"About the Farm" at Bullthistle Farm

Bullthistle Farm is a ninety acre parcel of land along the Rock River in the southeastern part of Wisconsin.  Nearly half of the land is fertile river bottom, which is in flood a good part of the year.  In this wild area, Mother Earth and Father Sky bring us all manner of wildlife and birds to enjoy.

In loving memory of Four Wheeler, our first guard llama.  He was so extraordinary that we never lost a lamb to a dog or coyote.  He also protected his flock from eagles, hawks, skunks, possums and once he sent the entire flock to the barn until a mama mallard with ducklings had crossed his pasture.

The remaining acreage is home to our Highland Cattle fold and sheep flocks, dogs, cats, peacocks and chickens.  While the city and subdivisions creep ever closer to the farm, the windbreaks and orchards that we continue to improve provide valuable cover for pheasants and turkeys, and screen us from this urban sprawl.

The original farmhouse, circa 1870, has been extensively remodeled and is a wonderful retreat for us when we leave our jobs in the city and come home to the land and animals and lifestyle we love.  

Our sheep flock has grown considerably from it's beginnings.  We purchased some pretty sheep and brought them home for attendance and protection from Four Wheeler.  Today, we have well over 100 Jacob and Cotswold sheep.  

Our border collie, Rodeo, keeps them all in line, while Cocoa supervises from his lofty heights......

You may not leave, though, until you have met Black Jack.  He is a miniature Sicilian Donkey and is the first thing children visit when they come to Bullthistle Farm as well as the last thing they pat as they are saying good-bye.  He is gentle with children and lambs.  Loving treats, he does not take them greedily, but rather royally, as if it was his due.  He has been known to pick up small lost lambs by the neck much like a cat with kittens.  The lambs are returned to their mothers in good health and safe every time.

If you have any specific requests or would like to ask any questions, please e-mail us.