Living Nativity & Pecan Harvest
farm@shepherdscross.com November 8, 2022 No Comments
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Living Nativity & Pecan – Black Walnut Festival at Shepherd’s Cross December 8, 9, 10 & 15, 16, 17, 2022 Thursday, Friday & Saturday 10:00 am – 8:00 p.m. The Living Nativity is held at an authentic, working sheep farm, and is nestled inside a cozy, Amish built barn. Step back in time and journey with the shepherds for a peaceful reflection upon the original Christmas night, when Christ was born. Indoor activities include the manger scene, with live animals and character portrayals, musical performances, storytelling, a shepherd’s Christmas audio-visual story, bird feeder craft, coloring contest, tabletop games, the educational Farm Museum and Silo, fiber arts demonstrations, and a unique Hand-Crafted Gift Shop. Outdoor activities include winter yard games, peaceful, professional Christmas light display, sheep, and alpacas reminiscent of the first Christmas pastoral scene, wagon rides and tours of the Bible Garden. Enjoy a peaceful moment of reflection as this age-old scriptural story springs to life. Final Manger Scene for the evening begins at 7:15. Plan on spending 1 – 2 hours for this Christmas experience. The Living Nativity will proceed even in the case of inclement weather. Shepherd’s Shop will be open, featuring a host of Made in Oklahoma crafts & gifts. Over 60 artisans provide unique hand-made items. Additionally, the shop features Shepherd’s Cross 100% natural wool and alpaca yarns and products. Farm produced food items are available. The Gift shop also features hand-made fair-trade products; returning 100% of the proceeds to the indigenous peoples that have made the products. Winter is walnut & pecan
Read MoreLiving Nativity & Pecan Harvest
farm@shepherdscross.com November 8, 2022 No Comments
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Living Nativity & Pecan – Black Walnut Festival at Shepherd’s Cross December 8, 9, 10 & 15, 16, 17, 2022 Thursday, Friday & Saturday 10:00 am – 8:00 p.m. The Living Nativity is held at an authentic, working sheep farm, and is nestled inside a cozy, Amish built barn. Step back in time and journey with the shepherds for a peaceful reflection upon the original Christmas night, when Christ was born. Indoor activities include the manger scene, with live animals and character portrayals, musical performances, storytelling, a shepherd’s Christmas audio-visual story, bird feeder craft, coloring contest, tabletop games, the educational Farm Museum and Silo, fiber arts demonstrations, and a unique Hand-Crafted Gift Shop. Outdoor activities include winter yard games, peaceful, professional Christmas light display, sheep, and alpacas reminiscent of the first Christmas pastoral scene, wagon rides and tours of the Bible Garden. Enjoy a peaceful moment of reflection as this age-old scriptural story springs to life. Final Manger Scene for the evening begins at 7:15. Plan on spending 1 – 2 hours for this Christmas experience. The Living Nativity will proceed even in the case of inclement weather. Shepherd’s Shop will be open, featuring a host of Made in Oklahoma crafts & gifts. Over 60 artisans provide unique hand-made items. Additionally, the shop features Shepherd’s Cross 100% natural wool and alpaca yarns and products. Farm produced food items are available. The Gift shop also features hand-made fair-trade products; returning 100% of the proceeds to the indigenous peoples that have made the products. Winter is walnut & pecan
Read MoreShepherd's Cross Open House
farm@shepherdscross.com October 11, 2022 No Comments
ANNUAL OPEN HOUSE The Shop at Shepherd’s Cross November 12, 2022 – 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Everyone is welcome to come out to the farm for our Annual Open House! We will assist you with your holiday shopping, by offering 10% off your purchases storewide. We have unique one-of-a-kind gifts, such as our wool products that we grow, process, and dye ourselves at the farm. We sell yarn, scarves, silk products, jewelry, wool rugs, hand crafted iron gifts, handmade children’s toys, books, handmade cards, baby items, needle felting supplies, fiber spinning and weaving supplies, Christmas ornaments, essential oils, meats, dried fruits and nuts, Amish baked goods, fudge, candies, jams, and honey. You can find something for everyone