Fiber Fest Weekend Retreat
farm@shepherdscross.com June 8, 2022 No Comments
August 11, 12 & 13, 2022 – Thursday, Friday, & Saturday 8:30 am – 3:30 pm Three days of learning how to process any kind of fiber (we teach with wool) Includes washing, dyeing, wet felting, carding, picking, spindling, spinning, needle felting, and weaving and some history of fiber arts with practical technology. Each participant will make and keep multiple projects. Virtual or onsite Retreat fee is only $249 (all three days); all materials provided. Any single day of the Retreat is available for $89 per day. Retreats are augmented by hands on learning tools available in the Educational Farm Museum and with a collection of fiber arts from around the world. Shepherd’s Cross offers these classes year-round, on an individual or group basis. Shepherd’s Cross is an accredited Agritourism facility, a Made in Oklahoma Company that processes the only Animal Welfare Approved fiber sold in the U.S. (that is chemical free, hormone free, free range, all natural). Shepherd’s Cross hosts a mini wool mill, processing the wool from their own sheep raised on site. Heart of the Shepherd is a non-profit organization (501-C3) that operates at the farm and establishes wool mills in remote, impoverished areas around the world. Heart of the Shepherd teaches Biblical references to the harvest, the animals, farming, and gardening. Shepherd’s Cross and Gift Shop is open Tuesday through Saturday 8:30 – 5:30, year-round (closed some holidays). Registration is required. You may find information and registration form at: https://shepherdscross.com/fiber-fest.html or call 918-342-5911. Website: https://shepherdscross.com/index.html Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ShepherdsCross Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShepherdsCross Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shepherds_cross/ Contact: Shepherd’s Cross & Heart
Read MoreIntern / Apprentice Program at Shepherd's Cross
farm@shepherdscross.com May 20, 2022 No Comments
Heart of the Shepherd’s Intern / Apprentice Program at Shepherd’s Cross Internships are for one semester. Generally, the times are as follows: Spring Semester January – May Summer Semester May – Mid-Aug or Early Sept. Fall Semester Early September – December Internships may be geared toward one of the following six areas: 1. Garden/Landscape 2. Livestock 3. Museum 4. Shop 5. Missions 6. Wool Mill 7. General Farm Internships are full or part time. Compensation for internships may include room, board, and a monthly monetary stipend. The stipend is not a salary, and it is performance based. Interns may live on or off site. College credit can be given for our internship program. We have worked with many colleges within and outside of the state. Experience is advantageous, but not required. Heart of the Shepherd’s internship program has been in place since 2009 with approximately 5 graduates per year. Additional information and application: https://shepherdscross.com/intern-residency.html Following successful completion of the Internship, the student may apply for the Residency Program. The Residency Program allows the student to remain at the farm for one complete calendar year, experiencing all the activities of a farm year. This is beneficial in terms of understanding seed time and harvest, and the Biblical Implications. Several graduate interns have been hired to be part of the Shepherd’s Cross and Heart of the Shepherd team. Website: https://shepherdscross.com/index.html Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ShepherdsCross Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShepherdsCross Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shepherds_cross/ Contact Information: Shepherd’s Cross & Heart of the Shepherd 16792 East 450 Road, Claremore, OK 74017 Dr. Diane Dickinson, president & executive director SheepFarm@ShepherdsCross.com 918-342-5911
Read MoreFiber Fest Weekend Retreat
farm@shepherdscross.com May 19, 2022 No Comments
