Our Animals
Our Collection
Livestock Collection
The animals that all play apart in our operational farm include our herd of Registered Belted Galloway Beef Cattle, a Flock of Registered Katahdin Hair Sheep, Two separate flocks of Rhode Island Red Laying hens, A Flock of Welsh Harlequin Laying Ducks, a trio of large Dulap Toulouse Geese.
The Dogs: Diablo the eldest Pug and seasoned mascot at Oak Creek Market. Rosie the Red Healer (Farm Dog), Birdie the Black Pug mascot at Woodstock and Crystal Lake Markets. Then There is Minnie the show steeler that usually goes to Oak Creek market and makes guest appearances at other markets. Minnie is the daughter of Diablo and Birdie.
Our Barn is a rescue haven for several Kitties and Cats. They are critical for the controlling the mice.
Animal Care Principles
We believe all animals need fresh air and pastures with green grass and access to shelter. Caring for animals was taught to each Rob and I at an early age and just became a way of life. In our homes growing up, there were three principles: 1. Treatment of animals 2. Respect for elders 3. Never waste food.
Highest quality feed is always used to get desired production and health of the animals. Handler safety is always learned when handling any type of animals. In 4-H, the first thing you learned was the proper way to carry a duck, steer a pig, lead a sheep, halter a cow, or hold a rabbit. It can vary depending on the type of animals… In Kansas City, I learned working at the zoo that a 13,000 lb. African Bull Elephant is a little different than bottle raised dairy cows.
Animals are usually named quickly and treated according to their own personality.
Animal Welfare
I do want to speak of animal welfare/husbandry beliefs we embrace. I have had my own dairy farm and Rob worked with dairy cattle his entire life along with his family. We believe in the highest degree of humane care when it comes to animals. We believe that animals should be treated as family members. They should receive the same level of care as we would provide for children and other family members.
As children, Rob and I were both in 4-H showing animals at the county level and Rob showed dairy cattle at World Dairy Expo. I spent a lot of time at my grandparent’s dairy farm and still fill in when needed when my uncle needs time off. My father raised hogs. I had ducks as well in 4-H. During high school, I had a game farm license and raised quail, pheasants and other game birds. Years later, I worked and served as a volunteer at the Kansas City Zoo. There, I worked primarily with a captive herd of 8 African Elephants. Later in 2008, I had my dairy farm in northern Wisconsin and was designated by milk cooperatives as a premier facility for the care of my dairy cattle.
What if they get sick?
Our animals always have shelter, fresh water, and are treated when sick. When animals die, they are buried, and large animals go to a local Large Cat rescue facility (Valley of the Kings, Sharon WI) as food for rescue exotics completing the circle of life.
There is never and hesitation when it comes to getting professional medical attention for any of the animals if they are ill or injured.
Petting animals always have a choice whether they interact with public or not. There is always a barrier between visitors and animals and there is a hand washing station nearby.
Our animals are dear to us and part of our family. It is an honor to share them with our visitors and we only ask that you treat them with respect as we do.