Our Story · Sterling, Illinois
About Happy Little Hooves Farm
A little farm with a whole lot of goats, personality, and heart!
Welcome to Happy Little Hooves Farm LLC! We’re Shawn and Abby Sweeney, and what started as a little dream in 2018 has turned into a life filled with goats, laughter, hard work, and more unforgettable experiences than we ever imagined.
Our journey began with one calf and two pygmy goats. Little did we know those first two goats would change our lives!
Today, our three-acre farm in Sterling, Illinois, is home to more than 75 goats, along with our Shetland sheep and a few friendly chickens. Every animal has its own personality, its own story, and a special place in our lives.
And trust us, with this many goats, there’s never a dull moment!
Life at Happy Little Hooves Farm
More Than Just a Farm
Our goats aren’t just animals standing around waiting for their next meal (although some would certainly disagree!).
They’re intelligent, curious, affectionate, mischievous, and sometimes downright ridiculous!
We spend countless hours caring for them, getting to know their personalities, and making sure they have everything they need to thrive.
Some follow us everywhere. Others demand attention. A few seem convinced they’re the ones running the farm!
But that’s what makes life here so special.
We genuinely love these animals, and we love sharing them with other people.
Close to Our Hearts
Our Special-Needs Goats Hold a Special Place in Our Hearts
Some of the most extraordinary animals on our farm are the ones who need a little extra help.
Over the years, we’ve cared for goats facing physical disabilities, neurological challenges, and other complicated medical conditions.
Some require specialized housing, extra feedings, mobility assistance, or daily hands-on care.
Their lives may look a little different, but that doesn’t make them any less deserving of a good life.
We work hard to give these animals the individual attention, comfort, and care they need.
And in return, they’ve taught us more about patience, determination, and the human-animal bond than we ever expected.
They may need a little extra care, but the love they give back is immeasurable.
Read Reba’s StoryRare-Breed Conservation
Preserving Critically Endangered Goats for Future Generations
One of our greatest passions at Happy Little Hooves Farm is helping preserve two critically endangered heritage goat breeds: the Arapawa goat and the San Clemente Island goat.
These remarkable animals represent living pieces of agricultural history, and their survival depends on people willing to dedicate themselves to responsible conservation breeding.
For us, that means carefully planning our breeding programs, maintaining healthy animals, protecting genetic diversity, and helping establish future generations of these rare breeds.
Every healthy kid born is something worth celebrating. It’s not just another baby goat. It’s another life added to a breed that desperately needs a secure future.
But conservation doesn’t stop at the barn door!
We believe introducing people to these goats, sharing their stories, and explaining why their preservation matters are just as important as the breeding itself.
Because you can’t expect people to care about saving a breed they’ve never heard of!
Our Mission Goes Beyond Goat Care
Everything we do at Happy Little Hooves Farm comes back to three things: caring for our animals, preserving rare breeds, and sharing the happiness our goats bring into our lives.
Responsible Animal Stewardship
Our animals depend on us every single day. We provide individualized care, proper nutrition, healthcare, and a safe environment for our entire herd, including our special-needs goats.
For us, responsible stewardship is a commitment, not just a responsibility.
Rare-Breed Conservation & Education
We’re dedicated to preserving critically endangered Arapawa and San Clemente Island goats through thoughtful breeding, careful management, and public education.
By introducing people to these extraordinary animals, we hope to inspire greater appreciation for heritage livestock conservation.
Bringing Happiness to Our Community
There’s something special about watching someone meet a friendly goat for the first time!
Through farm tours, Baby Goat Snuggling, mobile petting zoos, Goat-A-Grams, and community events, we bring people and animals together for laughter, learning, and unforgettable memories.
One Happy Hoof at a Time!
Happy Little Hooves Farm isn’t a giant commercial operation. It’s a small, family-run farm built on countless hours of hard work, dedication, and a genuine love for the animals in our care.
We get dirty. We work long days. We occasionally question who’s actually in charge around here. (We’re pretty sure it’s the goats!)
But we wouldn’t trade this life for anything.
Whether you’re visiting our farm, inviting our goats to your next event, or simply following along with our daily adventures, we’re grateful you’re part of our story.
Thank you for supporting our farm, our animals, and our commitment to preserving critically endangered goats for future generations.
We look forward to sharing our little corner of the goat world with you!
Shawn & Abby Sweeney
Happy Little Hooves Farm LLC
Sterling, Illinois
Preserving rare breeds, sharing happiness, and making memories—one happy hoof at a time!
Our Farm in the Local Media
We’re grateful to KWQC TV6 and WQAD News 8 for helping us share our critically endangered goats and conservation work with the community!
“Goats Make You Broke”
Local couple says saving endangered goats is happy, hard work.
KWQC TV6
Read the StoryHow a Sterling Farm Is Raising Critically Endangered Goats
Learn about our Arapawa goats and our conservation efforts.
WQAD News 8
Watch the VideoSterling, Illinois Farm Raising Critically Endangered Goats
See how Happy Little Hooves Farm helps preserve rare heritage goats.
WQAD News 8
Watch the VideoCome Meet the Herd!
Want to meet some of the friendliest, most entertaining goats around?
Visit Happy Little Hooves Farm in Sterling, Illinois, and experience our goats’ personalities firsthand! Learn about our critically endangered breeds, hear their stories, and discover why we love sharing our farm with visitors.
Planning a birthday party, festival, school visit, or community event? We can bring the goats to you!
We look forward to making some wonderful memories with you!
Book a Farm Tour Mobile Petting Zoo & Events