Karakul sheep, egg-laying hens, maremma guard dogs, a working Border collie, ferral barn cats, nesting owls, and barnyard dogs all uniquely contribute to the workings of the farm. From providing food to hunting varmints to protection, they are all contributors to the balance. Karakul sheep are an ancient breed that we treasure for their inherent mothering ability, the delicious lamb meat and beautiful fiber they yield, and their efficient means of adjusting to the extremes of Virginia weather. Ossabaw Island Hogs are the newest edition to our menagerie. Another breed on the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy Critical List, these are thought to be the Spanish foundational hog breed of the southeastern United States. Historic and isolated genetics as well as natural biological adaptations for extreme heat and humidity are the primary traits of interest to scientists. We are slowly developing the Retreat Farm hogs through a cooperative breeding partnership with the Frontier Culture Museum in Staunton. Limited pork is available as we expand this program Chickens nourish us with their eggs before beginning a day of work roaming the fields and barnyards eating bugs and aerating the soil with their scratching. Our pork and lamb are raised on pasture, processed and frozen locally, and available for sale at the Barnyard Store as are our vegetables and eggs.