Amimals

In our efforts to demonstrate a diversified small-scale farming operation, Phillies Bridge Farm Project keeps animals on the farm which produce eggs, wool and meat. In addition to these important local products, our animals are an invaluable addition to our education programs, inspiring children and adults to make connections between everyday products (the eggs in your omelet, the yarn for your sweater, the meat on your plate) and the creatures they come from.

The Chickens:

We currently raise a small flock of 50 pastured laying hens. These hens roost in a movable chicken coop, which allows us to move them throughout the fields and pastures of the farm, always giving them access to new grasses and bugs and lots of space to scratch for both. We supplement the hens' forage with organic chicken feed that we purchase locally from Lightning Tree Farm in Millbrook, NY.

The eggs that we harvest from our chickens are sold in limited supply to our CSA shareholders (from late May through mid November) and locally during the off-season.

The Sheep:

In 2006, we introduced a small flock of Border Leicester sheep to the farm. These six ewes (three white and three brown) form the basis of our current flock. The reason for sheep on the farm, in addition to providing us with wool and meat products, is to contribute to our compost with their manure and bedding, to enhance the education programs by providing a basis for shearing and spinning demonstrations, and to maintain the farm's pastures through grazing.

As a dual purpose breed, Border Leicester sheep are valued for both their meat and their wool. Border Leicester sheep are known for the softness and luster of their luxurious locks, which we have locally processed into yarn for knitting or roving for spinning. Click here for more information on purchasing our natural wool products.

Once or twice a year, Phillies Bridge Farm Project hosts a Sheep Shearing & Wool Day, during which the sheep are shorn and we demonstrate various forms of wool processing and craft work - skirting the fleece, washing, carding, spinning and felting. Check our event calendar to find out about our next Sheep Shearing & Wool Day, or email info@philliesbridge.org to be added to our event email list.

The Goats:

Unlike our chickens and our sheep, the goats do not play a farming role at Phillies Bridge Farm Project. Rather, they exist as our mascots, consistently charming visitors of all ages. Owned and cared for by a long-time CSA shareholder and friend of the farm, this small herd of Toggenburgs curiously observe the comings and goings of stray chickens, school children, CSA shareholders and farm crew through their barn. They especially love it when groups of school children feed them leaves and branches from the garden.