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE What: Fiber Fest Weekend Retreat When: June 16, 17 & 18, 2022 – Thursday, Friday, & Saturday 8:30 am – 3:30 pm Where: Shepherd’s Cross 16792 East 450 Road, Claremore, OK 74017 Three days of learning how to process any kind of fiber (we teach with wool) Includes washing, dyeing, wet felting, carding, picking, spindling, spinning, needle felting, and weaving and some history of fiber arts with practical technology. Each participant will make and keep multiple projects. Virtual or onsite Retreat fee is only $179 (all three days), a $43 savings compared to taking individual classes; all materials provided. Any single day of the Retreat is available for $74 per day. Retreats are augmented by hands on learning tools available in the Educational Farm Museum and with a collection of fiber arts from around the world. Shepherd’s Cross offers these classes year-round, on an individual or group basis. Shepherd’s Cross is an accredited Agritourism facility, a Made in Oklahoma Company that processes the only Animal Welfare Approved fiber sold in the U.S. (that is chemical free, hormone free, free range, all natural). Shepherd’s Cross hosts a mini wool mill, processing the wool from their own sheep raised on site. Heart of the Shepherd is a non-profit organization (501-C3) that operates at the farm and establishes wool mills in remote, impoverished areas around the world. Heart of the Shepherd teaches Biblical references to the harvest, the animals, farming, and gardening. Shepherd’s Cross and Gift Shop is open Tuesday through Saturday 8:30 – 5:30, year-round (closed some holidays). Registration
Read MoreWoolly Gospel Singing & Antique Tractor Show
farm@shepherdscross.com May 17, 2022 No Comments
Oklahoma Antique Tractor Association will be bringing antique tractors out for the day. Tractor show is from 10am to 5pm. Come enjoy restored antique tractors and learn about America’s rich agricultural heritage. Calling all Gospel Singers & Pickers, Shepherd’s Cross is hosting its annual Gospel Singing. Gospel, Country Christian, Worship and Hymns will be enjoyed inside, downstairs in the Tour Barn. All individuals, families, or church groups are invited come listen or participate. Gospel Sing is 1pm to 4pm. We need volunteer musicians to bring your instruments, your voice, and your favorite songs. We can pick, sing, and play together – like the good old Days! Those who register in advance are given priority on the roster that fills quickly. However, we will admit walk-ins as time allows. In addition, the following activities are always available at the farm (on a donation basis): Touring the educational & interactive Farm Museum & Silo Touring the Bible Garden – self-guided – Podcasts available: https://shepherdscross.com/bible-garden.html Spinning and Wool Mill demonstration See and Pet the Farm Animals You may even participate in our monthly “Spin-n-Knit-In” where individuals bring and work on their fiber arts projects such as spinning, knitting etc. Spin-n-Knit-In is from 1pm to 4pm. Come shop at Shepherd’s Shop featuring a host of “woolly” and farm related handmade crafted by Shepherd’s Cross and over 50 local crafters; farm fresh USDA processed and Animal Welfare Approved meat (lamb and beef), Amish jams, health foods, yarns, and much more! Additionally, the shop features a mission section, where 100% of the sale price is returned
Read MoreSummer Barn Sale & Plant Exchange
farm@shepherdscross.com May 10, 2022 No Comments
When: Thursday June 2, Friday June 3, Saturday June 4, 2022 7:00 am – 6:00 pm Where: Tour Barn at Shepherd’s Cross – 16792 East 450 Road, Claremore OK. Barn Sale: Donated items graciously accepted. Please drop off your donations at the barn Tuesday through Saturday 8:30 am – 5:30 pm through May 28th. Huge, Multi-Family Garage Sale of donated articles including appliances, antiques, farming items, furniture, wall décor, housewares, DVDs, farm and garden items, children’s games and toys, home decorator items, bedding, office supplies, books, and collectibles, as well as clothing for the entire family. Photographs of sale items can be found on our Facebook page the week of the sale at: https://www.facebook.com/ShepherdsCross Indoors and air conditioned. Sale benefits Farming Missions, Starter Flocks, and Wool Mills in remote locations around the world. Locally, the sale benefits Rural Veterinary Outreach and Baby Blessing Bags. 100% of funds from the barn sale will go directly towards the projects. Monetary Donations towards these missions are greatly appreciated. A tax-deductible receipt provided upon request. Plant Exchange: Bring a plant to leave and take a plant home. Plant selections will include bulbs, tubers, bushes, trees, grasses, seeds, herbs and much more! This is a great way to expand your garden. Please be prepared to identify the plant you leave with its name, color, and planting characteristics. Great fun! In addition, the following activities are always available at the farm (on a donation basis): Touring the educational & interactive Farm Museum & Silo Touring the Bible Garden – self-guided – Podcasts available: https://shepherdscross.com/bible-garden.html Spinning and
