Welcome to Blue Mountain Farm! All farm stock have been chosen for practicality and easy care. Being hardy is important to thrive in this part of the country. The land is really spectacular, but with extremes of hot dry summers, snow and icy winters and all the transitional mud in-between. This is not for fragile types. Those hardy types include Lowline Cattle that have all the positives of the Aberdeen Angus, but in a smaller, easy handling package.   They are absolutely adorable (maybe I'm the only one to say I find little mini beef cows terminally cute!), and very healthy and food efficient.  Don't let their size fool you!  Docile, easy calving and excellent meat qualities give a BIG two thumbs up!

Also in residence are American Soay Sheep, which are a primitive sheep, that are small in stature, naturally hardy, and do not require major coddling to keep them healthy and thriving; the simple basics will do.

Soay are known for easy lambing, self shedding wool, naturally lean meat and short tails.  Hello!?!  No shearing, no tail docking, no stressful lambing season.  They are quite fascinating in their wild type coloring, large horns and fey deer-like appearance.    Both Lowlines and Soay Sheep are land friendly and efficient for small homesteads.

Ram processors of the lawn care crew.  Soay Ram horns are pretty awesome for such small sheep.  Photo by J. Rachau

Let's not forget the poultry.  I think they are very useful on any property for insect/pest control and I love fresh eggs. I currently have Easter Egg Chickens, interesting in their varied colorful, plumage and eggs.  They come pre-packaged against frostbite with their pea combs and fluffy cheeks.  Of course the ultimate winter efficient hardy birds are waterfowl. My love of waterfowl has been ongoing for decades, and my Geese and Ducks are just plain lovely to watch meander through a field. 

Huckleberry, a yearling Lowline Angus bull.  Photo by J. Rachau

Being close to the land and enjoying it together with easy care animals that are a pleasure to raise is a huge part of what we are about.  Check out the stock and what is available.  Feel free to contact us if you have any questions.   Please enjoy your virtual visit and thanks for stopping by! Jeanine Rachau Blue Mountain Farm La Grande, Oregon, USA