SeeCalifornia.com

I flew all the way to Vermont to learn about how wool becomes clothing. Little did I realize or know that right in my home state of California, there’s an annual event called Yolo Wool Mill-in, which includes tours and and hands-on opportunities to learn what I discovered on a 3,000 mile trip! California actually has an active wool community with professional organizations that include California Wool Growers Association and California Sheep Association. The festival on October 25, 2014 invites the public to visit the wool mill and participate in a variety of activities. In addition to this unique opportunity to rub elbows with furry sheep, there are other places and events in the state providing similar experiences, such as the annual Wool and Fiber Festival in Boonville.

This year has been particular tough for California ranchers –one entry in a journal written in the spring by Wind Dancer Ranch in Capay Valley could be a story from the dust bowl era:  “Ten days ago I had to cull again due to the drought. Even now after ten days my heart aches for the individuals I had to cull. The logical side of me knows why it was necessary but the emotional side of me will continue to grieve. I know there are ranchers all across the State with similar stories.It was my third cull and probably not my last. This one hurt a great deal. It included sheep that in better times would have been retained as breeding stock and flock leaders. These animals are raised with respect and care for their mental as well as physical health. They are free range or in large pastures where they can do what comes naturally.”