Keene, NH – Stonewall Farm, a beloved nonprofit working farm and education center, is embarking on a transformative journey by transitioning from dairy farming to raising sheep. This decision follows the departure of the farm’s dairy herd in 2022 and reflects a renewed commitment to regenerative agriculture, sustainability, and community engagement.
“For decades, dairy farming was central to Stonewall Farm, but with a herd of fewer than 35 cattle, we struggled to keep up with the economic realities of the modern dairy market,” said Gina De Santis, Executive Director of Stonewall Farm. “While saying goodbye to our dairy herd was a difficult decision, it allowed us to step back and reassess how best to serve our mission, our land, and our community.”
After careful evaluation, sheep emerged as the ideal fit for Stonewall Farm’s pasture restoration, soil health, community programming, and sustainable food production. This transition also aligns with the farm’s evolution, symbolized by the unveiling of a new logo during its 30th anniversary in 2024.
“We remain deeply rooted in our mission, but agriculture is constantly changing,” said De Santis. “Our new branding represents our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and the future of farming while honoring our past.”
To lead this exciting transition, Stonewall Farm has welcomed Seth Hanauer as its new Farm & Flock Manager. Hanauer brings over 20 years of livestock farming experience and will oversee the care and management of the growing flock. “When the opportunity at Stonewall Farm came up it seemed like the perfect fit for me to launch a pasture based lamb business,” said Hanauer. “Reintroducing a livestock component to Stonewall Farm is a great thing on many different levels – good stewardship of pastureland, expanded educational opportunities, and deeper community engagement among them.”
“This is a major step forward for Stonewall Farm,” said De Santis. “Not only is this the first time in history that sheep have been raised on this land, but we’re doing it with a focus on soil health, sustainability, and education.”
The flock will be rotationally grazed, improving soil health, sequestering carbon, and promoting biodiversity—while also providing high-quality, regeneratively raised meat to the local and regional food system. Additionally, Stonewall Farm will use wool from the flock for educational workshops and locally made products for the Farm Store, deepening its commitment to sustainability and hands-on learning.
“We know that having livestock on the farm is essential—not just for maintaining our pastures, but for fostering connections between people, the land, and their food,” said De Santis. “With sheep, we can continue practicing regenerative grazing while producing locally grown, sustainably raised meat and fiber for our region, and beyond.”
The farm invites everyone to take part in the journey, whether through attending events, workshops, sponsoring the flock, or simply visiting the lambs. “This initiative is a perfect example of how we continue to evolve while staying true to our mission,” added De Santis. “We are excited to welcome the community into this new era of farming at Stonewall Farm.”
Upcoming Community Events to Celebrate the NEW Sheep Enterprise:
To welcome the public into this exciting new era, Stonewall Farm is hosting a series of community events celebrating the introduction of the flock and highlighting the role of sheep in regenerative agriculture:
Lambing Days: Every Saturday in April (10 AM – 12 PM)
Come visit the farm during lambing season! Witness the transformation of our former dairy barn into a thriving sheep barn, observe the ewes and their newborn lambs, and meet our Farm & Flock Manager, Seth Hanauer. Admission is Free.
Earth Day Re:generation at Stonewall Farm: April 22
Join us for a special screening of the award-winning documentary “Kiss the Ground”, followed by a panel discussion featuring Stonewall Farm and UNH Extension professionals. Learn how the farm is promoting and practicing regenerative agriculture through rotational grazing, livestock integration, and soil restoration. Admission is Free (suggested $5 donation). Food, refreshments, and a cash bar will be available for purchase.
Lamb Jam Launch Party: May 10
Celebrate this milestone new venture for the farm! Enjoy a fun-filled day with our first ever Kids Sheep Shuffle Fun Run, music, local food and beer, wool demonstrations and crafts, Horse-drawn wagon rides, games and activities for all ages, and the grand re-opening of the Stonewall Farm Store – stocked with our organically grown produce, SWF honey, SWF merchandise, and local foods and crafts from regional farmers and artisans. Admission is Free, in-event purchases include food and drinks, wagon rides, and Farm Store and vendor products.
This transition marks an exciting new chapter in Stonewall Farm’s history, blending tradition with forward-thinking agriculture. “We’re evolving in ways that honor our past while positioning Stonewall Farm as a leader in regenerative agriculture,” said De Santis. “Sheep farming allows us to remain a hub for education, environmental stewardship, and sustainable food production. We look forward to sharing this journey with our community.”
