Critters We Raise and Sell at Five Mile Farm

Dutch Belted Cattle numbers are alarmingly low and the breed is in danger of becoming extinct.  There are less than 200 registered Dutch Belted individuals in the United States. The breed is listed as "Critical" by the Livestock Breeds Conservancy.   The Dutch Belted Cattle Association of America is the organization that is in charge of the Dutch Belted registration process.  

Dutch Belted Cattle originated as a prized dairy breed in Holland.   Their numbers were almost wiped off the map by occupying forces in WWII.   The cows routinely produce very large quantities of milk that contains a lot of butter fat without extreme grain supplementation, and the breed is known to be very heat tolerant.   They are commonly called "Oreo Cookie Cows" because of  the very stark white bands that encircle their midsection against black (or red) bodies.  

We usually have weaned heifers, cows, bulls and semen for sale.  We actually sell quite a few newborn heifers to people to raise as bottle babies so they will hopefully have a super gentle milk cow in a couple of years.

The most common question we hear is "Why do you have and ride mules instead of horses"?  Mules are very sure-footed and once trained they will never forget what their job is supposed to be.  They will almost never willfully get themselves in a bind and are extremely smart.   Even though they have a bad wrap as being stubborn, they are simply careful in everything they do.  

A MULE is the offspring of a female horse (mare) and a male donkey (jack).   A HINNY is the offspring of a male horse (stallion) and a female donkey (jenny).  Mules and hinnys are usually sterile.

We have one Molly Mule for sale at this time.  Her name is "Little Bug".   She is 15 years old and is only 13.3 hands.   What she lacks in size - she makes up for in heart.  She will give you 110% all day, every day. She has had 90 days of training, but will need  a refresher course, before being good to go.  

Donkeys are categorized into three groups: Miniature, Standard, and Mammoth.   These classifications are based on size.  Donkeys are prized possessions in most of the world.  They are used for things like milk production for soaps, for pack animals, and for guard animals for property and livestock.  

Donkeys are very curious and usually thrive on companionship.  They aren't picky about who or what that companion might be:  people, and other horse-like critters are the most common companions, but sheep, goats, and even birds will serve the sa9me purpose.  Donkeys have a very loud bray that they will gladly sing at the top of their lungs.  It is their way of saying "Howdy".   Donkeys DO NOT like dogs.  They will run at and chase dogs that enter their domain with the intent of killing that intruder.  This is why they make great guard animals for livestock.   If you are interested in becoming a "donkey person", let us know.  Owning a donkey is a lot like eating potato chips - one just won't do....

We got a few goats years ago to eat overgrown grass.  Those few have become a legitimate herd of Boer Goats.  These heavily muscled critters originated in South Africa and have been in the United States since 1993 - 1994.

Boer Goats are known for having a very large, prominent muscle structure.  It is this characteristic that makes this breed stand out in a crowd.  Boers have almost taken over most show rings in the country because they are so heavily muscled.   Mature females can weigh between 190 - 230 pounds and mature bucks can tip the scales at 200 - 340 pounds.  

We always have kid goats for sale.   Some have done VERY well in the show ring.   We will readily sell older goats if that is what you are looking for.

"Caliente" is a registeted Quarter Horse mare.  She is 23 years old.  We used her to produce mule babies.  She has had about three months of intensive riding/training but has had NOTHING done to her except routine foot and Veterinary care for the last 10 years.    "Caliente" is a big boned, strong mare with a lot of power on those four legs.  She has several good years left in her, but will absolutely need some more hours under saddle before being safe.   If you need a good, stout mare - check this one out.   AQHA 

We have beeen raising and selling Australian Shepherd dogs since 1977.  We have puppies in almost every state in the nation. We DO Not use our dogs to work livestock, but they all have the desire to get it done anyway.  

If you are interested in Standard Size Australian Shepherds you can go to our Aussie webpage to see what we have available.

Information about our Aussies can be found at 

http://www.fivemilefarm.net