The Farmhouse on Persimmon Hill

The journey to becoming sheep ranchers began unexpectedly for Tia and Ryan after a wildfire in southern Colorado led them to Arkansas. They purchased a farm that once belonged to a family Tia knew and started with a single Katahdin lamb ram. Over time, they expanded their operations to include Kunekune pigs and family milk cows. Despite their initial lack of intention to farm, they have embraced this life fully, finding joy and purpose in their work.

The ranch focuses on raising top parasite-resistant Katahdin Hair Sheep known for their outstanding maternal abilities, gentleness, kindness, and hardiness. They emphasize hands-on care and education, ensuring they know their livestock well to prevent issues like parasite infestation. The family also values the interconnectedness of their farming practices, ecology, and human health, evident in their commitment to providing raw milk and maintaining a healthy, balanced ecosystem on their farm.

The farm is a family-run operation with Tia handling the day-to-day activities and Ryan managing the heavy lifting and equipment. Their three children, Mariella, Owen, and Ariannah, also contribute to the farm's operations. The family offers raw milk for weekly pickups and encourages customers to reach out with any questions. They also share their experiences and lessons learned through a blog, aiming to educate and support others in their farming journeys.