a close up of a plant with small leaves

Our Story

We were born into the homestead life—raising horses, mules, donkeys (Miniature & Mammoth) , pigs, chickens, rabbits, cattle, sheep, milking goats, turkeys, poultry, waterfowl, guinea fowl, alpacas, ostriches, and more. Family has always been at the center of everything we do, and growing our own food was simply a way of life. We raised animals for meat, tended gardens full of vegetables and fruits, planted trees, and focused on nourishing ourselves and those around us.

The heart of our homestead is family. My husband Tony and I, "Donna," lead the homestead alongside Great Grandma "G.G," whose wisdom anchors generations. Grandpa Joe, who is happiest on the tractor. Our children—Sierra, who lives and works on the homestead; Dakota, our oldest son who is serving in the U.S. Army but still calls the homestead home; and Grady, our youngest son born in 2016 with special needs—are all part of our daily life and mission. We are also deeply grateful for our extended family. Adriana lives and works alongside us on the homestead, contributing ideas, resources, and support that help the homestead grow and thrive. Robert, also part of our extended family, contributes his time and support, helping make the homestead a place of inclusion, growth, and belonging.

The birth of our youngest son Grady changed our lives in ways we never could have imagined and gave the homestead a deeper purpose. Homestead life became about more than providing food—it became about adapting, persevering, and growing together as a family.

There were times we questioned whether we could continue. The animals required constant care, and raising a child with complex medical needs brought challenges we were unprepared for. Yet this was the only life we knew, and instead of stepping away, we chose to adapt.

From the time Grady was a newborn, he showed a love for the outdoors and a natural connection with the animals. Farm life helped him develop and thrive. We included him in our daily activities, adapting everything we did—even while managing continuous feeds through a feeding tube and pump. Our belief was simple: no one gets left behind.

Doctors once told us he would likely never speak, crawl, walk, or care for himself. Today, they are amazed by his progress. The homestead became more than a home—it became a healing environment for Grady and a grounding place for our entire family.

Now, we want to share this way of life with others. While our journey began with supporting special-needs families, our vision has grown to include all families who want to experience a healthier way of living—through real food, meaningful work, connection to nature, and simple joy. We continue to develop our 25-acre ranch, farm, and homestead to be more handicap-friendly and welcoming, creating a space that provides nourishment, learning, and enjoyment for family, friends, and the wider community.

Our Family

Our family—three generations plus the extended loved ones who stand with us—is at the heart of Torres Ranch, working, learning, and growing together on the homestead.

Our Animals

Our homestead is a peaceful, working farm where guests are invited to take their time, meet select animals, explore the land, and enjoy the simple charm of life on the farm.

"A Few of Our Animals"

Jenny Button the Mammoth Donkey

Abu the Dromedary Camel Loves his cookies

These are just a few of the animals that help our son with special needs and our whole family learn responsibility, patience, and the simple joys of ranch life.

Lucy the Ostrich walking with her chicks

Henrietta the Buff Orpington Hen in the chicken house

Jethro the Miniature Donkey Jack

Rossi the Appaloosa Mule with a spotted coat

Guacamole the Suri Alpaca with long wavy fleece

Sequoia, an AQHA horse & Colt Having breakfast

Hazel the Kunekune Pig feeding her piglets

Carnation the Red Baldy Cow in the pasture with her calf

Katahdin cross hair Sheep grazing at the ranch

Trixie the Nigerian Dwarf Goat with her kid

Our Gardens

a bunch of pomegranates hanging from a tree
a bunch of pomegranates hanging from a tree
yellow citrus fruit on tree
yellow citrus fruit on tree
Three ripe oranges hang from a leafy branch.
Three ripe oranges hang from a leafy branch.
a tree filled with lots of oranges under a blue sky
a tree filled with lots of oranges under a blue sky
an orange growing on a tree with leaves
an orange growing on a tree with leaves
red-and-orange peach
red-and-orange peach
green and red tomato fruit
green and red tomato fruit
a couple of pumpkins that are in the grass
a couple of pumpkins that are in the grass
a plate of food
a plate of food
a snail on a plant
a snail on a plant
a green pepper on a plant
a green pepper on a plant
green leaves plant during daytime
green leaves plant during daytime
white flower with green leaves
white flower with green leaves
a close up of a bunch of purple flowers
a close up of a bunch of purple flowers
a group of mushrooms in a nest
a group of mushrooms in a nest
a close up of a garlic plant growing in a garden
a close up of a garlic plant growing in a garden
berries on plant
berries on plant
a strawberry growing on a plant
a strawberry growing on a plant
green corn plant
green corn plant
green leaf plant in close up photography
green leaf plant in close up photography

At Torres Ranch, our gardens are full of seasonal goodness. You’ll find citrus trees (lemon, tangerine, orange, and grapefruit), pomegranates, pumpkins, watermelon patches, rows of tomatoes, peppers, squash, carrots, onions, garlic, corn, cabbage, lettuces, berries, apricots, and avocados, plus fragrant herbs like mint, rosemary, and lavender—all grown with care on our homestead. As our gardens continue to grow, we’ll be adding even more varieties to enjoy throughout the seasons.

a watermelon on a rock
a watermelon on a rock

These photos show just a few of the fruits, vegetables, and herbs we’re growing on the homestead—our gardens are always a work in progress.