Ranch and Farm Operations

The ranch and farming operations at Heifer Ranch model appropriate technologies for small-scale agricultural enterprises in livestock, forestry, natural resource management, and vegetable production.

Farm Programs - Farm Programs vary in focus to provide farm training or to introduce the general public to farm life and Heifer’s mission to end hunger and poverty in a way that cares for the earth. Learn more.

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) - Heifer Ranch's CSA program provides fresh seasonal produce from May until late October to participating shareholders. Grown in a certified organic agricultural environment, the top quality fresh produce includes a wide variety of produce, herbs and flowers. Participants purchase a share of the CSA in the spring and receive a weekly delivery of produce to Little Rock, newsletters full of recipes and stories from the farm, and one-on-one contact with CSA gardeners.  For more information, contact the CSA field managers at csa@heifer.org or call 501-889-5124 ext. 3650. Print Informational Flyer.

Livestock - Heifer Ranch maintains more than 15 species of animals. Exotic species, such as camel, llama and water buffalo, are on exhibit alongside more traditional farm animals. During appropriate times of the year the Ranch practices various sustainable agriculture techniques including pastured poultry and pigs, rotational grazing and mixed species grazing of cattle, sheep and goats. At other times, farm activities include hoof trimming, draft horse work, milking and harvesting hay. Learn about the Ranch's Livestock Health Care Week program for adults.

Forestry and Natural Resources - Plantations, a tree nursery, stream bank reclamation, shade for livestock, erosion control, water conservation and reforestation make up the agro-forestry project at the ranch. Annual planting of hardwood and conifer tree species ensures an environmentally sound future for the Ranch's education campus.

Gardens - Several gardens on the Ranch produce vegetables, flowers and herbs for on-Ranch use as well as off-Ranch sales. The Guatemala Hillside Garden models the production of berries and vegetables on sloping ground, typical of the land farmed by Heifer's project partners.

Apiculture - The Ranch keeps bees, one of the livestock species Heifer uses, at various locations for pollination of vegetable crops, production of honey and wax, and as a teaching tool for Ranch guests. Learn about the Ranch's From Bees to Honey program for adults.