The Menagerie of Animals at TnF Farms

pig pasture at sunrise

TnF Farms is nestled in the woods on the outskirts of Havana, Florida. Our passion for homesteading and raising farm animals is at the heart of everything we do. Our journey into the world of livestock has been a labor of love, and we invite you to join us in experiencing the joys and challenges of life on our homestead.

One of the primary aspects of our farm is the diverse range of farm animals we raise and care for. These animals play a vital role in our homesteading lifestyle, providing us with not only sustenance but also a deep connection to the land and the natural world around us.

The kinds of livestock we raise

American Guinea Hogs are a central focus on our farm. These animated smaller “Florida cracker pigs” supply us with high-quality pork, and their presence brings a sense of humor to our landscape. We take great pride in the humane and sustainable practices we employ in raising our pigs, ensuring they lead healthy and content lives.

Poultry also has a special place on our homestead. Our flock of chickens provides us with fresh eggs daily, and their amusing antics never fail to make us laugh. Rhode Island Reds, Silkies and Buffs have a permanent home on our farm, each with its unique contribution to our agricultural endeavors.

In addition to the more traditional farm animals, we have a fascination with Nigerian Dwarf goats. These loving creatures are not only adorable but also hardworking. They help us manage our land by clearing brush and keeping the undergrowth in check. Their milk is also a valuable resource for making cheese, yogurt and ice cream.

Just like nature designed at TnF Farms

At TnF Farms, we believe in sustainability and responsible stewardship of the land. We strive to provide our animals with the best possible care, access to open spaces, and natural foraging opportunities. Our commitment to ethical farming practices ensures that our livestock is not just well-fed but also content and healthy.

Our journey into homesteading is a continuous learning experience, and we are excited to share it with you. Join us as we explore the joys and challenges of raising farm animals in the Florida panhandle. Follow our adventures, gain insights into sustainable farming, and witness the beauty of rural life right here at TnF Farms. Together, we can celebrate the bountiful rewards of a life close to nature and the fulfillment that comes from nurturing and caring for our farm animals.

Farm Animals Make Life Better

02/01/2024/in American Guinea Hogs, Farm Animals, Florida Living, Nigerian Dwarf Goats, Nubian Goats, Poultry/by Kaitlyn

I am a frequent visitor to TnF Farms, usually about once a month for a few days. I have been visiting the last few years since Tim and Faith moved to Tallahassee to start their farm. I am no stranger to farm life, as I have had horses growing up, and I much prefer it over city living. During my visits, I help Faith with farm chores, lend a helping hand on projects, become a goat midwife, and get my much-needed farm fix. I have always had a deep connection with animals in general, but there’s just something inherently special about farm animals.

Goat Friendly Florida Trees

01/22/2024/in Farm Animals, Florida Living, Homesteading, Nigerian Dwarf Goats, Nubian Goats/by Faith

Florida’s diverse and warm climate provides an excellent opportunity for goat farmers to integrate fruit trees into their farms. When selecting fruit trees for a goat farm in Florida, it’s essential to consider not only the climate but also the nutritional benefits these trees can offer to the goats. Here’s a more in-depth look at some suitable fruit trees:

Should You Grow Ryegrass?

01/20/2024/in American Guinea Hogs, Farm Animals, Homesteading, Nigerian Dwarf Goats, Nubian Goats, Poultry/by Tim

Beyond its role as a forage crop, rye grass plays a crucial role in environmental conservation. Its ability to prevent soil erosion, particularly on slopes or vulnerable terrain, has made it a preferred choice for cover cropping. As a cover crop, ryegrass forms a protective layer over the soil, reducing the risk of erosion and promoting soil health. Additionally, its quick growth makes it an effective ground cover in lawns and pastures, providing an aesthetically pleasing green carpet. Whether utilized for livestock feed, erosion control, or ornamental landscaping, ryegrass stands out as a resilient and adaptable grass species with multifaceted benefits.

