Stockton farm takes part in United Nations effort

Shearing Festival will be held from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. indoors at the farm’s Event Barn, rain or shine, April 18 and 19

   On April 18 and 19, WoodsEdge Wools Farm of Stockton will hold its first festival of the year, which is part of the United Nations’ International Year of Natural Fibres.
   The U.N.’s goal is to promote natural fibers and sustainable agriculture that reduces the carbon footprint of synthetic fibers by using natural fibers — in this case the fleece from the farm’s alpaca and llama herd.
   The Shearing Festival features Field to Fashion demonstrations and will be held from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. indoors at the farm’s Event Barn, rain or shine. Admission is $10 per person and parking is free.
   Shearing will take place throughout the day with a variety of shearing methods. Demonstrations will include skirting and grading the fleeces, spinning raw fleece into yarns and then weaving into cloth. Hands-on activities include making “llama loofahs” by learning the felting process that creates an alternative fabric out of fiber.
   The festival also features live music, farm tour hay wagon rides, and a chance to feed the friendly animals.
   Anyone interested in going green should have a “field day” at the farm.
   The 90-acre preserved farm is managed by third generation New Jersey farmer, Brent Walker, and is located at 78 Bowne Station Road.
   The Farm Store and Country Boutique will be open and showcases products, many made from the large herd of alpacas and llamas. To learn more about the event, visit www.alpacasllamaswoodsedge.com or call 397-2212.
   To learn more about the International Year of Natural Fibres, visit www.naturalfibres2009.org.