Farmaste provides loving care to rescued farm animals rescued from a variety of situations. One of my favorite residents, Starr the sheep, escaped on his way to slaughter and has formed strong bonds with other residents and the volunteers who care for him. I treasure the time I have spent caring for Starr and the other residents over the past three years.
I have been a volunteer for Farmaste for about 1.5 years now. When I first started, I had no experience with farm animals, with farm chores or with sanctuaries. But I had a love for animals and wanted to help care for them. I was so psyched when they reached out to me to start training.
I was nervous, overwhelmed and discouraged after I realized how much work it was and how much there was to remember. I thought I was in over my head. But that feeling didn't last long because my trainers and all the volunteers were so welcoming and always willing to help. At the end of the day, as long as you kept yourself safe and the animals safe, you did a good job.
Since I've been there I have built so many relationships, with both the animals and the people. All of the animals have such different personalities and each soul is unique. The only thing they have in common is that they are all incredibly spoiled! These animals being spoiled isn't a bad thing and is the biggest reason why I love Farmaste so much. The animals deserve the best life, and I'm with so many like-minded people that believe the same.
I have never met a group of people who are so open-minded, accepting and kind-hearted. The owner, board members and volunteers work so unbelievably hard to keep all of the residents living their best lives. During all of their hard-work, they are always smiling and laughing because you can tell they truly love everything about Farmaste Animal Sanctuary.
I'm so thankful for the sanctuary for so many reasons. I work closely with amazing people to help better this world and I feel so at home when I'm there. Everyone at Farmaste (people and residents) are all so beautiful and I look forward to spending my evenings with them.
I’ve volunteered at Farmaste for the past three years. Being at the farm gives me a sense of peace and wonder every week. No matter what is happening in my life, I feel grounded there. The residents are all so unique in their preferences, quirks, and personalities, and they never cease to make me smile.
I have volunteered with several animal sanctuaries, and without a doubt, Farmaste provides first-rate care for their animal residents. They all have large living spaces and access to spacious pastures. It is truly a sanctuary for the animals!
We are so thankful for Farmaste and their mission! We feel honored to volunteer and get to know these beautiful animals
What can I say about Farmaste?....
It is a top notch farm animal sanctuary where the animals are cared for by passionate, hardworking volunteers 7 days a week. The founders lead by example with honest energy and experiential wisdom. Everyone at Farmaste loves the animals and believes in this compassionate cause.
Not only does this organization provide a loving home for their animals but they provide tours and education for the public on their beautiful, spacious land just northeast of the Twin Cities.
My personal connection to Farmaste is though my cousin Sam who has poured her heart and soul into this organization, and has blessed me with opportunities learn and help bring awareness to others about this sanctuary space.
Farmaste is a truly wonderful place. It is filled with the sweetest animals and the most loving and dedicated volunteers, not to mention some of the best sunsets in town! The founders are so knowledgeable are hardworking, and are always willing to put in extra hours if it means a better life for the residents. I am so lucky to get to spend so much time with these animals, getting to know them better and better week after week. Some of my best friends live on this farm!
I started volunteering at Farmaste back in 2017 when Farmaste was just starting out. I’m not sure who I’m more impressed with- the animals or the volunteers/founders.
The founders, board and volunteers worked their butts off to get a farm sanctuary set up to take in animals. Not once, but TWICE! After the original land owner changed his mind about donating the land to the non-profit, the board had to scramble to find land during a pandemic and tough real estate market. But they did and it was another year of sweat & tears to get everything ready for our residents to make the move.
We are coming up on a year in our new place.
The animals handled it so well. Our blind bovine, Timothy, figured out his new pasture thanks to his seeing-eye friend Mags. The pigs all love their new pastures where they can root ‘til their hearts content or wallow in their puddles on those hot days. The sheep and goats have large pastures where they can graze the day away. And they all have indoor spaces where they can nap or take a break from the heat/cold.
I’ve watched some of these animals, who were escapees, cases of neglect or just unwanted by the farm they were born on, transform into attention-seeking friends, just like our cats & dogs. I’ve always known that love and kindness can heal, and Farmaste is proof of that. Come on a tour and see for yourself.
Farmaste Animal Sanctuary has truly changed my life. I started volunteering here back in 2019 and am so glad that I did. Through my time volunteering I’ve learned so much about our animals, what their lives would’ve been like if they were still in the industry and how to best care for them now that they’re with us. I’ve learned that each animal really is an individual and has their own personality. From feisty and charming Iggy Goat to chatty Phoebe Pig and everyone else in between- they know they’re safe and respected at Farmaste. If you have a chance to visit or volunteer- please take it!
Farmaste is a wonderful organization. You can really tell how much they care about their animals by the level of care showed to each and every one of them.
Farmaste has been a huge part of my life growing up and still is today. I have always loved animals, and seeing these animals in the same way you would see your cat or dog has been a great new experience. never would I have thought I would love cows, goats, and pigs as much as I love my dogs and cats. seeing these animals healing and giving everyone a second chance despite what they have been through inspired me time and time again.
I’ve followed Farmaste for years, but only started volunteering about 6 months ago. I’ve been part of the Saturday morning barn cleaning crew for most of that time and recently I’ve taken on an opening shift - feeding, cleaning stalls, administering meds and monitoring animal wellness. I love the opening shift because it gives me the chance to interact more with the animals. I love Farmaste because it’s evident that their main concern is the happiness and well-being of the animals. It’s a woman founded and women run organization and the dedication of the all-volunteer team is incredible! Through their work, Farmaste is spreading a message of compassion and love for all living beings. I’m proud to contribute in a small way to that mission.
I have been on the tour and volunteered, and I have seen that the well being of the residents is clearly top priority. Everyone works so hard and with dedication to the residents and for animal welfare. A wonderful place to visit and support!
I love this place so much. It is in an absolutely gorgeous location. The people who are involved in running and volunteering are so kind and always put the animals first. You can sense the passion each one has for the animals and the cause. That’s not even to mention the amazing animals they have there. While each has had a hard life and plenty of reason to be skidding/afraid of humans, Farmaste has provided them such a peaceful environment with enough kindness that they have warmed up to humans and, for the most part, human interaction. Which means touring the facility is even better because you don’t view them from afar, but get to interact with those animals who are interested in it. The tours are also wonderful because they are so packed full of the stories of each animal as well as broader facts about each animal and ways you can help improve the lives of farm animals at large. I could go on forever. It’s my favorite place in the world. Here’s a picture of my bff at the farm: Levi.