Toluma Farms is a Marin County, California, family owned, Grade A goat dairy in the town of Tomales. This unique coastal community is nestled above Point Reyes, Marshall and the Tomales Bay estuary and is 4 miles from the Pacific Ocean. The coastal fog and hilly terrain is the perfect environment for dairy goats. Owners Tamara Hicks and David Jablons are developing a line of fine artisan, hand crafted goat cheeses here. In addition, they supply goat milk to Redwood Hill Farms of Sonoma County.

Deneane and Mark Ashcraft have farming in their blood. Both are sixth-generation California farmers and both feel a deep connection to their land and their animals. North Valley’s goats are born and raised on the farm and Deneane, who is the goat keeper, puts their well-being first and foremost. “Our goats are so important to us and we want them to have as natural a life and as contented a life as possible,” she said. “And our goats are healthier, too. Their high standard of living means they live a longer, healthier life and produce longer.”

Purple Rain Vineyard has plenty of heart and care pumped into it daily, from an entire family. Luisa DePaiva, her husband James Voisin, and their three daughters Danielle, Nastacia, and Octavia, all pitch in to make sure that every aspect of the farm and vineyard receives proper attention. This includes taking care of their flock of laying chickens, although they are mostly tended by Octavia, the youngest daughter. With this attention, it’s no surprise that they’re doing well. Luisa explains, “First and foremost, we have incredible respect for our chickens because they are providing us with eggs, the ultimate whole food.” The relationship between the flock and family is completely focused on the health and happiness of the chickens.

Farmer Janie Burns raises Animal Welfare Approved sheep on Meadow Lark Farm in Nampa, Idaho.

Eastern Plains Natural Foods raises heritage breed ducks, geese and egg laying hens in Bennett, Colorado. Dallas Gilbert has been raising free-range heritage poultry since the 1980s. He first began raising poultry for personal use because he only wanted to eat animals that had been raised naturally and humanely. When his operation grew he started giving extra birds to his friends-this later became a small business that has been growing ever since. Dallas also raises donkeys, which play an important role as livestock guardians. His birds “follow the donkeys around and fly up on their backs. Everyone gets along and they keep predators away.”

Elayne Tingey at Crossroads Ranch raises Icelandic and British Soay sheep for their beautiful wool in Hailey, Idaho. Growing up, Elayne thought she would become a veterinarian, but having her sheep, ducks, mustang horses and rescue dogs on the farm has fulfilled her lifelong dream of working with animals. Elayne’s dogs are an integral part of the farm, as fiercely protective guardians of the ducks, geese and sheep.