Welcome to the Farm
Welcome to Bur Oak Acres, a small family farm in Western Wisconsin, where Michaela and Ryan have turned a love for animals and self-sufficiency into a growing adventure.
Though both were raised in rural Wisconsin, their farming journey truly began in 2020 when a coworker convinced Ryan that goats were a must-have. With a newborn in tow and 15 acres of land, Michaela was initially hesitant—but seeing their son’s love for animals (and the goats’ talent for clearing buckthorn), she was quickly on board. Their first trio, Minnie, Mickey, and Donald, were a little mischievous, leading Michaela to research Myotonic (fainting) goats—known for being easier to handle. Before long, their herd expanded.
But no farm is complete without chickens! They joined next, providing eggs, insect control, and plenty of entertainment for their two boys. Then came the cows. Ryan wanted to raise his own meat, while Michaela didn’t want full-sized cattle. They compromised and fell in love with hairy cows, for their look, demeanor, hardiness and reputation for great-tasting beef. Their first two, Hattie and Gus, tested their patience but solidified their passion. Now, they care for a small herd of Highland/Galloway/Lowline/White Park cattle.
Bur Oak Acres is more than just a farm—it’s a labor of love, a place to grow, learn, and share the beauty of farm life with family and friends.
The meaning behind our name
Michaela has always had a deep passion for horticulture, making her choice to represent the farm through the Bur Oak a natural one. This native tree of western Wisconsin is uniquely resilient, as it is the only species capable of recovering after a prairie fire. Symbolizing strength, endurance, and perseverance, the Bur Oak embodies the spirit of the farm—withstanding storms, bridging generations, and offering much-needed shelter and sustenance.