shepherdess

Join us as we welcome Jenn Colby of Howling Wolf Farm to the Grazing Grass Podcast for a rich conversation on the art of grass-based sheep farming and land regeneration. Listen in as Jen shares her personal journey to farming, the wisdom she's accumulated through her podcast "Choosing to Farm," and her dedication to improving her Vermont land. Whether you're an aspiring sheep farmer or a seasoned hand, Jenn's insights into the importance of community learning and seeking mentorship are invaluable. We also celebrate the podcast's growth, with a nod to our nearly 100,000 downloads in 2023, and encourage our listeners to connect with fellow grass enthusiasts in our Grazing Grass Community on Facebook.

In this episode, we explore the intricate world of managing sheep with practical lessons on breed selection, overcoming parasite challenges, and the transition from raising poultry to managing wool sheep. Hear about Jenn's experiences from visiting over 300 farms and why Katahdin sheep stole her heart. We delve into the management strategies that changed the game for our operations, including the use of flexi-net fencing and how rotational grazing has been pivotal in land management. Discover how adapting farming systems to fit the needs of your livestock can result in a harmonious and productive environment, and why the right tools and workshops can make all the difference.

The conversation shifts to innovative farming practices that are both sustainable and beneficial for the ecosystem. Learn about the use of sheep in land management. We discuss bale grazing techniques, the logistics of feeding livestock, and the importance of choosing the right supplements to ensure animal health. With Jenn Colby's expertise, we touch on the nuances of lambing, sheep tagging, and the advantages of bell grazing. So, grab your favorite headlamp and a pair of sturdy boots, and join us for an episode brimming with actionable farming knowledge that will help you navigate the landscape of livestock management with confidence.

Famour Four Questions

1. What is your favorite grazing Grass related book or resource?
Jenn mentioned that her favorite book related to grazing grass is "The Art and Science of Grazing" by Sarah Flack. Also, the books by Greg Judy.

2. What is your favorite tool to use on the farm?
Jenn mentioned two essential tools she uses on her farm. The first one is a headlamp, and the second one is comfortable rubber boots.

3. What would you tell someone just getting started?
Jenn advised beginners to find pasture walks, workshops, and visit other farms. She believes there is a lot to learn from seeing how others manage their operations.

4. Where can others find out more about you?
Jenn shared multiple resources to learn more about her including her farm website `howlingwolffarm.com`, her podcast `choosingtofarm.com` and social media handles under the names `Howling Wolf Farm` and `Choosing to Farm` on Facebook and Instagram.

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Facebook: Grazing Grass Podcast

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Twitter: @grazing_grass

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How did Hannah become such a renowned figure in farming? Is ‘women in agriculture’ still a relevant topic of discussion? Has sharing her pregnancy journey been a rewarding experience ?

After many months of planning, we’re so excited to welcome the amazing Hannah Jackson aka the Red Shepherdess onto the podcast.

Known for her iconic red hair, Hannah has gained over 80k followers on social media, sharing her journey as a townie turned first generation farmer.

In this episode, we talk how her dream of being a marine biologist shifted into owning her own sheep, how building a brand has been an important part of her success and what her big plans are for the future.

We step into Hannah’s world and learn about sharing her pregnancy journey to her followers, her challenges with miscarriage and the wonderful arrival of her daughter, Blake.

Plus, after the  resurfacing of the topic around women in ag, across social media channels, we pose the question: is this still a conversation that is needed?

With lots of laughs, talk of tampons and hearing about Hannah’s experience with ‘SAS Who Dares Wins’, this episode is jam packed full of empowering, entertaining and relevant conversations.

As always, thank you to our sponsor Howden.

Is Clarkson's farm authentic? What are the challenges surrounding motherhood and farm life? What's it like being an NFYFC Achiever Award judge?

On our latest episode, we go behind the scenes with Ellen Helliwell- the shepherdess well-known for her appearance on the Amazon series Clarkson's Farm. 

We talk reversing into a door, staying friends with Kaleb Cooper, NFYFC judging and the pressures and expectations of being a mother.

Recorded all whilst having baby Hetty on her lap, Ellen showcases what it means to be a true inspiration to women in agriculture.  

With thanks to our sponsor: A Plan Rural

If you'd like to sponsor Bizza for running the London Marathon and make a donation to Farm Africa click here. 

You can follow Bizza on Instagram by clicking here. (@adventuresofashepherdess)

Instagram accounts mentioned by Bizza:

@samonthefarm_1 (Sam Walton)

@downondaintreefarm (Farmer Luke)

To find out more about Ben visit benjamineagle.co.uk

To support Meet the Farmers on patreon and join the Meet the Farmers Supporters Club visit patreon.com/meetthefarmers

Thank you!

Outline:

Exiled East

Jacob and the Woman at the Well

Four Flocks

Rock, Mouth, Well

Sampson or Supper?

Rachel as Shepherdess

The Snake Enters the Garden 

Saint Athanasius Church

Contra Mundum Swagger

Video Version

A major Hollywood movie is in the works about the Canadian “tree talk” pioneer, there's a new bamboo bat for cricket, a Spanish shepherdess school is calling all Bo-Peeps and a Swedish city embraces its rain

Ron and I sat in the back room of 40 South Street in Jamaica Plain, buried in denim, and various other piles of vintage clothing with our masks over our faces on a beautiful day not too long ago.  The proprietor Hilken Mancini had to leave every so often to take care of the front of the store, but we got in a great conversation.  

40 South Street is a vintage clothing store owned by musician, punk rocker, entrepreneur, aerobic instructor and all-around amazing person Hilken Mancini. We first saw Hilken on stage with her band of incredible women in Band Of Their Own at the Foundation To Be Named Later event at The Paradise a few years ago.  

But that is only one of her many musical endeavors. She was also in the great band Fuzzy, The Count Me Outs and currently plays in The Monsieurs and Shepherdess.  

But she is also the founder of Girls Rock Campaign Boston, which empowers girls, women, and youth and adults with marginalized gender identities to believe in themselves by providing a supportive community that fosters self-expression, confidence, and collaboration through musical education and performance.  

Finally, in 2000 she also founded Punk Rock Aerobics, the original DIY workout that rocks out - combining original punk dance moves with aerobic exercise.  

Hilken is awesome and we love her.