Our farm would not be complete without all the other critters. The diversity and contributions of these guys is hard to overlook.

Our cows are an eclectic crew. They provide us with our grass fed beef and milk, and help with pasture maintenance and renovation.

The collection of chickens that roam the yard is constantly busy seeking out every last grasshopper and fly they can, and we are thankful. The added bonus is we get fresh brown and green eggs with beautiful deep yellow yolks

We also have three dogs. Two of them are livestock guardians to help keep the potential predators away. Our cat, Zeke, takes care of rodent patrol besides what farm doesn't’t have at least one barn cat.

Our five llamas serve as sheep guards and conversations starters. Our llamas are unique characters with a real dislike for canines, and a tendency to be moody and a bit stubborn.

Wildlife is abundant around the farm too. The Yellow River passes behind our house and barn so we frequently see and hear bald eagles, Canadian geese, duck, white tailed deer, red fox, owls, turkeys, song birds, frogs, turtles, snakes, coyotes and so much more. Sometimes we forget the simple pleasures the existence of these animals bring us. Once in a while, the sight of an eagle soaring overhead or the excitement our kids display of chance sightings remind us again of the natural wonder around us.