We operate a cow/calf herd made up of Red Angus and registered Fleckvieh Simmentals. We raise Bluefaced Leicester sheep for wool and breeding stock, as well as some mixed-breed sheep for lamb meat and fiber flocks. Our newest venture is Fallow deer and we are excited to see where this journey takes us. We also have a two llamas, who act like livestock guardians, and a couple pet goats, who think they are sheep.
Red Angus cattle have good calving ease, meaning the mama cows are often self-sufficient and don’t generally need any assistance from us when they are giving birth. Calves have low birth weights when they are born and gain weight quickly on our pastures. They are easy going cattle and don’t usually get excited. In terms of meat, Red Angus beef is the same as Black Angus beef for quality and taste. We personally prefer the red color and the Red Angus seem to have superior heat tolerance. You can often find them up grazing in the middle of a hot summer day.
Fleckvieh Simmental is the breed that started Mike’s passion for animals. They are close to the old world genetics and are a well-rounded multipurpose breed. They milk well, raising large calves on pasture. They have excellent temperaments and are very easy going. They have varying color patterns, making it easy to distinguish individuals from afar. They range in color from yellow and white to red and white. We have a preference for the yellow color.
Bluefaced Leicester sheep are a unique breed in North America, raised mostly for their wool. The wool is prized by hand spinners and wool hobbyists, because of its long staple length and lustrous curls. Bluefaced Leicester sheep are cousins to the English and Border Leicesters. They are distinguished by the strong arch in their nose, their blue skin, and their high set ears. They do not have wool on their legs, bellies, or necks, making them easier to shear. They can be shy, but the ones who are bold enough to make friends with us love to have their faces scratched and will come to greet us in the pasture.
Fallow Deer
Fallow deer are native to Europe and are raised in North America for hunting stock, breeding stock, venison meat, and antler products. We have just started our herd and are excited to have Kawliga on board as our breeding buck. These deer are quite hardy and disease resistant. So far, they take care of their own, with multiple does taking turns babysitting the fawns. They enjoy peanuts as treats and some will even eat out of our hands.
Our llamas, Coco and Snow live with the cattle. They always come up to greet you when you walk into the pasture. It’s their job to know what’s going on.