The Yakademics
By Kat & Susan
The YakademicsApr 01, 2024
Follow the Fiber
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Vet Care for Yaks
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Yaks on a Plane?!
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Best Practices: Yak Vaccinations
with Christy Novak from Spring Brook Ranch
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Ranch Highlight: Whisky Creek Farms
Fiber Festivals 2024
Early Beginnings: Capture the Imagination
with Lawrence Richards from Living Diamond Ranch
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Yak First Aid Kit
Christy Novak from Spring Brook Ranch
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Observations of the Fiber Study
Yak Around the World
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Blending Yak Fiber
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Geeking Out on Textiles Part 3
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Geeking Out on Textiles Part 2
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Geeking Out on Textiles Part 1
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Ranch Highlight - Schadey's Acres
Reading Your DNA Report
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Fiber Mill Highlight - Edward WoolWorks Co.
Artificial Insemination for Yaks
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The SKAY Conference is on October 28th!
joined by Dr. Jeff Lehmkuhler
FREE SKAY Eventbrite Link to Register FREE
email us! theyakademics@gmail.com
Genomics of Yaks
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Why Fiber Festivals?
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Season 3 Kickoff
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Slow Fashion and the Natural Fiber Component
Questions or suggestions? email us at:
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book mentioned in episode:
FIBERSHED
by Rebecca Burgess
Yak as a Beef Alternative - here's the Meat
Questions for us?
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Let's Trek with our Yaks!
Once again we are joined at the Yakademics by Ruth Higdon from Smiling Buddha Ranch in Ridgeway, Colorado to share her experience with the ways yaks are perfect for trekking endeavors.
Need information on equipment for yak trekking? Ruth provided us with this resource:
email for saddles: jwalker@neogen.com
Questions for us?
theyakademics@gmail.com
Talking About Fiber Fraud!
Join us this episode to go back into basics for news in the textiles and fiber industy. This discussion resolves around topics we read in the BBC article linked below:
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20230206-fabric-fraud-how-to-spot-fake-fabric-claims
Homesteading with Yaks
Guest Sophia Weiss from Firebird Farms in Ashland, Oregan joins us to talk to the idea of using yak for your homesteading endeavors.
Questions for us?
theyakademics@gmail.com
Fiber Mill Highlight ~ HLA Fiber Mill, Sara Morris
HLA Fiber Mill is located in Kansas and Sara has been a credible source for yak fiber processing, enthusiasm and a tremendous help to yak owners needed to be educated and guided to process their yak fiber.
This episode we talk about her methods and experience being a owner with hands on to get results.
Website to reach Sara at HLA Fiber Mill:
https://hlafibermill.prairiefibers.org
Questions for us?
theyakademics@gmail.com
Yak Connection to Culture - Smiling Buddha Ranch
Yaks have an incredible connection to culture. Ruth Higdon from Smiling Buddha Ranch in Ridgeway, Colorado joins us this episode to talk about her travel overseas and stories about how the yak have be involved in the cultural landscape in the world through her eyes.
Questions for us?
theyakademics@gmail.com
the Scientific Knowledge Advancement of Yaks (SKAY)
SPECIAL GUEST THIS EPISODE:
Jeff Lehmkuhler, PhD, PAS Extension Professor
Department of Animal & Food Sciences, University of Kentucky
810 W.P. Garrigus Bldg, Lexington, KY 40546
To be added to the list for the Zoom webinars, send an email to jeff.lehmkuhler@uky.edu SKAY WEBINARS SERIES - DATES BELOW
LEARN HOW TO BE INVOLVED IN ON-FARM RESEARCH
February 15, 2023 – Review of Minerals in Ruminant Diets, Dr. Katie VanValin, University of Kentucky March 22, 2023 – EHD, Anaplasmosis and Theileriosis – Dr. Michelle Arnold, University of Kentucky April 19, 2023 – Developing Breeding Objectives – Dr. Darrh Bullock, University of Kentucky May 17, 2023 – Controlling when calves will be born – Dr. Les Anderson, University of Kentucky June 21, 2023 – Why should we consider records? – Dr. Jeff Lehmkuhler, University of Kentucky September 20, 2023 – Genomics for Registering Yaks – Dr. Ted Kalbfleisch, University of Kentucky October 18, 2023 – How genomics testing works – Dr. Jessica Peterson, University of Nebraska November 15, 2023 – Status of Artificial Insemination of Yaks, Drs. Prater & Harrelson, Morehead State December 20, 2023 – Forage considerations for yaks – Dr. Jeff Lehmkuhler, University of Kentucky
Ranch Highlight ~ Storm Cloud Ranch
Caryn & Tony DeRochie
Yak ranchers and breeders in Estancia, New Mexico and creators of handmade crafts.
