Mini Donkey Farm

Mini Donkey Farm AG WORLD Ag World 10-2-20 Tiny 36-in. high miniature Sicilian donkeys made their debut at a recent farm show in Washington state. They were exhibited by Toby and Becky Pierce, Junction City, Ore., who own the largest herd of the tiny donkeys in North America. According to legend, Jesus rode one of the mini donkeys in Biblical times and thus the donkey sports a dark brown narrow cross that runs down the middle of his back and crosses at the shoulders. The Pierce farm has a herd of 60 jennies and 3 jacks. Jacks sell for $1,000 and jennies for $1,500. They must be under 36 in. in height at maturity to be registered. They live 30 to 40 years. The animal was originally developed, legend says, to work underground in mines. "They're naturally domesticated and will crawl right up into your lap. Some hikers like them because they can pack 100 lbs. or more on the trail," says Jack Stutz a Pierce farm employee. Donkeys are weaned at 2 to 4 months and shipped two weeks later so buyers can enjoy them while they're young. They live easily on small amounts of hay or grain. They can no longer be imported from the Mediterranean and there are less than 1,000 in the U.S., according to Stutz. For more information, contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Pierce Miniature Donkey Farm, 26250 High Pass Rd., Junction City, Ore. 97448 (ph 503 998-3521).

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