfarm.com/ Instagram: @whoopsydaisyfarm YouTube: Whoopsy Daisy Farm Rachel's Book: https://www.whoopsydaisyfarm.com/shop/p/the-guide-to-homestead-dairy-sheep

In this week's episode, I chatted with Delaney Drake of Ewe and Me Homestead & Creamery. After dealing with dietary health issues, Delaney assumed dairy was off-limits. That was until her sister introduced her to sheep's milk cheese, which her body amazingly could handle! This led Delaney and her husband on a journey of starting their own sheep dairy.  During the interview, Delaney shares their experience this past year getting started with dairy sheep and all the exciting plans they have for the future! -Show Notes- Delaney's: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eweandmehomestead Instagram: @eweandmecreamery **Follow Me** Instagram: @deerlywoven https://www.facebook.com/deerlywoven ~Contact~ [email protected] deerlywoven.com

In this week's episode, I got to do an in-person interview with Ashley Hoffman of Cedar View Farm. Ashley has a breeding flock of FBA registered Finnsheep, offering both breeding and pet quality stock. She also offers wool in all stages of processing – raw, washed, combed, dyed, roving, yarn, and handmade items. On the podcast, you will hear the sit-down portion of the interview where Ashley shares her fiber journey story and how she fell in love with the Finn breed. You can head to my YouTube channel "Deerly Woven" to see the whole interview that includes Ashley's studio tour and video of her beautiful flock. -Show Notes- YouTube interview link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xa5wuJoXG-U Cedar View Farm Website: https://www.cedarviewfarmva.com/ Instagram: @cedar_view_farm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CedarViewFarmVA **Follow Me** Instagram: @deerlywoven https://www.facebook.com/deerlywoven ~Contact~ [email protected] deerlywoven.com

In this week's episode, I chat with the wonderful mother-daughter duo of Flying Fibers. Jeri and Irina have a magnificent yarn shop in York County, Pennsylvania, and a flock consisting of Wendslydales, Leicester Longwools, and Shetland sheep. They both have a passion for saving rare and heritage breeds through education. During the interview, you will hear Jeri's story of how she fell in love with sheep and Irina's experience growing up in the sheep and wool community, all about their flock, yarn shop, and more! I can't wait for you to hear this episode! -Show Notes- Flying Fiber Website: https://www.flyingfibers.com/ Instagram: @flyingfibers & @flyingfibersjeri Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FlyingFibers & https://www.facebook.com/FlyingFibersFlock/ **Follow Me** Instagram: @deerlywoven https://www.facebook.com/deerlywoven ~Contact~ [email protected] deerlywoven.com

In this week's episode, I chat with Shepherd, Teacher, and Fiber Artist  Kim Goodling of Vermont Grand View Farm. Kim shares about how she came to start raising Gotland sheep, her trips to the island of Gotland, Sweden, and her passion for teaching. We also talk about guard llamas and Kim has some encouraging advice for when things get tough shepherding. -Show Notes- Kim's Website: https://www.grandviewfarmvt.com/ https://www.vermontfarmschool.com/ Instagram: @vtgrandviewfarm **Follow Me** Instagram: @deerlywoven https://www.facebook.com/deerlywoven ~Contact~ [email protected] deerlywoven.com

In this week's episode, I chat with shepherdess Jen Johnson of Whispering Pines Farm.  Jen shares her story on how she came to start raising fine fleece Shetland sheep, her experience doing virtual fiber festivals, and all about her Youtube channel called "Soft Shetland Wool"! -Show Notes- Jen's Website: https://softshetlandwool.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/SoftShetlandWool Instagram: @jenjohnson8429 **Follow Me** Instagram: @deerlywoven https://www.facebook.com/deerlywoven ~Contact~ [email protected] deerlywoven.com

In this week's episode, I chat with shepherdess and shearer Siri Swanson. Siri and her partner Colin own Yankee Rock Farm and Yankee Clippers Shearing.  Through sustainable and wholesome practices they raise Finn, Border Leicesters, and Cheviots for breeding stock, fiber, and meat. Siri shares all about her flock, farming practices, shearing, and some of the challenges she faced being a first-generation farmer. She also shares some fantastic tips and advice when it comes to getting started with sheep and things to consider if you want to do farming full-time!  -Show Notes- Yankee Rock Farm Website: https://www.yankeerockfarm.com/ Siri's Instagram: @yankeerockfarm Shearing Preparation: https://www.yankeerockfarm.com/preparation **Follow Me** Instagram: @deerlywoven https://www.facebook.com/deerlywoven ~Contact~ [email protected] deerlywoven.com