Have you ever witnessed the pure wonder in a child’s eyes as they gently pet a fluffy lamb or watch a piglet waddle around? Havens Petting Farm understands the magic of these encounters, and they’re dedicated to bringing the heartwarming experience of farm animals directly to communities. Based in Blue Mounds, Wisconsin, Havens Petting Farm has been sharing agricultural joy since 2011, offering both on-farm visits and a unique mobile petting farm service that brings the farm to you.
From Family Farm Roots to Mobile Animal Encounters
The story of Havens Petting Farm is rooted in a love for farm life and a desire to share it with others. For Logan Havens, the farm is more than just a business; it’s a return to his childhood and a legacy he wants to pass on. In 2010, Logan and his wife, Sarah, made the move back to Logan’s family farm in Blue Mounds. Growing up on 80 acres of Wisconsin countryside, Logan cherished his experiences with farm animals, from daily chores to fixing fences. He envisioned the same upbringing for his own children, filled with the valuable lessons and joys of agricultural life.
Alt text: A young child gazes in awe at a small piglet at Havens Petting Farm, experiencing the wonder of farm animal interaction.
It wasn’t long after settling back into farm life that Logan and Sarah felt a calling to share their agricultural experiences with a wider audience, especially those in urban settings who might not have the opportunity to interact with farm animals. In December 2011, Havens Indoor Petting Farm was born. Their first event, “Santa Comes to The Farm,” was a resounding success, drawing a larger crowd than anticipated and demonstrating the community’s eagerness for such experiences. This initial success paved the way for annual farm events and the development of their innovative mobile petting farm concept.
Havens Petting Farm: On-Farm Fun and April Open Barn
Havens Petting Farm initially welcomed visitors year-round but now focuses its on-farm activities on the month of April with their popular “April Open Barn.” This month-long event provides an immersive experience, allowing guests to get up close and personal with a variety of farm animals. From sheep and goats to pigs, beef cattle, chicks, and rabbits, visitors of all ages can witness and interact with these animals in a safe and educational environment. The April Open Barn has grown significantly over the years, attracting over 2,000 visitors in recent years, largely through positive word-of-mouth and social media buzz.
Alt text: Happy children joyfully pet and interact with gentle baby goats during the April Open Barn event at Havens Petting Farm, highlighting hands-on farm animal experiences.
Logan Havens emphasizes the importance of hands-on interaction: “Kids don’t get a chance to actually hold a baby chick, get in the pen and see a baby pig up close, feel the soft fur of a rabbit, see that milk actually does come out of a goat or cow, or watch a sheep being sheared. We give them that chance.” This philosophy is at the heart of both their on-farm and mobile petting farm experiences.
Mobile Petting Farm: Bringing the Farm to Your Doorstep
Recognizing that not everyone can make it to the farm, Havens Petting Farm launched their Mobile Petting Farm in 2013. This innovative service brings a curated selection of gentle farm animals directly to various locations, from birthday parties and family reunions to corporate events and schools. The mobile petting farm allows people to enjoy the delights of a petting zoo experience without leaving their own communities.
Alt text: A vibrant mobile petting zoo setup by Havens Petting Farm at a children’s birthday party, showcasing the fun and accessible farm animal encounters they provide.
The versatility of the Mobile Petting Farm is a key to its success. Havens Petting Farm can customize the setup to fit different spaces and event types, ensuring a safe and engaging experience for everyone. They bring a variety of animals, especially young animals in the spring, allowing children and adults to interact closely, creating memorable and educational moments.
More Than Just Fun: The Educational Value of Petting Farms
While the joy and entertainment are undeniable, Havens Petting Farm also emphasizes the educational aspect of their services. They aim to bridge the gap between urban communities and agriculture, fostering an understanding and appreciation for farm animals and where our food comes from. Logan explains, “Our original and still our goal is to have people interact with agriculture in a positive way. We explain that animals are raised for food that includes milk and meat and are not pets.”
Alt text: Logan Havens of Havens Petting Farm educates a group of children about farm animals and agriculture, emphasizing the educational value of petting zoo experiences.
This educational mission extends to considering programs for high schools and FFA groups, aiming to reach students who may not have grown up on farms. By bringing animals into schools, Havens Petting Farm hopes to inspire the next generation and provide valuable agricultural education to a wider audience.
Havens Petting Farm: A Family Affair and Community Asset
Havens Petting Farm is truly a family-run operation. Logan and Sarah, along with their children Leyla, Leland, and Lincoln, are all actively involved in running the farm and mobile petting farm. Their passion for agriculture and dedication to sharing it with others is evident in every aspect of their work. From local birthday parties to large corporate events like Epic Systems’ annual meeting, Havens Petting Farm has become a beloved and valuable asset to the Wisconsin community, bringing smiles, education, and unforgettable animal encounters to people of all ages. Discover the joy of Havens Petting Farm and experience the wonder of farm animals firsthand.
