Nanne Kennedy, Polwarth Shepherd & Seawater Dyer

The Long Thread Podcast

Nanne Kennedy has her feet firmly planted in the soil of midcoast Maine. Growing up on a farm near the ocean, she could smell the salt air and small local factories, and she started saving in her “future farm fund” when she was 12. Eminently practical, she looked for ways that her farm could make her a living. “I'm a New England Yankee, and self reliance is really important,” she says. “So it’s always been a critical theme to me that, yes, you do the right thing, but it sure as heck has to make economic sense in a way that is good today, but good forever.”

Raising sheep could offer multiple sources of income, but the available finewool sheep were poorly suited to her climate. Studying in New Zealand, she grew interested in Polwarth sheep, which combine finewool and longwool genetics. Nanne imported genetic material from New Zealand and set about establishing the breed in the United States, seeking sheep with dense, fine fleeces; long staples; excellent parasite resistance; and sound feet. After decades of careful breeding, her flock has exceeded her expectations for wool and healthy animals.

To increase the value of her wool, Nanne learned to dye yarn. Once again seeking an economic and environmental solution, she developed a unique system using seawater to provide the salts and sunshine to warm the dyepaths. Seacolors Yarns are what Nanne calls bioregional, produced within 5 hours of Meadowcroft Farm.

Like many farmers, Nanne works on a variety of projects at the same time. The popular Maine blankets she developed in partnership with other small textile manufacturers have hit a snag with the retirement of the napping machine used in finishing, but she partners with local knitters and crocheters to offer unique handmade sweaters. She runs a short-term farmstay and also offers educational opportunities for aspiring shepherds. She vends at farmer’s markets and hosts fiber art classes.

At least, that’s some of what she was doing when we spoke. By the time you hear this interview, who knows what Nanne Kennedy will have dreamed up to benefit her animals, ecosystem, and regional economy?

Links

Visit Nanne Kennedy’s farm, yarn store, and other projects at GetWool.com.
Learn about the dye process for Seacolors Yarn and buy it online.
Meadowcroft Farm raises Polwarth sheep. Naturally colored roving is available on the Seacolors Wool website.
Watch a video of Meadowcroft Farm, Polwarth sheep, and Nanne in the video The Science of Soft.
Stay in the farm’s Airbnb, or stay longer with a Small Ruminant Residency or Sheep Doula Apprenticeship.

This episode is brought to you by:

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