Lucky Eleven Farm was established in 1994 by us, Ron and Doris Williams, when we purchased 11 unimproved acres just East of Highway 109 and 10 miles north of Interstate 40, 25 miles from downtown Nashville, Tennessee.

After a few months and much work, fencing and shelter was ready for the first farm animals, 2 brush goats named Nanny and Billy.  Next came a Great Pyrenees dog named Jack.  As the farm continued to take shape, other animals arrived.  The rest is history!

We're often asked how we got the name for our farm.  Being unable to agree on a name for our new mini farm,  one or the other of us said, "Well, we have eleven acres and we're lucky to have it."  With  ability to read each other's mind, the other  instantly said, "That's it, Lucky Eleven Farm."

Our eleven acres is always home to a garden variety of animals. Unfortunately, many who buy animals as pets don't stop to think that those cute little babies will grow up to be full size adults and they find they can't (or don't want to) keep them. We're often called upon to take these unwanted animals in. We do so when we can and try to find suitable homes for them. This was in large part responsible for our decision to sponsor an annual animal and pet expo. It is our belief that this atmosphere is advantageous to buyers and sellers. There is an opportunity for those interested in animals and pets to talk with the people who know them best, the breeders, and learn about their care and characteristics so they will hopefully not end up with a 10 pound baby who will grow to be a 100 pound adult in their apartment.

This year will mark a change in Lucky Eleven Farm. For the last several years we have operated a petting zoo as well as opening our farm to the public. We enjoyed being able to bring children (of all ages) together with our animals. Unfortunately, many problems have arisen with our opening our farm to the public, not the least of which is zoning ordinances. And, as age advances on us, we find it hard to transport the animals to other locations. We have turned our mobile petting farm over to Judy Rowles and Little Critters Farm Mobile Barnyard.  You can reach Judy at 615-237-3074.

We will be devoting full-time to our passion, the Tennessee  Animal and Pet Expo. We feel that we can make a much larger contribution to the animal and pet industry through this vehicle. This has been so well-received in Tennessee that our plans include bringing this type event to other areas.

The greatest joy in our life is our animals along with our grandchildren, who love animals as much as we do.   Granddaughter, Savannah Rae Phillips, age 5, wants to be an "animal doctor" when she grows up.    Speaking of Savannah , I have to share one of her profound observations regarding our animals:

When the animals misbehave, my punishment to them is to say, "Okay, if you don't behave, I'll take you to the sale" (Of course I never actually do it).  Savannah, who spends as much time with us as her parents will allow, is always underfoot when we're working with the animals.  One day, Pawpaw didn't have a "prize" in his lunch box for her as is customary for him.  She looked up at him and in the most stern voice said, "Okay, Pawpaw, you're going to the sale!"

 

Visit Tennessee Animal & Pet Expo 2003