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Ideas and inspiration for your place in the country

Exotic Animals

Pretty peafowl

What would look better on your front lawn than a pair of peafowl? Just be ready for a long-term commitment.



Spring alpaca shearing

Shearing alpacas is essential to the well being of the animals, and for generating income from sales of the raw fiber. The process can be quite an event if there are thirty or more alpacas in need of a "hair cut." Ranch owners Jan and Richard O'Neill bring in a traveling alpaca shearing team, and family and investors are invited to help.


alpaca shearing

Koi crazy!

The Swansons aren't coy about koi. These folks love their fish.


Koi crazy

Big birds

Ostriches may not be the brightest animals on the acreage, but for some farmers, the birds have turned out to be worthwhile additions.


Feathered giants

A pastoral dream

Llamas are the focus of this unique ranch that brings a touch of the West to the edge of the Twin Cities.


l_llamas

Raising bison

In today's radio program, you'll hear how understanding the psychology of bison -- and investing in sturdy fences -- can make raising buffalo easier.


Buffalo in field with calves

Raising emus

Emus have a face only their mother could love, with big beaks and piercing eyes. But some people see raising the flightless birds as a real marketing opportunity.


Emu with chicks

The difference between koi and goldfish

Fish expert Robyn Rhudy raises koi and goldfish and says the major differences between the two are size and cost.


Jake Prater and Abigail Vandelune feeding goldfish

Raising Old English game fowl

Game fowl have a long, interesting history. Many breeds go back thousands of years and although ancient, some of the breed strains are still pure.


Old English poultry

Raising pheasants

Chickens, geese, ducks and even guineas probably come to mind when you think about raising poultry on an acreage. Pheasants -- although most commonly thought of as wild game birds -- are another option.


Ringneck pheasant in field

Winter koi fish care

Even though koi are very hardy, they won't survive the winter outside without the proper care.


Japanese Koi

Delicate creatures

Penny Strine s acreage near Hayesville, Ohio, is alive with butterflies. Since 1999 Penny, known locally as The Butterfly Lady, has supplied her homegrown monarchs to mark special occasions in the community.


Monarch butterflies gently rest on a flower at the home of Penny Strine

Guard llamas

If you're having problems keeping dogs and coyotes away from your sheep, a guard llama may be the perfect solution.



 
 
 


 

 
 
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