I smile and take a deep breath, because this is where the fun starts.
I enjoy nothing more than sharing that we raise Angora goats as opposed to sheep, and they produce mohair (like the suit) as opposed to wool. The most interesting part is that nearly everyone we talk to has no idea that natural fibers can be produced by goats! The mistake is easy to make. After all, they are sheep-sized and look all squishy and pillowlike. In fact, Angoras aren't the only goats that offer beautiful, luxurious fiber. On behalf of fiber goat breeders everywhere, when it comes to natural fibers, we've got a goat for that!
WHY NATURAL ANIMAL FIBERS?
No matter how many times humans attempt to synthetically duplicate the strength, comfort and durability of animal fibers, fiber artisans and conscientious folks everywhere find themselves drawn to the ones only nature can provide. It's not surprising, as it's a tall order to fill. Consider the following compelling reasons to reach for natural fibers instead of their synthetic counterparts.
THEY'RE RENEWABLE, BIODEGRADABLE & ETHICAL.
All natural fibers are biodegradable and fully compostable, while acrylics and other synthetic materials aren't.
Fiber goats-just like sheep, alpacas, etc.grow a new coat every year. These fibers need to be shorn from the animals to keep them healthy. Savvy clothing designers ignore the misinformation stating otherwise. They're aware of the benefits of utilizing natural fibers and continue to purchase materials from farms with ethical husbandry practices.
THEY'RE INSULATING & FLAMERESISTANT.
Natural fibers are almost magical when it comes to insulation. Not only will these fibers keep you warmer in cold weather than acrylic, but they have an added virtue: They "breathe." What this means is the fiber absorbs perspiration and wicks it away from the skin and into the air.
Denne historien er fra Goat-101-24-utgaven av Hobby Farms.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Denne historien er fra Goat-101-24-utgaven av Hobby Farms.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
The RISE of Opportunist WEEDS
Be prepared to see increasing changes in weeds we fight, such as poison hemlock and poison ivy, and in the crops we grow.
LIVESTOCK Health
Prepare yourself for how to spot symptoms of illness in your farm animals so that you can get them help before it's too late.
CUT FLOWER Farming
If you're considering growing flowers for sale, brush up on these five key things to know before diving in.
WINTER Survival
Keep your land, animals and yourself in good shape this winter with this helpful advice.
COVERAGE CONCERNS
Avoid common insurance mistakes for rural and hobby farm businesses.
FARMER'S GUIDE Berries
Set the stage for tasty strawberries, blueberries and brambles with these soil-boosting garden tips.
Preconditioning CALVES
Follow our step-by-step guide to get more money for your calves.
Soil Conservation
Often, outside of having a specific problem that needs to be addressed, soil conservation isn't something every farmer readily thinks about. Yet conserving the soil should be at or near the top of every farmer owner or manager's list of concerns because absent the prevention of soil erosion, we have the opportunity for another dust bowl.
Year-Round Lettuce & Salad Mixes
It's easy to think of salad greens as just a spring- or fall-garden crop, but it's possible to enjoy freshly harvested lettuces, mustards and more from your own garden year-round.
Barn Improvements
Days are never long enough for a farmer. From dawn to well into the night, tasks arise that often require immediate action. Having to search for tools or equipment is an enormous time waster and incredibly frustrating when you can't find what you need, especially when you know you have it.
