DAWSON, Ill. (WAND) - What started as a joke for a retired state police officer has turned into a family business that has one unique feature: the animals they raise.
WAND's Sean Streaty takes you to the Pandarosa Ranch for a closer look around the 217.
Just off I-72 West toward Springfield is the Pandarosa Ranch, the brainchild of Travis Heck and his wife, Danielle.
Travis Heck explains, "We’ve tailored this ranch to create really cute, hairy, differently colored calves for hobby enthusiasts or people with small acreages who want to start their own program or perhaps get a cute calf as a pet."
Travis showed cattle as a teenager but did not realize until later how they would return to his life in another form. “When I graduated college, I said I would never touch a cow again. I was tired of dealing with them. I started a career with the State Police, and about 11 years ago, I set out to raise a cute little calf as a joke. I showed it at a beef expo and set up a display for fun to actually win a bet.”
Danielle, who has years of experience as a teacher and raising three boys, says, “Between the kids and the farm growing, it just made more sense for me to work full-time here.”
These calves, referred to as Panlanders, come in micro miniature, miniature, and mid-size varieties. "This is a little Panhandler heifer," Travis explains. "It’s a breed we trademarked. It’s a high percent Highland crossed with our Panda traits, which give it the distinct coloring and long hair."
As for the name, Travis shares, "We made it up from the Panda coloring, which features a white face and a belt, crossed with a Scottish Highlander. We just called it Panlander."
The process involves breeding, embryo flushing, and selecting for genetic traits. "You can own one yourself," Travis adds. "We can make that happen on November first," which is when a live auction will be held at the ranch.
Celebrities like Randy Travis have purchased Panlanders.
Looking ahead, Danielle mentions, "We just opened our first Airbnb, located just down the road, tucked away behind trees and featuring trails. We have another one we hope to open in a few months called Western Ranch because we bought another farm."
And of course, you'll have company to pet around the ranch.
You can rent the Airbnb online or reach the ranch at PandarosaMiniatureRanch.com.
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