Benefits of Barn Cats

01/18/2024/in Farm Animals, Homesteading/by Tim

When we moved into our current homestead and started TnF Farms, both of us were surprised by how common rodents were outside. We had some ground activity that seemed consistent with moles or voles near our house. The locations where we kept livestock automatically attracted rodents like field mice and rats. For the most part, I’m a live-and-let-live kind of person when it comes to wildlife. I usually try for the most natural approach or give nature a little time to find the balance. We do have our fair share of earth snakes, oak snakes, and black racers on our property. They certainly did their part to control the rodents. But cats turned out to be the game changer. Click to find out our story.

2024 Dairy Goat Guide

01/01/2024/in Farm Animals, Florida Living, Homesteading, Nigerian Dwarf Goats, Nubian Goats/by Faith

Nubian goats are believed to be one of the oldest domesticated dairy breeds, and their history can be traced back thousands of years. Nubian goats trace their roots to North Africa, with historical significance in Nubia. The Nubia region is now part of Sudan and Egypt. Nubians are known for their distinctive characteristics and valuable contributions to the dairy and meat industries. The breed we know today as Nubian goats was from British does (female goats) being crossed with bucks (male goats) from Africa.

This is an extensive post, I will be covering:

Ranching in the Sunshine State

12/18/2023/in American Guinea Hogs, Florida Living, Homesteading/by Tim

Ranching in the state of Florida holds a unique and enduring place in the history and culture of the Sunshine State. Florida’s ranches have a rich heritage dating back centuries and continue to play a vital role in the state’s agricultural and economic landscape. Let’s look into the fascinating world of Florida ranching, from its historical roots to its modern practices, while also exploring its economic significance, cultural impact, and the challenges it faces.

Dairy Goats: Two Adorable Breeds

12/11/2023/in Farm Animals, Farmer's Market, Homesteading, Nigerian Dwarf Goats, Nubian Goats/by Faith

With the choices between Nigerian Dwarf Goats and Mini Nubian Goats, I couldn’t decide! So we have both kinds of goats at TnF Farms. If you’re trying to decide which of these gems is best for you, it boils down to personal preferences. Join us as we break down the differences between both breeds.

Growing lemons in Florida

12/09/2023/in American Guinea Hogs, Farm Animals, Florida Living, Homesteading, Nigerian Dwarf Goats/by Faith

When we bought the property that is now TnF Farms, we saw that there were some mature fruit trees on the property. We thought they may have been pears. No, they were lemons. The first late fall harvest, we were pretty excited. The lemons were big and bright yellow. We cut into one and it was full of seeds. We tried a couple of others and they were very seedy. Then we tasted one and discovered it wasn’t pleasantly tart, but punishingly bitter. No amount of sugar added to this fruit would make lemonade, lemon curd, or lemon bars.

Building our Goat Tote

12/07/2023/in American Guinea Hogs, Farm Animals, Florida Living, Homesteading, Let's Do Something, Nigerian Dwarf Goats, Nubian Goats/by Tim

It’s soon 2024. Perhaps you’ve been living under a rock. Let me prep you before you emerge from ignorant bliss. Everything costs more. Too much more. For some items the pricing is ridiculous. I have been on the lookout for a livestock trailer. For months, I have cruised Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace and have concluded there are 2 kinds of used livestock trailers available in the open market right now:

Feeding pigs food waste

11/28/2023/in American Guinea Hogs, Farm Animals, Homesteading/by Faith

In the beginning stages for TnF Farms, we did investigate this very subject. Food waste, also classified in this publication as garbage is free. There’s plenty of food waste available and pigs are not picky eaters. Ultimately we decided against it because we did not want our livestock living on stale, processed and rotting food. Much today’s human population is overweight and not in the best of health. Diabetes, hypertension, and other food related disease is more common now. Our decision to raise healthy, free ranging livestock was easy. Tim and I believe what’s wrong with everybody’s health is the GMO (genetically modified organism), processed and unnatural food that has become common now.