FOOD, FIBER & TEA 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 fertile ground for livestock and fruit orchards for generations. Today, the rolling pastures provide for thriving flocks of purebred Clun Forest sheep, Pygora goats, and laying chickens, as well as perennial gardens of fruit trees, berries, flowers, and tea.
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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 registered 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 their distinct characteristics. Each year, we have a small number of lambs and yearlings available for those seeking new breed stock. We also sell packaged lamb cuts on the San Juan Islands Food Hub.
CONSERVATION AGRICULTURE
More than 100 years ago, this land was cleared of forests to establish pastures for hay and livestock and fruit trees for an export market. The fruit trees are now gone and the old pastures endure alternating seasons of drought and flooding. Through ongoing partnerships with our local Conservation District and NRCS, we have introduced waterways, fencing, and on-contour plantings of hundreds of native trees and shrubs to push deeper roots into the soil, create more hedgerows throughout the pastures, diversify a habitat and protect water quality. Read more here.
TEA GARDENS
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 have developed new plots for perennial crops of berries and tea to market to the public. We have 400 young tea plants in the ground now and many more seedlings in the greenhouse, growing deep roots and waiting for Spring to come.
FIBER PRODUCTS
Each year we harvest over 200 pounds of fleece from our Clun Forest sheep and Pygora goats, and 100% of this fiber is thoughtfully sorted and matched to specific products -- from small batches of yarn and rovings, to handwoven rugs and wool-lined blankets, to wool pellets for the garden. Nothing goes to waste. Each sheep has a name and many of our products can be traced back to specific individuals. All of our products are made right here on the farm or through one of the local mills, and go to support the ongoing care and maintenance of our flock. Learn more in our Online Store.
