Shearing day is significant in the time honored process of producing the beautiful, natural, and sustainable fibers of high-quality mohair wool. Our well-cared for goats seemed pleased to share their coats as a way of reciprocating the affection and attention given to them throughout the year. Each goat cooperatively participated in the occasion, almost as if to say, “Thank you for all the tender loving care. Here’s what I am giving back to you. Please do something beautiful with it.”

And beautiful their coats are, year after year! This shearing day was no exception, as many of our goats have been proven, through scientific evaluation of their hair, to produce mohair of superior quality! By day’s end, the entire herd stood ready to begin growing a new summer fleece for the next shearing in October.Shearing day gives us “cause to pause” and reflect upon how healthy and renewable mohair is, and how these little goats provide such great benefits to both industry and our environment. The delicate ringlets of fine hair from our four-legged family members contribute to making the most durable, comfortable, and fashionable material in the clothing market.

As this spring’s fleeces begin the journey from the farm to the fashion runway, we’re looking ahead to our next big event: kidding is just around the corner! We are so excited to say that we’re expecting many twins, maybe even triplets this year. Dozens of kids will be born soon, and the Cauffman Farm will again experience the bustle and fervor of new life in spring. Celebrate with us by checking in on the latest developments. We’ll have “baby pictures” for you soon!

The Glen Cauffman Farm – where People, Animals and Nature come together.

In a beautiful Perry County, Pa. valley, we cultivate People, Animals and Nature, and have built a solid foundation for our business. At the Glen Cauffman Farm, we produce corn, soybeans, alfalfa hay, goats and mohair to support our animals and the regional agricultural economy, as well as provide luxury fiber to the fashion world. Our grazing animals fertilize and vitalize plants and soil, and help maintain healthy stands of vegetation which harvest energy from sunlight and encourage soil microbes to thrive beneath the landscape.

The farm’s ecologically healthy springs and creek also benefit the now improving health of Susquehanna River, and our crops feed and protect wildlife populations. Low-input farming practices are used exclusively, so soil is actually created, not lost and chemical amendments are minimized. We believe an ever-improving landscape ecology leads to healthy soil, animals, ecosystems and farm economy, which in turn directly contributes to the vitality of our local and regional community and the world.

A varied ecosystem

The 190 acres aren’t just home to the Pure American Naturals people, goats and plants. You will find a wide range of wildlife flourishing here. Deer, raccoons,  opossums, rabbits and squirrels share the grounds with wild turkeys, grouse and pheasants. Other animals that can be seen are minks, porcupines, foxes, coyotes, skunks, raptors, song birds and the occasional black bear.

Conservation practices

Enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program are 20 acres of erodible land, where native prairie grasses are maintained for wildlife habitat. Our conservation efforts were recognized recently by the USDA Natural Resources Conversation Service, which accepted our farm into the National Conservation Stewardship Program.

The goats are an extremely important part of our conservation techniques, as their habit has negligible impact to streams, fragile terrain and drainage areas.

The farm has been continuous no-till since 1984, which has protected the soil from erosion, enhanced water infiltration and improved soil health. To carry storm water and prohibit soil erosion, thousands of feet of sod waterways have been installed over the past 30-plus years. We’ve also created a wetland for storm water detention that captures and ameliorates runoff from a neighboring farm.

Cropland is maintained in contour strips of alternating crops in rotation providing soil conservation and ecosystem diversity. Cover crops and residue management provide “soil armor,” which protects the soil during storms. We’ve adopted integrated pest management to lessen the use of pesticides by weekly crop scouting, and have subscribed to pest modeling services to predict the arrival of pests and diseases, allowing for intervention that’s targeted and ecological.

A farm is always a “work in progress”

And when we’re not tending livestock, seeding, harvesting or haying, we can probably be found working any number of improvement and maintenance jobs necessary for running a 190-acre, family farm. We construct buildings; do wiring and plumbing; build feeders; dig in water lines; install energy-free waterers; create soil and water conservation improvements; repair tractors and equipment; build fences; restore historic structures; preserve farm and family history; and educate others.

Have questions about our farm? Let us know in the comments, on our Facebook page or on Twitter (@mowear). 

Our angora goats grazing.

The Glen Cauffman Farm, home to Pure American Naturals, is more than a place where mohair is produced; it’s a fully operational farm, home to a variety of ecological systems. We believe that it’s not just about the animals, but it’s also about the environment. We carefully manage our livestock, croplands, water, and operations in ways that enhance the environment. We work closely with eco-friendly processors, educators and government agencies to continuously increase our commitment to environmental stewardship. We want you to be collaborators in the process by enjoying the fibers and educational opportunities offered by Pure American Naturals. Together, we’ll create a sustainable future.

Being sustainable means acting in economically viable, socially responsible and environmentally sound ways. It requires integration and thoughtful management of all three of these aspects.

