Some farms breed cattle, this one breeds connection. This week Lori sits down with Lou Ann and Mike Kramer of Remark-Able Ranch in Greenfield, Indiana, a 501c3 nonprofit using Highland cattle to bring joy, healing, and confidence to people of all abilities. What started with a trip to Scotland and a love for "the pretty ones" became a mission built around the Kramers' daughter Brianna, whose bond with their first bottle-fed steer changed everything.

This episode covers agritourism insurance realities, why petting zoos require more than one of each species, and the kind of moments that happen when a so-called "murder cow" finally finds the right person.

Key Takeaways

Agritourism insurance is highly specific by state and activity — read every line before assuming you're covered.

Highland cattle bond with individual humans, not just with people in general. Steers make exceptional companions and babysitters for calves and herd mates.

A 501c3 nonprofit status takes real groundwork, including signage, accessibility, and insurance compliance.

Highland cattle have a uniquely calming, therapeutic effect that translates well to special needs and mental health programs.

Episode Highlights

Lou Ann shares how a trip to Scotland and a backwards spelling of their last name led to Remark-Able Ranch.

The story of Augie, the bottle-fed steer who became the herd's unofficial babysitter and Brianna's best friend.

A wild, "feral" bull named Emilio Estevez who only ever bonded with one woman, completely unprompted.

The realities of insurance, accessibility, and what actually goes wrong when you open a farm to the public for the first time.

Timestamps

00:01 — Welcome & introduction to Remark-Able Ranch
01:46 — How Lou Ann, Mike and Brianna got started
04:33 — Brianna's story and why this mission matters
06:40 — A trip to Scotland and "can we get the pretty ones?"
14:08 — Cowgirl Confidence and the Highland community
21:45 — Becoming a 501c3 nonprofit
26:15 — Agritourism insurance: what people don't expect
29:25 — Petting zoos, transferability and including everyone
40:55 — Augie the steer and the bond between bulls and babysitters
41:17 — Emilio Estevez: the feral bull who picked his person
47:57 — Calving schedules and managing fly strike

Learn more or book a visit at remarkableranch.net

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Production Credit: Edited and produced by @the32collective_ / https://www.the32collective.co/