Welcome to the first episode of The Farm Report's Fiber Series, hosted by Erin Fairbanks. Erin is talking with a couple of guests so that you can learn more about textiles in the context of agriculture and raising livestock! In the first half of the episode, Erin is talking with Mary Jeanne Packer of Battenkill Fibers Carding and Spinning Mill in Washington County, New York. Tune in to hear about natural wool colors, and the processes involved with selling large quantities of wool to commercial buyers. Learn about the demand for American breeds of sheep, and what that means for fiber producers. Later in the episode, Erin talks with Mary Pratt of Elihu Farm, also located in Washington County. Hear Mary talk about different applications for different textures of wool, the merits of specific breeds of sheep, and the benefits of selling to hand-spinners. This episode has been brought to you by Hearst Ranch.

"Now that people are starting to understand the American breeds, the Northeast breeds, and what they can knit with them, you're just going to see that grow and grown." --Mary Jeanne Packer on The Farm Report

"Any wool is good wool if it's taken care of."

"All livestock have to be herd and flock animals...They're social animals, and they like each others' company. But they're not dumb, but they are prey animals." -- Mary Pratt on The Farm Report

Adam Friedman is promoting local NYC manufacturers with the non-profit initiative Made in NYC. On this HRN Community Session, Mariana Cotlear talks design and food with Adam. Adam is also the Director of Pratt Center For Community Development- the organization that houses Made in NYC. Hear about Made in NYC's roots as a post-9/11 enterprise designed to promote sustainable economies within the city limits. Find out what vendors Made in NYC works with, and why the organization has decided not to subscribe to the 'Brooklyn' branding trend. How does Made in NYC target sustainability promotion in so many different fields? Learn more about food as design, and what it means for local economies. This program has been sponsored by Route 11 Potato Chips. Thanks to EULA for today's music.

"New York is a big, naturally-occurring test kitchen. People come here from all over the world- over 149 countries. Each of those immigrant communities creates a submarket. And these submarkets blend, and become part of the mainstream." [6:40]

-- Adam Friedman of Made in NYC

Three Letters is bringing back French cuisine in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn! This week on Meet Your Maker, Rachel Wharton is joined in the studio by co-owners Pip Freeman and Cam Honsa- Chef and Beverage Director at Three Letters, respectively. Listen in to hear how and why Pip and Cam decided to open their own restaurant, and the processes involved with procuring a space. Why did Pip become fascinated with old French cooking, and what were some of the inspirations for Three Letters' menu? Hear about Cam's personal spirits palate, and why he has the consider the tastes of the neighborhood when stocking the bar. This episode has been sponsored by Fairway Market.

"It's an interesting line to tow between really trying to control the spirits conversation and letting the palate of the neighborhood speak to you." [23:30] -- Cam Honsa on Meet Your Maker