Kyle was born in 1983 and grew up on his family farm, Topsy Farms, on Amherst Island. He began working with the sheep and helping on the farm at an early age, learning from his parents, the head shepherd, and other farm employees. He used to play guitar in a band, enjoys strategy games, and has always been environmentally conscious. Kyle spent time in New Zealand where he worked on an apple orchard and a sheep farm. He then traveled to British Columbia to learn a variety of skills in general contracting while completing home renovations.

In 2018, Kyle took on the role of head shepherd at Topsy Farms for a flock of about 500 ewes. His genuine care for animals, knowledge, and gentle nature makes him an admirable shepherd. Kyle attended the 2019 Master Shepherd’s Course with his partner Kayleigh Graham, a professional development program provided by Ontario Sheep Farmers and supported by Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA). While studying at the Master Shepherd’s Course, Kyle developed a keen interest in innovative treatment methods and management practices for persistent parasites in sheep.

Kyle has successfully fostered lambs onto other ewes and rescued cast ewes. He periodically treats flystrike, hoof rot, anemia, malnutrition, hypothermia, pneumonia, and he keeps a consistently watchful eye on the flock for any arising medical concerns. Kyle can often be seen cruising around on an ATV while checking the sheep, with treats on hand for the 7 guardian dogs. Kyle has implemented a carefully planned rotational grazing routine for the sheep and continually provides for the flock.

Kyle began beekeeping in 2013 and is the third generation of his family to keep bees. Kyle generally enjoys spending time with animals and has experience with a variety of exotic pets, including reticulated pythons, boa constrictors, geckos, various arachnids, sloths, armadillos, skunks, and many other animals.

Constantly considerate of his impact on the environment, Kyle has learned to install and operate a solar power production system. His house is entirely off-grid, and currently completely reliant on solar power, with a wood stove providing heat in the winter.

Kyle enjoys sharing knowledge with people who are interested in caring for bees, sheep, and the natural world which sustains them.

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Upcoming Courses:

Kyle will be bringing his expertise to both Adult and children’s course starting in November… So stay Tuned!

Some of his amazing courses will include:

• Animal Husbandry on a Small Farm (Goats and Sheep)
• Beginner Beekeeping
• Planting and Gardening for the Future
• Off-Grid Living… Back to basics

Looking forward to these amazing courses… and welcome home Kyle to the Edifice Atelier.

Dr. Christopher Cooper | Director of Education