Charis & Ben Walker

Tarheelbilly Farm

What’s your story?

Charis: A cool lady I knew taught me to knit when I was in my late 20s and that led to exploring the world of fiber in earnest. I met talented artists and shepherds and decided I'd like to keep sheep one day. I met my husband Ben through our shared interest an background in agriculture and started "micro-farming" on our lot in NC while he was active duty. By the time the opportunity came for us to move to my husband's family's farm, I'd decided I wanted to raise Tunis sheep for fiber. While researching what breed of sheep I wanted to raise, I saw a picture of Tunis in a book about rare breeds of sheep. Given their history and tie to my native South, I knew immediately that Tunis were there breed for me. (Their beautiful red lambs and striking looks didn't hurt either!) He maintains several honeybee hives and taps our maple trees and I work with the livestock. Our daughter has been helping with the farm since she learned to walk!

Our foundation stock was sourced from 4 different farms in 3 different states. I was really picky about what I was looking for-- good fiber, pasture raised, low input. We wanted thrifty, hardy sheep that would produce well here in Appalachian Ohio and Tunis have done well for us.

Fiber from the flock has been well received. Each time I've entered fleeces at a regional fiber festival, they have one ribbons. Providing quality fiber is important to me, and it's great to know that others in the fiber community believe that excellent quality fiber is produced here.

We sell our fiber directly through our Etsy shop, sell breeding stock, and occasionally sell grassfed lamb.

What are your values?

I feel a deep connection to the animals that I raise. The process of producing fiber (and meat) for the community takes a year or so to complete, so there is a lot of time for to develop relationships with animals and the environment. Several generations of ewes and their offspring will live their entire lives here. That People learn about the individual animals and enjoy learning about their lives. It is my honor to give people the opportunity to develop or deepen their connection to the fiber they use.

So much of our food and fiber are shrouded in mystery. Where is it raised? How is it produced? Where is it processed? Most people have no idea how to answer any of these questions. Through social media and developing ongoing relationships with customers, I try to dispel some of the myths surrounding fiber and food production.

Animal health and well-being are at the center of what we do. We don't use pesticides or herbicides on the farm and our animals graze our fields year round. My sheep have names and personalities and I strive to provide the best lives for them that I can.

It is important for me to put a Black face to raising livestock. Actively participating in the social media space as a black livestock farmer is a statement in itself, and I welcome the opportunity to help normalize Black female participation in agriculture.

Where can we find out more about you and your work?

Website: www.tarheelbillyfarm.com | Instagram: @tarheelbillyfarmer