A Real Farm in Oviedo, Florida

Katahdin sheep are a hair breed, not a wool breed — they shed their coats naturally each spring, so they never need shearing. Developed in Maine in the 1950s, Katahdins are prized for parasite resistance, easy lambing, and excellent meat quality. They thrive in Florida's heat and humidity better than wool breeds, which is why they're the foundation of our herd.

Sheep-grazing land clearing — sometimes called targeted grazing — uses a contained herd of goats to eat down overgrown vegetation, invasive species, and underbrush on a defined parcel. Goats prefer woody and weedy plants that machinery can't easily reach, including poison ivy, kudzu, and brambles. The result is cleared land with intact topsoil, no chemicals, no diesel, and no noise. See how Rent-A-Herd works.

Yes — and the difference is measurable. Pasture-raised eggs from hens that forage on grass, bugs, and seeds contain significantly more omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and vitamin E than conventional eggs, according to USDA research. The yolks are darker, the whites firmer, and the flavor noticeably richer. The eggs are also fresher because they travel hours, not weeks, from hen to kitchen. Pick yours up at the farm.

For a small backyard flock of 3–6 hens, you need roughly 30–60 square feet of total space — about 4 square feet per bird inside the coop, plus 8–10 square feet per bird in a run. Most suburban yards in Seminole, Orange, and Volusia counties have more than enough room. Local zoning rules matter more than acreage. We help families set it up.

Heritage poultry are traditional breeds that mature naturally, reproduce on their own, and live long productive lives — often 5–8 years for layers. Commercial breeds are hybrids selected for one trait: maximum eggs or maximum meat in the shortest time, usually at the cost of health and longevity. Heritage birds offer better flavor, genetic diversity, and resilience. Browse our hatchery.

Florida's Greenbelt classification (Section 193.461, Florida Statutes) reduces property taxes on land used in bona fide agricultural production. Small farms qualify by demonstrating commercial agricultural use — livestock, crops, or timber — with documentation of income, leases, or production records. Application is filed with your county property appraiser by March 1 each year. We share what we've learned navigating Greenbelt as a small Florida farm on BHF News.