I was born and raised on a fiber farm in New Jersey. My grandparents had a 220 acre diversified family farm in Belle Mead, New Jersey - the kind that no longer exists in this state. My parents were pioneers in fiber farming, beginning in 1976, raising beautiful fibers for fashionable end products. In 1989, my dad started direct marketing our wool yarns at the Green Market in NYC's Union Square, while my mom had a farm store selling the same yarns. In those days local Farmers Markets were few and far between! The concept of a fiber farm was beyond most people's imagination and certainly not within the understood "norm" of farming, but they persisted.

Today, I manage a herd of 300 alpacas and suri llamas raised for their hypo-allergenic fiber which my mom, myself, and a dedicated team turn into functional, fashionable "green" products of lasting value. I believe the concept of fiber farming has finally come of age. Our raving fans appreciate the opportunity to "buy green and local", and know by doing so they are not only supporting chemical free local fiber farms, but helping create jobs, as we in turn support small, family owned mills who spin and knit, or spin and weave, our signature products. Slowly, people are broadening their understanding of non-traditional farming. Our success at Farmers Markets is being driven by eco-conscious customers who realize “farm fresh” can also be translated to wholesome clothing and home furnishings. I am proud to carry on our family's legacy as a third generation New Jersey farmer and look forward to creating many more raving fans for our products. Thanks to all of you who shop at and support Farmers Markets, as you make it possible for young guys like me to continue fiber farming.

—Brent Walker - aka "Sock Man"
Third Generation New Jersey Farmer