In the open fields of Lake County, you'll find a touch of fall and an unparalleled chorus.

Geese squawk, pigs grunt and roosters "Cock a doodle doo" to usher in autumn.

"Everybody always called this Uncle Donald's Farm,” said Donna Morris about the name on her family farm.

For more than 30 years, fall’s arrival in Florida is heralded at Uncle Donald's Farm.

"Talking to all the turkeys!” Donna jokes about the sounds that are ever-present in the air. Here, the animals are loud. Parrots repeat phrases at the welcome center, chickens announce the arrival of fresh eggs and a hog named Wilbur just may be the biggest pig you’ve ever seen. In the distance, a cow “utters” in delight as the hay wagon approaches.

“Just having a good time with all the farm animals,” Donna said of the items on the agenda here.

Visitors to this farm just outside Lady Lake find a pumpkin patch, winding maze made from hay, rabbits with the biggest ears you’ve ever seen, sheep, goats, pigs and a few elusive peacocks roaming the plains. Yet, the real show stopper is the hay ride.

"Everyone loves our hay ride,” Donna believes. “You get to hand feed the cows."

Here, the cows chase down the hay wagon for a handout. The custom made wagon looks like a trailer used to haul livestock. Yet, only the humankind enter the platform on wheels pulled by a tractor.

After a brief tour, the tractor will stop and visitors start ripping up the seats to feed to the cows. No worries, the benches are made from straw and the cows want the tasty treat by the handful.

Animal sounds fill the air here too. Munching from the cows is customary, along with squeals of delight from those under age 10 (and maybe a few parents too).

The 20-minute experience ends with guided animal interactions.

Rabbits are made available for petting, while the color of chicken eggs are discussed (hint: the birds here lay green eggs).

Inside the barn, a baby goat will greet visitors who then can help administer a bottle. The young goats will empty that oversized bottle within seconds.

"The baby goats guzzle it down,” Donna reflects. "They enjoy it."

Meantime, a mature goat will stand still while Donna gives a milking demonstration.

"There is a talent to milking,” she explained.

Just outside the barn on a quiet trail under giant live oaks awaits a look at native Florida animals. Rescued cats like a Florida panther and a Florida bobcat wait to greet visitors. Curious deer also stand ready to be fed by hand. And keep an eye out: a giant emu is watching you.

Uncle Donald’s Farm is open all year. However, the autumn décor and lack of palm trees have a way of tricking you that you’ve been transported to the Midwest. Yet, all too soon, a peek into the alligator habitat reminds you that you’re at home in the Sunshine State.

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