Backyard Farmyard: Couple’s Dream Business Blooms.

By: Grace Smith – Wise News Network

LAWNDALE, NC (WNN) – Nestled in the rolling countryside of North Carolina lies a unique attraction. Animal lovers flock to Camacho’s Mini Farm Acres to see the distinctive livestock. Upon stepping foot on the grounds, it is apparent that this farm stands out from others in the area.

Located just outside of Fallston, Camacho’s Mini Farm has hosted visitors since Spring, 2023.

A defining feature of Camacho’s Mini Farm is the animal selection. Some of the patron’s favorites include a micro-mini highland calf named Peanut Butter, the one-humped camel named Elmer or the goats who beg passersby for food. 

Visitors have the opportunity to buy buckets of food to feed the animals. Most of the animals are friendly and enjoy a nice pet. Due to the interactive nature and novelty of the farm, it has become a hotspot for visitors.

The farm is owned and operated by Maria and Jorge Camacho. The couple always dreamed of owning a farm and saved money for many years to realize their dreams. However, the Mini Farm is more than just a passion project. It is a tribute to Maria’s grandmother who passed away. 

“She had a farm in Mexico, and when me and my husband bought this land, she told us, “I would love for you guys to one day have a farm for your family.” When we got married, that was our idea as well.” said Maria Camacho. 

Maria and Jorge Camacho originally purchased animals solely for the enjoyment of their family. However, they noticed that people would frequently stop and take pictures of their emus, which are kept in a pasture that is visible from the road. The albino emu is particularly eye-catching.

Upon seeing the interest in their animals, they decided to create a business. Now anyone is welcome to peruse the property and observe the animals. 

“[People] would stop with their children and take pictures. I told my husband, “I would love for us to open it to the public because that way they could enjoy it as much as we do,” said Maria Camacho. 

The Camacho’s Mini Farm opens its doors to individuals, families and large groups. It is a popular field trip destination. Recently the Morganton School for the Deaf visited the farm. The animals are particularly popular among children. 

“I read that animals meet emotional needs for children and also for adults,” said Maria Camacho, “People that are going through depression, anxiety, they come out and I’ve heard them say, “I feel a lot better.” Everybody that leaves our farm has a big smile on their face.”

Jorge and Maria Camacho frequently receive praise regarding the health of their animals. As they showed the WNN team around the grounds the couple picked up any stray trash. The animals are properly cared for and exude excitement upon seeing the couple. 

Operating the farm is a lot of hard work. Jorge Camacho builds many of the animals’ pastures by hand. He even dug a man-made pond for their ducks to splash around in. Additionally, he is working on clearing 23 acres of land for a proposed camping site. 

“I’m cleaning some land to make a camping ground our way. So people have more things to do here.” said Jorge Camacho.

He intends to build fire pits and install grills around the site. There is a creek that flows across the 23 acres and the area is lush with greenery in the warmer months. Maria and Jorge Camacho have several ideas for the farm, but they are taking it a day at a time. 

Currently, they focus on providing the community with family-friendly fun all year round. Maria Camacho said they waive admissions fees in the wintertime. All the patrons have to buy is buckets of feed for the animals. 

During the slower months, this initiative encourages visitors to enjoy discounted rates amidst reduced crowds. The animals love having visitors and become visibly excited when people walk by their pastures.

“It’s a win-win for both of us. They help us feed our animals by buying feed buckets, we get to enjoy [the animals] and the community does as well.” said Maria Camacho.

Another fun wintertime special Camacho’s Mini Farm offers is their Valentine’s Day photoshoot. Patrons can participate in a 30-minute photography session with Peanut Butter the micro-mini highland calf. The photo shoot is $75 and includes 15 edited photos.

Jorge Camacho takes the photos and the couple edits them together.They scheduled the Valentine’s Day special for Saturday, January 27, and Sunday, January 28. Unfortunately, adverse weather will postpone Saturday’s time slots. Sunday’s sessions remain unchanged.

Patrons can contact Maria Camacho to book additional photography sessions at the farm. She said they will most likely host sessions for other Holidays throughout the year as well.

The prices for admission during the regular season are $10 for adults and $7 for children 3 to 12. They also offer a discounted price of $8 for veterans and seniors. The price of food for the animal varies starting at $2, however, a feed bucket is $20. It includes fruits, vegetables and sweet feed. 

Camacho’s Mini Farms is an experience all people can enjoy. As patrons leave with smiles it is clear that this is more than just a farm; it is a well-maintained haven where animals thrive and people find solace in the simple joys of connecting with nature. 

Want to check it out? Visit the Camacho’s Mini Farm Acres at 5103 Fallston Road, Lawndale, NC, USA. Their website is: https://www.camachominifarmacres.com/

Contact Camacho’s Mini Farm Acres via email address: [email protected]

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