Episode 38 - Diane Anastasio on Lessons in Shepherding

Regeneration Rising

Our guest this week is Diane Anastasio, program manager & shepherd at Shepherdess Land & Livestock in Ojai, California. Diane describes how, although not growing up in agriculture, their Austrian and Italian family heritage is expressed through their practice of shepherding today, and how other creative endeavors like weaving and dancing tie in as well. We also talk about Diane's early experiences in agriculture at shearing school and New Cowgirl Camp, balancing an agrarian's need for urban and rural community, and what it's like to be a contract sheep grazier for fire mitigation on the hot hillsides of California.