A Shepherd’s Retreat
June 26-28, 2026
Friday 10 am – Sun 2 pm
Cost: $650 includes tuition, 2 nights lodging, all meals
A Shepherd’s Retreat
Why to come: As farmers and shepherds, we learn by trial and error, and often alone. We all know the warm feeling of having others to learn with and from. This is how we get inspiration, new ideas, confirmation of our hunches, and most of all, we build much-needed community to share good times and bad. We are offering this retreat to share knowledge and to build a network. We strongly believe in the mighty power of small farms, and the ecological restoration potential of small ruminants on the land. We know the joy and beauty these animals bring us. These are some of the many reasons we are passionate about offering this annual Shepherd’s Retreat, and we hope you will join us.
Who: You’ll be hosted by Helen Whybrow, shepherdess at Knoll Farm. Helen has been raising purebred Icelandic sheep for 24 years, and has sold starter flocks and mentored shepherds in all corners of the country. She will be joined some of her own mentors: Cole Bush of Shepherdess Land and Livestock, Mary Lake, butcher and shearer; Kathy Boyden of Kind Horn Farm, Elaine Clark of Frelsi Farm and Cassie Petrocelli of Ledgehill Farm. We are also planning to have someone from a small fiber mill lead a session on fiber evaluation and processing and a session on available USDA grazing grants and pasture knowledge.
What you will learn: We will prioritize what you want to learn throughout the retreat, but this year’s main topics include:
- Grazing plans, grazing grants, forage ID and fencing
- Animal health, from maternity and lambing to minerals and vaccinations
- Animal handling, shearing, and how to get the most from your wool
- Considerations when raising animals for meat, how to work with a butcher
- Overall management tips and challenges for four seasons with a grass-fed flock
- Moving animals, behavior challenges, setting them up for success
Where: At Knoll Farm, a 200-acre hill farm of diverse pastures and woodlands in Fayston, Vermont, overlooking the Mad River Valley. Accommodations will be in the beautiful Knoll Farm retreat village – small yurts and a bath house, with sauna and an outdoor hot tub. This is glorious place to gather, hang out, take a breath, and to treat yourself to something inspiring. All meals will be provided around the common table in our newly renovated barn at the heart of the farm.
When: Arrive at 10 am on Friday, June 26th. Depart after lunch on Sunday, June 28th.
How to register:
Update: all overnight retreat spots are now full. space for a day rate available. thank you for your interest!
Please fill out this form to reserve your spot and we will contact you with a payment link for a nonrefundable deposit of $400, which will hold your reservation. Payable through the link we provide or through check. The final $250 will be invoiced to you and due before the start of the course. Your spot is considered reserved once we receive your deposit.
We are offering two scholarships to cover lodging & meals. Please indicate your scholarship interest in the form and we will reach out to you. Update: scholarship spots are now full.
This retreat is limited to 20 participants.
Please direct any questions or concerns to Helen: helen@knollfarm.org
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