“Why sheep?”
When we met in 2015 in Vermont, we knew we wanted to start a livestock farm with our years of farming experience, but it wasn’t certain what we would do until Brent said to Carrie that he thought she would really like dairy sheep.
Dairy sheep produce creamy, nutritionally dense milk that makes delicious yogurt and other products, but dairy sheep are also more docile and curious than other sheep breeds. Farmers who raise dairy sheep can get to know their ewes and rams over the years—and build a strong and vibrant flock over time.
So we committed to sheep dairying (and each other) and a few years later came to the Hudson Valley of New York to establish Willow Pond Sheep Farm on land owned by Carrie’s parents. Our flocks graze lush pastures in the summer, enjoy New York state hay in the winter, and are supplemented with organic grain. We make our dairy products in our farmstead creamery and also sell pasture-raised lamb.
We look forward to meeting you!
Brent and Carrie Wasser
Gardiner, NY
If you’d like to work here…
We’ve hired for the 2024 season but if you’d like to inquire about a future position with us, please drop us a line.
Brent studied food production in many European countries before attending, and then teaching at, the Culinary Institute of America. He also worked as head cheesemaker at Sprout Creek Farm in Poughkeepsie and has apprenticed at two biodynamic farms. He recently oversaw the building of our new creamery!
Meet our dogs
Our two Maremmas, Yaza and Yarrow, are livestock guardian dogs. They live with the sheep full time, protecting them from predators. Our dogs have an important job to do!
Carrie lived in Vermont and worked as the editor of a quarterly local foods magazine before returning to Gardiner, where she spent much of her childhood on the land where she and Brent now farm. She has apprenticed on many sheep farms, including one in England. For many years she has also been an advocate for the humane treatment of farm animals.
The Barn
Carrie’s parents recently renovated their mid-19th century barn. It’s a real treasure and a reminder that our land has been farmed by many who came before us. Inquire about renting the barn for your next event.