Welcome to the Shonyo Farm website. We are located in Elk River, Minnesota. When Terry and I decided to raise livestock we wanted to start out with animals that were bred specifically for meat production. In addition to being full bodied and well muscled we required other characteristics: easy birthing, good mothering instincts, robust health. After researching a variety of breeds we decided on Myotonic (fainting) goats, more specifically, Tennessee Meat Goats™ (the Onion Creek line of Myotonics).

We like the idea of raising rare breed livestock and helping conserve these valuable genetics by promoting their value in mainstream breeding programs. The Myotonic goats are listed on the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy priority list. Spanish goats are also listed and in need of conservation. In 2008 we decided to add some purebred Spanish goats to aid in repopulation and distribution of this important breed (and because of they share the great birthing, mothering and robust health traits of the myotonics). 

In 2009 we added San Clemente Island goats to our breeding program. These goats are listed as critically endangered. We will have kids available to breeders serious about saving this rare breed.

We will be raising fullblood TMGs, purebred Spanish and crosses with Boer and Nubian goats. Our goal is to produce a goat that does well in our Minnesota climate and in an intensive farm situation. We want a goat that will kid easily, and grow well on pasture in the summer months. Since Minnesota winters require that we feed hay, etc. from about mid December to Mid April our goats also have to be able to maintain their condition and grow kids during the winter months with a minimum of inputs. In addition to the physical demands we must have a goat that is easy to handle and does not get stressed being in close quarters.

Biosecurity is a big concern and we have decided to forgo showing or exhibitions and keep our goats on the farm. We pre-test any purchased goats (or their parents) for Johnes and CAE and do annual herd testing for these diseases. We also do an annual whole herd test for TB. We do this testing to give our customers some assurance that they are buying disease free goats and to minimize the testing that might be required for an out of state purchase.  

We welcome visitors (with an appointment) and love to talk goats so don't hesitate to call.

Shonyo Farm
Terry & Lynne Shonyo
16393 County Road 83
Elk River, MN 55330

763-263-7931

shonyofarm@yahoo.com