on your shopping list. We accept major credit cards, EBT cards, cash, and checks (with proper ID). We have Mission items for sale, these are made by missionaries and mission groups from around the world. We return 100% of the proceeds back to them. Some of the countries represented include Afghanistan, Uganda, Malawi, Thailand, Kyrgyzstan, India & Mongolia. As you shop, be sure to enjoy complimentary cider, coffee, cappuccino, tea, and snacks. If you would like to display and sell your goods in our shop (as over 60 local crafters do) please complete an application while you are here. Shepherd’s Cross is a “Made in Oklahoma Company & Producer” and an “Animal Welfare Approved Farm”, so our animals and fiber products also carry those honors. We are an educational and Accredited Agritourism Facility. In addition to the shop the farm hosts a
Read MoreBlack Walnut Hulling at Shepherd's Cross
farm@shepherdscross.com September 21, 2022 No Comments
Black Walnut Hulling & Buying Station at Shepherd’s Cross September 20 – November 5, 2022 Tuesday – Saturday, 9:00 am – 6:00 p.m. Black Walnut Hulling is held each fall at Shepherd’s Cross. Simply pick up black walnuts from the ground, bring them to the farm by the bag, bucket, or truckload. We will hull them, weight them, and pay you for them. This can be a great cost-free fundraiser for clubs, schools, churches & organizations. Shepherd’s Cross is one of only four buying stations in Oklahoma. We are a buyer for Hammon’s Black Walnuts, which is the only black walnut processing facility in the U.S. Black walnut hulling will proceed even in the case of inclement weather. Black walnuts are a natural protein source, high in antioxidants, and help reduce the risk of cancer. Black Walnuts are not chemically sprayed; they survive naturally; chemical free. Additional harvesting information is at: https://black-walnuts.com/discover-harvesting-and-hulling/. The Black Walnut hulling is held in conjunction with the annual Shepherd’s Cross Pumpkin Festival. This is a harvest celebration held at the farm. This event is wholesome fun for the entire family it includes a hay maze, festive outdoor & indoor games, Farm Animal Petting Barn, farm demonstrations, museum, silo, wagon rides and festive fall story time. The farm is an authentic working farm, just north of Claremore, OK on Scenic Route 66 where the main focus is educational, fall festive fun. Shepherd’s Shop is a quaint country gift shop, an event in itself. The shop is host to festive fall handmade and farm related gifts, and
Read MorePumpkin Festival
farm@shepherdscross.com August 17, 2022 No Comments
Pumpkin Festival at Shepherd’s Cross September 20 – November 5, 2022 Tuesday – Saturday 9:00 am – 6:30 pm Open Monday, October 31st Shepherd’s Cross has been hosting a fall event for three decades and once again returns with fun for the whole family. Shepherd’s Cross Pumpkin Festival is a harvest celebration held at an authentic working farm, just north of Claremore Oklahoma on Scenic Route 66. Come to the farm and enjoy the peace of a few hours spent in the country. Enjoy wholesome fun for the entire family including over 50 activities, a hay maze, festive outdoor & indoor games, farm animal petting barn, farm demonstrations and fall story time. The farm’s focus is educational, mingled with fall festive fun. We will supply truckloads of pumpkins of all shapes and sizes for purchase, as well as straw bales & cornstalks for your fall decorating. There is a wide range of pumpkin prices, starting at $1.50 each. Come see our walk-through Pumpkin Patch, Game Area, and Hay Maze. Pumpkins are sanitized daily, and games are sanitized throughout the day. Suggested donation is $5 per person (suggested – not required). Pumpkin Patch Packages are available for $9, $12 & $15. They include a Pumpkin, Wagon Ride and take home fall craft. Size of pumpkin varies with package price and are available while supplies last. Wagon Rides in the hay meadow are $6.50 per person; children two and under are free. They “load up and head out” approximately every 30 minutes. Wagon ride is sanitized throughout the day. Farm Museum &
Read MoreAdvanced Weaving Retreats
farm@shepherdscross.com July 29, 2022 No Comments
