It’s been a long winter here in the northeast; and particularly so for me, as I have wrestled with the life changes brought about by our recent move.  However, on Saturday the sun was shining, the snow was melting, and the temperature was a balmy 50 degrees, so Scott and I decided to check out the 21st Annual Spring Sheep Shearing at Winterberry Farm.

Begun in 1985 by Jim Lyons and Jill Horton-Lyons, Winterberry Farm is a small family farm that raises sheep, goats, various kind of poultry, angora rabbits, and the occasional pig.  They also teach a few classes for both children and adults in wool related fields such as spinning and felting, as well as offering clinics which give people the basics on what it takes to be a sheep farmer.  Nestled in a clearing amid tall trees, the farm is situated off of a dirt road just outside of Amherst, Mass.

As we walked up the path, we were greeted by the loud honking of a small flock of geese…one of their number had gotten separated from the group.  We then freely wandered about the pens and outbuildings where we saw everything from a days old baby lamb to a couple of tom turkeys intent on strutting their stuff.  Soon we came to the main event; the shearing shed had drawn a crowd and the master shearer spoke to the audience on different aspects of his job as he worked.

The Shearing Day was both a wonderful way to spend an early spring day, and an opportunity to take a glimpse inside a real working family farm.  I encourage everyone to make time to get out there and visit a farm in your own area…maybe you will be inspired to make something from farm grown wool, eat some homegrown food, or at least think about where these things come from.

A gaggle of geese to greet us!

Me is the sunshine with a new friend.

Lovely, brightly colored wools for sale.

The master shearer at work.