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Bradley Nook Farm

Bradley Nook Farm

Jay and Katja are currently transforming their Farm

Bradley Nook Farm

Jay and Katja are currently transforming their Farm

THE STORY

Jay Wilde’s family bought the farm in 1956 and Jay helped his father run it as an organic farm until his father’s death in 2011. As a long term vegetarian, Jay found taking the cows to be slaughtered to be very unsettling and was always on the lookout for alternatives. In the summer of 2017, after speaking to The Vegan Society, the 59 year old farmer decide to give up 59 of his cattle to a UK sanctuary to be cared for. He felt so guilty sending the cows to be slaughtered that he could no longer operate the farm the same way he had in the past and believed he could create an alternative business model that did not rely on animals as commodities. They have kept a handful of cows on the property as they truly care for the animals and enjoy their presence.

“I feel so much better farming this way. It’s a weight off my shoulders. It’s certainly not a normal thing to do as a farmer, but I’m happy about it. I miss the cows, however it’s nice to think of them living a nice life in a sanctuary now. It just became more and more difficult taking them to slaughter.”

Jay and Katja are planning to build a permaculture farm and vegan cooking school on the farm property now. They hope to add a restaurant as well to the operations. Jay and Katja believe they have a unique opportunity in their community to show the true “farm to table” lifestyle, teaching visitors how to grow the food and also how to prepare plant-based dishes. They are in the middle of transforming and have had their challenges with figuring out what was best for their life, their remaining animals and the future of their land.

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FARM & TRANSFORMATION FACTS

  • The Hillside Animal Sanctuary, near Frettenham in Norfolk, took the cows in to be cared for permanently at their facility.
  • Jay and Katja kept 12 cows on their farm to continue to care for themselves.
  • They are planning to lease out some of their very fertile farmland for crops during their transition.
  • The farm was originally a dairy but Jay’s father converted it to a beef operation in 1997.
  • They host a yearly permaculture gathering every August on the farm, called The Northern Green Gathering which is an educational event with a focus on activities and events that promote renewable, off-grid, local living.
  • Because England is such a densely populated country, there is already saturation with large commercial organic produce distribution. Jay and Katja hope to use their proximity to consistent tourism to become a unique event destination focused on permaculture and food.
Bradley Nook Farm

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Hof Narr, Switzerland

Hof Narr, Switzerland

Sarah and George transformed their Farm into a Vegan Animal Sanctuary

Hof Narr, Switzerland

Sarah and George transformed their Farm into a Vegan Animal Sanctuary

THE STORY

Sarah Heiligtag and her husband George came into farm transformation through a unique angle. While studying philosophy, she became absorbed in the question of ethics. This line of study opened up many theoretical questions about both the rights of humans and animals. Simultaneously George was studying environmental science. As their understanding deepened they became vegans and together came to the resolution that why wanted to create a vegan farm. After school was completed and while passionately working for animal rights, Sarah went to farming school to do the certifications required for farming in Switzerland. And although she didn’t agree with their methods, Sarah was able to study what she would need to someday create the farm of her dreams.

“At Hof Narr, animals will have a home for the rest of their lives, but we are focused on producing vegan food. We use as little resources as possible and produce wholesome food, we want the whole farm to work together.”

Sarah began to rescue animals and make friends with her neighbor in order to have space to corral her rescues. This friendship deepened as the farmers confided that they wanted to quit farming because they were frustrated with the challenges involved with farming animals. Overjoyed to have the opportunity to transform a farm into their ethical vision, Sarah and George took over their neighbor’s farm and transformed it into Hof Narr, a veganic farm and animal sanctuary. In addition to growing vegetables and caring for their rescued animals, Hof Narr hosts educational events to help their community learn about sustainability and veganism. These educational events gave them media exposure and additional visibility within their community. Due to this visibility, farmers now contact them looking for support as they transition out of animal farming in Switzerland. In one case, Sarah and George were able to oversee and support the complete transformation of another farm. This farm, ZuKUHnft started their transformation with the support of the Heiligtags in October 2017. ZuKUHnft no longer practices animal agriculture and is devoted to veganic farming.
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FARM & TRANSFORMATION FACTS

