Meet Shonda Green of The Green Henhouse

Nestled in Udall, Kansas, Shonda Green’s farm is anything but ordinary. Known as The Green Henhouse, her small but vibrant operation is home to an eclectic and lively mix of donkeys, chickens, pigs, goats, bees, guineas, dogs, cats—and a growing array of garden produce, flowers, and berries. It’s a place where animals, plants, and people are all part of one connected, thriving system.

While Shonda doesn’t describe herself as a “farm person” by background, she has always loved animals. That love grew into something more intentional as she began building a farm that could both support her family and bring joy to others. “Animals are a love,” she shares, “but they’re also a cost.” The Green Henhouse is her way of turning that passion into something sustainable—financially and emotionally.

Her inspiration reaches back generations. Shonda credits her grandmother and great-grandmother for planting the seed. Both women kept large gardens, growing their own food and flowers, and passed along a deep respect for the land. Shonda moved to Udall when she was about 12 years old, later attending college, getting married, and eventually returning to Udall to build a life rooted in family and community.

Family remains at the heart of everything she does. Shonda is supported by her husband, her daughter, and two sons, who all pitch in whenever they can. Whether it’s helping with animals, farm projects, or marketing and outreach, their involvement makes The Green Henhouse a true family effort.

Today, her greenhouse is bursting with life—3,500 strawberry plants, along with blackberries—carefully managed in a small space she uses to its fullest potential. Her dream is to offer “you-pick” opportunities so families can come to the farm, harvest their own fruit, and experience agriculture firsthand.

Education is at the heart of The Green Henhouse. Shonda envisions her farm as a living classroom—an educational farm where children and families can meet animals, learn how food is grown, and understand the full circle of agriculture. The animals fertilize the soil, the bees support pollination, and the guineas roam freely, providing natural pest control. In fact, since introducing guineas, Shonda hasn’t had to treat her dogs for ticks, and squash bugs—once devastating to her crops—are now a thing of the past. “They’re amazing and hilarious birds,” she laughs.

The farm operates organically, relying on natural systems rather than chemicals. Goats, pigs, donkeys, and chickens all contribute to soil health, creating a regenerative loop that keeps the land productive and alive.

One of Shonda’s favorite things is teaching others—especially about animals. She lights up when talking about pigs in particular. “They’re so smart,” she says. They respond to their names, sit on command, and even wag their tails when they’re happy. Shonda has begun teaching them simple tricks and hopes to create playful animal skits that are both entertaining and educational. Goats and donkeys, she adds, are equally intelligent and enjoy having “jobs” that keep them engaged and out of trouble.

Like many small producers, marketing has been one of Shonda’s biggest challenges. In the past, she would load up a trailer and personally take her produce to customers—a time-consuming and exhausting process on top of caring for the farm. With support from her family and the Harvest Hub, she’s finding new ways to connect with customers so they can come to her instead.

Looking ahead, Shonda dreams big. Her goals include expanding to more land, growing her you-pick garden, adding a petting zoo, offering educational workshops, hosting animal skits, increasing produce production, and creating welcoming spaces with picnic tables where families can relax and spend the day. “I want people to come out here, learn something, and have fun together,” she says.

At The Green Henhouse, learning, laughter, and life on the farm come together—creating an experience that’s as meaningful as it is memorable.