It’s time for a talk – a Shepherd’s Talk, that is. Every year, the New York State Sheep and Wool Festival has this popular segment available for shepherds, wannabe shepherds, ecologists, historians, and people who are just plain interested in fiber production from the ground up. Today’s talk is with Erin Bradt, of Helder Herdwyck Farm, where she talks about not just these fantastic little primitive sheep, but also about importation limitations, disease issues in livestock, and…well, more than we have time for in the intro.

We’ll be bringing you more of these fantastic seminars in the upcoming months. If you’d like to see the visuals on this one (just like you’re sitting on a hay bale in Rhinebeck), head over to the Backyard Green Films YouTube channel for this video, and much more.

Links:
https://helderherdwyck-farm.square.site/
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-cumbria-57015478
www.sheepandwool.com
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLz9Oj_oVkg

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On this podcast episode Bruce Farr of Farrview South Farm, American Milking Devon Cattle breeder (and a teamster!), sits down with John Hall, the President of the American Milking Devon Cattle Association. They discuss the history of the breed, characteristics they appreciate, and some non-traditional ideas for a very traditional breed.

If you want to see the man himself (and the twinkle in his eye), head on over to our YouTube channel for our latest upload.

Links:
http://www.milkingdevons.org
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/America...

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This week, we’re speaking with Theresa Walker of Great Bay Wool Works and her lovely natural-colored ovine assistant Hazel (okay, so hubby Patrick did a little bit of modeling, too.). We learn about natural-colored sheep, geography in New England, a bit of why New England and Old England feel familiar to each other, and much more.

This is one of those where Rick had to keep saying, “Stop patting the sheep, Elara.” We think this fiber is gorgeous, regardless of whether it’s on grass -- or on the very Patient Patrick.

Links:
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ovine
https://greatbaywoolworks.com/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_KcDt99gxko
https://ncwga.org/
https://americanromney.org/
https://sheepandwool.com/

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