We’re back from the North American Hill Sheep Show in Escanaba, Michigan.  This inaugural event showcased some British Hill Breed Sheep and some not-quite-Hill Breed Sheep, of course, but there was more to see, hear and smell.  Lovely vendor booths with soft woolens and fragrant soaps in abundance, sheepdog trials with panting puppies, food trucks (with some mighty fine brisket, thank you sir), and ice cream that is famous across all of the “M” roads. And then, there were the Brits.  The judges (and families) arrived in good spirits and raring to go, and the whole things was a t ..read more

Where do we go for fun?  Well, all kinds of places, but fish hatcheries, farm shows, and livestock auctions are on the list.   Today, we’re taking you back to jolly old England (almost Scotland, actually), to a little town called Hexham.  It lies at the foot of Northumberland National Park and a stone’s throw (literally) from Hadrian’s Wall.  This is as charming a hamlet as you might ever imagine.  It has lovely bridges, excellent tapas, wonderfully kind people, a first-class auction yard, and mules. Wait – aren’t we talking sheep today?  What’s all this about mul ..read more

Located in the southern portion of Scotland, Lanark might be best known in agricultural circles for those big guys from the area around the River Clyde, and to history buffs as the first place local resident William Wallace drew his sword in earnest.  We love heavy horses with a passion, but the sheep need to have their day, too.   Last September, Lanark Agricultural Centre saw Shetland Sheep and members of all sizes and colors coming for the Gathering, because “There can be only one!”  (oops – wrong movie again, though with William in the first paragraph, the sword thing kind o ..read more

In life, there are talkers and doers.  Of the doers, many of them have a characteristic known as “True Grit,” and today’s podcast guests are in that category. Millie and Stacy Bradshaw own Dry Creek Livestock, and a few hours north of Salt Lake City, these two intrepid souls are building a place to call home on the windswept plains and low hills of Utah.  On their ranch you’ll find a range of critters, including goats (for meat and milk), cattle (for beef), livestock guardian dogs (for the previous two) and - periodically – mountain lions (because apparently ranching is just too easy ..read more

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 seminar ..read more

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... Support the show ..read more

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 htt ..read more

We’re going down memory lane, and back to the beginning of all things for today’s podcast.  In this case, it means the start of something that has grown into a behemoth in the world of Agriculture.  Originally from the shores of Scotland near Aberdeen, the cattle breed known as “Angus” has become the powerhouse breed by which all things are measured.    Today we’re going back to the roots of the breed that has become synonymous with “beef,” and which has also changed over time to meet the needs of production agriculture.  Today we have a great conversation with Geordie ..read more

We concluded the World Devon Congress adventure with the State that put these cattle on the map – okay, they’re on the flag, anyway.  We had a wonderful tour through the Green Mountain State of Vermont, on our way to meet up with Anson Tebbets, Secretary of Agriculture, Food and Markets.  This lovely man took a walk down the lane on his family farm to talk about the finer things in agricultural life that are represented in Vermont – maple syrup, socks, adult beverages and ice cream, just to name a few.  He believes in those who produce our food and fiber products, and works to s ..read more

Backyard Green Films is now in Florida, getting ready to start the World Devon Congress 2024.  But first (and last), our podcast with the butcher.  The place where everything ends – everything that is ordered medium rare, anyway. A.J. O’Neil is the perfect one to encapsulate almost everything that is fantastic about why Devons are popular.  He’s a member of Red Devon USA, and a wonderful addition to their friendly and active Board of Directors.  He’s sometimes serious, sometimes quiet, but always a family-oriented guy.  He talks with us about O’Neil’s Quality Devons, O ..read more