• Economic viability means remaining profitable and recycling profits back into our home economy by using local and regional vendors and providing jobs.
• Social responsibility entails strengthening community by supporting local and regional people, businesses, education, public service and philanthropy.
• Environmental soundness requires providing for animal well-being, protecting soil, maintaining and enhancing clean water and air, and protecting wildlife and renewable resources for the future.

Together these three requirements of sustainability are critical for supporting life in any given ecosystem, including businesses and the planet in general.

Good Stewardship means seeking knowledge and guidance

More than 50 years ago, Glen Cauffman began working with the Soil Conservation Service – now the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) – to develop a Conservation Plan for the family farm. It was the original map for agricultural and environmental management. Since then, other agencies have provided valuable technical and engineering help in developing, implementing and monitoring our land and business management plans. The Glen Cauffman Farm’s partner agencies include:

• United States Department of Agriculture
• USDA Rural Development
• Natural Resource Conservation Service
• Perry County Soil and Water Conservation District
• Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture
• Penn State Extension Service
• Penn State Small Business Development Center
• Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program

Glen Cauffman and the farm have received numerous awards for excellence in stewardship and land management over the years.

Have questions about agriculture? Ask in the comments, or let us know on our Facebook page or Twitter (@mowear).

Mohair

It’s true. Wearing mohair socks may help you if you suffer from the following ailments:

• Diabetes
• Poor circulation
• Chilblains
• Varicose veins
• Eczema
• And more …

How? Mohair draws moisture away  from the skin, and keeps feet as dry as possible. It also acts as a natural insulator, and will keep feet warm or cool as needed, depending on the outside temperature; just as it did for the animal that produced it!

Mohair socks are silky, yet springy, and so comfortable that feet relax. Natural animal fibers resonate with our cellular structure and reflect our energy, reducing fatigue and improving circulation. Plus, they are naturally antibacterial.

We received the following testimonial from Anita Curtis of Pottstown, Pa. We’re glad that our socks have helped her!

“I have suffered from diabetic neuropathy for over a dozen years. My feet hurt whether I was standing, walking, or had them raised. No matter how well I smoothed my socks, they always felt bunched up when I put my shoes on, and no inserts could make them feel cushioned enough to relieve the pain.

I tried a pair of Reward socks. The socks felt snug and comfortable, and when I put my shoes on they still felt smooth. I was amazed as I took my first few steps. I felt as though I was walking on a cushion, not the feeling of broken glass that I was used to.

“Two days later, as I was sitting in a recliner, I became aware that there was no pain in my feet. None! I lowered my feet, and put them on the floor. Still no pain. It was the first time in years that I had not felt pain in my feet. When I stood and walked, I was still uncomfortable, but not as bad as I had been feeling.

The changes have become more subtle now. I still have some discomfort when I am walking, but not nearly as bad as it had been. I am not walking with a cane now, as I have been for a long time. I am delighted with the results so far, and am confident the improvements will continue.”

Have you noticed any health benefits from your Reward socks? Let us know in the comments, or on our Facebook page or  Twitter (@mowear)!

Bottega Veneta

A shaggy mohair coat from Bottega Veneta was shown in Milan in 2011. (Picture Source: Haute House)

DKNY

This plaid mohair coat was displayed at the DKNY Fall 2009 show. (Picture Source: Couture Allure Vintage Fashion Blog)

Givenchy

Natalia Vodianova made a cameo in this Givenchy mohair sweater during Paris’ Fashion Week in Fall 2011. (Picture Source: Harpers Bazaar)

Prada

A mohair coat from Prada’s Fall 2007 runway show in Paris. (Picture Source: Chron)

Alexander Wang

A mustard mohair sweater designed by Alexander Wang was worn down the catwalk in 2010. (Picture Source: My Daily)

Which design is your favorite? Let us know in the comments, on our Facebook page or on Twitter (@mowear).

Moschino

Singer Alicia Keys in a Moschino mohair sweater. (Image Source: Fashion Bomb Daily)

Twenty8Twelve

Actress Sienna Miller wearing a Twenty8Twelve mohair jacket. (Image Source: CoolSpotters)

Miu Miu

Model Kate Moss walking down the runway in a mohair jacket and trousers. (Image Source: CoolSpotters)

Have a favorite mohair designer? Let us know by leaving a comment, on our Facebook page or on Twitter (@mowear).

Warm Mohair and Wool

Reward Socks on sale at Appalachian Outdoors in State College PA!

(Click here to get answers to FAQs about our socks)

Reward Socks are comfortable, warm and won’t wear out like other socks. And with the holiday season in full swing, they make a perfect gift! Visit these retailers to buy yours today!

Because of the pride we take in our work, we’re happy to today launch our blog. It will be frequently updated with information on mohair fabric.

Not familiar with Pure American Naturals? Please visit our home page to learn more about our company and services, or if you’re looking around at different mohair yarn producers. We look forward to working with you!