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About Us
About Crossroads Farm
Crossroads Farm is a small, spirited homestead run by Danielle and Austin Dionne. We are focused on ancestral connections, partnering with the plants for magick and medicinal herbalism, and raising heritage breed livestock.
Since 2009, we have lived in our 1901 Victorian Farmhouse situated on a four-acre property primarily raising Nigerian Dwarf Goats and chickens. In 2020, our focus expanded towards heritage breed farm animals in addition to growing and wildcrafting our own herbs for magick and medicine.
Crossroads Farm is home to an Irish Kerry Cow, Irish Dexter cow, American Guinea Hogs, the remaining founders of our Nigerian Dwarf Goat herd, and heritage breed organically raised chickens. We also maintain gardens for the medicinal and magickal use of herbs.
Our small herd is growing! We welcomed Seana, an Irish Kerry Cow to our farm and look forward to working with her as our milking girl after she calfs in late 2020. We have fallen in love with the Kerry cow, a rare heritage breed native to Ireland that came to the U.S. in 1818. Today they're critically endangered with less than 40 cows in the US and only about 250 in Ireland. Ivy, our Irish Dexter cow, is due to calf in spring so we'll be training her to milk as well.
Heritage Breeds
Crossroads Farm is passionate about livestock conservation. Irish Kerry Cattle, Irish Dexter Cattle, and the American Guinea Hog are recognized as heritage breeds by The Livestock Conservancy whose mission is to protect endangered livestock and poultry breeds from extinction.
According to The Livestock Conservancy, many of America’s once-common farm animals face extinction if we do not take action now. Rare farm animals represent an irreplaceable piece of earth’s biodiversity and offer incredible variety that may be needed for future farms - robust health, mothering instincts, foraging, and the ability to thrive in a changing climate. These farm animals are a vital part of ensuring food security for our planet – now and for the future.
Crossroads Farm is a member of The Livestock Conservancy, American Guinea Hog Association, and Purebred Dexter Cattle Association of North America.
Reviving Ancestral Traditions through Farming
Discovering heritage breed conservation has rekindled a fire in me that has been passed on from prior farming generations. When Austin and I purchased our old farmhouse in 2009, I knew I wanted to raise livestock. I started with Nigerian Dairy Goats and the plan was to raise American Guinea Hogs too. Alas, fate changed the farm course but guinea hogs never left my mind.
In 2019, I became aware of Irish Dexter Cattle and fell in love with the dual purpose breed. As herbalism and plant work have become more of a primary focus for me, I knew I wanted to incorporate more of the farm into my work. As a small business owner running a spiritual education center, and as a published author on ancestral work, reincorporating the traditional practices for livestock management and farming blossomed as my new vision.
When the pandemic hit, I was already in the process of expanding my garden and adding heritage breeds to Crossroads Farm. The plan was to start in Spring 2020 and reengage the farm focusing on heritage breeds, heirloom vegetables, and herbs for our own consumption and to craft products for sale. Due to COVID-19, I was faced with many difficult decisions and wondered if this was still a good direction in the face of uncertainty. It was through reflection on my own heritage, ancestral traditions, and the joy and connection I felt from working with the land and animals, that it appeared as an even more unprecedented time to undertake this work. With the opportunities granted from closing the physical location of my business, Moth and Moon Studio, I have been able to expand that vision beyond expectation.
After connecting with some wonderful cow mentors, particularly Jody Jess of Buckhill Homestead, we're learning and expanding! Our growing homestead now includes two expecting cows, including an Irish Kerry Cow. We also have our Irish Dexter Cow, four American Guinea Hogs that include breeding stock, and Australorp chickens. I have chosen to focus on heritage breeds to connect to the old, wise ways of raising hearty livestock and conserve the genetics of these breeds. I plan to market my products within our local community and use my extended reach as an author in ancestral communities to act as stewards and educators on livestock conservation. I am excited see where this journey takes Crossroads Farm!
~Danielle Dionne, Owner
About Danielle Dionne
Danielle is a certified herbalist now offering
consultations. Her practice focuses on a holistic and spirited approach to health and wellbeing. She will work with you to address concerns and partner with the plants to help you restore balance in body, mind, and spirit. She has her own line of herbal tea blends, flower essences, and other herbal products.
Danielle is also a psychic medium, witch, and author of the book Magickal Mediumship: Partnering with the Ancestors for Healing and Spiritual Development. Her focus is on partnering with spirits of the land, plants, animals, and ancestors in her mundane and magickal
practice.
For more information, visit www.DanielleDionne.com and www.MothandMoonStudio.com
About Austin Dionne
Austin is a Chief Systems Engineer by day, farmer and handyman by night and weekend. He holds a Masters Degree in Computer Science. Austin made his return to the stage in The ActorSinger's 2019 productions of Cannibal:
The Musical and The Addams Family Musical.He loves animals, plays the guitar, and enjoys maintaining order in chaos.