HOWLING OAK RANCH
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Welcome to Howling Oak Ranch!
On our family farm, we strive to use sustainable farming methods such as rotational grazing to produce healthy livestock and a healthy environment. Our livestock breeds are not common commercial varieties, but are the rare"heritage" or multi-purpose breeds that were common a century ago, but are in danger of disappearing today.
St. Croix sheep are a hair sheep with strong maternal traits and low maintenance requirements, and are well suited to our ranch. We maintain a registered herd of St. Croix and are involved in a conservation breeding program to retain the genetic identities of several older "lines" within the breed.
We also have a very small herd of Dexter cattle on our farm. Dexters, while not miniatures, are the smallest breed of cattle and are of ancient origins. Until recently, they were considered a rare breed, but their numbers are now increasing. Our Dexters are used for both meat and milk.
In addition to sheep and cattle, we also raise chickens and Midget White turkeys for meat and eggs. Unlike commercial birds, our poultry are free to roam our pastures every day, where they graze and chase insects to supplement their diets.
Besides the fact that we enjoy having them, the animals serve several important purposes on our farm:
1. The sheep, cattle, and poultry are used to control weeds and improve the soil through fertilizer production and managed grazing.
2. The livestock provide healthy food for our family.
3. Meat, egg, and breeding stock sales provide a small source of income, which helps us maintain our farm.
4. Conservation of rare or multi-purpose breeds helps insure that genes from these animals will be available to help meet the changing needs of agriculture (see the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy at http://www.albc-usa.org/
Finally, a significant part of our ranch is planted with native trees, shrubs and other plants, and acts as wildlife habitat.
Mallards, Widgeon, and Ringneck ducks, as well as Canada geese enjoy our pond