As farmers and shepherds, we learn by trial and error, and often alone. We all know the warm feeling of having others to learn with and from. This is how we get inspiration, new ideas, confirmation of our hunches, and most of all, we build much-needed community to share good times and bad. We are offering this retreat to share knowledge and to build a network. We strongly believe in the mighty power of small farms, and the ecological restoration potential of small ruminants on the land. We know the joy and beauty these animals bring us. These are some of the many reasons we are passionate about offering this annual Shepherd’s Retreat, and we hope you will join us.
Who: You’ll be hosted by Helen Whybrow, shepherdess at Knoll Farm. Helen has been raising purebred Icelandic sheep for 24 years, and has sold starter flocks and mentored shepherds in all corners of the country. She will be joined some of her own mentors: Cole Bush of Shepherdess Land and Livestock, Mary Lake, butcher and shearer; Kathy Boyden of Kind Horn Farm and Elaine Clark of Frelsi Farm. We are also planning to have someone from a small fiber mill lead a session on fiber evaluation and processing and a session on available USDA grazing grants and pasture knowledge.
What you will learn: We will prioritize what you want to learn throughout the retreat, but this year’s main topics include:
- Grazing plans, grazing grants, forage ID and fencing
- Animal health, from maternity and lambing to minerals and vaccinations
- Animal handling, shearing, and how to get the most from your wool
- Considerations when raising animals for meat, how to work with a butcher
- Overall management tips and challenges for four seasons with a grass-fed flock
- Moving animals, behavior challenges, setting them up for success
