Natural Cycles Farm
Lori Evesque and Pete Robertson are dedicated to using regenerative practices and holistic grazing techniques to manage the sheep and natural dye plants that grow at Natural Cycles Farm.
Natural Cycles Farm
Owners: Lori Evesque & Pete Robertson
Location: 3031 102nd Ave. Allegan, Michigan 49010
Distance: approximately 143 miles from Detroit
Website: www.naturalcyclesfarm.com
Tell us about you and your farm.
My name is Lori Evesque. My partner Pete Robertson and I own and operate our farm: Natural Cycles Farm, LLC and we’re located south of Allegan, MI
Our primary farm animal is sheep. Our sheep flock consists of Slow Food ‘Ark of Taste’ Tunis sheep, Tunis-Merino crosses, and a bunch of unique fiber cross sheep. We raise these sheep as a way to regenerate our land. In addition to those benefits, they give us manure, fiber, meat, and enjoyment. I sell the fiber from all the sheep at fiber shows, online and in person. Tunis sheep have medium soft wool, great for socks, hats, and more. The other sheep are a variety of fiber animals and their wool is great for a variety of things from next to the skin garments to more utilitarian uses like rugs. We also grow organic vegetables and small fruits, eggs, chickens, turkeys, geese, and a few beef steers for ourselves and some sales (as halves and quarters).
How long have you been farming?
I have officially been farming for only 4 years if you consider “farming” as selling products to customers. Pete has been farming for about 15 years. We both have been growing food for around 30 years. I’ve had poultry for 20 years and Pete has about 10 years experience with poultry. The sheep and steers are new to us- we got our first sheep 4 years ago and steer 2 years ago.
What got you started in this industry?
I have had a lifelong passion for fiber learning how to knit when I was a child, sewing most of my clothes through my early 20’s, diving into spinning when I lived in Australia in the mid-1980s. The sheep came after a few life changes when I found a partner who shared my desire to build a farm. The fruits, vegetables, and other crops we grow to allow us to feed ourselves and create a holistic farm. It may have taken 50 years to get to the point where I could have a farm with sheep and many other farm animals and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Did you know much about fiber farming prior to beginning?
I have long been a reader of farming techniques so you could say I’ve been a theoretical farmer for many years. My practical knowledge has come from experience gained while doing farming so experience farming with animals began 20 years ago and I continue learning every day. I have been learning about wool and sheep breeds since I began spinning over 30 years ago.
What are you known for or what sets you apart from other fiber farmers?
There are two aspects of my fiber farming that set us apart from other fiber farmers. I’m known for one more than the other. The more known aspect is my focus on natural dyes. I have always preferred natural dyes, many of which I grow here on the farm. Through research, I have learned the devastating environmental impact of synthetic chemical dyes on the earth, soil, water, and the lives of those exposed to those chemical dyes. Now, just because the dyes I use are “natural”, doesn’t mean there are no dangers- those I have been learning about as well. For example, I focus as much as possible on more safe mordants, use only as much mordant as needed, keep mordant baths for reuse, etc. I do not use some mordants due to their nature- such as potassium dichromate, which is very toxic. The other aspect of our farming practices, which set us apart from other fiber farmers, is the regenerative nature of our farming techniques, which I will explain more in a later question.
Do you knit, crochet, weave, dye fibers?
There aren’t many fiber crafts that I don’t at least dabble in! I have knitted for years, dabble in crochet, weave using many kinds of looms and techniques, spin (I have 5 spinning wheels- I don’t really need that many but they seem to multiply!), and dye fiber. I have also done a little bit of basket weaving, chair caning, and broom making!
What is your favorite thing about being a fiber farmer?
That’s a difficult question to answer. I love being outside with my sheep, enjoying all the seasons of the year! I think the part of being a fiber farmer that I love the most is the opportunity to take fiber from my animals from the sheep to a finished product whether that product is for someone I love or being sold to a happy customer!
What is your favorite season? Why?
I think it would have to be spring. Especially late spring when things are starting to grow, the lambs are all born (getting past any potential problems with lambing), and the animals are starting to get out on the grass and the temperatures are getting warmer.
Can you tell us about carbon farming and what practices you implement (or aim to implement) for a more sustainable model on your farm?