Hof Narr, Switzerland

FARM & TRANSFORMATION FACTS

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Broken Shovels, USA

Broken Shovels, USA

Andrea transformed her Dairy Farm into a Sanctuary School

Broken Shovels, USA

Andrea transformed her Dairy Farm into a Sanctuary School

THE STORY

Andrea Davis got involved with goat dairy through a dairy internship that would result in her learning the business inside and out. Through her internship she became familiar with some of the industry’s most unsavory practices. She would rescue goats that she couldn’t bear seeing go to slaughter. Andrea raised these goats by hand on some abandoned land that she was able to fix up so she could pasture her animals on it. In 2011, she founded her own “slaughter-free” dairy where she worked hard to avoid and create work arounds for the practices she found morally abhorrent. She bred her milking goats with dwarf goats in order to create smaller, cuter offspring that she could give away as pets. She built a robust artisanal cheese business that was highly sought after in her Colorado region and instantly picked up by a fine foods distributor. During this period she was not interested in veganism, despite being a 20 vegetarian. She did her best to create a dairy based around the very best practices she could.

“Within the first couple years, there were many enlightening moments that drew me further and further from dairy and I found many cracks in my ideas that I could change the industry from within. Having a clearer view of long-term relationships and animal families, it was no longer a satisfactory answer to breed goats to produce milk and eventually rehome their children, even into pet homes, and feel that I was doing my best good.”

However it was not enough for her eventually and she started joining vegan groups on Facebook and watching the PSA-style videos put out by animal activist organizations. More research into the environmental impact of animal agriculture and its effect on world hunger led her to veganism and in 2014, Andrea and her staff went vegan and began to immerse themselves in vegan philosophy. Andrea slowly and with much thought ended her animal operations and is raising money and planning her transformation into a Sanctuary School. The Sanctuary School will be a nature-based day school for 3-5 year old children, with a focus on service and care for the farm’s animals as well as respectful observation of nature.

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FARM & TRANSFORMATION FACTS

  • Broken Shovels Farm was named for the first abandoned property that Andrea fixed up to rehome her original rescued animals. The property was in disrepair and she found a number of broken shovels on it. The broken shovels became a symbol to her of the hard work required in farming and service to animals.
  • Her farm is located 12 minutes outside of Denver, Colorado.
  • Andrea is currently raising money to open the Sanctuary School.
  • She has listed her used cheese equipment for sale to finance the opening of the school.
  • Broken Shovels Farm is only 10 acres and now houses 250 animals. In addition to her herd of goats, there are also a whole farm full of rescued animals including 9 cows, 30 waterfowl, 75 additional farm birds (partridges, chickens, turkeys), 16 pigs, 2 sheep, a mini mule, a mini-pony and a mini donkey.
  • Broken Shovels has 12 volunteers that each work approximately 4 hours weekly, as well a part-time intern and a full-time live-in farm manager.
Broken Shovels, USA

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Rowdy Girl Sanctuary, USA

Rowdy Girl Sanctuary, USA

Renee transformed her Cattle Ranch into a Sanctuary

Rowdy Girl Sanctuary, USA

Renee transformed her Cattle Ranch into a Sanctuary

THE STORY

After bonding with two motherless calves, Renee King-Sonnen became gradually disillusioned with cattleranching. Although Tommy was unconvinced initially as he was raised in a family with ranching traditions, Renee became convinced that they should leave ranching and become a sanctuary. Her conviction and determination to raise the money at all costs to avoid any further animal sales finally won him over and in 2015, they became a non-profit animal sanctuary, named after Rowdy Girl, one of the calves that Renee had first befriended. Since then Rowdy Girl Sanctuary as well as Renee and Tommy have become acclaimed for their pioneering example in the ranching community. They have just completed the documentary Ranch Rescue, documenting their experience “re-rescuing” their animals in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. Additionally Renee created the Ranchers Advocacy Program to provide a supportive network for ranchers wishing to leave ranching,

