About Yaks at Deep Draw Yak Ranch
Crossville, TN
Why Yaks Thrive at Our Family-Owned Yak Farm in Crossville, Tennessee
Domesticated yaks (Bos grunniens), also known as the “Grunting Ox,” are native to the high Himalayan region. At Deep Draw Yak Ranch in Crossville, TN, we successfully raise and breed our herd of these majestic animals on the beautiful Cumberland Plateau in Cumberland County. Yaks have been around for millions of years and adapt remarkably well to Middle Tennessee’s climate.
Benefits of Raising Yaks – Meat, Fiber, and More
Yaks offer several advantages over traditional cattle:
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Yak Meat: Extremely lean, flavorful, and healthier than beef. It contains higher iron, protein, and moisture with less fat. Many describe the taste as similar to grass-fed bison or elk, but milder and less gamey.
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Yak Fiber (Wool): Prized for its softness (16–20 microns, like cashmere), extreme warmth (30% warmer than sheep wool), breathability, moisture-wicking properties, and hypoallergenic qualities. It is odor-resistant and does not itch. Steers produce the best fiber. We use and sell this luxury down undercoat in our on-site Yak Boutique.
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Yak Milk: Rich, creamy, highly digestible, and nutrient-dense with more butterfat and amino acids than cow’s milk. It’s excellent for cheese and butter, though yaks produce smaller quantities.
Yaks are also excellent pack and work animals in rugged terrain. Their small split hooves have a lower environmental impact, and they eat about one-third less than cattle while requiring less water.
Yak Colors and Characteristics
In North America, yaks come in three main color patterns:
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Solids — Brown or black (Imperial with black nose or Native Black with gray nose)
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Trims — Black or brown with white markings on the forehead, feet, and tail tip
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Royals — Striking black-and-white piebald pattern
Females typically weigh 500–800 lbs, while bulls can reach 1,300–2,000 lbs with impressive humps. Yaks are known for their gentle temperament and smaller size compared to cattle, making them popular for hobby farms and agritourism.
Diet, Breeding, and Care of Yaks in Tennessee
Diet and Feeding
Yaks are efficient grazers and browsers. They thrive on grasses, hay, shrubs, and leaves. During winter or limited forage periods, provide hay and mineral supplements high in copper and selenium. They always need clean, fresh water.
Breeding and Calving
Gestation lasts about 8.5 months. Yaks usually give birth to a single 25-pound calf with minimal intervention needed.
Fun Yak Facts
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Yaks don’t moo — they make a unique grunt-squeak sound.
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Their droppings have little to no odor and can be used as fertilizer immediately.
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Yak wool was used in the original Chewbacca and Grinch costumes in Hollywood.
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They don’t sweat or produce lanolin, making their fiber naturally odor-free.
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Yaks can survive temperatures as low as -40°F and live at higher elevations than sheep or goats.
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In the U.S. and Canada, there are only about 10,000 yaks. They are listed as a Critical Breed on the Conservation Priority List.
Experience Yaks Up Close on the Cumberland Plateau
At Deep Draw Yak Ranch in Crossville, TN, you can learn these facts firsthand during our educational yak farm tours. Get up close with our gentle herd, feed them treats, and discover why visitors from Nashville, Chattanooga, and Knoxville love this unique agritourism experience on the Cumberland Plateau.
Ready to meet our yaks in person? Book your yak farm tour in Crossville, TN today! Tours run by appointment, March through December.
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Phone: (502) 939-2291 Address: 1603 Deep Draw Rd / Ct, Crossville, TN 38555
Matthew 11:28
"Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."