NISSWA, MN
Our Family with Feathers and Fur
We are frequently asked "So, what animal is next?" And there is never a sure answer for that. But we know there will indeed be more animals. They bring endless joy to our family and we hope you enjoy them too.
Many of our animals also have important jobs at the farm. Our chickens are amazing excavators and help the compost reach prime condition faster. When we have pigs, not an ounce of food goes to waste and they too can help rotate soil and consume weeds. Our goats keep weeds and underbrush at bay along with being amazing nitrogen "Pez dispensers." Kona, as you'll read below, protects them all and Eliza keeps destructive rodents at bay. Everyone does their part to help keep balance at the farm.
CURRENTLY RESIDING AT GNARLY OAK ACRES
KONA
THE SHEPHERD
Kona is our incredible guard dog. She watches over all the animals here at GOA. She can be spotted curled up next to the hens, herding a piglet or stoically sitting on the front porch like a guardian statue. Kona loves the kids more than anything... well except for maybe her Frisbee.
WYN
THE ROTUND ROOSTER
We never wanted a rooster. But when this sweet "she" turned out to be a "he", we had to keep him. Wyn protects his ladies, tolerates an occasional hug and keeps order in the coop. Not to mention he is one handsome fella and the size of a small dragon.
THE LADIES
TWENTY HENS A LAYING
We are chicken people, who knew? A daily laugh is guaranteed with these entertaining ladies. And finding fresh eggs in the straw never gets old. We love them all, but favorites on the farm include Honey and Bleu.
LEWIS & CLARK
MYOTONIC FAINTING GOATS
Yes, you read that right... fainting goats. When they get excited or scared, they stiffen and at times fall over. They are the sweetest brothers to each other and we especially enjoy their bouts of "Wild America" -- when they act like majestic rams fighting on a mountain top.
PIGGIES
BECAUSE BACON
If you visit the farm between May and October, you'll meet a piggy. For some reason, the pigs always seem to steal the show. And we will admit, they are intriguing and SO funny. The sounds, the short legs, the ability to eat anything... all so entertaining. But yes, the piggies do "go to market" in October and we enjoy home-grown pork all through the year.
FREDDY
MINIATURE STEER
Frederic Fernelius (aka Freddy) is a miniature British White Park steer and his only job is to hang out and make manure. But lucky for us, he is cute as a button and might just be the sweetest animal on the farm... don't tell Kona.
ELIZA
THE "OUTDOOR" CAT
Eliza is our outdoor cat that spends 95% of her time indoors. But that is because she is the coolest cat in the world. Sorry other cat owners. She is a stone cold killer by night keeping our hay crop mouse and rabbit-free. By day she is the sweetest family cat who tolerates non-stop hugs and a German Shepherd.
THE HONEYS
ITALIAN HONEY BEES
In our first year of CSA, we were disappointed with the lack of pollinators visiting our gardens so we decided it was time for 10,000 new friends! These Italians don't have the attitude you'd expect - they are actually sweet as honey. Our adventures in beekeeping are always exciting and we look forward to raising these beautiful pollinators for years to come.