Pigs, alpacas, goats—oh my! These unique animals all live on the Renwick farm, owned by students Koen Renwick (‘27) and Jack Renwick (‘26). The family has maintained their ranch in Pleasanton, California, for four years, continuing to expand their home and animal care efforts.
Before moving, the Renwicks kept chickens and managed a mini farm. Over time, they expanded their land and introduced more animals.
“In 2020, we moved into a new house where we got all of our sheep, goats, and alpacas. Before, we had chickens, but we didn’t have any goats, sheep, or alpacas,” said Jack Renwick.
The Work Behind Running a Farm
Caring for so many animals requires a lot of effort. The Renwicks work together to maintain their farm and care for about forty animals.
“Everyone helps out at the farm because they all have specific jobs,” said Koen Renwick.
Each species has different dietary needs, meaning they require specific food types. Feeding the animals properly is an important part of farm life.
Feeding the Animals
Different animals eat different foods based on their digestive systems. It’s important to ensure that each species gets the right nutrients.
“The pigs eat a grain that’s full of different types of grains and ground-up vegetables. They eat that because they can eat anything because of their teeth. Goats and sheep eat alfalfa and hay because it is just better for them. They eat that because sheep can’t chew that well, but goats can eat anything, so they just eat what the sheep eat,” said Koen Renwick.
The Joys of Farm Life
Owning a farm requires dedication, but it also comes with many rewards. While feeding the animals is a daily responsibility, the Renwicks enjoy the routine.
“It’s fun to feed all the animals and have them. Usually, every day we go out in the morning and feed the animals and at night. They eat twice a day,” shared Jack Renwick.
From early morning feedings to caring for a wide range of animals, the Renwick family continues to embrace the challenges and joys of farm life.
