Three Rivers Fibershed and local chapters of the Wisconsin Farmers Union are teaming up to host a Farm & Fiber Tour with stops around northwestern Wisconsin in August and September. The on-farm events will connect community members with local farmers and shepherds engaging in climate-beneficial, pasture-based farming practices.
The family-friendly series will include farmer-led pasture walks, hands-on fiber activities, and educational booths hosted by partner organizations. All activities will be outdoors.
Tour stops will include the following locations:
** August 6: Autumn Larch Farm - Operated by Jane Hansen, Autumn Larch Farm LLC spans six acres of north-central forest region pasture and features a small flock of registered Coopworth sheep and purebred Romeldale CVM wethers. Hansen uses outwintering, intensive rotational grazing, FAMACHA, pastured poultry for parasite control and other regenerative agricultural techniques in pursuit of healthy sheep, high quality wool, environmental stewardship and a commitment to the regional economy. Pasture tours will be offered at 2:30pm and 4pm. Take part in fiber demonstrations, learn mending techniques and explore how to use dye flower/indigo pounding to make a natural dye print on textiles. Co-hosted by the Taylor-Price County Farmers Union.
** August 6: Hillside Dairy - Take a twilight farm tour, see cows milking in the parlor, feed calves, and more at this stop, hosted by Wisconsin Farmers Union District 1 Director Linda Ceylor on her organic dairy farm. Stick around for a chili dinner and farm fresh food from Farmers Union members. Co-hosted by the Taylor-Price County Farmers Union.
** August 27: Curlee Acres - Come meet the flock of Shetland sheep at this sheep farm and learn why their wool is great for knitting, felting, and weaving. The coarse sections are used for rugs and even the unusable wool finds a home in the garden as mulch. Learn how rotational grazing has transformed the land during pasture tours at 10am and 11:30am. Take part in a wool sponge making demonstration and learn mending techniques. Co-hosted by Polk-Burnett Farmers Union.
** September 25: Priory Farms - Priory Farms raises Cotswold sheep, a threatened heritage sheep breed with a long history of making beautiful woolen goods. These gentle giants have a lustrous, long staple length which provides many options for the hand spinner, fiber artist, crafter, and knitter. Kubb Farm is a diversified farming venture raising livestock for eggs and meat as well as vegetables, mushrooms, and fruits. Tours will leave from both farms at 3 and 4:30pm and will switch halfway through. Enjoy the Mending Bar, nature loom, and kids’ activities at Priory Farms and Kubb games Kubb Farm. Co-hosted by the Eau Claire County Farmers Union.
Categories: Wisconsin, General