Meet Natalie Burger, owner of Hidden Pastures Luxury Fiber Farm. Natalie is a fiber farmer, fiber artist, and fiber teacher. She works in her farm studio and teaches classes and workshops both locally and throughout the region in spinning, weaving, dyeing and fiber knowledge.

What animals have you raised in your life, and what animals are you raising now?

Alpaca, Angora Rabbits, Angora Goats, American Cashmere Goats, Llamas, Teeswater Sheep and Tibetan Yaks

What does a typical day caring for your animals look like for you?

Our fiber livestock is fed and cared for twice a day with barn checks during birthing times happening more frequently.

What products does your farm produce?

Raw and Dyed Fiber, Hand and Millspun Yarn, Batts, Rolags, Roving and Finished Fiber Goods

Do you have any new projects on the farm, or new products that you’d like to share?

We frequently have farm events to introduce people to our farm.

What experiences from your life–growing up, educational, or professional–have you been able to draw from to guide your life on the farm?

I grew up with parents that were homesteaders. They produced our food as well as goods for the household. Fiber arts was a part of my life from childhood.

What has been one of the biggest surprises about raising animals?

A farmer never has the same day twice!

What do you wish you’d known before you started?

The ingenuity it would take to be profitable.

What are 3 things you’d like new farmers to know about raising animals?

• Farmers work from eyes open to eyes closed.
• Raising livestock is both rewarding and heartbreaking.
• Be flexible.

What are your goals for the farm?

To continue to produce a quality product and educate the public about natural fibers.