Weaving 201: September 8 & 9, 2022, Thursday & Friday Weaving 301: September 8, 9 & 10, 2022, Thursday, Friday & Saturday 8:30 am – 3:30 pm Weaving 201: Table Loom Weaving is a two-day class. You will learn to weave on a harnessed table loom. Cost is $133 fiber included, and you will leave with at least one finished product: a table runner or scarf. Weaving 301: Floor Loom Weaving is a three-day class. You will learn to weave on a harnessed floor loom. Cost is $233 fiber included and you will leave with at least one finished product: a table runner or a scarf. In-person or virtual All materials included. You may bring your own loom or use one of ours at no additional charge. You will learn to warp and to weave, completing a sampler scarf or table runner to take home. We are open until 5:30 pm each day, and you are welcome to stay and practice or work on your project. Please bring a lunch each day. There is a class size minimum of two, and a maximum of 6 participants. Our classes go a degree farther than most, and teach some history of fiber arts, and practical technology. As well as being augmented by hands on learning tools available in the Educational Farm Museum. Shepherd’s Cross offers weaving and fiber arts classes year-round, on an individual or group basis. Shepherd’s Cross is an accredited Agritourism facility, a Made in Oklahoma Company that processes the only Animal Welfare Approved fiber sold in the U.S. (that
Read MoreSmall Ruminant Animal Husbandry Class
farm@shepherdscross.com July 15, 2022 No Comments
For those interested in returning to the basics of farming, small ruminants present a great option for people wanting to live sustainably. Our small ruminant class is a great place to start learning how to be more self-sufficient. Learn how to care for small ruminants such as sheep, goats, alpacas, and llamas. Class includes instruction, handouts, videos, tutorials, and hands on experience. The primary instructor for the class is Dr. Diane Dickinson, a licensed veterinarian and an agriculturalist, with over 40 years of livestock and farming experience. Her unique perspective of animal husbandry care includes that of a producer, a veterinarian, and a small flock & herd owner. She also shares her experiences in global agriculture, Biblical agriculture, sustainable living, natural production, agritourism and niche markets. The Dickinsons have owned and operated Shepherd’s Cross, a working sheep farm, for over 30 years. Their livestock include sheep, cattle, alpacas, llamas, donkeys, horses & poultry. Their farm is Animal Welfare Approved with their livestock pasture raised and pasture fed. Class Topics Include Vaccinations Feet Trimming Tail docking Bloodless castration Managing pasture & Feeding Parasites & Worms Practical profitable flock herd health for working shepherds FAMACHA Sheep, goats, alpacas & others Lambing & birthing Neonatal care – lambs, kids & others Tubing Wool management AWA Shearing Classes are limited to 20 participants and fill quickly. Beverages are provided at breaks. Bring your lunch. Cost is $89.00 per person, $169.00 for 2 family members, or $249.00 for 3 or more family members (age 16 & over). During these troubled times, small flocks provide stability
Read MoreFiber Fest Weekend Retreat
farm@shepherdscross.com June 8, 2022 No Comments
August 11, 12 & 13, 2022 – Thursday, Friday, & Saturday 8:30 am – 3:30 pm Three days of learning how to process any kind of fiber (we teach with wool) Includes washing, dyeing, wet felting, carding, picking, spindling, spinning, needle felting, and weaving and some history of fiber arts with practical technology. Each participant will make and keep multiple projects. Virtual or onsite Retreat fee is only $249 (all three days); all materials provided. Any single day of the Retreat is available for $89 per day. Retreats are augmented by hands on learning tools available in the Educational Farm Museum and with a collection of fiber arts from around the world. Shepherd’s Cross offers these classes year-round, on an individual or group basis. Shepherd’s Cross is an accredited Agritourism facility, a Made in Oklahoma Company that processes the only Animal Welfare Approved fiber sold in the U.S. (that is chemical free, hormone free, free range, all natural). Shepherd’s Cross hosts a mini wool mill, processing the wool from their own sheep raised on site. Heart of the Shepherd is a non-profit organization (501-C3) that operates at the farm and establishes wool mills in remote, impoverished areas around the world. Heart of the Shepherd teaches Biblical references to the harvest, the animals, farming, and gardening. Shepherd’s Cross and Gift Shop is open Tuesday through Saturday 8:30 – 5:30, year-round (closed some holidays). Registration is required. You may find information and registration form at: https://shepherdscross.com/fiber-fest.html or call 918-342-5911. Website: https://shepherdscross.com/index.html Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ShepherdsCross Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShepherdsCross Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shepherds_cross/ Contact: Shepherd’s Cross & Heart
