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November 27, 2023 Alyssa Beno Leave a Comment Crocheting Thread
Around the Farm Table returns to PBS Wisconsin with a celebration of small farms and specialty makers in Around the Farm Table Celebrates Small Farms.
In the all-new special premiering 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7, host Inga Witscher takes a journey around the state to visit farmers and producers who are finding new ways to preserve traditional agricultural practices. Along the way she meets with a sheep farmer, a maple syrup producer, a beekeeper, and several small family farms before hosting a community celebration on her own farm.
One of those individuals is Melissa Todd, owner of Wool & Feather Farm. Located just outside Colfax, Wool & Feather Farm is a fiber farm and home to 25 Shetland and Scottish Blackface sheep. Todd is not just an owner, but a farmer and weaver who uses yarn from the fiber grown on her farm to make hand woven goods and finished fiber products.
Ahead of the premiere, PBS Wisconsin spoke with Todd about her sheep and what it was like welcoming the PBS Wisconsin film crew to her farm.
I like to keep it just under 30 sheep. We have to stay small because we have a smaller farm, and we’re not just raising the sheep, we’re managing the land so I want to make sure that we’re not overgrazing and make sure that our pastures regenerate. That’s part of being small. I like a smaller flock because you really get to know your animals. I have a better idea of each of their personalities. And I think staying small also allows me to still connect to customers a little bit more easily by talking to people at farmers’ markets and things like that.
The majority of my sales are in person at different markets, farmers’ markets and holiday markets. I do have a website for people who want to buy something online but most of my sales are in person. I think people like to hear from me a little bit more about the sheep and the story of our farm, and they connect with the product a little bit more.
I met Inga and her dad at a market at Wheatfield Hill Organics and they’ll also be featured on that special. I met them there and we just started chatting and talking about wool, talking about sheep and then I continued to see her from market to market and she thought it’d be a good idea to feature our farm.
The crew told me they’ve filmed lots of different farms but this was the first time they had ever worked with sheep, so I think they learned a lot about how different sheep are from cows and goats. I did not have a clue of what goes into making a TV show so that was amazing to me — all the little parts and how much time goes into everything. It was so interesting. The whole film crew and producer seemed genuinely interested in what I’m doing. I really appreciated that, and had a good time and it really set me at ease.
Every year I have to call him and book him for shearing, and this year I had a few more questions … by the way, do you know Around the Farm Table? He did and he was a big fan, so that was good. I said, “Okay, how do you feel about being filmed?” He was super excited, he was all for it and he could talk about sheep all day long. I think he was excited about that educational piece, too.
I’m just excited for people to see the whole process of a little fiber farm, starting with the sheep and seeing me weave, and of the mill. I think that’s interesting to show it. It’s one thing to talk about it at a market but to really see the process and how long it takes. I have this shawl for sale, but it really took an entire year to make this.
Bringing more awareness, I think a lot of people, maybe they live in Colfax and they don’t know there’s a little sheep farm here. Maybe someone watching the show will wonder what’s in their area, what they could grow, see if there are any small farms that they can check out and support in their area.
Around the Farm Table Inga Witscher Made in Wisconsin
What is Melissa’s website to purchase her products?
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I am the editor of Airwaves, our monthly program guide for members. When I’m not highlighting our incredible programs, I’m pedaling the countryside, hiking at a state park, making soy candles, thrift shopping or hanging out with my husband and miniature schnauzer.
As a community engagement manager for PBS Wisconsin, I create lasting relationships with communities around the state, connecting folks through our programming, outreach, and events. Outside of work, I love hiking with my partner, traveling, making music, and meeting friends old and new.
As a member of our Marketing and Communications team, I help share PBS Wisconsin's story, including the content we produce and opportunities we provide. Outside the office, you'll likely find me with my nose in a book, outdoors or farming!
I'm the promotion manager at PBS Wisconsin. When I'm not letting people know about all of the awesome work the station is doing around the state, you'll find me planning my family's next trip to somewhere fun, warm and likely connected to a Disney Park.
I'm a PBS Wisconsin publicist and former production assistant for the Wisconsin Life project. I enjoy exploring Wisconsin's many lakes and spending the summer months camping around the state.
Inga Witscher is a passionate Wisconsin dairy farmer, cheesemaker and host of PBS Wisconsin’s Around the Farm Table.
Luke Zahm is a James Beard-nominated chef and owner of The Driftless Cafe in Viroqua, Wisconsin. He shares his passion for discovering the stories behind the food we eat as host of Wisconsin Foodie.
I am the education communications manager for PBS Wisconsin Education. When I am not raving about our outstanding education resources, you can find me dancing, reading, playing, and exploring with my two young children while trying to stay awake past nine o’clock.
Pete Schwaba is a stand-up comedian, writer, director and host of "Director's Cut" on PBS Wisconsin. His writing and directing credits include “A Guy Thing” and “The Godfather of Green Bay.” Pete’s TV writing credits include “Are you Smarter than a 5th Grader?” as Jeff Foxworthy’s writer/producer and the sports comedy show “Sports Soup.” Pete is married with two children and splits time between Los Angeles and the Midwest.
I’m a project manager at PBS Wisconsin, and formerly an associate editor at WisContext. When I’m not scouring the state for fun music and arts content, I’m usually being forced to go on a hike by my demanding border collie or being forced to read on the couch by my demanding cats.
I'm the online content editor at PBS Wisconsin. I make our digital shenanigans compelling, friendly, and interactive so viewers can access great PBS programming over the air, on the web, on a boat, in a moat, in a box, with a fox. . . you catch my drift. I'd love to hear your ideas! Email me at [email protected].
As a publicist for PBS Wisconsin, I love helping people learn about and engage with our wonderful programs. I also enjoy bicycling, baking, playing board games and watching movies (especially musicals).
As the education communications specialist for PBS Wisconsin Education, I get to support teachers by sharing incredible education resources with them. In my free time I do a lot of teaching and learning of my own – with a pair of escrima sticks in my hands at a martial arts gym.
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