Read MoreSheep, Goats, and Small Ruminants Animal Husbandry Class
farm@shepherdscross.com May 6, 2022 No Comments
Sheep, Goats, and Small Ruminants Animal Husbandry & Herd Health Class Saturday, May 21, 2022 8:30 am- 4:30 pm Learn how to care for Small Ruminants such as sheep, goats, alpacas, and llamas. Class includes instruction, handouts, videos, tutorials, and hands on experience. The primary instructor for the class is Dr. Diane Dickinson, a licensed veterinarian and an agriculturalist, with over 40 years of livestock and farming experience. Her unique perspective of animal husbandry care includes that of a producer, a veterinarian, and a small flock & herd owner. She also shares her experiences in global agriculture, Biblical agriculture, sustainable living, natural production, agritourism and niche markets. The Dickinsons have owned and operated Shepherd’s Cross, a working sheep farm for over 30 years. Their livestock include sheep, cattle, alpacas, llamas, donkeys, horses & poultry. The farm is Animal Welfare Approved. The livestock are pasture raised and pasture fed. Class Topics Include 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 Classes are limited to 20 participants, and fill quickly. Beverages are provided at breaks. Bring your lunch. Cost is $79.00 per person, $149.00 for 2 family members, or $199.00 for 4 family members (age 16 & over). During these troubled times, small flocks provide stability for our families, communities, and the nation. Sheep starter flocks are available locally at Shepherd’s Cross. Website: https://shepherdscross.com/index.html Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ShepherdsCross Facebook:
Read MoreGaywool Hand Dyeing Retreat
farm@shepherdscross.com May 3, 2022 No Comments
PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ONSITE OR VIRTUAL CLASS AVAILABLE What: Yarn & Fiber Hand Dyeing Retreat Learn how to easily create vibrant and uniquely colored yarns & roving. Gaywool Dye is an easy, safe, economical, color fast and dependable dyeing product. Class includes all materials needed to take home beautifully dyed yarn. The class is taught by a Gaywool Dye Instructor. Choose between a full day, half day, and if you prefer onsite, or virtual class. (Virtual class participants will need to pick up or make arraignments for supplies ahead of class time.) Full Day Make 3 colorful skeins and one colorful braided roving 8:30 am – 4:00 pm Class Fee: onsite $79, virtual $89 (Virtual class take home packs includes 4-15g dye packets, yarn & fiber, with curbside pick-up available) Half Day Make 2 skeins of colorful yarn 8:30 am – 12:00 noon Class Fee: onsite $49, virtual $54 (Virtual class take home packs includes 2-15g dye packets, yarn & fiber, with curbside pick-up available) When: Saturday May 14th, 2022, 8:30 am Where: Gaywool Dye North American Headquarters, located at Shepherd’s Cross, 16792 East 450 Road, Claremore, OK 74017 Additional Information: Bring a sack lunch. We provide beverages. There is a class minimum of five, and a maximum of 20 participants. You may also host a hand dye class at your location, or better yet become a Gaywool Dye Wholesale Dealer. Retreats are augmented by hands on learning tools available in the Educational Farm Museum. There you can find a collection of fiber arts from around the
Read MoreSummer Internship at Shepherd's Cross
farm@shepherdscross.com April 13, 2022 No Comments
