How Farmer Founded Brands Will Save Fashion

At SXSW 2025, Cate Havstad Casad of Range Revolution joined Ed Roberson (Mountain & Prairie Media) and Daniel Mouw (Duckworth) to explore a powerful truth: the future of American fashion may rest in the hands of its farmers. This panel conversation delves into how farmer-founded brands are rebuilding broken supply chains, not only to regenerate soil but to restore dignity, purpose, and resilience to rural economies.

From the forgotten value of natural fibers to the waste left behind by fast fashion, the session unpacks what’s possible when brands commit to whole-animal utilization, local craftsmanship, and a regenerative ethos born from the land itself.

As the founder of Range Revolution, Cate brings a unique perspective to the intersection of fashion, agriculture, and circular design. The conversation underscores how purpose-led brands rooted in place and practice can challenge the extractive status quo of globalized production.

Through the lens of leather, wool, and fiber, the panel explores how sustainability is not a trend—but a return to integrity. This is a story of reconnection: to land, to heritage, and to the hands that make what we wear. Watch the full session to understand how slow-made, soil-first fashion is redefining what luxury means in a time of climate urgency.

Talk Highlights

• 2:10: Introductions
• 6:35: A history lesson in US fiber production
• 10:22: Current supply chain challenges facing producers
• 16:17: Why natural fibers are superior to synthetics
• 19:17: The true cost of synthetics and fast fashion
• 23:17: How Range Revolution and Duckworth are restoring economic power to ag producers
• 27:36: The unique role of for-profit businesses in solving these challenges
• 33:13: Positivity as a strategic business decision
• 37:09: How do you scale this regenerative fashion movement?
• 40:32: Embracing natural characteristics in design
• 42:06: How to capture attention in today’s information age
• 46:13: What would an ideal community support system look like?
• 50:26: Fabric frequencies!
• 52:53: How to convert standard retail buyers into regenerative buyers
• 56:40: Collaboration with the EU fashion industry

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