Farm Life Spotlight: Sage Acres

Sage Acres - located in central Jersey, is home to some of the most stunning exotic birds! Farm owner Rachel Stewart ensures healthy, happy, chickens with her superb care and attention. Where did Sage Acres come to begin? The story starts back in 2015 when Rachel first started getting into farming due to her love of being outside, staying busy, and ultimately working with animals. 

Her farm is now best known for providing rare breed poultry - there is a line of Ayam Cemani that's almost gone completely in the U.S. Other breeds include Black Copper Marans, Seramas, Silkies + MORE. 

Although rare breed poultry is the focus, Rachel loves all her farm family! The donkeys are silly, the pigs are tiny half-criminals, the cats love everyone, and the horses are the spoiled leaders of the farm. She also breeds babydoll sheep on top of this! 

Working on the farm is never a dull day - Rachel's children get to help with newborn piglets after birth allowing them to enjoy the best parts of living on a farm which is connecting with the animals. Working with the animals and being able to advocate as a vegan farmer who can humanly preserve beautiful breeds with care and diligence is one of Rachel's most satisfying parts of farming. Unfortunately, challenges always come along including weather, random health issues with the animals, or manure management to name a few. Although a pain - all these hardships are worth it. 

Rachel's advice to other small farmers or someone interested in entering the agriculture field is, "It’s hard work, if you love what you do though always go for it. Life is short, live it happily."

Over the years she has noticed changes in the farm industry which includes more small hobby farms and folks interested in agriculture/farming. Specifically, an increased amount of interest in poultry and owning higher quality chickens over hatchery stock. She would like to see a lot of farming be upgraded to non-kill or plant-based industries and businesses. She believes cattle is hugely damaging to our environment along with other industries that don’t put the environment at the forefront. 

In the meantime, Sage Acres will continue  to sell high-quality poultry with an emphasis on customer appreciation. 

Check out Sage Acres on Instagram or Facebook to see everything they offer!