What started as a feel-good draw to bring people to the barn has grown into a full-scale blend of agritourism, sustainability and batches of dairy products.

Guardians Farm in Southbury has attracted attention for its "calf cuddles" half-hour sessions, during which guests can hold and interact with young calves and goats.

Owner David Buck says the sessions do more than create a photo op. "It's transitioned from being this cute thing to really helping people foster relationship with the farm and with the animals," he says.

He says the calves also benefit from the interactions.

Guardians produces whole milk, chocolate milk, sweet cream butter and farmer's cheese from its dairy herd. It uses goat's milk to make soaps, lotions and scrubs. All of it is sold out of the barn.

The farm describes itself as regenerative, rotating cows through different pastures to help maintain soil health and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

"Not to strip anything away from it, but to add to it, because we're feeding the soil with the urine and the manure, instead of just stripping everything away and having to put down fertilizer down and pesticide, which we don't do," he says.

Guardians Farm is also registered as a veteran-owned farm in Connecticut. Buck, a veteran who serves part time as a police officer, said the designation reflects a broader commitment to service shared by him and his wife and co-owner, Tamara French, who also works in law enforcement.

"You know that person has already dedicated their life to service, so why not assist them by being a customer," says Buck.

Between hands-on experiences, locally made dairy and body-care products and a focus on sustainable practices, Guardians Farm offers families a chance to connect, while also walking away with a few extra snuggles.

Find out more HERE.