FAMILY WORKS: Almosta Ranch – Organic Entrepreneurship

by Madelaine Brauner Landry

For Jill and Bill Bolen, Almosta Ranch, as it exists today, was never really part of a big master plan.

They originally purchased the 39-acre property to grow their own food. However, just as fruits and veggies grow organically, so can businesses. Their five adult children were always happy to visit, but each had their own career, so they did not want “in” on their parents’ new adventure. Almosta Ranch started as a way for two empty nesters to find something to do in retirement.

“We started off selling eggs,” recalls Jill. “And, I had an honesty stand for about a year, where I’d sell my produce. When we gave a farm birthday party for a grandbaby, those in attendance encouraged us to think about doing more on-site parties and offer them to the community. Back then, we also started offering donation-based tours of the farm. Then the staff compensation grew to be more than the donations could cover. We began thinking about ways to break even on this idea; it was never intended to be a money-maker. Soon, we realized we could offer school field trips, trail rides, and mobile petting zoos to cover staff costs.”

As they put “one foot in front of the other,” Jill says she and Bill soon recognized what Almosta Ranch meant to their community. They grew to love being part of that mission, giving families something to do with their children outdoors, away from electronic devices and television.

“Oddly enough, our staff grew to include many older adults with no previous farm experience,” says Jill. “They’re like family now. We had to train them; caring for animals is a full-time commitment. Now many of them are some of our best employees. We love seeing their lives enriched by working with us and the animals.”

A visit to the Bolen’s website gives some insight into how this husband-and-wife team started. The Bolens admit that they’re always learning, always building, which is why the ranch is “almosta” complete, but never quite done. Their primary undertaking has evolved to offer an educational and recreational outlet for the community to visit, learn about the animals, and be empowered to enrich their own livelihood.

“We were blessed to buy this property and are grateful to be able to share it with our community through employment opportunities, education and love towards our animals,” Jill says. We currently raise chickens, ducks, rabbits, tortoises, peafowl, turkeys, cows, mini donkeys, horses, mules and goats. We’re involved in some bigger events like the recent Calcasieu Parish Carnival for Special Needs Children. We also offer horse riding lessons, horse camps, and several party options, including birthday parties with a petting zoo, pond access, or horse-riding. It’s just amazing to see the faces of families when they’re out here.”

For more information, visit almostaranchpettingzoo.com.