Heart of the Shepherd’s Intern / Apprentice Program at Shepherd’s Cross Summer Semester May – Mid-Aug or Early Sept. Heart of the Shepherd’s internship program has been in place since 2009. The internship program at the farm equips students with basic farming skills and arms them with Biblical references to farming and shepherding. Students gain an awareness of basic agriculture, develop basic agricultural skills, are exposed to the many agricultural parables found in The Bible, and taught an appreciation for historical agriculture, laced with a healthy appreciation for industrialized agriculture. Students will learn in the same manner as an apprentice learns. Watch the shepherd, practice with the shepherd, and then do the activity unassisted. The farm is primarily a sheep farm, with several hundred sheep; however there are many other animals and activities on the farm and through the ministry, Heart of the Shepherd, including: cattle, horses, donkeys, chickens, llama, alpaca, sheep dogs, barn cats, a Farm Museum, a Farm Store, hay harvest, pecan harvest, walnut harvest, walnut hulling, a wool mill, shearing school, fiber arts retreats and classes, a Bible Garden which produces vegetables and fruit for farm use and for sale, and a Mission Shop. There is a live on-site veterinarian and a veterinary care unit for the animals on the farm. Dr. Diane Dickinson, the director for the Internship Program, is an agriculturalist with a Bachelors in Agriculture, a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine, and over five decades of farm and livestock experience. Following her footsteps each day is sure to include a bountiful harvest of learning. Internships
Read MoreWoolly Weekend at Shepherd's Cross
farm@shepherdscross.com March 18, 2022 No Comments
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Woolly Weekend at Shepherd’s Cross Thursday April 28, Friday April 29 & Saturday April 30, 2022 10:00 am – 7:00 p.m. Woolly Weekend is a “sheep to shawl” festival held at Shepherd’s Cross, an authentic working sheep farm, just north of Claremore OK on Scenic Route 66. Come to the farm and watch as the sheep are shorn (given a haircut). Sheep shearing occurs throughout the day. After the fiber is shorn from the sheep you can watch the wool being processed on site. It will be combed, spun, woven, knit, crocheted and felted into finished products. This is a true Sheep to Shawl Event. Over the three day period at least three shawls will be created entirely from the wool shorn on the first morning of the event. It is rare to find a true Sheep to Shawl experience. Shearing and demonstrations take place inside the Amish built tour barn, which houses some of the animals as well as the wool processing, farm museum, and the gift shop. There are Short Course Fiber Classes available; learn drop spindling or needle felting during the event. Be sure to visit the Farm Animal Barn & pet the barnyard animals. Tour the educational interactive Farm Museum & Four Story Observation Silo, as well as the Bible Garden. Bring the entire family. Children’s activities include weaving, games, wool project, and coloring contest. This is a free event. Donations are welcome – suggested donation of $5 per person. If you have groups of twenty or more please pre-register. Volunteers are needed
Read MoreSpring & Summer Tours at Shepherd's Cross
farm@shepherdscross.com March 9, 2022 No Comments
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Beginning Mid-March 2022 Spring & Summer Field Trips or Road Trips to the Farm Shepherd’s Cross Sheep & Shepherd Tours begin when the lambs are born each spring here at Shepherd’s Cross, an authentic working sheep farm, just north of Claremore OK on Scenic Route 66. Come to the farm and watch as the sheep peacefully graze the pastures, and rest by the still waters. The newborn lambs jump for joy and frolic in the pastures. Sheep & Shepherd Tours: Self-guided Tour – Donation Based Enjoy watching the sheep in the pastures as you stroll the grounds in the visitor areas Virtual Tours: https://www.youtube.com/user/ShepherdsCrossInc/videos Sheep & Shepherding Guided Walking Tour – Donation-based (suggested $5 per person) Drop in or schedule Please Note: Walking Tour is not in the pasture with the sheep, but adjacent to the pasture per Animal Welfare guidelines Sheep & Shepherding Guided Wagon Ride Tour – $7 per person Wagon Ride in pasture with the flock Must be pre-scheduled holds 20 passengers per wagon load; ramp-loading Covered, Sheep Wagon Ride Guided Tour – $10 per person Covered Sheep Wagon Ride in pasture with the flock Must be pre-scheduled holds 10 passengers per wagon load; ladder-loading Springtime also brings blooms in time for Bible Garden Tours. Shepherd’s Cross is home to one of only a handful of Bible Gardens in the U.S.A. Over 100 plants in this garden have Biblical references. Bible Garden Tour Options: Self-Guided Tours – Donation based (suggested $5 per person) Enjoy the English Country Garden, read the placards, carry the handbook
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