Read MoreIntern / Apprentice Program at Shepherd's Cross
farm@shepherdscross.com May 20, 2022 No Comments
Heart of the Shepherd’s Intern / Apprentice Program at Shepherd’s Cross Internships are for one semester. Generally, the times are as follows: Spring Semester January – May Summer Semester May – Mid-Aug or Early Sept. Fall Semester Early September – December Internships may be geared toward one of the following six areas: 1. Garden/Landscape 2. Livestock 3. Museum 4. Shop 5. Missions 6. Wool Mill 7. General Farm Internships are full or part time. Compensation for internships may include room, board, and a monthly monetary stipend. The stipend is not a salary, and it is performance based. Interns may live on or off site. College credit can be given for our internship program. We have worked with many colleges within and outside of the state. Experience is advantageous, but not required. Heart of the Shepherd’s internship program has been in place since 2009 with approximately 5 graduates per year. Additional information and application: https://shepherdscross.com/intern-residency.html Following successful completion of the Internship, the student may apply for the Residency Program. The Residency Program allows the student to remain at the farm for one complete calendar year, experiencing all the activities of a farm year. This is beneficial in terms of understanding seed time and harvest, and the Biblical Implications. Several graduate interns have been hired to be part of the Shepherd’s Cross and Heart of the Shepherd team. Website: https://shepherdscross.com/index.html Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ShepherdsCross Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShepherdsCross Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shepherds_cross/ Contact Information: Shepherd’s Cross & Heart of the Shepherd 16792 East 450 Road, Claremore, OK 74017 Dr. Diane Dickinson, president & executive director SheepFarm@ShepherdsCross.com 918-342-5911
Read MoreFiber Fest Weekend Retreat
farm@shepherdscross.com May 19, 2022 No Comments
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE What: Fiber Fest Weekend Retreat When: June 16, 17 & 18, 2022 – Thursday, Friday, & Saturday 8:30 am – 3:30 pm Where: Shepherd’s Cross 16792 East 450 Road, Claremore, OK 74017 Three days of learning how to process any kind of fiber (we teach with wool) Includes washing, dyeing, wet felting, carding, picking, spindling, spinning, needle felting, and weaving and some history of fiber arts with practical technology. Each participant will make and keep multiple projects. Virtual or onsite Retreat fee is only $179 (all three days), a $43 savings compared to taking individual classes; all materials provided. Any single day of the Retreat is available for $74 per day. Retreats are augmented by hands on learning tools available in the Educational Farm Museum and with a collection of fiber arts from around the world. Shepherd’s Cross offers these classes year-round, on an individual or group basis. Shepherd’s Cross is an accredited Agritourism facility, a Made in Oklahoma Company that processes the only Animal Welfare Approved fiber sold in the U.S. (that is chemical free, hormone free, free range, all natural). Shepherd’s Cross hosts a mini wool mill, processing the wool from their own sheep raised on site. Heart of the Shepherd is a non-profit organization (501-C3) that operates at the farm and establishes wool mills in remote, impoverished areas around the world. Heart of the Shepherd teaches Biblical references to the harvest, the animals, farming, and gardening. Shepherd’s Cross and Gift Shop is open Tuesday through Saturday 8:30 – 5:30, year-round (closed some holidays). Registration
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