When you think of farming in Florida, citrus groves and other produce often come to mind. In fact, I bet wool-breed sheep might be one of the last things you’d expect to find, but our team found a small farm in the heart of Florida that’s working to change that. It was their passion and mission that inspired us to join them in the pasture for the recent Summer 2026 issue of Farm & Fiber Knits.
Here’s a little about the farm, what it was like to be on location, and who we met along the way.
Turn to page 61 in the new issue, and you’ll read all about Jim and Imke Casey and their mission for Florino Farms. These quotes from their website summarize their work and set the stage:
“At Florino Farms, our practices align closely with our mission to educate the public about organic wool production, sustainable farming, and the environmental benefits of ethical practices. We raise our Florino sheep with care, ensuring humane treatment and sustainable grazing methods that protect the land.
“Every day brings a rhythm of caring for our animals, tending to the land, and savoring the simple, rewarding moments of life on the farm.”
Imke and Jim enjoy their back porch with their two dogs. Photo by Gale Zucker
Arriving at the Farm
As we drove up to their sun-dappled farm, Imke and Jim came out to greet us with a hearty hello. They were the most gracious hosts, welcoming us to their home and farm with open arms. They are the sort of people you instantly like. Whether walking around the farm or enjoying their company at a meal, we found it a gift to hear their stories and share in their passion and love for Florino Farms.
Most of the events and education the Caseys do is out in the community and at local markets, so imagine the surprise to their herd when a troupe of strangers showed up at their farm for two days this past January.
The flock watched from afar as we toured the farm. The ewes were shy at first, but they came running at the sound of their favorite treats and greeted us cautiously (while mainly focusing on enjoying their treats).
Several ewes watch us from a distance as we tour the farm.
Meeting the Sheep
One of the first sheep we heard about was Pepper. She’s a first-generation Florino ewe, and the only one born so far with a richly colored cinnamon-chocolate fleece. Now she’s a gorgeous cinnamon color, and you can spot her in the first photo below, in the back of the group. The dark brown yarn in the yarn wall shown below is from an early shearing, and you can see just how dark she was.
You’ll see Pepper and the other Florino ewes in the photos here and throughout the issue (look for green and blue ear tags). They were a little more wary of the farm’s visitors, but after the first morning we spent on the farm, they seemed to settle in to having us around, chewing their cud in the shade by early afternoon.
You’ll also see many gentle and friendly Merinos (look for the red ear tags). They were always happy to love and be close to Imke, but they warmed to us quickly, especially when we had their favorite treats in hand.
The Cast of Other Characters
Their three farm dogs were instant companions. I bet you’ll also spot their two potbellied pigs in the issue, Howie (black-and-white) and Lizzie (all black). Howie was super friendly and instantly interested in the farm’s visitors, following us around the entire time we were there.
A few local sandhill cranes even joined the shoot from the back fields, serenading us through the morning.
Between the happy and content flock, and the abundant native wildlife on and around the farm, it’s clear that Jim and Imke have rehabilitated the land and created a little slice of paradise.
What’s special about Summer 2026 and each issue of Farm & Fiber Knits is the chance to share the stories of passionate farmers around the world. This all leads to the skeins we love, and the luscious fiber we can’t wait to knit with.
-Tiffany