PRYOR, Okla. — Local farms and ranches are usually gearing up for the Tulsa State Fair this time of year, but with the coronavirus pandemic, that's not the case.
READ MORE: 2020 Tulsa State Fair 'canceled' due to COVID-19 pandemic
One of those farms is GraysLland Acres in Pryor. At the farm, you'll be greeted by George the dog and other friendly faces.
“I have a llama that sometimes will give you kisses if she’s in the right mood for it," said Myra Grayson, owner of GraysLland Acres.
Life at the farm has been tough for Myra and Steve Grayson since the pandemic started. As part of Oklahoma Agritourism and Ag in the Classroom, they would typically give two to three tours of the farm a week. Now, it’s maybe once a month.
Myra also makes soaps, lotions and lip balm out of milk from her goats. Her products are usually sold in the “Made in Oklahoma” area at the Tulsa State Fair. Now, the fair is canceled, which is detrimental to her business.
“75 percent of our sales are done through the fair," Myra said. "Not only that, but that’s also where people learn about us so they can come out and visit the farm whether it’s as a family or as a school group.”
The farm's troubles started even before the pandemic began. The goat barn burned down in February. While all of the goats survived, everything inside was a total loss.
“My milk stand, my pump for my milker, all the food, all the medicines, plus about 60 quail that Steve was raising," Myra said.
The Grayson's are in the process of filling up a new barn, but still need some doors and a milk machine. Myra's also hoping to increase sales of her soaps and lotions online.
Meanwhile, they’re spending time with their goats, llamas, chickens and dogs, ready to welcome their next guests.
“For us, it’s just being able to share our love with others," Myra said. "I have kids that when they get ready to leave that say, ‘When I grow up, I want to have a farm just like you.’ And that makes me feel good. And that’s why I’m called the crazy goat lady.”
The farm is located in Pryor. You can find out more about tours and how to buy products here.
Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere --
- Download our free app for Apple, Android and Kindle devices.
- Sign up for daily newsletters emailed to you
- Like us on Facebook
- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Twitter
