Fall Pumpkin Festival at Shepherd's Cross
farm@shepherdscross.com August 6, 2026 No Comments
Fall Pumpkin Festival at Shepherd’s Cross & Heart of the Shepherd September 22 – November 7, 2026 Tuesday – Saturday 9:00 am – 6:30 pm Open Monday, October 26th Shepherd’s Cross and Heart of the Shepherd invite families and autumn lovers to experience the season at their annual Fall Pumpkin Festival. Located just north of Claremore off Route 66, this working sheep farm offers a peaceful, family-inclusive, fear-free day in the country packed with fun, educational activities for all ages. Admission and parking are 100% free, with a suggested donation of $5 per person to support Heart of the Shepherd’s local and international outreach programs. Festival Highlights & Free Activities Include: • The Pumpkin Patch & Game Area: Wander the walk-through pumpkin patch, conquer the hay maze, and play outdoor games. • Farm Animal Petting Barn: Meet sheep, goats, donkeys, and alpacas up close • Bible Garden: Tour the scenic Bible Garden featuring pumpkins on the vine and fall flowers. • Interactive Scavenger Hunt: Take on the QR-code scavenger hunt to watch short educational videos on farming and shepherding. • Live Demonstrations: Watch fiber-crafting live in the Wool Mill inside the farm’s historic, Amish-built barn. • Oklahoma Museum Association Farm Museum: Over 100 exhibits and home to the animated “Percy the Perfect Pumpkin” story. • Photo Ops: Capture unforgettable family photos against picturesque rural backdrops. Wagon Rides & Pumpkin Packages: For guests looking to enhance their visit, tractor-pulled wagon rides through the hay meadow run every 30 minutes. • Wagon Ride Tickets: $7 per person (Children 2 and under ride
Read MoreFall Intern/Apprentice Program at Shepherd's Cross
farm@shepherdscross.com July 10, 2026 No Comments
Shepherd’s Cross, an authentic, working faith-based sheep and cattle ranch, is now accepting applications for its Fall 2026 Intern and Apprentice Program. Running from mid-August through December, this immersive program equips students and adults with foundational farming skills while deeply exploring Biblical agriculture and shepherding parables. Under the direction of Dr. Diane Dickinson—holding a Bachelor’s in Agriculture and a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine with over 50 years of livestock experience—interns gain invaluable, real-world knowledge. Dr. Dickinson serves as the on-site veterinarian, overseeing the farm’s veterinary care unit. A Season of Harvest and Outreach The fall semester at Shepherd’s Cross is a fast-paced, high-energy season that blends agricultural production with community evangelism. Interns will actively participate in: Agritourism & Evangelism: Gaining hands-on experience hosting major community outreach events, including the annual Fall Pumpkin Festival and Christmas at the Farm. Farm Production & Harvesting: Participating in the pecan, walnut, and hay harvests on a true working production ranch. Diverse Operations: Exploring unique facets of the farm, including the Farm Museum, Bible Garden, modern Wool Mill, and onsite Farm Store. Program Details & Eligibility Who Can Apply: High school students, college students, and adults of all ages. Prior agricultural experience is advantageous but not required. Academic Credit: High School or college credit may be available for students currently enrolled. Flexible Options: Internships are available full-time or part-time, with both live-on-site and live-off-site options. Compensation: Select internship positions may include room, board, and a monthly monetary stipend. Following the successful completion of the fall semester, interns are eligible to apply for the Apprentice/Residency Program.
