Shepherd's Harvest Festival May 15-17, 2015 Lake Elmo, MN
http://shepherdsharvestfestival.org
Friday, May 15 1pm - 4pm: Minerals for Health in Sheep and Goats
Saturday, May 16, 9am - noon: Natural First Aid for the Farm
Saturday, May 16, 1pm - 4pm: Using Herbs for Deworming Sheep and Goats
Sunday, May 17, 9am - noon: Homeopathy
Instructor Bio:
Alethea Kenney has her B.S. in Wildlife Science, her Doctorate in Naturopathy, International Certification in aromatherapy and a certification in Western Herbalism. She is currently taking the Foundations of Veterinary Homeopathy Course from British Institute of Homeopathy and writing an Animal Nutrition Course from a holistic point of view. She works as aTraditional Naturopath specializing in herbs, essential oils and homeopathy and is the small ruminant consultant for North Central Feed Products, LLC in Gonvick, MN.
She has spent many years working with animals in a veterinary setting and on the farm. This experience led her to design her own livestock mineral line (Back in Balance Minerals) that includes formulas for sheep, goats and horses. The mineral line uses sound nutrition and bioavailability of minerals to provide proper nutrition in an easily-digested form.
She also studies, consults, writes and teaches about natural dyes for fiber, and herbs and minerals as they relate to health in humans, companion animals and livestock, particularly sheep, goats and horses. More information can be found on her websites: www.borealbalance.com www.backinbalanceminerals.com and www.reedbird.com
Workshops:
Each workshop would be 3 hours and include handouts. $5/person materials fee for handouts
1. Minerals for Health in Sheep and Goats:
This class is an overview of what minerals are needed for health in sheep and goats and what problems are associated with deficiencies and toxicities. Possible reasons for imbalances and health problems that may be prevented or helped through proper mineral supplementation will be discussed. Participants will learn possible reasons their animals may not be reaching their potential and what to look for in a sheep or goat mineral mix. This class is not a substitute for veterinary care or advice!
2. Natural First Aid for the Farm
This class is an introduction to using herbs for simple first aid and common illnesses in sheep or goats and their human caretakers. Participants will learn how to use some common herbs available on most farms or easily found in health stores or online and what their medicinal action is. Handouts will include explanations and a materia medica - a list of the herbs, homeopathy and essential oils covered and their actions. By the time participants leave, hopefully they will be inspired to look at their fields and fencerows in a different light and notice the medicine chest at their feet. This class is not a substitute for veterinary advice or care!
3. Using Herbs for Deworming Sheep and Goats:
Herbal dewormers are becoming popular as people try to eliminate unnecessary chemicals from their farm programs and help reduce parasite resistance. But do they work? Participants will find out what some of the research shows and how to incorporate herbs into a multi-pronged parasite management plan.
4. Homeopathy: A holistic Way to Provide Better Health for Your Flocks
Participants will learn what homeopathy is , the science behind it and how it can be used for both acute and chronic conditions in animals, in conjunction with veterinary care and medications when needed. Homeopathy provides a non-invasive, safe way to address health imbalances in flocks, herds and people. But its use requires understanding some basic tenets of the healing system. This workshop will provide the basics needed to understand and start using homoeopathy.
Small Scale Sustainable Sheep Farming Event
February 21, 2015 11 a.m. Northern Woolen Mills, Fosston, MN
Pre-registration required, $15 adults $10 SFA members children under 16 free
To Register by February 14 contact Alethea Kenney 218-657-2502 or allie@reedbird.com
This event will provide information on raising sheep as part of a holistically managed farm, for meat, milk and fiber as primary or secondary farm products. The event will be at the Northern Woolen Mills and will connect those farmers wanting to add sheep to their existing operations (or those wanting to start in sheep) with local markets and people interested in products. It will also focus on providing education and services for shepherds. There will be guest speakers on a variety of topics related to sustainable shepherding and information available about grants and programs through the NRCS. A lunch will be served and a tour of the mill will end the program.
If you are a fiber artist and would like to display your fiber art projects related to animal fibers, or if you have a sheep-related business you'd like to promote at this event, please contact Alethea.
Speaker bios: Please see drop down menu on left
This event has spawned a new non-profit organization: The Sustainable Sheep and Fiber Community of Northern Minnesota. For more information sheepcommunity.com