A small ranch in the east mountains outside Albuquerque, New Mexico. Caryn and Tony started the ranch with three yaks and now the herd has grown to 15 animals. The herd is allowed to graze on 100 acres and is supplemented as needed. The ranch has a 12,000 gallon rain harvesting system so aquifer is not taxed.
Contact Information:
505-384-5459
Questions for us?
theyakademics@gmail.com
Yaks at the National Western Stock Show 2023 and Season 1 Wrap Up
Yak owners in North America know that the main gathering for yak owners, breeders and enthusiasts takes place at the National Western Stock Show (NWSS) in Denver, CO every January. This episode gives a breakdown of yaks at the NWSS in January 2023. Also, we summarize our Yakademics Season 1 episodes if you missed any you'd like to listen to.
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Value Part 2
Determining the value of our yak fiber in North America is new and is an endeavor that we as owners are developing now. Things to think about, examine and market are discussed in this second episode of a 2-part discussion. Questions for us?
theyakademics@gmail.com
Value Part 1
Determining the value of our yak fiber in North America is new and is an endeavor that we as owners are developing now. Things to think about, examine and market are discussed in this first episode of a 2-part discussion.
Questions for us?
theyakademics@gmail.com
Fiber Mill Talk Part 2
If you are collecting or plan to harvest yak fiber, it's very possible you will speak to a fiber mill about options for end products. In this 2nd episode of a 2-part discussion, we talk about the processes involved in the natural fiber textile journey, end product options as well as the importance of having a good relationship with the mill you choose.
Questions for us? theyakademics@gmail.com
Fiber Mill Talk Part 1
If you are collecting or plan to harvest yak fiber, it's very possible you will speak to a fiber mill about options for end products. In this 1st episode of a 2-part discussion, we talk about the processes involved in the natural fiber textile journey, end product options as well as the importance of having a good relationship with the mill you choose.
Questions for us?
theyakademics@gmail.com
Books & Resources Part 2
(2010/2011). Wild Fibers.
ASI's Certified Wool Classer Manual. (n.d.).
Brackenbury, W. (1997). Yak Butter & Black Tea, A Journey Into Tibet. Chapel Hill, North Carolina: Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill.
Chonjore, T. (2003). Colloquial Tibetan, A Textbook of the Lhasa Dialect. New Delhi: Indraprastha Press (CBT).
Ensminger. (1962). The Stockman's Handbook. Danville, Illinois: The Interstate Printers & Publishers, Inc.
MacKenzie, J. (2015). The Practical Spinner's Guide - Rare Luxury Fibers. (A. Budd, Ed.) Fort Collins, Colorado: Interweave Press.
Mondal, G., Roy, B., & Brahma, B. (2012). Yak Husbandry. Azadpur, Delhi, India: Satish Serial Publishing House.
Nowak, R. M. (1999). Walker's Mammals of the World (Vol. II). Baltimore, Maryland: The Johns Hopkins University Press.
Profitable Sheep. (1956). United States of America: The Macmillan Company.
Robson, D., & Ekarius, C. (2011). Fleece and Fiber Sourcebook. North Adams, MA: Storey Publishing.
Royal Geographical Society, London. (2003). Everest Summit of Achievement. (J. Write, Ed.) New York: Simon & Schuster.
The National Geographic Society. (1982). Journey Into China. (K. C. Danforth, Ed.) Washington, DC: The National Geographic Society.
Valli, E., & Summers, D. (1994). Caravans of the Himalaya. London: Thames and Hudson Ltd.
Books & Resources Part 1
A list of references for what's discussed in this episode
(2010/2011). Wild Fibers.
ASI's Certified Wool Classer Manual. (n.d.).
Brackenbury, W. (1997). Yak Butter & Black Tea, A Journey Into Tibet. Chapel Hill, North Carolina: Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill.
