How Many Animals Does Katie Van Slyke Have?

Welcome back to the third annual KVS animal count. This has quickly become one of my favorite end of year traditions, even though it also reminds me just how out of hand things can get around here. Every year, we count every single animal on the property, and every year the number somehow climbs. I never planned on having this many animals, but life on the farm has a funny way of multiplying when you are not looking.

Mini Cows Always Come First

We always start with the mini cows, because they absolutely deserve it. Rounding them up is an adventure all on its own. Our youngest mini cows are now yearlings, which still feels impossible because they are so tiny. Peanut, Pearl, and Pepper are our yearling miniature Highland heifers, and they are proof that small size does not mean small personality.

Next up are our two year olds, Pumpkin and Posie. These girls are also miniature Highlands and were feeling extra spicy during the count. Then we have our three year olds, Poppy and Petunia. These two were our very first mini cows and truly changed everything for us when we brought them home as babies. They also took the internet by storm in late 2022.

The most exciting update is that Poppy and Petunia are pregnant. If all goes according to plan, we will be welcoming our first mini calves around April 26. Rounding out the mini cow herd is Pippa, who joined us last Christmas as a gift for my mom. In total, our mini cows include eight girls who bring endless joy to the farm.

Horses and the Heart of Our Horse Breeding Program

From there, we move on to the horses, bouncing from pasture to pasture. This is the core of our horse breeding operation and where so much planning and anticipation happens. We have a mix of Quarter Horses, Thoroughbreds, and one very special Paint horse. Ages range from brand new weanlings to Mr. Bo, our almost 26 year old gelding who was born right here on the property.

This year, we kept four weaners, Kirby, Dallas, Knox, and Millie. I probably should not have kept all four, but I loved them too much to let them go just yet. Several mares are pregnant or carrying embryos as recipient mares, while others are enjoying a year off. Managing all of this is a constant reminder of just how involved horse breeding really is.

Cats, a Mini Pig, and Barnyard Characters

Next up were the barn cats and our mini pig. Zelda and Libby are our barn kittens and inseparable best friends. Sabrina is our smallest black cat, while Salem proudly watches over the barn. Smokey, Bandit, and Darla round out the cat crew, each with their own big personality. Winston the mini pig holds his own spot in the count and keeps things entertaining.

Big Cows and a Big Jump in Numbers

Then came the big cows. We have two bulls, HA Justice 30J and Mister RSCC Sugar Daddy. Add in 14 heifers from last year, approximately 50 mama cows, and 39 calves currently on the ground, and the total jumps fast. This is usually the moment during the count where I stop and realize just how much the operation has grown.

Mini Goats, Mini Horses, and Mini Donkeys

Mini farm time is always my favorite. Our mini goats include Bella and Buttercup, their daughters Brier and Bloom, and several girls who are currently being bred. If you love mini goats, you know how much personality they pack into small bodies.

We also have miniature horses and miniature donkeys. Gretchen and Jack represent the mini horses, while Blanche, Dot, and Dolly make up the donkey crew. Add in Karen, Janice, Coco, and Regina, and the mini side of the farm is always buzzing. Between the mini cows, mini goats, and mini horses, there is never a dull moment.

Off Property Animals and Final Count

Some of our horses live off property, including VS Code Red, Denver, Penelope, Wheezy, Blondie, and Ariel. Even though they are not physically here, they are still a big part of our program.

Finally, we counted the dogs. Winnie, my four year old English Bulldog, and Kimmy, my six year old miniature Dachshund, brought us to the final total.

When everything was counted and double checked, the grand total for this year came to 176 animals. It is a big number, but it represents years of hard work, careful planning, and a whole lot of love. Let me know who your favorite animal is, and stay tuned, because if history tells us anything, next year's count will probably be even higher.