From the Pastures: A duck farmer now

Every year it seems like fall sneaks up on me. Maybe it is all the pumpkin spice that arrives in the stores earlier and earlier. I do enjoy seeing the harvest begin. Last week I drove to a customer location near St. Louis. Several fields of corn had already been harvested. In northern Illinois, the combines will not start rolling for at least a couple of weeks.

The Wisconsin Sheep and Wool Festival was a lot of fun this year. We had a chance to talk to a lot of friends we have made over the years. I was able to dye several colors of Shetland roving mixed with a little mohair. This combination spins easily to nice yarn or can be used for felting.

Many people commented that the colors were lovely and bright. They were excited to try their hand spinning it. Getting ready for the festival takes a lot of work and it is nice to receive good comments. I enjoy talking to people to see what they are going to make from my wool. Wool can be used for so many things.

At our county fair, we like to support the 4-H auction every year. This year I had the crazy idea that a duck would be a nice addition to the farm. Well, in the end I ended up with six ducks. I know, not sheep or wool related, but we have the room in the barn. Every time I go into the barn they quack and talk to me.

There should be some good duck eggs in our future. Maybe I can think of some way to use the feathers they shed with my wool. People we know at the fair said to my husband after the auction: “So, you’re a duck farmer now?” Guess you never know what you might find at the county fair.

Have a safe harvest!