Kevin - following us during chore time and making sure we know he's ready for his bottle.
After scratches. What a joy to have this little guy on our homestead. He's one of 6 other cattle here. We're down from a high of 25 cow/calf pairs as we've transitioned to agritourism over the years. We realized how much we loved teaching (taught nearly 4000 CSU students in a hands-on outdoor field skills course FW111) and proving experiences to others. So here we are today. We watched Kevin be born almost 2 weeks ago at 4:30 am!
He is thriving and a great addition to all the great animals we're surrounded by on the homestead. Goats, horses, cattle, sheep, llamas, pigs, cats, and dogs - some with a job like our amazing livestock guardian dog that keep everyone sate to farm dogs (English bulldogs and a rescue mix) that just enjoy life on the homestead and occasional steal grain from the livestock. Follow us or join us in person an interactive farm tour!
Kevin's story is more than just about a newborn calf; it encapsulates the heart of agritourism and hands-on educational experiences that connect people with farm life. Born just two weeks ago at 4:30 am, Kevin quickly became a beloved member of a small herd of six cattle on the homestead, a far cry from the original 25 cow/calf pairs once managed here. This transition reflects a deepening focus on agritourism, combining sustainable farming with immersive learning. Agritourism has gained momentum as a way for farmers to diversify income while educating the public about agriculture, animal husbandry, and rural lifestyles. The homestead offers interactive farm tours where visitors can get close to a variety of animals including goats, horses, sheep, llamas, pigs, and guardian dogs, who play a crucial role in keeping livestock safe. These tours provide engaging, authentic experiences that foster a connection between people and the source of their food. Kevin’s morning routine, eagerly following the caretakers for his bottle after some gentle scratches, mirrors the nurturing environment cultivated on the farm. Such moments emphasize the importance of animal care in a small-scale, ethical farming operation. The OCR keywords like “I'd love a bottle,” “Scratches first,” and “Milk mustache” highlight these affectionate interactions, which raise awareness about the needs and behaviors of young calves. Educational efforts on the homestead include hands-on outdoor field skills courses such as FW111, where nearly 4,000 CSU students have learned practical agricultural skills. Integrating teaching with agritourism helps sustain the farm while promoting agricultural literacy in the community. Visitors to the homestead not only learn about livestock management but also experience the joys and responsibilities of farm life. The presence of various animals, including farm dogs and guardian dogs with specific roles, showcases the ecosystem of a working farm. For those seeking rural adventures or looking to understand animal husbandry, joining a farm tour offers an enriching, wholesome experience. Overall, Kevin’s arrival is a symbol of ongoing dedication to the homestead’s mission — blending education, agritourism, and sustainable farming to preserve rural traditions and nurture a new generation’s appreciation for agriculture.
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