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FARM & TRANSFORMATION FACTS

  • Tommy bought the Angleton farm in 2002.
  • Tommy’s family was in ranching and slaughterhouses going back to his grandfather and great grandfather herding cows from San Antonio to Houston.
  • Their veganic farm was lost in the June 2016 flood and they made a decision not to continue at that point with the veganic farm as it would take them further away from the care of the animals without the help of additional staff.
  • While trying to convince Tommy, Renee threatened to buy back any calves he sold with his money.
  • When she needed advice, Renee turned to veteran vegan rancher Howard Lyman for advice.
  • While Tommy loved ranching because of the time connecting with animals and the land, he deeply disliked selling the calves every 6 months and had always refused to eat the animals that came from their farm.
  • Rowdy Girl has rescued a total 15 bovines – the rest of the herd were born there and all will live out the remainder of their lives there in security. They have a complete genealogy of all of the animals born on property – their mothers, sisters, brothers, grandmothers etc.
Rowdy Girl Sanctuary, USA

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Starlove Ranch, USA

Starlove Ranch, USA

Help Davey and Hollie transform their Ranch!

Starlove Ranch, USA

Help Davey and Hollie transform their Ranch!

THE STORY

Davey Schacherl and his wife Hollie just moved out to Davey’s father’s cattle raising property with big plans. The land has been in Davey’s family for 7 generations and he and Hollie intend to make some big changes. His grandfather started raising cattle in the 70’s there, but for Hollie and Davey animal agriculture wasn’t an option.

“Being a 7th generation Texan, I do have a lot of pride and I do love Texas, and this property was always in my life and family and I enjoyed it as a kid. I am incredibly thankful that my ancestors and grandfather had the foresight to keep this in the family and we will keep it that way.”

After 2 years of chasing a vegan lifestyle, they realized they wanted to build a renewable and sustainable property that didn’t treat animals like a commodity. They were able to convince Davey’s dad, the current owner of the property to put the cattle sales on pause while they came up with a business plan.

“I am pleased to be the next generation to watch over it. My grandparents struck oil on this property in 1978. Humanity’s dependence on fossil fuels or animals is not sustainable. We have to change with the times and focus on resources that are renewable. There’s a shift away from systems powered by consumption and we are moving into building value instead.”

They decided to take Davey’s skills and experience planning events and working at weddings and along with Hollie’s passion for permaculture and turn the ranch into a rustic wedding and getaway destination as well as a permaculture farm. The farm could provide food for their events as well as for market distribution.

“Just because things have been done this way, doesn’t mean we can’t change that cycle. If you know better and have the privilege to do it that way, wouldn’t you?” – Hollie Schacherl

They hope to transform their property early in 2018. From clearing the land, improving roadway access, creating a sanctuary to house the animals and marketing their property, they are building a plan for transformation.
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FARM & TRANSFORMATION FACTS

  • 1865 – After the Civil War, Texas land was incentivized and deeded to citizens and 2000 acres was appropriated for Josiah Beamen, a direct ancestor of Davey.
  • Of that original acreage belonging to Josiah Beamen, Davey’s grandmother owned 102 acres which had been passed through successive generations.
  • Davey’s grandfather was a hobbyist farmer and start raising cattle in the late 1970’s for the agricultural tax break.
  • Davey spent 7 years as a staff producer for SXSW, the world famous music & tech festival in Austin, TX, where he managed many aspects of event production.
  • Hollie is in a permaculture certification course currently, learning how to farm sustainably.
  • Renee, founder of Rowdy Girl and the Rancher Advocacy Program, introduced farm transformers to Hollie and Davey.
Starlove Ranch, USA

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The Sanctuary at Soledad Goats, USA

