Well, we are open from 12 noon to 6 pm EVERY Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from June through October.  We are not open to the public during the week, because there are only 3 of us to run the Ranch and we have fulltime jobs outside of the Ranch.  However, you can bring your group for a Ranch visit, by appointment.  Just call 937-339-9731 to work out the details.  We have had hundreds of groups to the Ranch- see the video page for examples.

Well, yes, new this year is a dollar off each group members admission fee, and we also give you a discount in that your group gets the food to feed the animals for free.  So the reduced group tour admission price is $9 adults (13 and older) and  $6 children (3-12 yrs old)- as always 2 and under is free!

And we will be sad too!  Really!  

Can you possibly make it on a Friday?  This is new- The Ranch is now open on Fridays during the Summer.  If not then read on.....

There is always a chance that we will be open for a group contracted tour that week- so if you don't mind, we can let you come in at the same time the group is here- but you have to call and confirm, so to be here at the correct date and time.  Otherwise, we cannot accept walk-ins during the week.  We don't want to disappoint those little Ranch Hands!

Ahhh-- you are asking for the "Ranch Story" - you can listen to it over your car radio (99.5 FM) when you arrive- or you can read the text here.

Well, uhm, yes-- we do live on site- it would be tough not to be around in case of any emergencies.  Yes we know the house is old- built in late 1800's, but when you have animals you don't spend much time (or effort) on your own living comforts.  We strive to keep the animals our top priority.

What perfect timing to answer your question!!

IHR is proud to announce a full line of gifts and apparel now offered- both in our farm market and on-line.   Don't let that little "Ranch Hand" go home without an official IHR Tee-shirt.  Click here for details.

Uhm, well... is this a trick question?,  Actually, I did it myself- in my spare time (usually after dark).  I'd be glad to hear what you think of it, and where I can make improvements.

We estimate about $1000 a month just in grain, we raise and make our own hay, which is donated by my father- to the tune of about 3000 bales a year.  So if you don't see us at the Ranch- perhaps we are two miles down the road baling hay!

Vacations, what 's that??  

You bet, my wife and daughter go on weekend jaunts, usually to research animals, and I go on business trips for the company I work full time for.  So yesm, we take time off-- but never together as a family, someone always has to be within shouting distance of the Ranch- you never know what might need attention.

Well, in general no, as an individual you can own all the animals and types you want, but the minute you choose to sell, transport, or exhibit them, then you need to be USDA licensed. We are licensed with the USDA who performs our inspections twice a year to make sure we are conforming to all the rules.  We are also insured and have our propagator's permit.  We strive to do it right.

Well....uhmmmmm....your friend has misled you slightly.  Yes , you can feed all our animals- but the USDA requires us to be able to know the source of our feed at all times- in case there is ever a problem and somebody gets sick.  We must be able to control and monitor all our animals intakes- so with that said, we cannot allow feed from outside sources on the Ranch.  The feed we buy and in turn sell to our visitors has all been checked and approved for the animals ahead of time.  Thanks for understanding.

Boy, I wish it was that easy, we hear this almost daily when we are open.  I always tell folks, it is best to try to helps us out first, do some volunteer work, then when the day comes when we can afford to hire "Ranch Hands" you will be our first choice.  That day is getting  a lot closer.

Just like anyone else would- it is all in who you know in this world, and when opportunity knocks on your door, you'd better be home.  Sam came from a private zoo in North Carolina, as a baby we brought him to the Ranch, and he will live his entire life here (talk about a commitment).  He has a heated barn and never gets below 50 degrees.  Can you spell propane?  He was born in 2001, and we have had him since he was one year old- we celebrate his birthday with a Summer Festival every year on the first weekend of August.

Boy, that's kind of a loaded question.. But usually folks stay about two hours- they usually go through and see everything once, then go back to their favorite animals- usually buy some food for them and have fun feeding them.  They usually take plenty of pictures, most end up near the bunny pen, where the toddlers go in and hold the bunnies and the parents sit and relax in the shade and share their experiences at the Ranch.  I usually advise parents to avoid the bunny pen on the way in, otherwise the smaller children may not want to see any other animals after they get in with the bunnies. 

Very true statement- even the USDA asked us that-- But they were very impressed with our answer.  You see we like the idea of a "buffer zone"  between certain areas- Peshewa (the cougar) likes to be able to lurk from in behind the tall grass and peer through it- makes for a more natural environment.  And the areas by the kangaroo lot that are unmowed are full of wild rabbits that have made this their home to raise their little bunnies- they are safe there- Also the grass makes a perfect buffer for them from any road noise.  So yes, we know it looks bad at first, but if you look closely, you'll see we actually trim and mow portions, and the overgrowth is intentional.  We strive to keep the animals well-being as top priority.

 Yes..

Actually this happens now and then because sometimes they get "handed out" of the bunny pen, and dropped.  It is not a big issue, we feed them, they are in no immediate danger, all the fencing around the Ranch actually keeps their predators out.  We set out live catch traps to get them back.   Heck, even the wild bunnies make their way into our confines.  I think they feel protected here and there is good eating to boot!

Well- there's a neat story behind this.  It's commercial-free 40's music.  My wife, Michelle's, four Uncles are all in their 90's and were WWII veterans.  We had a family re-union three years ago, and for them we played the 40's music from the satellite system.  It just caught on, and we think of them every time we play it as a tribute to them.  Thanks for asking..

Absolutely!  Mastercard and Visa are welcomed..