In 2010, we embarked on an exciting journey, establishing Where Pigs Fly Camp, officially known as Where Pigs Fly Farm. Our humble beginnings were in Owensville, Missouri, where we envisioned a unique farm experience. We wanted to create a space where visitors, especially children, could connect with farm animals, learning about and interacting with them in a meaningful way. Little did we know, our dream would take flight faster and soar higher than we could have ever imagined.
The farm in Owensville flourished. It wasn’t long before our beloved pig collection outgrew their barn, and our four-legged family members started to feel a bit cramped on the land. We were facing a wonderful problem – we were growing! Then, on September 13, 2015, a moment occurred that changed everything. It felt like a tap on the shoulder, a clear message: “we need a bigger place.”
My initial thought was, “oh no, I don’t!” Moving seemed daunting. However, I’ve learned that when you feel a nudge from a higher power, it’s wise to listen. So, I agreed to start looking, but with a very specific, perhaps slightly unrealistic, wish list. If we were to move, I needed certain things to make it work: at least 15 acres of land, a charming old two-story rock house with two bathrooms near a major highway for accessibility. Beyond that, I envisioned dedicated buildings – a gift shop, a chicken house, a livestock barn, and of course, a proper pig barn. A workshop space, a creek, and a pond were also on my dream property list. And, if we were really dreaming big, an old silo would be the perfect finishing touch. Naturally, all of this had to be at a price we could actually afford.
That very night, I shared my seemingly impossible wish list with friends, joking that it would probably take a year or more to find this perfect property, if it even existed, and even then, affording it might be another miracle altogether. But, as they say, when it’s meant to be, things happen quickly. And let me tell you, divine timing is real! That very night, through a wonderful friend, Holly Vaughn, a listing for the perfect farm landed in my lap.
The very next Monday, I was walking the grounds of this potential new home for Where Pigs Fly Farm. Unbelievably, it had everything on my list – every single item. Tuesday, I returned with a realtor and met with a loan officer from Legends Bank to explore the financial possibilities. Wednesday, the loan officers visited our existing “Where Pigs Fly Farm” in Owensville to see our operation firsthand. Thursday brought incredible news – loan approval! We immediately submitted a bid to the realtor. And then, on Friday, the seller accepted our bid! The whirlwind culminated on October 20th at 2:30 pm, when I officially closed on the property.
And so, Where Pigs Fly Farm embarked on its next chapter. Now, more than ever, we are focused on building an organization that will be a unique destination in America. Our vision includes becoming the only Pig Museum in the country, alongside our cherished farm animal rescue efforts and one of the biggest and best petting zoos around. We strive to create a welcoming and enriching place for children and adults alike to experience the joy of farm animals.
We owe so much to our incredible community of supporters. A huge THANK YOU to each and every one of you. We can only do what we do because of your unwavering belief in our mission and your generous support. We look forward to welcoming you to Where Pigs Fly Farm and sharing our story with you firsthand!
