OUR STORY
Hi!
We are Anne, Gunnar and Cedar, owners of Clover and Bee Farm
We started the farm in 2020 and it was the realization of a lifelong dream for Anne - as a "skipped generation" farmer she grew up visiting her grandparents', aunt's and uncle's farms, attending 4H and begging to be allowed to keep goats in the backyard (although goats never materilized a steady stream of small mammals, amphibians and reptlies kept her occupied) . Gunnar grew up in Southern Vermont and is passionate about the preservation of land for natural, agricultural and recreational purposes. When Cedar was born we knew we wanted him to grow up on a farm understanding the value of land and the life it can support. We recognized a growing appreciation for local sustainable fiber in our community and founded Clover and Bee Farm with our first three Finnsheep, Teemu, Saku and Meeku. Saturn, our livestock guardian dog, joined us shortly thereafter and every spring our flock grows!
The Flock
Sheep have been a vital part of Vermont's history and agricultural economy since the 1700s (https://vermonthistory.org/william-jarvis-and-the-merino-sheep-craze). Wool is a natural, renewable and recyclable fiber that is an increasingly popular choice for those individuals and textile companies looking to end their reliance on plastics and minimize their environmental impact. In addition, sheep are excellent grazers and fertilizers and can contribute to sustainable land management practices. Finnsheep and Merinos are small, docile, friendly and easy to care for, and grow beautiful wool that can be used for gardening, felting, hand-spinning and knitting. Our mission is to provide wool for our local and regional communities as well as stock for small-scale land management.
The Farm
It is safe to say that we are obsessed with our relationship with nature - both the profound impact engagement with nature and naturally grown food has on our health and wellbeing, and the effects humans have on the natural world. When we started growing crops, we focused on ones with healthy bioactive compounds - things like terpenes, antioxidants and polyphenols. The herbs and berries we grow prove that nature really can be medicine!
The Other Flocks
Our chickens and ducks contribute more to our farm than their incredible steampunk vibes. They are garden waste to egg conversion machines, natural pest control showing ticks, slugs and flies no mercy, a source of fertilizer for our fields and a near constant source of hilarity in our day.
This year we have started hatching our own baby chicks on the farm! Using genetic sex linked color differences in our 55 Flowery Hens and Appenzeller Spitzhauben chickens, we can separate hens from roosters without the inhumane vent sexing procedure used at commercial hatcheries. That way we can bring egg laying machines to members of our community, while raising the roosters humanely for meat.
All chicks are for on-farm pickup in Underhill, VT
The Revery
There's no better way to experience the revery at Clover and Bee Farm than to come to one of our on farm events.
Sheep and Steep is our afternoon tea, with herbal teas grown here on the farm and homemade pastries, enjoyed in the company of our wooly friends. The tea features opportunities to hold and pet sheep and lambs while immersing yourself in the beauty of the mountains.
This summer we will be open for U-pick herbs, including our medicinal herb garden. And in the fall we have a unique saffron U-pick experience by reservation, where you can learn more about this extraordinary spice and how to grow, harvest and use it in the kitchen.
Check back for more information about gardening, farming, and animal care classes.
The Dog
Named Saturn for the Roman god of Agriculture, Saturn is the guardian of all the flocks here at Clover and Bee Farm. Livestock guardian dogs play a very different role from herding dogs: rather than moving animals, they live alongside the flock and work to keep it safe. A good livestock guardian dog is both calm with the animals it protects and formidable when danger appears, making these dogs an essential partner in humane, low-stress predator management on many farms. Bred for steadiness, independence, and strong protective instincts, Saturn is closely bonded to our sheep, chickens and ducks and spends his days and nights watching for threats such as coyotes, foxes, bears, raptors or other predators. Much of his work is quiet and preventative, using his presence alone to discourage predators before an attack happens. It is because of Saturn that our chickens and ducks can range freely and our lambs are safe outdoors from day one of life. We are so grateful for him, and for the nine-thousand year old relationship between farmer, dog and flock.