Sage Meadow Farm supports community through goat yoga
Sage Meadow Farm is a small goat dairy in Easthampton, MA, focused on sustainable, compassionate herd management and community giving. Owners Stan and Joseph McCoy have been offering charity-focused goat yoga – Caprine Vinyasa – since 2015.
Stan said, “Every season’s classes are designed to be both a fun wellness experience and a fundraiser for local and regional organizations. Each season we partner with multiple local organizations, and putting this together is a big team effort we couldn’t do without community partners like the Boylston Rooms, Thomas Farm and Dairy and the dedicated volunteers who years ago jokingly coined the phrase ‘pee patrol.’” (They clean up after the baby goats.)
Their goat yoga classes are led by a rotating group of certified local instructors and are designed as friendly, beginner level practices enhanced by plenty of goat time. Classes are kept to about 20 to 30 participants so everyone can safely and comfortably interact with the kids. Most sessions sell out within a few days of registration opening.
“Many people come as much for the goats and the sense of community as for the yoga itself. Many are happy to sit on their mats and cuddle baby goats while the class goes on, and many have told us that the mix of movement, laughter, goats and supporting good causes leaves them feeling lighter and happier,” said Stan. “If folks want to join in on the fun they can add themselves to our newsletter for class updates at sagemeadowfarm.com/newsletter.”
This year’s beneficiaries include the Easthampton Community Center (with a request that funds be designated for pet food), the San Miguel Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (which supports over 25 NGOs helping hundreds of individuals and families in need) and the Easthampton Farmers Market.
“Each year we try to divide the proceeds amongst human and animal causes. For example, in past years we’ve also supported CISA, Dakin Humane Society and Cummington Wildlife Sanctuary,” Stan said.
“Since we’ve started the goat yoga charity events in 2015, we’ve raised nearly $75,000 for our charities, with over $25,000 of that going specifically to the Easthampton Community Center. The director told us last week that we have now raised enough to help provide over 55,000 meals,” he added.
They also make handcrafted goat milk lotion and soaps. Beyond the Easthampton Farmers Market and various craft shows, their products are carried at 22 retail locations, including River Valley Co-op, Big Y Supermarkets all over Western Massachusetts and other regional shops, along with their online store at sagemeadowfarm.com.
They also hold a few “goat days,” which are free community events. There is a large party tent with lots of bales of straw to sit on, vendors and a couple of food trucks.
“Folks come with their children and commune with the goat kids. We do this mainly to raise awareness of local feed stores,” said Stan.
The season’s first two “goat days” occurred at Westfield Feed in Westfield, MA, on April 25 and Easthampton Feed on May 16.
by Laura Rodley
