Women Farming the pontiac

KATELYN DUBAN
Meeting Katelyn Duban at an event at Leystone Farms was a pivotal moment for me. Despite being a few episodes behind, the Rural Woman’s Podcast has inspired me with its unwavering support for women in agriculture. Katelyn’s passion and dedication shine through every episode, reminding us that our voices matter and that we can make a significant impact in our communities. Her work empowers us to embrace our roles in agriculture with confidence and strive for excellence.

The Rural Woman Podcast ™

URSINA STUDHALTER
Ursina inspires me with her remarkable knack for uncovering and gathering information. She possesses an uncanny ability to poi point the most relevant data and trends, making her my go to person for statistics and the best time to sell lambs. Whether it’s market prices or seasonal insights, Ursina always has the answers to help me steer Crooked Fence Farm towards success.
She also makes sure that my sweet tooth is taken care of and if I need backup at the farm Ursina and her husband Andrew are coming to the rescue.

https://farmingfrontiers.ca/

KARRI MUUNN-VEN
Karri’s journey is a testament to the power of pursuing one’s passion. She loves wool and knitting, and what began as a knitting business evolved into a deeper involvement with wool yarn transformation. Karri and her husband, Trefor, decided to buy a farm—a vineyard, in fact—providing the space needed for Karri to fulfill her dream of raising sheep. This move allowed her to fully immerse herself in her wool endeavors.

https://fermesleystone.com/

LESLLEY BUXTON
A family friend asked me to help out with an art camp she was hosting for teens. She wanted me to assist a lovely girl named India, the daughter of her friends Lesley and Mark, who had small head drop seizures and needed some extra support. Little did I know that I would end up working for them for four years and become one of the family. Lesley, an avid knitter, sparked my interest in wool. She helped me knit my first cowl from a beautiful lavender skein of baby alpaca, which I still have and wear every winter. Without Lesley, I wouldn’t be as deeply involved in fiber as I am today. I share her “wool snob” attitude as I shy away from the unnatural fibers. Lesley, Mark and India had a huge mark on my heart, I do believe I am a better person for having them in my life.

pontiac farming women

Homage to my Mama,

Lorie Nesbitt is more than just Shauna’s right-hand shepherd at Crooked Fence Farm—she’s a force of nature. With four decades of experience running her own successful greenhouse operation, Lorie brings a wealth of knowledge and a green thumb to everything she touches. Transitioning from nurturing plants to tending sheep, she has become a wool-washing extraordinaire, turning raw fleece into pristine fibers ready for transformation. Her meticulous care and attention to detail ensure that every batch of wool reflects the farm’s commitment to quality and sustainability.

From assisting with lambing to crafting exquisite felted pieces, her contributions are as varied as they are vital. Shauna credits her mother with being the cornerstone of her success, a source of inspiration and wisdom that has shaped not only the farm but Shauna’s journey as a fiber artist and farmer.

Together, this duo forms the backbone of Crooked Fence Farm, each bringing their own unique strengths to create a place where tradition, artistry, and agriculture thrive in harmony.