About
Mammut Mountain Yak Farm
Our farm is home to four yaks, Haggis, Kelpie, Thistle and Sweetie. We started small in order to focus on developing strong bonds with our animals. We are training the yaks for collecting fiber, packing, riding and milking. We plan for the farm to grow naturally and slowly. Our goal is to share about the versatility of yaks in Alaska, as well as work on sustainable husbandry practices to ensure the health and well-being of our animals while utilizing all the products they offer.
Meet Our Yaks
Haggis, a 5-year-old bull and Kelpie, a 4-year-old heifer are our first two yaks that were the start of our farm! Both have pleasant, curious, and social personalities. Haggis has curly locks that he loves to have scratched. Kelpie more tentatively likes to nibble leaves and hay from our hands and throw her sassy attitude around. Sweetie, a 5-year-old heifer and Thistle, a 1-year-old heifer are the newest additions to our farm. Sweetie is passive, gentle, and loving. She came to us fully halter and saddle trained, the model for teaching our other yaks. Thistle is playful, inquisitive, and feisty. She is Kelpie's younger sister and is a beautiful golden color.
Our dream of starting a small farm of high latitude adapted animals took root when this herd arrived from Kenny Lake, Alaska in July 2022 and grew in July 2024. The work to prepare for them was only the beginning and we continue to grow and adapt. They have proven to be fantastic fuzzy friends that thrive in all seasons.
Yak color variants common to the US are Black (black with gray nose - like Haggis), Imperial (all black - like Sweetie), Trim (black with white on forehead or ankles - like Kelpie), Royal (black and white piebald), Golden (reddish/golden brown - like Thistle), Gray, and White
About the Owner
My name is Brooks Lawler, I was born in Big Lake, Alaska though my family is from the mountains of Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic, US. I had the privilege of growing up both places and enjoying what each region had to offer. Starting a farm in Alaska was largely a nod to my family in Virginia who have continued to maintain a small mountain farm since the early 1700s.
In my early life I spent a lot of time playing competive sports which took me to a variety of places. I always maintained an appreciation of the Alaskan wilderness and dream of living in a remote small cabin
After getting a Master's Degree in Alaskan archaeology and doing fieldwork around the state, I settled into a job that allowed me to do archaeology but be home every night to care for animals. This feels like the winning combination.
My partner, Chase, runs Tukaway Sled Dog Kennel and together we continue to work on endless projects, train our animals, and have adventures!
Farming Goals
The goal of our farm is to incorporate high latitude adapted animal husbandry practices into our off-grid lifestyle and share information about how this can be accomplished effectively by having the right animals for the environment rather than changing the environment for the animal. Our focus is on:
Training,
Yak Products,
and Education.
Haggis and Kelpie are a breeding pair, so we hope to eventually raise our own calves as well.
Photo Gallery