We use what is called “holistic grazing” methods. This means our animals are being constantly moved to new pasture sections, never having the animals on the same ground more frequently than 60 days. This ensures that the sheep and cattle don’t overgraze the pastures, allows for at least an 85% reduction in parasites (very important for sheep especially), encourages the growth of the grasses and forbs that the animals prefer, helps control more invasive plants, provides habitat for wildlife- especially grassland birds, and sequesters carbon in the soil. We look at our farm as one organism, everything we do, the animals do, affects everything else. We can’t have a healthy farm without a healthy ecosystem.
Practices we are working on include increasing the natural areas on our farm including wetlands. We have naturally wet areas- wet during the spring- which have wetland plants growing in them such as cattails which we are encouraging. We also encourage milkweed for the Monarch butterflies, work to avoid nesting birds as we move the animals around the farm for grazing, and will be planting a tree line and pollinator strip on the property over the next couple of years.
Why are these practices important to you?
We are living in a time of great devastation of our planet. These practices are important because without us implementing them and encouraging others to do so as well, our planet will not be able to support us or any of the other beings living here.
What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced with your farming approach?
Time and energy. There are only two of us on our farm and so much to do. We have made use of some government programs through the USDA, which have made possible rebuilding our fencing, learning how to keep track of grazing records, building a hoop house, and putting in an ag well, which we would not have been able to do so quickly.
Do you feel that there are Fibershed practices that you would like to implement more if you had more support/ community/ money?
I believe that a Fibershed Producer Network program like the one they have now in northern California would be great.
Do you sell more to local or distant buyers?
Before this year and the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, I would say local buyers through the fiber shows I have attended. Since all the fiber shows have been shut down, I have been part of an online Facebook group, which has been putting on live online sales, which have been a lifesaver. For these shows, I have mostly sold to more distant customers from around the country.
What outlets do you like most for reaching your ideal customer?
I think a blending of local fiber shows and online shows would be ideal. My products are appealing for a more unusual fiber artist or someone interested in something different- with my natural dye kits, naturally dyed fiber, etc.
What advice do you have for those wishing to follow a similar path?
This is a slow process. If you are regenerating a property, it doesn’t happen overnight. Remember, some of these practices are still on the outer edge of what people are doing- you may be criticized or mocked. Keep strong and keep in touch with others doing the same.
What are your favorite resources to learn more about fiber farming and sustainable practices?
Books by Alan Savory, Holistic Management, Savory Institute, some info from MSU (although they tend more towards conventional methods), several Facebook groups which focus on regenerative practices, and Fibershed.
What interests you about creating a local Fibershed?
I feel we need to relocalize our fiber. I have long been involved in the local food movement and believe we need to relocalize most of the things we use in daily life so fiber is next on the list. The damage to the environment and our society due to globalization is becoming extreme. We can rebuild culture and climate with a relocalization movement. The success of the first Fibershed in CA is inspiring and a model for us here.
What is your vision for our Fibershed region?
My vision for our Fibershed region is of a vibrant network of fiber farmers, artists, fiber mills, and fiber creators who make special as well as everyday fiber items for real people. Too much of what is made from local wool and other fibers is specialty- art. We need to bring this to everyday- hats, scarves, mittens, sweaters, woven items for every day.
Can you share any tips for the community for buying local fiber?
Ask questions! Ask how the fiber animals are raised, treated, how the fiber is made. Ask the farmers, mills, artists. Don’t be shy about asking those questions. If you’re having problems finding sources of fiber, contact local guilds and clubs. We are here!
How can folks connect with you / support your work / get involved?
I have a Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/naturalcyclesfarm), website (https://www.naturalcyclesfarm.com/), and am part of the Wool and Fiber Arts Facebook group, participating in online sales. (https://www.facebook.com/groups/wafalive/announcements). We are also at the Kalamazoo Farmers Market from May through the end of November. If anyone has any questions or would like to visit the farm, contact me at naturalcyclesfarm@gmail.com.
Anything else you want to share with the community?
A healthy vibrant community is resilient – if we can produce our food and fiber, we can withstand more events, which stress the community than when we rely on outside sources for all we need. Also, fiber is fun!
