Tranquil Morning Farm

Our farm began as the 4H project of my oldest two sons back in 1998.  It had been my dream since my own childhood to own a farm, so it quickly grew into a family affair.  After moving to our present home in 2004, our farm has grown tremendously.  We now have 4 children in 4H, and two future 4Hers (one who has already begun her livestock showing career at age 3).  Our farm is a true working farm, and much of our time is spent caring for the animals, processing fiber and creating fiber products, and attending local farmer's markets to sell our fiber and products.  We hope to see our farm continue to grow and prosper in the future.

The Engebretson family has been farming since their beginnings in Norway.  Erick Engebretson came to America, settling in Minnesota in the late 1800s.  He began first as a farm laborer.  His son, Oliver, relocated to Montana, where he established the Engebretson family farm.  Here the family raised grains and beef cattle.  The family farm continues to run today by Oliver's descendents.

Mark spent much of  his childhood summers helping out on his grandfather's farm and developed a love for rural living.  I grew up surrounding myself with animals and always knew that one day I'd have my own farm.  I spent some time as a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, but now I need to focus on my own animals.  I started my farm in 1998 with a large herd of rabbits, some chickens and a couple of sheep.  In 2004, I met Mark and we have developed a true working fiber farm together.

The Engebretson family has dispersed to various parts of the country.  Mark and I (Kristen) established our farm here in Connecticut in 2004.  and a few  We have continued the family tradition in farming with our flock of sheep and goats.  We have a couple of alpacas joining our farm family this spring, as we expand our fiber producing livestock.

Our family is very involved in Tolland County 4H and the Tranquil Menagerie 4H club.  I am a co-leader with Liz of the Henson Menagerie.  4 of our children are active 4Hers, and the two littlest ones are following on the heals of their older siblings and have taken quite an interest in animals.