Growing Community and Good Vibes

It’s hard to imagine a better life than this: a quaint farm, a playful goat named Stoney, and Allie on swing nestled in the barn.
It’s hard to imagine a better life than this: a quaint farm, a playful goat named Stoney, and Allie on swing nestled in the barn.
The Tischer family's goals are to provide an opportunity for people to learn about food sources, offer an experience of life on a small farm, and create a gathering place for their neighbors and friends.
The Tischer family's goals are to provide an opportunity for people to learn about food sources, offer an experience of life on a small farm, and create a gathering place for their neighbors and friends.
Signage from the original owners hangs on the barn door.
Signage from the original owners hangs on the barn door.
Every day is bustling with roaming chickens and goats, overseen by their vigilant dogs who act as guardians.
Every day is bustling with roaming chickens and goats, overseen by their vigilant dogs who act as guardians.
Goats are highly intelligent and curious creatures, always eager to explore and interact, especially with people.
Goats are highly intelligent and curious creatures, always eager to explore and interact, especially with people.
The Tischers raise various chicken breeds, including the soft and fluffy Silkies.
The Tischers raise various chicken breeds, including the soft and fluffy Silkies.
“We lived in the neighborhood for eight years and we always knew there was a farm somewhere in the back, but we had never seen it. We heard through a neighbor that the farm was going up for sale in a private sale. Through a series of (very fortunate) events, we decided to put an offer on the farm. We NEVER thought we’d get it! Welp … we did. We had absolutely no idea how to raise a goat or chicken or how to grow anything! The former owners were so sweet and let us come to the farm almost every night to learn how to do farm chores.”
“We lived in the neighborhood for eight years and we always knew there was a farm somewhere in the back, but we had never seen it. We heard through a neighbor that the farm was going up for sale in a private sale. Through a series of (very fortunate) events, we decided to put an offer on the farm. We NEVER thought we’d get it! Welp … we did. We had absolutely no idea how to raise a goat or chicken or how to grow anything! The former owners were so sweet and let us come to the farm almost every night to learn how to do farm chores.”
Emily enjoys growing fun things that kids like to eat right off the vine!
Emily enjoys growing fun things that kids like to eat right off the vine!
There's nothing quite like gathering freshly laid eggs and plucking delectable vegetables like Candyland tomatoes and cucamelon.
There's nothing quite like gathering freshly laid eggs and plucking delectable vegetables like Candyland tomatoes and cucamelon.
The community consistently empowers the Tischers to explore new endeavors, like taking up beekeeping. Photographed by Arlem Mora
The community consistently empowers the Tischers to explore new endeavors, like taking up beekeeping. Photographed by Arlem Mora

What do you do when an enchanting 4.2-acre farm discreetly tucked in the back of your current neighborhood suddenly becomes available for purchase? Without hesitation, you seize the opportunity and figure out your farming journey later. Then you name the farm after the resident goat, Stoney!

The adventurous Tischer family who has sprinkled lots of love in Stoney Acres Farm includes Emily, a former teacher turned real estate agent; Jason, a medical professional and well-known ultramarathon enthusiast; Cade, a college junior who ditches textbooks for farm life in the summer; and Allie, a high schooler with a magnetic love for animals. Even Cade’s buddies turn the farm into a buzzing summer hangout where farm chores and laughter thrive in equal measure. Together, family and friends are the driving force behind this unexpected passion project.

With farming as a foreign concept to the Tischer family, they ventured into a world of agriculture, guided by the generosity and mentorship of the former owners, who swiftly became cherished friends, as well as the dynamic duo Joe and Ronda, who were bundled with the property and have been lending their magic touch ever since. Over time, they evolved from helpers to an indispensable part of the extended family.

Chores are plentiful at Stoney Acres. Jace and Cade move feed that is stored in the barn loft. Hungry goats gather for breakfast.

The inaugural year was a crash course in farming — education via videos, podcasts, and connections with fellow farmers became their compass. The family dug right in and started tackling projects to make the farm their own, from installing a greenhouse to getting dirty in the garden, planting everything from garlic to watermelon and zucchini, and tending to the animals. They revitalized the weathered barn, mended charming fences, and tenderly rejuvenated the cozy chicken coops, crafting a serene haven that exudes rustic charm and warmth.

Over the year, the family’s menagerie grew to include 10 goats, a burgeoning population of around 80 chickens, four dogs, barn cats, three thriving beehives, and a greenhouse with a plethora of fresh harvest.

Throughout the transformation and many nighttime porch talks, they envisioned the future of their farm and how they wanted to use their new home as a means of education and connecting their neighborhood community. Thus the Stoney Acres Farm Stand was born!

“One of our favorite sayings is, ‘Learn as you grow.’ We decided to share our harvest with neighbors by building a little neighborhood farm stand. The farmstead is open to neighbors each week in hopes of creating a common time and place for neighbors to visit, spend time with the farm animals, and enjoy our fresh produce! It’s been great to see families meet one another and to see kids running around with the animals. We also have a little library in the farm stand so kids can exchange books during weekly visits.” Emily Tischer said.

Sustainability and local sourcing form the backbone of Stoney Acres Farm Stand. From their own delicious produce to partnerships with Crabtree Farm Goods and beyond, Emily and Jason want to offer the freshest local goodness just a stone’s throw away from their neighbors.

They’ve also sponsored a Future Farmers of America student and collaborated with a local veterinarian college. Additional alliances have facilitated “meat-ups,” enhancing the accessibility of local meat for the community. They even source their lumber at Myrick Diversified in Selma, striving to procure everything locally, supporting nearby sources for all their needs.

Neighbors Addie and Sydney Geary, ages 5 and 3, collect eggs during a farm visit.

“Every local partnership nurtured by this farm becomes an immediate success, enriching all involved.” To follow the adventures of Stoney Acres Farm and see their adorable farm animals, check out their Instagram @stoneyacresnc. To learn more about the farm, contact Emily and Jason at StoneyAcresFarmNC@gmail.com.

More From Our Oct 2023 Issue
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2 Comments

  • Chris says:
    Oct 4, 2023 at 10:13 am

    I really loved your article on Stoney Acres, It painted a wonderful picture of the lives of the Tischer family. I have known Jason since he was a young boy living in Wisconsin. His mother has told me stories, but this really gives people the whole story.

    Reply
  • Adair says:
    Dec 19, 2023 at 3:03 pm

    Love this article! Thank you for sharing more about Stoney Acres. Would love to see more on them in the future

    Reply

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