Rosa Farm in Higganum, CT is a farm stand selling eggs, fresh sourdough baked goods, and other handmade goods! Jess, the Veteran Farmer, has chickens and ducks of various breeds including Silver Laced Wyandotte and Lavender Orpington chickens and Indian Runner and Pekin ducks. Jess expresses, “Nothing is better than farm fresh eggs!”

Jess is passionate about the care of her flock, noting the benefits of talking to them - even singing and dancing with them! “Like our dog, Bailey, we spend time with them. We feel they give to us, the least we can do is spend some time with them,” Jess notes. Bailey, a sweet natured golden retriever, is great with chickens. Bailey has a chicken bestie, Lottie, in which she barks and plays with through the fencing.

Jess was in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1998 to 2002, serving mostly in New England. On being a Veteran Farmer, Jessica commented, “I served my country proudly, and as a veteran of the Coast Guard, I continue the core values of honor, respect and devotion to duty. I carry on those values in Rosa Farm and the community which I provide for as a farmer.

Rosa Farm believes in sustainability, composting the chicken manure and bedding to naturally fertilize the gardens in addition to utilizing vermicomposting with red wiggler worms. “It can take some time and work, a little more work than regular composting, but the end result is rewarding.”

From spring to early winter, the honor system farm stand is open and stocked with farm fresh eggs, fresh sourdough baked goods, and other handmade items. During the winter months, Rosa Farm accepts pre-orders for just about everything offered at the farm stand pending availability. Jess added, “When I joined CT Veteran Grown, I was proud to say I am part of the veteran farming community and that my farm could be recognized — it was an honor. Nothing is more rewarding when a customer visits our farm stand and says they found you because of CT Veteran Grown.”

Follow the farm on social media for updates or visit the website.