HobbyKnob Farm

Hobbyknob Farm is a small farm located in the blue ridge mountains near Asheville, NC raising livestock suitable for the small homestead farm. Heritage sheep for conservation and wool, chickens for eggs, fertilizer and pest control and llamas for browse control, fun and fiber. I have recently added a pair of Nigerian Dwarf does for milk and a Sebastopol goose for conservation and weed eating.

There is nothing like a pasture full of elegant llamas, sheep of many colors and old standard breeds of chickens hunting for bugs in the yard. My goal is to raise more of our own food and maintain our small piece of land in a way that is safe for us, our neighbors downstream and the animals. We fertilize with OMRI approved products and use no pesticides or herbicides. Chickens, goats, bats and birds are great natural bug killers and plant eaters.

Why Sheep?
I have chosen breeds that are multi purpose and known to be hardy and able to forage well on average pasture, have good feet and color genetics. I like sheep because they are small and easy to manage, have personality, graze and browse, provide wool, meat and milk, provide natural fertilizer, are suitable for hilly terrains and they are easy on the land. The majority of my flock consists of the Jacob breed which is on the American Livestock Breed Conservancy list.

Why Llamas?
LLamas are much like sheep and goats. They are a modified ruminant, therefore they also eat grass and browse. They actually would prefer to browse. They do well on an average pasture, hay in the winter and possibly some grain supplement. I became smitten with llamas after attending SAFF in 1999. The neighbor across the road from my new farm just happens to raise llamas so all it took was a few visits and I had a couple of my own.

Why Chickens?
Oh my goodness, everyone should have a small backyard flock of hens for fresh eggs! Chickens were the first critters (besides our house pets) to grace our farm. I choose standard breed chickens that historically were used for backyard flocks. They come in many colors and personalities and roam around eating bugs and grass and lay beautiful orange yoked (the way they should be) eggs, leaving bits of fertilizer everywhere they go.

I invite you to call any time to schedule a visit, for more information on our raw or processed fiber or our farm.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth