How did you get into farming and what age did you decide you wanted to live on a farm?
I have always had a love for animals and the outdoors, loved visiting my grandparents dairy farm and hanging out in the barn with the cows & kitties, going on fall hay rides with my cousins, and I've always had a thing for horses. I think the moment that stands out to me knowing I wanted to live on a farm was an early morning hay pickup with a friend in high school, loading the bales in the early morning while the rooster crowed and all the animals were waking up. Our farm has built up slowly, we started with vacant land and have been adding more every year.
What made you want to have fiber animals?
I didn't come to sheep from a fiber background, but rather as a biocontrol measure for spotted knapweed. We started with a group of Icelandic and Gotland sheep, both breeds known for browsing as well as grazing. We transitioned to all Gotland sheep when we fell in love with their gorgeous fiber and friendly personalities.
What surprised you the most about raising fiber animals?
The different voices of the sheep, and how from a distance I can identify individuals by their baaaa.
Tell us something unique about your breed of fiber animal.
Gotland sheep are not only a beautiful pasture ornament (which, they are!) they are also multi-purpose in every aspect of their life. They produce gorgeous grey curls twice a year through shearing, and because we are up-breeding to the Gotland standard, any market lambs for gourmet meat also provide the finest sheepskin pelts, just like their traditional Swedish ancestors. We believe in honoring the whole animal and Gotland sheep allow us to treasure them for years to come.
From a farming/shepherding perspective, what are you most proud of?
I am most proud of building our farm from scratch - taking a field of spotted knapweed and increasing the biodiversity on our land through rotational grazing.
What does a typical day on the farm look like for you?
Daily farm life changes with the seasons, which is my favorite part. There is no typical day, but part of every day is flock checks, fence checks, water and feeding, and observing. During the spring there is shearing and lambing, in the summer we are moving fences every other day for grazing, in the fall we shear again, and in the winter we make sure everyone is cozy. Right now is spring, and we are in the middle of lambing season. So we are checking them every 2-3 hours for signs of labor, monitoring the lambs and mommas, and watching our pastures grow in eager anticipation of their first days on grass. We have many projects that happen in the spring like hooking up waterline, moving fence-lines, checking electric, replacing gates, and general repair. Watching the lamb races in the evening is a staple of daily life right now! I've been posting videos in our Instagram stories if you've never seen a group of lambs race as fast as their little legs can possibly carry them!
What made you want to be a part of the Three Rivers Fibershed?
The mission of Three Rivers Fibershed aligns with my vision for our farm. It is exciting to connect with other shepherds around the area who share the same values and produce outstanding products right here in the midwest. Connecting with fiber artists and seeing what they create from our wool has been amazing.
Where can we find your product?
www.namekagonvalleyfarm.com - we are now shipping some stunning raw fleeces, sheepskin pelts, and other farm products!
Favorite fiber arts activity?
Needlefelting, especially with Gotland curls
Favorite color?
Green - the color of life!
Introvert, extrovert or somewhere in the middle?
Mostly an introvert, but I do love talking about sheep and flowers!
Anything else you want us to know?
We also grow specialty cut flowers, market produce, and raise pastured poultry.
All photos courtesy of Namekagon Valley Farm & Studio
