Webinar: NFUO: A Modern Spin on Traditional Craft: Exploring Value-Added Livestock Operations

Want to add more value to your livestock operation production? Are you seeking inspiration on how to put a modern spin on traditional value-added craftmanship? Whether you are a small or large livestock operation, join this panel to learn how others have expanded their operation to include diversified upscale artisanal handicrafts.

Jennifer Osborn: She is the artist and farmer at All Sorts Acres Farm & Art Studio along with her partner Tim Fisher. Starting in 2007 on just over an acre outside of Guelph with the goal of creating an integrated art-farm, the two persevered until finally purchasing the land they currently farm in 2016. The 50-acre farm, located an hour north of Guelph, is managed using regenerative, ecological, permaculture, and circular economy principles and practice that revolve around sheep. With a certified commercial kitchen, wool processing facility, and on-farm store and gallery, almost all of what the farm produces is processed on farm creating value added sheep milk gelato, yogurt, cheese, kefir, milk, wool items, and pastured lamb. Bees, ducks, chickens, berries, and willow contribute to the farm identity and product base that includes charcoal, paint, honey, eggs, flavours for their gelato, and farm inspired artwork that includes original pieces and plantable greeting cards. In addition to products, in 2022 they opened a space for reactive dogs and their people to visit.

Brenda Hsueh: Brenda is a Chinese Canadian woman farmer, who has been farming Black Sheep Farm in Grey County since 2009. She first came to farming single and jaded from years of working a desk job in Toronto. Now she farms with her partner Skyler, and their daughter Emma, often tired and pessimistic about the state of the world, but ever hopeful, watching nature’s regenerative cycles in action. They produce organic vegetables on a no-till 1 acre garden for CSA members, and raise sheep for their regenerative grazing to combat the climate crisis, while producing meat for food, fibre for clothing, fertilizer and mulch, and compost for fertility for the vegetable garden. Brenda is passionate about all things sheep and fleece related and is hopeful for a future where wool is valued, processed, and used more extensively in Canada.