November 30 2024
A Short Film About Black Sheep Farm
A Short Film About Black Sheep Farm
Brenda Hsueh is the founder of Black Sheep Farm in Chesley, Ontario—a 40-acre agroecological farm dedicated to producing richly hued, undyed wool. While dark sheep are rare in most flocks, Brenda has spent years working with her flock’s genetics to encourage natural black and brown fibres—now a defining feature of her farm.
At Black Sheep Farm, sheep graze on pasture using intensively managed grazing techniques, a practice that maximizes the soil carbon–capture benefits of ruminants. In this system, food and fibre are created from grass—something humans can’t eat—but that can be transformed into something both beautiful and useful.
The flock is made up primarily of longwool breeds—a cross between Gotland and Romney sheep—selectively bred for their darker shades. Their fleeces produce a remarkable natural spectrum, from silvery greys to deep chocolate browns, creating yarns with layered, complex hues entirely without dyes. Each season brings a slightly different result, shaped by the weather, the pasture, and the rhythm of the year.
Together with her partner, Skyler Radojkovic, and their daughter Emma, Brenda manages the day-to-day life of the farm, staying true to its commitment to sustainable agriculture. She also divides her time between farm work and her role with Farmers for Climate Solutions, a national organization supporting agricultural climate action.
Following ongoing exchanges that began during the pandemic, this short film and collection pay tribute to the work of Black Sheep Farm and its founder, Brenda Hsueh. Each toque is knit from the farm’s naturally coloured wool, spun nearby at Wave Fibre Mill in Seguin, Ontario—where the wool is washed, carded, and spun under one roof before returning to Brenda’s hands.
