Kim Goodling, shepherdess at Vermont Grand View Farm, has been teaching in a variety of settings for the past thirty years. Through on-farm workshops, mentoring, and writing, she shares her love of farming with others. She works with people like you – people who are crazy about everything sheep and wool!
Her goal is to support you in your journey living with sheep, and make sure you have the information you need when problems and questions arise. She will help you feel confident and empowered to make informed decisions as you raise sheep! Kim offers ongoing mentoring, video supported learning tools, on farm workshops, as well as consulting services. Each option is custom designed to meet your needs.
Mentoring
Shepherd Mentoring is a service which provides shepherds with ongoing support, guidance, accountability and confidence in raising sheep and moving forward with farm projects. It’s like having experienced shepherd tucked in your pocket for times when you need help.
Who is mentoring for and what does it cost?
Mentoring is for anyone wanting frequent ongoing contact and support from an experienced shepherd. Mentoring clients range from those just starting out with sheep to experienced shepherds involved in a lengthy project.
Mentoring clients purchase a block of mentoring support up front. Support may be purchased in one month, three month, six month blocks, or one year. Clients may either choose text support, email support, or once a month video conferencing. Mentoring may continue for as long as you feel it is beneficial.
Pricing is as follows: One Month – $95.00 Three Months – $285.00 Six Months – $ 570.00 12 Months – $1,000.00
It’s easy to get started with mentoring! Just click the button below and it will allow you to choose your option or one, three, six, or an entire year of mentoring!
What topics can Kim help me with?
- preparing your farm for sheep
- basic animal husbandry
- choosing the right breed of sheep
- fencing options
- hay feeding systems
- lambing systems
- grazing systems
- shelters
- barn design
- dealing with predators using livestock guardians
- starting a small fiber business/product evaluation
- marketing your small farm business
Consulting
Most consulting clients schedule individual meetings with Kim as needed. Some clients have stayed with Kim for several years as they work through a farm project and others work with her for just a few months. It is up to the client to decide when they want to meet and how long they need support. These meetings may be held in person or via video conferencing.
Who is consulting for and what does it cost?
Consulting clients may be shepherds ready to move beyond the basics, seasoned shepherds embarking on a new journey, or rank beginners starting with a plot of land and want concentrated time to discuss their project. Consulting clients usually want to meet as the need arises instead of having ongoing monthly support. One-on-one consulting sessions via video conferencing cost $125.00/hour. Kim will invoice you prior to your meeting with her.
What topics can Kim help me with?
Prior to your meeting, Kim will ask for a list of topics you want to discuss. Afterwards, she will forward you via email any resources discussed during your meeting that may be of help to you. Below is a list of topics former consulting clients have requested support with:
- project accountability and focus
- helping prepare your farm property for sheep
- giving you the confidence you need to face lambing season
- basics of getting started with sheep
- small flock management
- farm marketing & social media
- fiber art instruction
- product development
- choosing the right breed for your situation
- special sheep related farm projects
- conducting annual farm reviews
- finding local Vermont service providers to help establish your farm infrastructure and flock
Ready to signup for consulting?
It’s easy to get started with consulting. Just hit the button below!