SPF FOUNDATION NEWS

In October 2025, The Sugar Plum Farm Foundation launched its Learning Program with student leaders from Albany’s ROOTS Academy at West Hill, who visited the farm for a day of interactive learning.

During their visit, the students spent time in the barns and paddocks, enjoying hands-on interaction with our donkeys, mini goats, and mini horses. For many of them, it was a first opportunity to be up close with farm animals and experience the rhythm of life on a working farm.

After barn time, we gathered for pizza and a conversation about what they had seen and done throughout the day. The students shared thoughtful observations and offered ideas on how the program could be improved and expanded for future visits.

With their suggestions in mind, we are excited to continue refining the program and look forward to creating a robust learning experience for the students of ROOTS Academy in the months ahead.

December 2025

Just before the Christmas holiday, Crystal and Belinda visited ROOTS Academy in Albany to serve cider and cookies to the students. They were delighted to have us there, and many of them told us they had never tasted fresh cider before.

It was a great afternoon and gave us a chance to spend time with the students in their own environment. The visit also reminded us how meaningful it will be for them to come to the farm, where they can meet the animals, learn about their care, and experience the simple joy of being out in the country.

January 2026

S.E.E.D DAY AT ROOTS ACADEMY (BELOW)

The Student Education Enrichment and Development Series (S.E.E.D.S.) encourages leadership and provides students with real-world applications of classroom learning through innovative, hands-on lessons designed to prepare them for future success.

We were delighted to bring a bit of Sugar Plum Farm to ROOTS Academy through a PowerPoint presentation featuring photos of the animals on the farm. Together with the students, we talked about the daily needs and care of animals and how kindness, patience, and empathy are essential parts of responsible animal care.

Spending time with the younger students was truly the highlight of the day. Sitting on the floor together, looking at photos of the animals, listening to their ideas, and hearing their stories about their own pets made the experience especially meaningful. Their curiosity and enthusiasm reminded us just how powerful these connections with animals can be.