Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead closed for the winter on October 31, and this season was remarkable for one of its longtime employees. Janet Hutfles just celebrated 25 years with the family destination.
After two and a half decades of livestock and laughter, Hutfles continues to be a cornerstone of the Farmstead, keeping everything running smoothly while handling staffing, inventory, revenue and new program development. As Supervisor of Operations, she knows the Farmstead inside and out, right down to how many visitors stop by, hot dogs are eaten and wagon rides are taken each year.
Hutfles joined the Farmstead in 2001 after working with Leaps and Bounds and Discovery Zone in Kansas City. She traded working inside with tunnels and ball pits for working outside with animals and farm equipment. And, 25 years later, she says the visitors, employees and “controlled chaos” keep her coming back year after year.
“I enjoy seeing the regulars that visit the Farmstead, and I love the generational visitors that brought their kids and are now bringing their grandchildren,” said Hutfles.
If you’ve ever wondered how the community feels about Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead, Hutfles says just wear a Farmstead shirt out in public.
“The public not only loves this place, but they are very protective of it. We feel that. We all try to do our best to keep the Farmstead the beloved place that it is,” she said. “I love that we can be a place to spend the entire day with your family or a place to come four or five times a week just because your child has to check on their favorite animal.”
And, while Hutfles doesn’t have a favorite Farmstead animal herself, she will tell you her least favorite, “Birds, any and all!” Not a bird lover – got it!
Over the years, Hutfles has worked with nearly 800 staff members and even more volunteers, forming lifelong relationships.
“I have met some of my most favorite people through the Farmstead,” said Hutfles. “I have thoroughly enjoyed the number of high school-age employees I’ve worked with, and hope I helped instill a strong work ethic in them. I enjoy watching them grow from their first season or first job experience.
“It’s wonderful when they come back to visit with their children and talk about the things they remember about working here and what they took away from it. Some of those first employees are now 40 years old! Makes me feel old,” she laughed.
Hutfles has been a part of the Farmstead’s growth from the early years, helping construct new buildings and attractions. She helped build the Kanza Indian Encampment and installed siding and insulation at the Schoolhouse. She has cut down trees, implemented new software and moved hay bales along with her daily duties.
When asked what the most rewarding part of her work is, Hutfles doesn’t hesitate. “Seeing the smiles on the children who come here, the excitement they bring when they walk in,” she said. “Watching them have their first experience with our animals, feeding the baby goats, being in awe of the draft horses on the wagon ride, catching their first or 100th fish, getting that perfect ice cream scoop. How can you not have a good day when they are loving their day here at the farm?”
Since Hutfles’ first season, the Farmstead has grown from fewer than 20 employees and limited attractions to more than 120 seasonal staff members, hundreds of volunteers and dozens of activities for more than 400,000 annual Farmstead visitors.
The Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead community is grateful to Janet Hutfles for 25 seasons of service, leadership and passion. Her work has helped make the Farmstead the heartwarming, memory-filled place families know and love today.
But, she’s not done yet. Hutfles will be back for another fun-filled season when the barn doors open again on April 1, 2026. When you see her in the General Store or out on the grounds, be sure to stop and say, “Howdy!”