Serenity Acres Farm – Pinetta, FL

The Harris family began farming in DeLand, Florida in 2008. They raised different types of livestock, and over the years, learned about goat management and making high-quality goat milk soap. In 2024, they were looking to expand their herd of dairy goats and met Julia and Wayne Shewchuck at Serenity Acres Farm in Pinetta, FL. The opportunity arose for the Harris family to not only expand their herd of goats but also to purchase the Shewchuk’s soap and skincare business. Today, Roe Harris raises Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW dairy goats and laying hens at Harris Homestead in Greenville, FL and produces Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW eggs and Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW goat milk soap and skincare products sold under the Serenity Acres brand.

The Harris family raises a variety of dairy goats, including Nigerian dwarf, Nubian and Saneens, breeds well-suited to outdoor management in high-welfare farming systems. The foundation of the farm’s management practices is providing the most healthy and natural environment for their animals. “We love our animals and want them to be happy and healthy. We believe the welfare of their animals is vital to ensure the most nutritious milk, which is the foundation for all of our products,” says Roe.

The flock of Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW laying hens are raised outdoors on pasture, and are able to perform natural behaviors, like running, dust bathing, pecking and scratching for grubs and seeds. Pasture-based management not only provides the highest welfare conditions for the hens, but also produces healthier eggs containing three times as much vitamin E, seven times more beta-carotene, and twice the omega-3 fatty acids as industrial eggs.

Becoming Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW was a validation of their operation and an additional marketing tool—communicating to their customers with the help of an independent third-party certification that they are raising their animals according to the highest welfare standards. “Our standard for quality is whether or not we will feed it or use it on our grandchildren,” says Roe. “If we wouldn’t, we are not selling it. Our AGW certification is important to us for third-party accreditation of our practices that are good for our animals, people and the planet.”

Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW eggs along with goat milk soap and skin care products are available for online order and at various retail outlets. Check the AGW directory for details. For more information about Serenity Acres, visit serenitygoats.com, follow the farm on Facebook and Instagram, and get in touch with Roe Harris at 877-601-7373.