Chonjore, T. (2003). Colloquial Tibetan, A Textbook of the Lhasa Dialect. New Delhi: Indraprastha Press (CBT).
Ensminger. (1962). The Stockman's Handbook. Danville, Illinois: The Interstate Printers & Publishers, Inc.
MacKenzie, J. (2015). The Practical Spinner's Guide - Rare Luxury Fibers. (A. Budd, Ed.) Fort Collins, Colorado: Interweave Press.
Mondal, G., Roy, B., & Brahma, B. (2012). Yak Husbandry. Azadpur, Delhi, India: Satish Serial Publishing House.
Nowak, R. M. (1999). Walker's Mammals of the World (Vol. II). Baltimore, Maryland: The Johns Hopkins University Press.
Profitable Sheep. (1956). United States of America: The Macmillan Company.
Robson, D., & Ekarius, C. (2011). Fleece and Fiber Sourcebook. North Adams, MA: Storey Publishing.
Royal Geographical Society, London. (2003). Everest Summit of Achievement. (J. Write, Ed.) New York: Simon & Schuster.
The National Geographic Society. (1982). Journey Into China. (K. C. Danforth, Ed.) Washington, DC: The National Geographic Society.
Valli, E., & Summers, D. (1994). Caravans of the Himalaya. London: Thames and Hudson Ltd.
The Yak Fiber Study
What is this yak fiber study? Why participate? How? What is the value? Help gain a perspective to how this yak fiber study (the FIRST in North America) might be something you want to be a part of.
Fiber Study Link - https://www.littlehawkyarns.com/pages/yak-fiber-study
Questions for us?
theyakademics@gmail.com
Fiber Part 2
An episode (part 2 of 2) dedicated to the basics of fiber and textile and how yak fiber fits into these terms and discussions. Questions for us?
theyakademics@gmail.com
Fiber Part 1
An episode (the first of two) dedicated to the basics of fiber and textile and how yak fiber fits into these terms and discussions.
Quesions for us?
theyakademics@gmail.com
The Yak
What is a yak? Bos grunniens...listen in to all things that can help identify their amazing characteristics including fiber talk!
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Welcome!
Expanded goals discussed for the podcast plan for yak enthusiasts. Tune in for the excitement of what we plan to cover week by week.
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Sneak Peek
Email us with questions and/or comments!
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Meet your hosts! Susan
Susan Mandatta, Silver Cuff Farm, New Jersey
I pinch myself everytime I say I own a farm raising a herd of yaks on the east coast. I’m Susan from Silver Cuff Farm. Born and raised on the south shore of Long Island, I had three favorite places: the peace of the beach, the excitement of working in NYC, and weekends seeing the production of the farms on the east end. I’ve married them all by settling in the bucolic setting of the Garden State. Now add fiber.
My professional path involves mostly corporate training, organization and consulting. I find most joy, however, being creative and artistic–sharing a crochet pattern with my mother or gifting afghans to family and friends. Now bitten by the fiber bug, I practice spinning and knitting as well as creating natural fiber blends. The presence of the yak in my life affords me structure, solace, and a huge fiber resource! The educator in me yearns to continue to share and learn more of what this precious fiber can contribute to the textile world. I am thrilled everytime I can talk with Kat– being fiber geeks together.
Meet your hosts! Kat
Katrina Tylee, Little Hawk Yarns, Oregon
Hi, I am Kat at Little Hawks in Oregon. I am a fiber artist, teacher, yarn store owner, and yak fiber researcher. I love to spend time exploring fiber techniques, and getting the next group of people, young and old, hooked on their own fiber journey.
Besides working in fiber arts, I have been an aircraft mechanic for many years and now enjoy putting those mechanical skills to work assembling spinning wheels and performing maintenance on various fiber equipment. I have had a life full of making things. In college, I learned to crochet from my best friend. I started spinning after I bought a spinning wheel on a whim, and then learned to knit to know my handspun yarn better. The fiber journey has continued on to my yarn store, yak fiber studies, fiber judging and teaching.
I have recently initiated the first comprehensive longitudinal study in the US on yak fiber. I have what has been called the largest database on yak fiber in the world. I am serving as the principal investigator on the yak fiber study where I facilitate and analyze the data. I have a planned publication date of sometime in 2023. I hope to have this fiber study and podcast with Susan contribute to the education of fiber artists and yak ranchers alike.