Category: Wool

First-Generation Agrarians Living the Not-So-Simple Life at Outlaw Valley Ranch

September 26, 2022September 29, 2022

Alex and Kelsey Karol are the first-generation agrarians of Outlaw Valley Ranch, a business that has hit its stride even as it restarts from scratch in a new locale. As of last year, Outlaw Valley Ranch occupies 345 hilly acres in Santa Maria, California, between San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara.

Fibershed and Partners Receive $30 Million to Expand Climate Beneficial Wool, Cotton Production

September 15, 2022September 15, 2022

Fibershed is excited to announce that, along with incredible partners, it has been awarded four Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities grants through the USDA’s historic investment in expanding climate-smart agriculture.

A Story of a Working Sweater: In Collaboration with Sheep, Shepherds, and Artists

April 27, 2022

The following pieces are written by five Fibershed producer members offering their perspectives on the creation of a community-constructed sweater using Santa Cruz Island sheep wool.

Unpacking ‘Sustainable’ Fashion

April 7, 2022April 7, 2022

“Sustainability, as defined and measured in fashion, is currently an elitist, even imperialistic concept,” says Veronica Kassatly, analyst and consultant for data-based sustainability claims. In this four-part series, Kassatly examines how Western brands, consumers, and activists define the conversation around sustainability, based on their own interests and cultural values. She brings light to unfounded assertions about the long-lasting fiber traditions of wool, silk, and alpaca production in an effort to map out better solutions for moving toward “sustainable” fashion that is truly sustainable and socially just.

Foggy Bottoms Boys Are Changing the Farming Formula

March 21, 2022March 31, 2022

Cody and Thomas, otherwise known as the Foggy Bottoms Boys, are seventh-generation farmers in Ferndale, California. There, where the fog hangs low in the Eel River Valley, they run a multi-species farm, including a certified humane, organic dairy for milk, cheese, and beef, sheep for fiber and meat, and pastured poultry. Going viral from their TikTok videos with 90,000 followers and 10 million views, Cody and Thomas are raising awareness about local fiber while simultaneously increasing representation and visibility for the LGBT community in the agricultural world.

The Extraordinary Alchemy of Sheep & Winegrowing at Littorai Wines

March 1, 2022

In Ted Lemon’s words, biodynamic farming “holds the foundation of a world enlivened by spirit — that all material is manifestation of a spiritual reality. In biodynamic farming, we work with the energies and powers of the spiritual world as it manifests in the material world. We work with celestial rhythms and specific preparations to strengthen the plants and animals.”