PRESCOTT FAMILY REINDEER FARM: HOLIDAY EXPERIENCE INTRODUCES GUESTS TO FARM LIFE YEAR ROUND
“We offer families a rare opportunity to experience real reindeer while creating unforgettable holiday memories and new traditions,” shares Sara Prescott. “We are a part of the magic that families can slow down and enjoy together.”
Prescott Family Reindeer Farm is the only on-farm reindeer experience in Missouri. The farm is located near Vanzant in Agri-Ready Designated Douglas County. This family business is operated by Michael and Sara Prescott with support from their children Madison, Emma, and Carter.
“Each season builds on our legacy of stewardship, community, and connection,” Sara says. Guests at Prescott Family Reindeer Farm are invited to experience the magic of farm life and agriculture up-close year-round.
Michael and Sara grew up on farms in Illinois and were active in 4-H and FFA. They both worked agricultural jobs while building a cattle herd and raising their young family. “We had grown our herd from 20 to 250. We leased property in three different locations. It felt like we were never home. We loved all that Missouri had to offer.” Furthermore, Sara wanted to pursue building a bridge between the farm and forks through agritourism.
“When we moved to Missouri in 2019, Michael told me that ‘people are already rural here’, expecting that people would be connected to agriculture,” Sara says with a reminiscent chuckle. “We are building a destination, and the guests are traveling to see it.”
The Prescotts have attracted thousands of guests from as far as seven hours away. They recently added an event barn and now offer farm to fork dinners, school field trips and hands-on education.
Why Reindeer?
“I didn’t want our business to impose on our neighbors, so I researched agritourism in the area. Pumpkin patches and orchards are go-to experiences. I wanted to offer something different. Reindeer are a perfect fit,” Sara says.
“Guests travel to see us, so we make sure it isn’t just a 10-minute visit. Our visitors are also excited to learn about cattle, horses, ponies, llamas, alpacas, bunnies, and chicks. We don’t just have a reindeer in a pen; guests interact with them to see what magical animals they are. We started with two reindeer and now have a herd of 13, showing them in all stages of life. We offer a full Christmas experience on the farm including Santa & Mrs. Claus, crafts, bakery, gifts, games, photo areas. We have so many things for families to do.”
Prescott Family Reindeer Farm opens for this season on November 21st.
The Ultimate Goal
The reindeer may draw visitors to the Prescott Family Farm, but they are a catalyst for a bigger picture.
“We decided to open our farm to the public because there is a real need for people to connect with farmers. There is so much information at our fingertips, but so much of that information is false. If consumers don’t get information directly from us, where will they get it from?” Sara shares. “Farming isn’t just what we do, it is who we are. We love to answer questions and listen to concerns. If we don’t tell our story of agriculture, someone else will. Our consumers drive us to continue inviting more guests to the farm.”
More About the Prescott Family
The Prescotts count on their Reindeer Farmers Association community for mentoring and resources. While Sara manages day-to-day operations on the farm and the family’s agritourism venture, Michael works off farm as a livestock consultant selling feed supplements and minerals. Their farm is home to a beef cattle herd. The Prescotts are members of the Missouri Cattlemen’s affiliate Douglas/Wright County Cattlemen’s Association and Michael serves on the Douglas County Farm Bureau board. The Prescott kids are members of the Country Kids 4-H Club and are active showing beef cattle and hogs.
Missouri Cattlemen’s Association, Missouri Farm Bureau, and Missouri University of Extension 4-H programs are partners of Missouri Farmers Care.
Want to go? Visit the Prescott Family Reindeer Farm Facebook page for hours, ticketing information, and opportunities like breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus, extra reindeer encounters, and other hands-on experiences that can be added onto a general admission. Prescott Family Reindeer Farm opens for this season on November 21st.
Did you Know? Agritourism by the $$$
Nationwide, agritourism revenue grew 33%, from $949 million in 2017 to $1.25 billion in 2022 according to the USDA census data. In 2022, Missouri’s agritourism industry brought in more than $19 million from 803 farms. Agritourism includes farm tours, seasonal activities, venue spaces and other recreational services.
Info: Agri-Ready Designated Douglas County. Agriculture, including food, feed and forestry, contributes $35.6 million in value-added products, nearly 1,200 jobs, and adds $58.9 millionto household incomes in Douglas County according to the 2021 Missouri Economic Contribution of Agriculture and Forestry Study.
What is Agri-Ready County Designation?
gri-Ready County Designation is a voluntary program that recognizes counties committed to supporting and growing their agricultural opportunities. To qualify, a county must agree to support agricultural stewardship, growth, and economic interests. The designation helps counties promote themselves as agricultural hubs, attracting and supporting agribusiness. More information can be found at https://mofarmerscare.com/agri-ready/.
As of November 2026, 82 Missouri counties have become Agri-Ready Designated.
What is Missouri Farmers Care?
Missouri Farmers Care is a joint effort by Missouri’s agriculture community to stand together for the men and women who provide the food and jobs on which our communities depend. The coalition of more than 40 leading Missouri agricultural groups promotes the growth of Missouri agriculture and rural communities through coordinated communication, education and advocacy. https://mofarmerscare.com/
