tiny town of Vanzant. " But before leaving the Land of Lincoln, Sara visited a reindeer farm and became enchanted with the unique animals. " That's where the five-year journey started because reindeer are extremely hard to get, " Sara adds. " You can't just go to the sale barn and pick one up. " With an estimated total of fewer than 500 animals in the Lower 48 states, reindeer rearing is a rare science and art. The family relies on breeders and fellow members of the Reindeer Farmers Association as mentors. The more research the Prescotts did, the more they were drawn into the enchanting world of reindeer. " It's almost like having another big dog, they're so friendly, " Sara notes as her kids feed a mini herd of five Right: Madison feeds two young reindeer their daily meal. Both male and female reindeer begin growing antlers at two months. To the Prescott family, the reindeer are similar to having a few extra dogs on the farm, as they are so friendly. During the humid Missouri summer, they set up fans and pools to keep the herd cool. DECEMBER 2023 | RURALMISSOURI.COOP 17http://www.RURALMISSOURI.COOP