Last year we introduced a new highlight to the Festival - our Breed of the Year. The goal of this initiative is to educate and inspire both makers and fibre farmers, so that our local fibre flocks expand and flourish!
The Breed of the Year for 2024 is: Icelandic Sheep
This breed not only has a strong connection to our large human Icelandic population in Manitoba, it is also one of the world’s oldest and purest breeds of sheep.
Between now and September we will be introducing you to the characteristics and history of the breed, and to some of the local farms that raise these beautiful sheep. At the Festival, you can meet some Icelandic sheep in person in the Ag Annex!
LeVerne Tucker of Last Dance Ranch says this about her flock of Icelandic sheep - "As a textile artist I was drawn to Icelandic sheep at first for their beautiful wool, but it was their wild-at-heart charm that truly won me over. Their independence, intelligence, and wonderful mothering abilities are just a few of the traits that I find engaging about this ancient breed."