Read MoreSummer Yarn Event at Shepherd's Cross
farm@shepherdscross.com July 7, 2026 No Comments
Shepherd’s Cross invites fiber enthusiasts, crafters, and families alike to its annual Summer Yarn Event this August. Whether you are looking to learn a new hobby, stock up on premium fiber and yarn for the upcoming fall season or simply enjoy a peaceful day on an authentic working farm, the event offers something for everyone. The Summer Yarn Event will be open 8:30am – 5:30pm on August 21–22 and August 25–29, 2026. Daily Fiber Arts Classes For those looking to expand their crafting skills, Shepherd’s Cross is hosting daily, hands-on fiber arts classes throughout the event. Space is limited, and pre-registration is required. This year’s class lineup includes: Carding with Hand Carders and Drum Carder Spinning Yarn on a Drop Spindle Spinning Yarn on a Spinning Wheel Knitting Class – Mug Rug (Beginner) Knitting Class – Intro to Triangle Shawl Needle Felting a Landscape Portrait Rigid Heddle Loom Weaving Mug Rugs Rag Rug Weaving Table Loom Weaving Floor Loom Weaving Event Specials & Discounts: Every visitor will receive a free “handmade with love” tag (no purchase required). Additionally, all purchases include a free mini-skein of Shepherd’s Cross yarn. Crafters looking to invest in new equipment will receive 10% off all spinning items—including spinning wheels, drop spindles, looms, and spinning accessories—plus free drop shipping. Fun for the Whole Family In addition to the fiber events, guests can experience a variety of accredited agritourism activities. Visitors can tour the on-site Wool Mill, watch live fiber arts demonstrations, visit the Farm & Fiber Arts Museum, and stroll through the Bible Garden (where picnic
Read MoreSmall Ruminant Animal Husbandry Training
farm@shepherdscross.com June 25, 2026 No Comments
Small Ruminant Animal Husbandry Training Saturday, August 8, 2026 8:30 am- 4:30 pm As the movement toward sustainable living and self-sufficiency grows, Shepherd’s Cross is proud to announce its upcoming Small Ruminant Animal Husbandry Training. This comprehensive one-day intensive will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Designed for aspiring homesteaders and those returning to the basics of farming, the class provides the foundational skills necessary to care for sheep, goats, alpacas, and llamas. In an era where small flocks provide stability for families and communities, this training offers a practical roadmap to sustainable livestock management. The course is led by Dr. Diane Dickinson, a licensed veterinarian and agriculturalist with over 40 years of experience. Dr. Dickinson brings a multifaceted perspective to the classroom, combining her expertise as a producer, a veterinarian, and a herd owner. Beyond clinical care, Dr. Dickinson integrates her vast knowledge of global and Biblical agriculture, natural production, and niche marketing. Participants will learn through a blend of in-depth classroom instruction and handouts, visual tutorials and videos, and vital hands-on experience directly on the farm. The training covers the “A to Z” of small ruminant health and management, including: Vaccinations Feet Trimming Tail docking Bloodless castration Managing pasture & Feeding Parasites & Worms Practical profitable flock herd health for working shepherds FAMACHA Sheep, goats, alpacas & others Lambing & birthing Neonatal care – lambs, kids & others Tubing Wool management AWA Shearing Shepherd’s Cross is a working, Animal Welfare Approved farm that has operated for over 30 years. Committed to
Read MoreShepherd's Cross to Celebrate National Farmer's Market Week
farm@shepherdscross.com June 20, 2026 No Comments
Shepherd’s Cross Farm to Celebrate National Farmer’s Market Week This August CLAREMORE, OK —Shepherd’s Cross invites the community to step onto the farm and celebrate National Farmer’s Market Week from August 4-8, 2026. The Shepherd’s Cross Farm Store is a Farmer’s Market Hub open year-round Tuesday through Saturday from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, offering visitors a firsthand look at sustainable agriculture and access to wholesome, locally produced foods. The Farm Store will be fully stocked for the celebration, featuring an abundant selection of: Fresh, seasonal produce and aromatic herbs Farm-fresh eggs and pasture-raised chicken Grass-fed, grass-finished lamb and beef Local raw honey, jams, jellies, and nuts In addition to shopping, visitors can take a peaceful, educational tour of the vegetable garden and the postcard orchard located within the property’s serene Bible Garden, offering a unique look at how real food is grown from seed to harvest. Calling All Local Growers & Producers In alignment with the spirit of Farmer’s Market Week, Shepherd’s Cross is actively recruiting local produce growers and dairy producers to sell their goods year-round. Partnering with Shepherd’s Cross offers local farmers a climate-controlled storefront equipped with both refrigerated and shelf storage, making it easier than ever to reach the community in every season. Making Fresh Food Accessible Shepherd’s Cross is dedicated to ensuring fresh, healthy food is accessible to everyone. The farm proudly accepts a wide variety of payment methods, including: Cash and Credit/Debit Cards SNAP / EBT Cherokee Nation Farmer’s Market WIC & Cherokee Nation Senior Farmer’s Market Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) Double
Read More3rd Quarter Fiber Arts Classes at Shepherd's Cross
farm@shepherdscross.com May 28, 2026 No Comments
Shepherd’s Cross teaches fiber arts classes year-round. Learn a new skill and take home a finished project. Registration for each class is required. Information and registration forms can be found at: https://shepherdscross.com/fiber-arts-classes.html or call 918-342-5911. Navajo Weaving – Aug 4-6 Learn how to weave in the Navajo tradition. Class fee is $299; loom rental is $100 or get instructions to build your own Washing Fiber Class – Aug 13 – 8:30am Learn how to wash wool, alpaca, or other fiber in this 3-hour class. Take home one pound of washed fiber. Class fee is $45; all materials included. Hand Dyeing Wool & Other Fiber – Aug 13 – 10:30am-2pm Learn how to hand dye wool, alpaca, or other fiber in this half-day class. Each participant will take home dyed yarn and fiber. Class fee is $59; all materials included. Wet Felting Class – Aug 13 – 1pm Take home at least 3 finished projects in this 3-hour class. Learn how to make felt from wool using soap and water. Class fee is $45; all materials included. Pick & Card Wool Class – Aug 14 – 8:30am Learn how to pick, card, and comb wool, alpaca, angora or other fibers in this 3-hour class. Take home finished punis, rolags, and batts. Class fee is $25; all materials included. Drop Spindle Class – Aug 14 10am – noon or Aug 22 11:00-11:30 Learn to spin yarn on a drop spindle. Bring your own drop spindle or borrow one of ours. Take home your finished spun yarn. Class fee is $29, all materials
Read MoreAnnual Gospel Sing & Spin-n-Knit-In
farm@shepherdscross.com May 9, 2026 No Comments
Shepherd’s Cross invites the community to step back in time for an afternoon of music, fellowship, and fiber arts at their annual Gospel Sing, held Saturday, June 13th, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Whether you want to sit and soak in the worship or you’re ready to pick up your guitar and join the fray, there’s a seat for you in our Tour Barn. We’re looking for musicians to share their favorite hymns and country Christian classics—come help us recreate the “good old days” of community jams! While walk-ins are welcome as time permits, performers are encouraged to register early to secure a spot on the program. Double the Fun Our monthly Spin-n-Knit-In is happening at the same time! Bring your latest knitting or spinning project for a free help session and some great conversation while the music plays. Farm Attractions: Farm Museum & Silo: Interactive and educational tours. Bible Garden: Self-guided tours with accompanying podcasts. Wool Mill: Live spinning and wool processing demonstrations. Animal Encounters: Opportunities to see and pet the farm animals. Farm Store: Farmer’s Market Hub with local meats, eggs, honey, produce, and more. Admission: A suggested donation of $5.00 per person is appreciated. Shepherd’s Cross accepts cash, cards, SNAP/EBT, SFMNP, and Cherokee Nation WIC. Shepherd’s Cross is an accredited Agritourism facility, a Made in Oklahoma Company, and is Animal Welfare Approved.
