our philosophy
Our flock of sheep, the herbs we grow, and all the products that emerge from our farm are a reflection of our core values and our commitment to respectful and reciprocal land stewardship. We raise Icelandic, Finn, Romney, Shetland, and Scottish Blackface sheep - each breed bringing characteristics that are uniquely suited to our landscape and ecosystem. Our sheep eat a 100% grass diet, intensively grazed through a patchwork of pastures, vineyards, orchards, and forests within our community.
As we work to build a system that is truly holistic, regenerative, and self-sustaining, slaughtering a number of animals each season allows us to both feed ourselves and our community with nutrient-dense, delicious food, and to constantly refine and improve our genetics. Each year, we’re able to shape our flock to become even more resilient, healthy, and strong, free from the reliance on chemicals, antibiotics, and chemicals that have become so prevalent in animal rearing today.
Using sheep’s tallow allows us to celebrate and respect the whole animal, while also nourishing our skin with an ingredient that has been utilized for millennia, long known to have myriad benefits for our skin. In addition to tallow from our own flock, we source supplemental tallow from local farms who share our farming philosophies and practices. We’re thrilled that this venture allows to support likeminded farmers as well as ourselves.
-
An ancient skincare remedy, tallow is anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, cell-regenerating, deeply hydrating and packed with nutrients, including vitamins A, D, E, and K, all of which help with our skin health.
Tallow’s composition is similar to that of our own sebum and lipid profile, which makes it incredibly gentle on the skin, easily absorbed without clogging pores. It has been known to be helpful for a host of skin conditions and sensitivities — a natural approach to deep healing.
Sheep tallow is even more gentle and hydrating than other forms of tallow due to its slightly different fatty acid composition, which favors the more beneficial unsaturated fatty acids, oleic and linoleic, over saturated fatty acids.
-
Jojoba oil is extracted from the seeds of the jojoba shrub, which grows natively in the Southwestern US. It is deeply moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal, and promotes collagen production and wound healing.
Its composition is similar to that of our natural skin oils, meaning it’s easily absorbed and will not clog pores. Rich in Vitamin E, it protects the skin from free radical damage, and can slow down signs of aging.
-
Beeswax is incredibly protective for the skin. It forms a breathable barrier that keeps moisture in, and harmful environmental pollutants out. It is non-comedogenic (does not clog pores), naturally emollient, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial, and has been shown to improve skin elasticity and collagen production.
We are proud to source beeswax and honey locally, from organic, plastic-free hives.
-
Lanolin is a natural wax found in sheep’s wool. It’s naturally emollient, helping to retain moisture and protect the skin. It is hypoallergenic, soothing, and improves skin elasticity, leaving the skin supple and soft. It can reduce wrinkles, inflammation and redness, and benefit dry, irritated, or damaged skin.
-
All of our essential oils are sourced organically and/or wildcrafted if possible. They are selected for both their aromatic and healing properties, designed to nourish both body and spirit.
-
Our homegrown organic herbs, like Lavender, Chamomile, and Calendula flowers, are grown in soils enriched with the compost of our animals’ winter bedding. During the growing season, our sheep and chickens eat these flowers and seeds, and are offered herbal teas as a medicinal treat, creating a truly harmonious and cyclical system.
our ingredients
annwn
Annwn was inspired by our own flock of sheep, raised regeneratively here in the foothills of the Green Mountains.
We make tallow balm and herbal products designed to heal and nourish your body, mind and soul. We are grateful for the opportunity to share the spirit of our farm in this way, and hope you find our products as delightful and healing as we have.
Annwn (“ah-noon”) is the Welsh term for the unseen realm, the “other world” that coexists right alongside, interwoven with, our own. Sheep are ancient and mystical creatures who live in both worlds, and have much to teach us about accessing them.
-
Tallow is the rendered fat of a ruminant animal, most often cows and sheep.
-
No, tallow is not vegan.
-
Tallow’s fatty acid composition is similar to that of our own skin, meaning it’s easily absorbed and naturally non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores). It is gentle on sensitive, irritated, and dry skin. If in doubt, test it out on a small patch of skin before using more broadly.