Get to know Kathy Bennett of the St. Croix Hair Sheep International Association and Scott Bergford of Scott Homes.
What are you going to speak about at the MOTHER EARTH NEWS FAIR?
Raising Hair Sheep: the Basics–Saturday, June 4, 3-3:45 p.m. ALBC Stage
Raising Hair Sheep: Now You Want to Breed–Sunday, June 5, 3-3:45 p.m. ALBC Stage
What are you most looking forward to sharing with FAIR attendees?
How rewarding raising St. Croix sheep has been for us and for many other people.
Tell us about your background with your particular topic.
We’ve raised St. Croix sheep for four years and have been Premier Exhibitors at the Oregon State Fair for 3 years. We sell breeding stock nationwide.
Why should fairgoers attend your presentation?
Nervous about raising livestock? Hair sheep are easier than you think!
What are you most looking forward to at the FAIR?
Meeting people and talking about our sheep.
What advice do you have for attendees?
Your enthusiasm in contagious.
If you were stranded on a deserted island and could have only one thing, what would you choose?
A flock of St. Croix sheep and pasture grasses.
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What are you going to speak about at the MOTHER EARTH NEWS FAIR?
When you build or retro-fit a home thoughtfully, it’s a fabulous, healthy, efficient, cost-effective environment. When you go at it piecemeal slap-dash … you could be in for a rough ride. The way we perceive our homes is changing. Just like a natural ecosystem, every part of a house affects every other part. I’m going to talk about understanding your home as a system. We’ll also cover important health and energy gauges you ought to be aware of. Mother Earth News has me on the Natural Home Stage at 2 p.m. on Sunday.
What are you most looking forward to sharing with FAIR attendees?
There are simple things you can do (cheaply) to improve your existing homes’ efficiency and health. There are simple ways to build an energy efficient home without spending a gazillion extra dollars. It’s simple. It’s a matter of understanding how houses work. I’m looking forward to sharing the basics with you and answering your questions.
Tell us about your background with your particular topic.
I have been a builder for 27 years. I know how houses go together. I know how people live in their houses and what they think should be done to maintain them. Home construction has changed since we lived in our parents’ houses. Science and experience has shown us that more air-tight we build our houses, the more efficient they are. BUT that means we have created an environment that none of us are used to being a part of. These highly efficient houses don’t react in a way that we have been raised to expect. By working closely with the owners of our homes, we’ve studied how an extremely energy efficient home responds to the people who live inside. We learn and we improve and each house is better than the one before. Every day is a lesson.
For those find it supportive, we’ve been awarded won national and regional honors for building innovation. All of our homes are certified Energy Star, Indoor airPLUS and Built Green (usually 5 star rating).
Why should fairgoers attend your presentation?
Well, I really don’t want you to blow up your house. Or present mildew with the perfect environment. Or invite carbon monoxide in. Or be uncomfortable in your home. I want your house to be healthy and comfortable and energy efficient. If you are going to build or do an energy remodel – or if you feel your house is making you sick – there are some basic things to be aware of. We’ll cover them in a straight forward, sensible conversation. I guarantee you’ll have at least one Ah-HA! Moment and you’ll walk out feeling smarter and seeing your home as a system rather than a bunch of different rooms.
How will you get to the FAIR, and how far do you have to travel?
Carpool with my wife and with my co-speaker. We’re coming from Olympia, about 35 miles from Puyallup.
What are you most looking forward to at the FAIR?
Seeing what’s new out there and listening to what people are thinking and doing.
What advice do you have for attendees?
This is a great opportunity to talk to the experts and innovators. Be prepared to listen and to think. Above all, have fun, enjoy the crowd, talk with people. What a great place for inspiration!
If you were stranded on a deserted island and could have only one thing, what would you choose?
My wife.
Thank you both. We’ll see you at the FAIR!
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Please visit the FAIR website
for more information about the Puyallup, Wash. FAIR June 4-5, and
upcoming FAIRs in San Rafael, Calif. and Seven Springs, Penn. Tickets are on sale now for all fairs.
You can also get FAIR updates on our Facebook and Twitter pages.
