About
Hi! I’m Jennifer Myka, founder of Free Radical Ranch!
ABOUT FREE RADICAL RANCH!
Free Radical Ranch is a charming 54-acre farm nestled in the rolling hills of Morning View, KY. Just minutes off of I-75 in southern Kenton County in northern Kentucky, our farm is home to a lively and diverse family of friendly animals. From Alpacas and Llamas to Sheep, Goats, Pigs, Cattle, Donkeys, Horses, Chickens, Ducks, & Peacocks, we’ve got it all! We’re passionate about raising our animals humanely, with lots of love and care, to produce the highest quality Grassfed Beef & Lamb & nonGMO Pork.
At Free Radical Ranch, we take pride in raising registered Katahdin hair sheep breeding stock to ensure the best genetics and highest quality lambs. But that’s not all! We also offer unique and one-of-a-kind Fiber/Fabric Gifts & Art, featuring top-quality Suri & Huacaya Alpaca, Teeswater Wool, and Mohair Fleece & Fiber for purchase.
Our team has a diverse background in Farming, Biology, Genetics, Art & Education and we love sharing our knowledge with others. With our focus on science education, homesteading, and community building, there are countless ways to engage and connect with the natural world at Free Radical Ranch! We welcome you to join our community of like-minded individuals who share our passion for sustainable agriculture and animal welfare.
No matter what kind of experience you’re looking for – whether it’s a farm stay, a tour, a workshop, science support for your youngsters, or consulting services – we offer a wide variety of ways to engage with our animals and the land. Come and explore the many unique experiences that Free Radical Ranch has to offer! Let us inspire and empower you to live a more sustainable and fulfilling life! We can’t wait to meet you!
From Horses to Farms: Jennifer’s Journey to Free Radical Ranch
It all began back in 1997 when I first landed in Owensboro, KY. Starting with horses, it wasn’t long before I was raising chickens and selling their eggs. That wasn’t all – I even designed and sold my own earrings!
Fast forward to today and I’m still at it! Now in northern Kentucky, I’ve expanded my horizons (and my animal species) by adding alpacas, llamas, goats, sheep, cattle, pigs, ducks, peacocks, donkeys, and rabbits to the mix.
Now, I’m proud to say that I’ve managed to establish not just one, but 6 farms, each more sustainable and environmentally friendly than the last.
Gladys was almost 700lbs in this picture! We were buddies for sure!
My Journey from Animal Lover to Sustainable Farmer
Growing up, I never imagined I would end up raising animals for food. As a lifelong animal lover, my passion for these creatures started early on when my family welcomed our first dog, Lady, into our home. But as I learned more about the inhumane conditions that so many commercial animals are forced to endure, I knew I had to make a difference. That’s why I’m so excited to share with you how I’m working to provide a better life and end-of-life experience for the animals I raise and rescue. By raising awareness and sharing my experiences, I hope to inspire others to make a difference, even if they don’t raise their own food animals.
Combining My Love for Science and Animals
My love for animals inspired me to pursue a career in biology education, and led me to earn my PhD from the University of Kentucky in Lexington (the beautiful horses in the Bluegrass didn’t hurt either!) As a true science nerd, I remember investigating the intricate vein patterns on a maple leaf in the middle of a fun family visit. What a dork! But true to my inner scientist for sure. Throughout my 27 years of teaching college biology, I’ve had the pleasure of helping K-12 teachers through professional development and mentoring thousands of undergraduates while creating and teaching over 30+ courses plus associated laboratories (in-person, hybrid, online). I’ve become a seasoned speaker who has presented at 40+ conferences. I’ve also had the opportunity to work with K-12 students through outreach events and even earned my Kentucky teaching certificate. Sharing my passion and enthusiasm for science is what drives me, whether I’m inspiring little kids to seasoned adults!
Me and my brother Dave at Eighteen Mile Creek. I am definitely excited about this maple leaf!
Sharing the Joy of Sustainable Farming and Agritourism
Seeing the joy and amazement in people’s faces as they interact with the animals on the farm and learn about sustainable farming methods has been truly inspiring. It all started when I joined the Kenton County Fall Harvest Tour and was thrilled to be recognized as the “most educational stop on the tour” by many visitors. Since then, I have founded and organized events for up to 1,000 people. I began offering informal farm tours where I introduced guests to my beloved animals and shared my passion for sustainable and environmentally conscious farming practices.
(You can see some of the fun below – there are hundreds of informational signs on the fencing all around the farm!)
It’s amazing to see the connections people make with my animals and the delight on their faces when they witness unexpected animal behavior. I decided to take it a step further and added farm stays at three locations, so others can experience the tranquility and beauty of the farm while interacting with the animals. To make it even more convenient, I added an on-farm store where visitors can purchase grass-fed beef and lamb, non-GMO pork, and a variety of fiber products and gift items. I’ve advised others on how to create their own agritourism opportunities and share their farms through short-term rentals.
How Free Radical Ranch Can Help You Achieve Your Goals
I’ve been working to marry science and education with the intuitive communication and inspiration we can all experience with the animals that sustain us.
Do you want to create your family’s own homestead? Are you looking for ways to engage your kids in science effortlessly? Do you dream of translating the amazing resources you have on your own farm to share them with a greater audience through agritourism or farm stays? Let me help you through Free Radical Ranch Consulting!
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Our Vision:
“Creating a world where animals thrive, one connection at a time! Sharing each animal’s unique gifts by highlighting their inherent art and nature. Improving animal welfare while enhancing our own well-being as humans and becoming better global citizens. Together, we can elevate the way we care for and appreciate the beauty of the animals that sustain us, ultimately leading to healthier and happier lives for all.”
Our Mission:
“Inspiring people and nurturing connections with animals, leading to a healthier, happier world.”
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Address
15299 Parkers Grove Road
Morning View, Kentucky 41063
Text
859) 462-2344