Read MoreSummer Barn Sale & Plant Swap
farm@shepherdscross.com May 6, 2026 No Comments
Shepherd’s Cross Annual Summer Barn Sale and Plant Swap CLAREMORE, OK — Shepherd’s Cross invites the community to its annual Summer Barn Sale and Plant Swap, held Thursday, June 4 through Saturday, June 6, 2026. The event will run from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm daily, offering a unique opportunity for shoppers and gardeners to support global and local missions. The Barn Sale This massive, multi-family indoor sale features a wide array of donated items, including antiques, appliances, farming equipment, furniture, books, collectibles, and clothing for all ages. The sale is hosted in an air-conditioned facility, ensuring a comfortable shopping experience regardless of the summer heat. 100% of the proceeds from the Barn Sale directly benefit: Farming Missions: Supporting starter flocks and wool mills in remote global locations. Baby Blessing Bags: Providing essential supplies for families in the local community. Donations of gently used items are graciously accepted at the barn Tuesday through Saturday, 8:30 am – 5:30 pm, now through May 30th. Monetary donations are also welcome, and tax-deductible receipts are available upon request. Plant Swap Gardeners are encouraged to participate in the “Leave a Plant, Take a Plant” swap. This is a festive way to diversify home gardens with bulbs, tubers, bushes, herbs, and seeds. Participants are asked to label their donated plants with the name, color, and specific planting characteristics. Ongoing Farm Activities While visiting for the sale, guests can enjoy a variety of educational activities available on a donation basis: Farm Museum & Silo: Interactive and educational tours. Bible Garden: Self-guided tours with accompanying podcasts. Wool
Read MoreSmall Ruminant Animal Husbandry Training
farm@shepherdscross.com April 21, 2026 No Comments
CLAREMORE, OK — As the movement toward sustainable living and self-sufficiency grows, Shepherd’s Cross is proud to announce its upcoming Small Ruminant Animal Husbandry Training. This comprehensive one-day intensive will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Designed for aspiring homesteaders and those returning to the basics of farming, the class provides the foundational skills necessary to care for sheep, goats, alpacas, and llamas. In an era where small flocks provide stability for families and communities, this training offers a practical roadmap to sustainable livestock management. The course is led by Dr. Diane Dickinson, a licensed veterinarian and agriculturalist with over 40 years of experience. Dr. Dickinson brings a multifaceted perspective to the classroom, combining her expertise as a producer, a veterinarian, and a herd owner. Beyond clinical care, Dr. Dickinson integrates her vast knowledge of global and Biblical agriculture, natural production, and niche marketing. Participants will learn through a blend of in-depth classroom instruction and handouts, visual tutorials and videos, and vital hands-on experience directly on the farm. The training covers the “A to Z” of small ruminant health and management, including: Medical Care: Vaccinations, parasite management (FAMACHA), and bloodless castration. Physical Maintenance: Feet trimming, tail docking, and shearing. Birth & Early Life: Lambing/birthing basics, neonatal care, and tubing techniques. Farm Management: Pasture feeding, wool management, and Animal Welfare Approved (AWA) standards. Shepherd’s Cross is a working, Animal Welfare Approved farm that has operated for over 30 years. Committed to natural, grass-fed production, the farm serves as a model for ethical and profitable
Read More2nd Quarter 2026 Fiber Arts Classes at Shepherd's Cross
farm@shepherdscross.com March 18, 2026 No Comments
Shepherd’s Cross teaches fiber arts classes year-round. Learn a new skill and take home a finished project. Registration for each class is required. Information and registration forms can be found at: https://shepherdscross.com/fiber-arts-classes.html or call 918-342-5911. Woolly Weekend Short Courses – April 23-25 Learn to spin using a drop spindle, needle felting, hand carding, or weaving a bookmark in our 30min short courses. Drop Spindle is 11am Thurs-Sat, Needle Felting (for 12 years & older) is 1pm Thurs-Sat, Hand Carding is 3pm Thurs-Sat, and Woven Bookmark is 4pm Thurs only. Class fee is $25 for class only, all materials provided. $45 per class with Take Home Kit for Drop Spindle, Needle Felt, or Woven Bookmark. $79 for Carding Class with Take Home Kit. Spinning Wheel Class – May 2 – 9am or 1pm & June 19 – 12:30pm Learn to spin yarn on a spinning wheel in this 3-hour class. Bring your own spinning wheel or borrow one of ours. Take home your finished spun yarn. Class fee is $39, all materials included, no extra cost for borrowing a spinning wheel. Drop Spindle Class – May 2 – 9am or 1pm & June 19 – 10am Learn to spin yarn on a drop spindle in this 2-hour class. Bring your own drop spindle or borrow one of ours. Take home your finished spun yarn. Class fee is $29, all materials included. Rigid Heddle for Beginners – May 16 – 9am or 1pm Learn to warp and weave on a rigid heddle loom in this 3-hour class. Take home your finished project.
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