What challenges do brands face making the transition to textiles sourced through regenerative agricultural practices? How can we better reconnect local fiber to the fashion-design supply chain? How do we support the development of farmer-to-brand relationships – and how many of our industry partners spend time with the animals they depend on? In conjunction with Textile Exchange’s Fall Conference and under the auspices of the Southern California Fibershed chapter, I hosted a Fiber Farm Visit to Rancho Grande, a sustainable preserve in Ojai, California. Attendees included international sustainability directors, local designers, editors, and advocates for regenerative agriculture.

Rancho Grande is an idyllic retreat located in the Los Padres National Forest. The Ranch cares for a flock of Merino, a herd of goats, 10 guard and floof dogs, an abundance of guinea pigs, chickens, ducks, a 700-pound pig named Huell, and world-famous Albert the Camel.  🐪

These on-the ground events at small scale, local farms are where unexpected insights and resiliency are born. Through my work with the So Cal Fibershed I am committed to building a local farm-fiber-fashion ecosystem, opening economic pathways, and building robust community networks. Part of the Fibershed Affiliate network, our chapter encompasses half the state of California, spanning coastal, mountain, and valley ecosystems, and includes numerous family-owned flocks-herds. The SoCal Fibershed mixed Rancho Grande's colored merino with alpaca from Windy Hill in Somis (Ventura) to create the chapter’s first fleece-to-yarn.