frequently asked questions.
Humans have been practicing agriculture for more than 10,000 years. Many of the farming practices used in varying forms of agriculture have had a significant impact on the sustainability of food systems, food security, animal wellbeing, environmental health, and human health. By taking the necessary steps and transitioning to more regenerative farming methods, agriculture could go from being considered one of the leading causes of health and environmental issues, to a solution for these problems.
1
what's the difference between pasture raised and free range birds?
All of our birds (including chickens, ducks, and turkeys) are pasture raised. The main difference between pasture-raised and free-range eggs is the minimum outdoor space provided to the hens. For pasture-raised eggs, each hen gets a minimum of 108 square feet of pasture for themselves. Whereas with free-range eggs, the hens only receive a minimum of 2 square feet of pasture for themselves. That’s a big difference in space! All of our birds are locked into coops at night for their protection from predators but have zero boundaries during the day and are free to roam our 58 acres.
2
what is regenerative agriculture?
In a nutshell, regenerative agriculture practices increase soil biodiversity and organic matter, leading to more resilient soils that can better withstand climate change impacts like flooding and drought. Healthy soils lead to stronger yields and nutrient-rich crops, without the need for synthetic fertilizers and/or pesticides. Healthy soils further promote the growth and health of the animals that graze on those plants and grasses, while restoring important carbon-capturing grasslands in the process.
3
do you use antibiotics, vaccines, or hormones in your meat animals?
No. We do not use antibiotics, vaccines, or added hormones in the animals we raise for meat or eggs—ever.
Our goal is to raise animals as naturally and thoughtfully as possible, with fresh air, room to roam, species-appropriate feed, clean water, attentive care, and low-stress living. We believe healthy animals start with healthy foundations, not shortcuts.
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That means we focus heavily on prevention: good pasture and housing management, nutrition, cleanliness, observation, and giving each animal the care and environment it needs to thrive. We are committed to knowing where our food comes from, how it was raised, and what went into it—because in our case, the answer is simple.
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Just real animals, raised with care, producing real food for our family and community.
4
why yaks?
Because, honestly, once you see a yak with its shaggy coat, oversized horns, and slightly judgmental face, it is hard not to want one.
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But beyond being undeniably cool, yaks are a practical fit for our Colorado homestead. They are incredibly hardy, built for cold weather with thick outer hair and a soft insulating undercoat that helps them handle snowy, windy winters with far less fuss than many livestock breeds. They are much less thrilled about hot weather, though, so shade, water, and summer heat management are important for these mountain-loving fluff balls.
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We also appreciate yaks for their grazing efficiency. They are smaller and lighter-framed than many beef cattle and are generally a good fit for carefully managed pasture and rotational grazing. They are efficient grazers and align well with our goal of caring for the land while raising animals responsibly.
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And then there is the meat. Yak is a lean red meat that is high in protein and typically lower in total fat than conventional beef. It has a rich, mild flavor—similar to beef, but a little sweeter—and gives our family another nourishing, home-raised option from animals we value and care for deeply.
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In short: yaks are cold-weather superstars, pasture-friendly grazers when managed well, and the source of delicious, nutrient-dense meat. Plus, they look like a Highland cow and a woolly mammoth had a very adorable baby—so that is a pretty convincing bonus.
5
why maine coons?
Because sometimes a regular cat just is not enough.
Maine Coons are often called the “gentle giants” of the cat world, and for good reason. They are known for their impressive size, luxurious coats, oversized paws, ear tufts, and big, expressive personalities. They have the look of a tiny wildcat—but usually the heart of a sweet, social companion who wants to know exactly what their people are doing at all times.
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We love Maine Coons because they are affectionate, intelligent, playful, and wonderfully entertaining. Many are known for following their people from room to room, chirping instead of meowing, playing fetch, supervising every household task, and finding the one place you were hoping to sit. They tend to do well in active homes and often enjoy the company of respectful children, dogs, and other pets.
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Of course, a Maine Coon is not a low-maintenance decoration. Their gorgeous coats need regular brushing, their large bodies need room to climb and play, and they will require a healthy diet, routine veterinary care, and lots of attention. In return, you get a loyal, hilarious, larger-than-life companion who will likely run your home with great confidence.
Basically, if you want a cat with the personality of a dog, the fluff of a small bear, and the confidence of someone who pays the mortgage, a Maine Coon may be your perfect match.
6
why kune kune pigs?
Because we wanted pigs that could be part of the family *and* fill the freezer—and KuneKunes fit the job perfectly.
KuneKunes are known for their sweet, easygoing personalities and manageable size, making them a great fit for our busy, kid-filled homestead. They are social, curious, and usually more interested in a snack or a good scratch than causing trouble. Ours are convinced they are oversized dogs: they come running when they see us, flop over for belly scratches, and happily accept all the attention they can get.
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They are also wonderful mothers. Our KuneKune mamas are attentive and gentle with their piglets, which makes raising the next generation especially fun to watch—and gives our kids a chance to experience the sweet, messy, squealy magic of baby pigs.
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KuneKunes are excellent grazers and tend to be easier on pasture than many traditional pig breeds. While every pig is still a pig and can root when bored or underfed, KuneKunes are known for their love of grass and generally cause less pasture destruction when they have adequate room, forage, and proper management.
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And yes—they are delicious. KuneKune pork is richly flavored and beautifully marbled, producing tender, juicy meat that is especially wonderful for pork chops, roasts, bacon, and charcuterie. They do grow more slowly than commercial meat pigs, but we think the flavor, quality, and life they get to live make them worth the wait.
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Basically, they are friendly, funny, fantastic moms, pasture-loving grazers, and incredibly tasty. What more could you ask from a pig—besides maybe the ability to do its own chores?
7
can i bring the animals treats or food scraps?
*Yes— it's a great way to make besties with the pigs!*
Our animals absolutely love an occasional snack, and sharing a treat is one of the fastest ways to make a pig your new best friend.
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Fresh produce scraps are always a favorite around here. Our pigs especially love watermelon rinds, pumpkins, squash, garden extras, and other plain fruit and vegetable scraps. Around Halloween, we love to take clean, unpainted pumpkins—just make sure they have not been burned with a candle, decorated with glitter, marked with permanent marker, or treated with any chemicals.
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Pumpkin is a seasonal favorite for more than just the taste. The flesh and seeds are packed with nutrients, and pumpkin seeds are often considered a traditional natural support for digestive health.

need fresh eggs, soap or spices?
Locals can stop by our self-serve box at the Homestead. It's stocked daily with fresh eggs, soap, and other products like ground dried pepper spices that are homegrown. If you're not local, you can visit our SHOP page and order products online to be shipped to you.
