For more than a decade, Shepherd Song Farm owners Judy and Larry have participated in numerous volunteer assignments in Africa through the USAID Farmer-to-Farmer Program. In collaboration with small farmers in Mali, they started the Common Pastures project with the goal of sharing knowledge and creating sustainable farming practices.

Judy and Larry entered the sheep industry in 1988, accidentally and without a plan. Neither of them had a farm background nor a dream of living on the land. They had adopted 2 Belgian Sheepdogs that needed a job and agility, obedience, tracking just wasn’t enough. A herding clinic inspired their passion. The goats immediately jumped the fence to escape their enthusiasm. Recommendations were to start on sheep–generally more cooperative.

They sourced some rough land to lease of no value to cropping, bought an RV, and added a few sheep—then more sheep—then more. The dogs and the land–desperately in need of grazing, advocated for more and more sheep. At around 300 breeding ewes it was obvious they had no time for herding trials much less agility, obedience or tracking and that the human partners needed training in managing and leading a flock.

Today's guest, Chef Alan Bergo, interviewed by myself and Sylvia Tabor (@biohacking.chick), tells the story of Shepherds Song Farm while diving deep into the specifics of lamb and goat farming, raw meat, and of course Shepherds Song's products.

A little bit about Chef Alan Bergo...

Chef Alan Bergo is a 16 year veteran of the Midwestern culinary Industry. He was previously executive chef of The Salt Cellar and Lucia’s restaurant, as well as sous chef to Lenny Russo at St. Paul’s famed Heartland. Bergo is most widely known as an authority on wild Midwestern ingredients from his website foragerchef.com, a culinary journal and resource, as well as a worldwide network of foragers.

Strengths:

Midwestern Cuisine, Meats, and Fish
Heirloom Vegetables
Organ Meats
Wild Plant and Mushroom Specialist

Actionable links from the episode:

The Shepherd Song Farm Website 

Alan Bergo's blog foragerchef.com

Follow Alan Begro on Instagram @foragerchef

Follow Sylvia Tabor @biohacking.chick

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