“Fostering a Flock: Exploring the Rich Tapestry of Sheepherding Culture in Trailing of the Flocks Book Club”

Book Discussion on Sheepherding Culture Led by Trailing of the Sheep Founder Diane Peavey

Rediscovering the Romance of Western Culture

When Diane Peavey was growing up, her birthday dinner request was always lamb chops. Little did she know that her love for lamb would lead her to marry a sheep farmer named John Peavey and settle down on a sheep ranch in the beautiful Wood River Valley. The journey that led her to this life of sheepherding and ranching, however, was not just about love but also a profound appreciation for the western lifestyle and the rich traditions of sheepherding culture. As the founder of the Trailing of the Sheep Festival, Peavey is now taking her passion for sheepherding to the next level by hosting a book club and leading a conversation around a book that changed her life.

A Literary Journey

Peavey has been an avid reader her whole life, drawn to western literature and tales of life and adventures. One book in particular, “Sweet Promised Land” by Robert Laxalt, had a profound impact on her. It inspired her to create the Trailing of the Sheep Festival, an annual event that celebrates and preserves the history and cultures of sheepherding in Idaho and the West. Now, Peavey is excited to bring the festival’s mission to life through a book club and conversation centered around Laxalt’s book.

A Journey Home

Laxalt’s “Sweet Promised Land” tells the story of Dominique Laxalt, a Basque immigrant sheepherder who embarks on a journey back to his homeland in the French Pyrenees from the Sierra Nevada desert. His son Robert accompanies him on this journey, documenting their experiences and reflecting on the challenges and hardships of the sheepherding profession. Peavey hopes that by reading this book, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the sheepherding culture and the importance of preserving it.

Preserving a Rich Legacy

The Wood River Valley has a deep-rooted sheepherding tradition that dates back to the late 1860s when John Hailey, the namesake of Hailey, Idaho, reportedly brought the first sheep to the area. Over the years, sheepherding became an essential part of the local economy, especially during times when the mining industry declined. The skills and traditions of sheepherding were passed down through generations, thanks to the influence of Basque, Peruvian, and Scottish immigrants who brought their expertise to the valley.

The Importance of Sheep Ranching

Sadly, sheepherding has dwindled over the years, and Peavey is determined to raise awareness about the significance of sheep ranching and the agricultural practices surrounding it. Beyond providing meat, sheep are also essential for the wool industry. Wool is a highly durable fabric that offers cold weather protection by trapping heat and wicking away moisture from the skin. The art of making wool clothing and tapestries has a rich history that is passed down through generations. Peavey aims to showcase this tradition and demonstrate the value of preserving it.

Fostering Connection and Understanding

Peavey believes that books have the power to open people’s eyes and help them see the romance and importance of western culture. By hosting a book discussion and conversation, she hopes to foster a sense of connection and understanding among the festival attendees. Peavey encourages everyone to read the book before attending the discussion and to delve into the rich tapestry of stories and experiences shared in Laxalt’s work. By doing so, participants will gain a deeper appreciation for the mission of the Trailing of the Sheep Festival and understand why it is vital to preserve the history and cultures of sheepherding in Idaho and the West.

An Invitation to Preserve Tradition

As Peavey leads the conversation around “Sweet Promised Land” at Town Center West in Hailey, she hopes that attendees will not only enjoy the book but also reflect on the significance of sheepherding culture and its preservation. In a world that often prioritizes progress and modernity, it is important to remember the value of our traditional practices and the rich heritage they carry. The Trailing of the Sheep Festival serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness between our past, present, and future, and it is through events like these that we can keep the flames of tradition alive for generations to come.