Animals found on the farm include chickens, ducks, turkeys,
rabbits, sheep, pigs, cows, horses, cats, bees, and our latest
addition, Glory - the border collie.
The ideal biodynamic farm should strive to be home to five
primary farm animals: cows, sheep, chickens, horses, and
pigs. Each of these amazing creatures make unique and vital
contributions to the balance and health of the farm in terms of the
way that they eat from the land, the nourishing of the soil from
their manure, pest control, weed control, aeration of soil, and
much more.
The bees (link) also make so many special contributions to
their surroundings. Perhaps one of the more noticeable
benefits of keeping bees on the farm is the increase in produce
yields due to their pollinating as they gather nectar and
pollen.
Humane treatment dictates that the animals be able to live as
closely as possible to their natural rhythms and instincts in a
stress-free environment with the highest quality food we can
offer. All the animals are pastured or free-roaming.
Even the rabbits (this is not easy!). We wouldn't dream of
maiming an animal for convenience of production. Our cows
have horns and tails, our sheep and pigs have tails, our chickens
have beaks. All of the animals enjoy the calming influence
associated with the companionship of their own kind. This is
particularly important to raising stress-free herd animals.
Sometimes they intermix! The cats have been seen playing with
the horses and snuggling with the lambs. Chicks and rabbits
are also quite comfortable together.
