Frequently Asked Questions
Where are you located?
-After many years of searching, we have found a place to call home! The wonderful owners of our current animal home offered us the option to expand our organization on their property. While we don’t own this property, us leasing the space means we can rescue more animals! This is an enormous opportunity for Herbivorous Acres. We are so lucky that the owners believe in us and our mission, and will continually welcome and house our sweet animals. This means that we will be growing our roots in Scandia, MN.
What are your hours?
-We are currently working with the owners on opening to the public with events and occasional tours. Stay tuned for more details.
When will you be open to the public?
-Our setup is a little different than most sanctuaries out there, seeing as how this is a private property that is owned by others. While we are working on having occasional events down the road, we will not be holding your typical “farm sanctuary tours” and “volunteer work days” on a regular basis. We know this may come as a disappointment to some. Here is the thing: the bare bones of our mission is to save farm animals. By continuing to look for a place that we can own, we haven’t been able to expand on that mission these last few years. With the opportunity given to us in Scandia, we can finally start to grow our herd and take in rescues, which we know everyone can get behind! Our Executive Director Marie DuCharme has relocated to the area in order to be close to the farm in order to ensure this next step goes smoothly for Herbivorous Acres.
What is the difference between a private and public tour?
-A public tour means you will pick a time slot on tour days and be led around the farm with the rest of your group for that time slot. A private tour can be organized so that you have more 1-on-1 time with the staff and animals. Your tour group is made up of the people of your choosing. Both public and private tours have a suggested donation of $20/person which is collected before the tour begins.
What it my donation going towards?
-Your donation is going towards securing land, vet care, feed, and providing our animals with a safe and happy place to live.
What does your 501(c)(3) status mean?
-Herbivorous Acres incorporated with the state of MN on September 1st 2016. We then submitted Form 1023 to the IRS. The 1023 application was approved in December 2016! This means all donations are tax deductible. A receipt upon donating online will be automatically sent to you so you can submit it along with your tax return.
Is The Herbivorous Butcher funding the farm sanctuary?
-No. Herbivorous Butcher has donated to the farm but Herbivorous Acres is a completely separate entity. It is an extension of the Herbivorous Butcher mission but the farm sanctuary relies solely on donations.
What kinds of animals will you have on the farm?
-A typical farm sanctuary houses animals such as cows, pigs, chickens, ducks, turkeys, donkeys, goats, horses, ponies, and sheep. We will have some resident dogs and cats running around also! We currently have two pigs, a rooster, and 4 goats and 5 ducks with more rescues to come down the road. “Zeus” is a 5 year old pot bellied pig and “Fox” is a 12 week old farm pig. Dennis is our resident rooster and Olivia, Lucky, Bunny and Barney make up our goat family. Olivia is the mom to Lucky and Bunny is the mom to Barney, which is quite special that we can keep them together for the rest of their lives.
How will Herbivorous Acres get their animals?
-Animals will be referred to our farm through various sources. Herbivorous Acres plans on working closely with local rescues, police departments, humane societies, and private referrals to get our animal residents.
When will the tiny houses and tiny cabins be available to rent?
-The tiny houses and tiny cabins will be reliant on continual donations that we receive. Once we are able to fully fund the farm and are operational, we will be able to focus donations on expanding.
Why is the farm advocating plant-based living?
-Many of the animals that are part of factory farming are stripped of their animal rights and welfare. A large number of animals that live on farm sanctuaries are rescued from factory farms or have had ties to animal agriculture. By choosing not to consume or use animals products, individuals can be one less person adding to the demand for animal products. We believe that if Herbivorous Acres isn’t advocating for plant-based living, our animals that we save are not getting the full benefits of our efforts.
I’m not vegan or vegetarian. Am I still allowed to tour and support the farm?
-Absolutely! We encourage everyone to come meet our animals! We only ask that everyone visiting come with an open heart and an open mind in order to fully benefit from their farm experience.
What are your future plans for the farm?
-Please refer to the page titled “Future farm developments”.
I want to get involved. Can I come help on the farm?
-Definitely! Once we are up and running, we will be able to have volunteers on the farm. Please visit our “Get Involved” page on the website. There you will also find a “Wish List”. Getting these items donated are a great way to help our volunteers and animals down the road!
How can I stay updated with the latest news about Herbivorous Acres?
-There is a page on the website where you can subscribe to our newsletter. We also have multiple social media accounts. Find us and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter also!