Knowing that many of the old breeds and varieties are disappearing, wherever we can we raise traditional, heirloom animals and crops.
Our highland Shetland sheep are the same ancient breed long treasured in Scotland for their wool, and said to have been brought there by the Vikings. These beautiful, sturdy sheep have wonderful curved horns and bear wool in every color. In the spring you’ll be delighted by the new lambs playing in the sheep meadow, and in summer you might see the annual shearing.
Ducks keep us company on the pond and you’re likely to see parades of ducklings all summer. When the young ducks learn to fly, they delight in tap dancing on the tin roof of the barn! Every day you’re welcome to help us gather eggs from our free range chickens. The feisty little Banties like to spend the day in the rhododendrons by the creek, and the red-gold Comets like to visit the horse barn and lay eggs in the feed boxes. The fluffy-legged Cochins and the shimmering gold Buff Orpingtons are always out and about looking for grasshoppers. You’ll enjoy their eggs for breakfast, ranging from tiny, 2-inch Banty size to enormous speckled brown eggs.
Our Nubian goats bring perhaps the most smiles. They’ll climb anything, and love to nap on rocks, logs, and even the picnic table in their pasture. They come in every sort of color and marking and they’re very friendly. They love to be petted, and happily join us on walks. The tiny spring kids might be the most adorable baby animals there are. Well into the summer we’ll be hand feeding those that need it, and you’re welcome to give a bottle to a baby.
Our pigs are heritage breed Red Wattles, named for the distinctive “wattles” hanging from their chins. Matilda is half red wattle and half wild boar, and looks just a bit more wild than the others. Phyllis, the resident sweetheart, loves to have her belly scratched and can often be found hanging out with the sheep. Without a doubt, one of the most exciting events on the farm is the day we receive a truckload of Krispy Kreme doughnuts to toss to the pigs!
Our cows, Miss Moo and Redbone, are Jerseys, the same as Elsie the Borden Cow. It’s a breed famous for their beauty as much as their rich milk and cream. We milk them twice a day and enjoy their wonderful milk as well as the butter, cheese, and clotted cream we make with it. Miss Moo is particularly fond of collards greens from the garden, and she and her daughter Laura Ann love to be petted.
We have a large herd of horses both for work and for riding. Among others, our herd includes Domino, the spotted appaloosa, and Annabelle the pony. During the summer, we often have one or more free-range horses wandering the farm and mowing the grass! Guests are invited to ride with us at our stables or give a hand with feeding or grooming the horses. We offer amazing Farm Vacations.