There is a healthy trend here of people moving back home to Amherst Island. Many have come back home to raise their families. Twelve young adults of our sons’ and daughter’s generation who’d left for education and a broader scope of life, have chosen to return to Amherst Island. In a total population about 450, […]

  Increasing weather extremes are having a major impact on our sheep farm, and farms world-wide. This era of increasing mono-culture, single crop production makes farmers more vulnerable to weather extremes. In the past, farms were more diversified so that each year, some of what they produced was more likely to succeed. Ian says “Crop […]

At a farm meeting, our head shepherd Christopher asked “should we keep our ram lambs intact”? We had already started raising a small group of Suffolk rams for our own breeding use, as we had difficulty locating high-quality rams that had been pasture-raised.  Barn-raised rams are not sufficiently hardy for our farm. We’re always seeking […]

Several visitors have come into our Wood Shed, hands firmly in pockets, saying “This is nice but I’m allergic to wool.” They like the look, the smell, and even the cautiously-tested feel of the wool products. However, they have experienced rashes and discomfort in the past and are certain they are allergic to wool, all […]

Canada 150 Plus recognizes that the history of First Nations, Métis and Inuit, predates confederation by millennia. Topsy Farms is proud to have its products used and valued by many First Nations groups and individuals, as well as in events that celebrate Canada’s heritage since 1867. We are fund-raising for the www.downie/wenjack.ca fund to help […]

Sheep are smart – don’t let anyone pull the wool over your eyes. Their survival drive ensures they can learn almost anything that matters to them. People say disparagingly that someone “follows like sheep”. At times that is appropriate. Usually a wise old ewe takes the lead when we move the flock. She follows those […]

We applied for Green Tourism Canada Certification this winter. A branch of Green Tourism International, Green Tourism Canada promotes ecotourism by : • Encouraging tourist-oriented organizations to examine and improve their carbon footprint. • Helping eco-minded travelers locate and choose their destinations. The Canadian organization, http://www.greentourismcanada.ca/, is determined to create a sustainable industry that welcomes […]

We practice permaculture at Topsy Farms because it makes sense. The shallow land and Island context sets limits to what works without damage or erosion. The farm we bought in 1971 is located on the west end of Amherst Island in Lake Ontario. The shallow, drought-prone soil is best used for forage. We keep the […]

Our shearing floor is cluttered. It is piled high, 362 days of the year, with inventory for our Wool Shed. There’s no room for the sheep or shearers. Over 200 blankets take up lots of room, not to mention the pure wool woven throws and lap robes.   A year’s supply of natural pure wool […]

Wool Pillows enhance sleep. There are lots of reasons for that claim: • Wool breathes. It traps lots of air, so it is actually cooler in summer as well as warmer in winter. It helps the body temperature stay at a comfort level, unlike fibrefill or other artificial petroleum industry by-products. • Washed wool fibres […]