OUR STORY
Our family ranch sits in the coastal mountains of Sonoma County, with a history dating back to 1863. It was once a much larger sheep operation, but by the time I started Wild Things Ranch in 2018, sheep had been gone for nearly 40 years. The land was still being leased and used for grazing, and I wanted to bring sheep back while building something of my own.
I grew up surrounded by the open spaces of the Delta and neighboring working ranches. That upbringing stayed with me, and raising livestock was something I'd wanted to do since I was young.
Today, I own and operate Wild Things Ranch with help from my family. We raise Icelandic sheep, Kunekune pigs, and cattle, and I'm continuing to build a business that I hope will last for the next generation.
HOW WE RANCH
We move our sheep, pigs, and cattle through different pastures based on available forage, weather, and the needs of the animals. This gives grazed areas time to rest and recover throughout the seasons.
Our pastures change considerably throughout the year, from wet winters to long, dry summers. Ground cover, grass recovery, and seasonal conditions all factor into how we manage grazing.
Our livestock guardian dogs live alongside the sheep and help protect the flock from predators. They're an important part of managing livestock in the coastal mountains, where wildlife is a regular presence.
We keep up with vaccinations, monitor livestock for parasites and other health concerns, and provide treatment when needed. Each animal's health and condition guide the care we provide.
Our Icelandic Lamb
We raise Icelandic sheep on the mountain pastures of Sonoma County. They're a hardy, dual-purpose breed, producing both meat and wool, and have become a big part of what we're building here at Wild Things Ranch.
Our lamb is grass-fed and known for its mild, distinctive flavor and tender meat. For people who haven't tried Icelandic lamb before, it's a good introduction to a breed that isn't commonly found in grocery stores.
Icelandic sheep are seasonal breeders, so our lamb production follows an annual cycle. Availability changes throughout the year, with individual cuts, curated boxes, and whole or half-lamb shares offered as inventory allows.
Our Pastured Pork
We raise Kunekune pigs on the mountain pastures of Sonoma County, where they spend their days grazing, foraging, and rooting around. We move them between pastures throughout the year, adjusting to the seasons and the conditions on the ranch.
Kunekunes are a smaller, slower-growing breed known for their rich, flavorful pork. We raise them on a small scale, with a limited number of hogs available for processing each year.
Our pork is offered locally through whole-hog shares, giving customers the opportunity to stock their freezers with a variety of cuts. Availability depends on the season and our processing schedule.
Belted Galloway Cattle
Our cattle are Belted Galloways, a hardy heritage breed known for their thick coats and ability to thrive in challenging conditions. They're quiet, curious animals and well suited to the steep hills and changing seasons here in Sonoma County.
Our cattle spend much of their time grazing the mountain pastures. We move them according to available forage and seasonal conditions, with feeding and finishing decisions made as they get closer to processing.
We raise beef on a small scale, offering whole and half shares when available. Processing dates and availability vary throughout the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
I've loved Where the Wild Things Are since I was a kid. I spent my days roaming around the preserve, pretending I was Max. As an adult, I've come to realize that nature is full of wild things, and when it came time to name my ranch, Wild Things Ranch just made sense.
We're located in the coastal mountains near Cazadero, California, in Sonoma County. The ranch is surrounded by redwoods, creeks, and mountain pastures.
We sell grass-fed Icelandic lamb through our online store, with individual cuts, curated boxes, and whole or half-lamb shares available depending on inventory. Our pastured pork and beef are offered through seasonal whole and half-animal shares. You can find current availability and ordering information on each product page.
Our lamb cuts and boxes ship frozen throughout California on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Orders are vacuum-sealed and packed in insulated packaging with ice packs or dry ice, depending on the season and delivery location.
We offer flat-rate California shipping, with your rate shown at checkout. Pork and beef shares are arranged locally.
For more information, read our How Your Meat Arrives article.
While we don’t currently offer visits, we share updates and stories about what we’re doing through our website and social media. Stay tuned for any future opportunities to connect in person.