Mill Services

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Overview

Our fiber processing mill transforms our raw fiber into beautiful roving, yarn and socks. The goats are sheared twice a year, spring and fall, the sheep are sheared annually each spring. The mill is powered by 84 solar panels which produce 10 KW of electricity. The panels were purchased in conjunction with the NYSERDA grant program in NY State. The power generated by these panels is net metered, or fed back into the power grid. We then draw electricity from the grid to power the mill. Up until recently (2006) the solar panels produced a surplus (we produced more power than we consumed), and the excess power was used by other customers of the utility company. As we have increased our herd numbers, thereby producing more fiber, the solar panels have not kept up with the power consumption of the mill. We have had to curtail our production due to this. But help may be on the way, all the while keeping sustainable and "green" production in mind. In mid 2006, the farm applied for a permit to install a residential scale windmill. The town's permit process has proven to be lengthy, partially due to the need to have a higher tower than provided for in the town's zoning ordinance. This is because of the geography of our farm; average wind speeds generated locally, and terrain. We hope to have a decision sometime this year, 2008.