Bear Creek Mini Farms
About Us
“Agriculture is our wisest pursuit, because it will in the end contribute most to the real wealth, good morals and happiness.”
Thomas Jefferson
Multi-family owned and operated by Michael & Polly Ard and Brad & Debra Toups.
We are registered breeders of several different mini animals. KuneKunes and Mini Zebus are the main animals found on our farm.
We are located on about 10acres and easily found just a short distance from I-55 in Montpelier, LA.
How We Got Started
We move out in the country 10 years ago. We bought my grandparents place where my dad was born. From there the grandkids got involved. They wanted farms animals.
We started off with a few cows, larger breed. It became a second job, as well as needing another job to feed them. So, large breed cows were not for us. (This story is awfully long, so I’m skipping towards the end, lol)
We bought a few Zebu cattle and later some Kunekune. The Kunekune were referred by one of my nephews. The kids loved them. The Zebu were very self-maintenance. The Kunekune are very friendly. My wife loves baby animals. So, we started breeding them.
I raised and trained labs in the past. I know the importance of good blood line. So, that’s where it started. Looking for registered Kunekune and Zebu with good genetics and low inbreeding.
How We Are Different
(I like cutting my grass, but not all day, LOL.) We are small and able to tend to each animal individually. We try to utilize all our property, (that I don’t want to cut, lol,) in manner that benefits the animals to allow them to not be stuck in the same place all their lives.
Why We Breed and Our Management Style
We want everyone interested in raising these animals, to have good quality animals. Most people have never heard of Zebu cattle or Kunekune pigs. They are all missing out. These breeds of animals may not be for everyone, but everyone needs to know about them.
Our Philosophy: consist of good genetics, breeding program, and daily interaction equals happy animals and happy owners
Our Management Style: Very family oriented. Everyone is involved with the raising of the animals. We prefer to managing for quality, to produce breeder stock, instead of meat stock. But we realize that one doesn’t always come without the other
Our Beliefs: Have a good breeding program and health/vaccine program.
