FOOD, FIBER & FAMILY ON ORCAS ISLAND
WELCOME TO 4TH SEED FARM!
We are nestled in the Crow Valley at the foothills of Turtleback Mountain. Our heritage farm has been furtile ground for livestock and fruit orchards for generations. Today, the rolling pastures provide for thriving flocks of Clun Forest sheep, pygora goats, and chickens, as well as perennial gardens of fruit trees, berries, flowers, and tea.
As the current stewards of this land, we are committed to holistic and restorative practices rooted in values of love and reciprocity. We honor all those who came before us and seek to raise products that are locally and sustainably grown, respecting the value of each life that touches this place and the impact our actions have on future generations.
CLUN FOREST SHEEP
Our purebred Clun Forest sheep are the mainstay of our farm. Following intensive grazing practices, they tend our pastures and contribute to the ongoing health of the soil. This heritage breed is listed as threatened by the Livestock Conservancy and we are committed to protecting and promoting them as an important breed. They are incredibly easy to manage and produce a wonderful fleece. Each year, we have a small number of lambs available for those seeking new breed stock.
PYGORA GOATS
Our herd of pygora goats are the resident class clowns. They greet us each morning and relish every opportunity to play and explore the farm. They complement the sheep grazing by going after taller weeds and bushes. Pygoras are a cross between Angora and Pygmy, and they produce an incredibly fine fleece that is baby soft on the skin. We shear them twice a year and blend their fleece with the Clun Forest for a particularly fine yarn.
FRUIT & TEA
This farm was originally a pear and Italian plum orchard like many farms across the Crow Valley. Some of the old trees remain, producing a diversity of apples, pears, plums and quince, which we sell locally as well as process ourselves. In addition to these heritage trees, we are developing new plots for perennial crops of raspberries, blueberries, and tea to market to the public. Young plants are going into the ground now and will be in production in 2024.
FARM FRESH EGGS
Our laying hens stay close to the old barn or travel the pastures in a chicken tractor where they may safely graze away from bald eagles and other birds of prey. We raise a variety of breeds, including Silkies, who are known for their gentleness, beautiful fur-like feathers and large crowns. As they are exceptionally good brooders, we employ these bantam hens to hatch new chicks from our other breeds to replenish our flock.