The Sanctuary at
a Soledad Goats, USA

Julian and Carol transformed their Dairy Farm into a Sanctuary

The Sanctuary at
a Soledad Goats, USA

Julian and Carol transformed their Dairy Farm into a Sanctuary

THE STORY

Award winning goat cheese makers Carol and Julian Pearce spent their lives caring for animals. Carol’s career was focused on veterinary medicine and Julian was a sought after pre-ruminant specialist. Julian’s professional focus was on building optimized dairy production through better lifestyle techniques for cattle. Their own 800 goat operation was the best they could envision in terms of the trade-offs needed for animal food production. Since the day the two of them met while rescuing sick calves, it has always been about the welfare of the animals for them. Deciding to go vegan and give up the goat cheese operation was not something that happened overnight. They had been rescuing the most vulnerable animals they found from euthanasia for years. They believed in rescuing the animals with the toughest health cases, the ones that even other sanctuaries couldn’t take.

”The Sanctuary at Soledad Goats believes that we have a moral imperative to honor and respect the animals who have spent years in service to us on farms, as well as those who simply need a new home and a little kindness to survive.”

Carol and Julian realized that they would have more room for rescued animals if they were to give up their dairy operation to make room. Additionally, it was clear to them that although they only sold their male goats to brush clearing operations in an attempt to create more humane lifestyles for the farm offspring, they couldn’t be sure of the goats welfare or eventual treatment at the hands of others. Additionally, they found that providing the level of animal welfare they believed in was not conducive with labor practices in dairy operations overall. Their decision to become a sanctuary and focus on their rescue animals was finally made once and for all after they they rescued a 1 day old baby goat whose mother had died during birth. The baby goat was left blind from the experience and they named her Hope as they spent many hours and days hoping she would live.
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FARM & TRANSFORMATION FACTS

  • Sanctuary at Soledad Goats currently houses and provides excellent care and veterinary support to 120 goats, 3 cows, 2 sheep, 20 pigs, 6 horses, 6 rabbits, 60 roosters and 1 chinchilla.
  • Odin, one of the horses who has been able to find a safe refuge there, is 36 years old, as well as blind in one eye and would have been put down years earlier if not for the sanctuary’s intervention.
  • Julian Pearce is originally from Dorset near the south coast of England and grew up among dairy farmers there.
  • Now that they have transformed, Sanctuary at Soledad Goats is using their experience from making award-winning goat cheeses to make handmade nutmilk cheeses.
  • Additionally, they have created a variety of retail products for sale on their website and at their farmers market booth, from handmade vegan chocolate to coconut based bodycare and candles as well as their own branded merchandise.
  • Sanctuary at Soledad Goats is building an additional sanctuary property to house more animals and make nutmilk cheese in Florida in 2018.
The Sanctuary at Soledad Goats, USA

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Vegangården, Sweden

Vegangården, Sweden

Gustaf transformed his Pig Farm into a Vegetable Farm

Vegangården, Sweden

Gustaf transformed his Pig Farm into a Vegetable Farm

THE STORY

Gustaf Söderfeldt and his wife Caroline Wahlberg were “humane” pig farmers and also ran a meat shop in Sweden. After watching videos on Youtube, they became vegans in a move that would change their lives.

“If you care about animals, the answer isn’t ‘humane meat’. The right thing to do is to stop breeding animals for food.”

They realized that vegans really cared about animals, just like they did but only took it a step further and that although their customers wanted “humane” meat, there truly was no such thing and they could not in good conscience continue to farm animals. They transformed their pig farm into Vegangården and now enjoy the satisfaction of growing vegetables using veganic agriculture practices.
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FARM & TRANSFORMATION FACTS

  • Gustaf and Caroline established their original farm in 2007. The property was originally begun as a farm in the 1800s.
  • The original farm contained 30 pigs and some vegetable farming. SInce transformation, they now grow 20-30 different types of vegetables and sell at local markets.
  • Gustaf is a 4th generation farmer.
  • They feel that the transformation was easy because growing vegetables is much easier than raising animals. Additionally the support of the vegan community was a big help during the their transformation.
  • Gustaf now shares his experience and expertise when he lectures about veganic agriculture.
Vegangården, Sweden

FARM & TRANSFORMATION FACTS

© Copyright Farm Transformers – Blue Horizon International Foundation
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