Longtime North Bay shepherds are warning that the traditional craft of raising sheep for high-quality fiber may be at a breaking point.
The Press Democrat reports veterans of the industry in Occidental and Freestone say rising hay costs, early droughts, and increasing predator threats from mountain lions are making the work unsustainable.
With many owners over the age of 50 and local wool associations disbanding, there are growing concerns about who will afford the land and labor in the future. However, some Petaluma farms are finding hope by hosting spinning classes and field trips to engage a younger generation of “fiber enthusiasts.”
These dedicated producers say that despite the financial strain, they continue the work to preserve rare sheep breeds and keep the ancient tradition of hand-made textiles alive.
