Fuller Acres: A Fourth-Generation Farm Rooted in Innovation, Tradition, and Community

Tucked into the rolling countryside of Fort Ann, New York, Fuller Acres is more than a pasture-based livestock operation—it’s a living testament to sustainable farming, local food systems, and multigenerational stewardship. At the helm is Olivia Fuller, the fourth-generation farmer behind this vibrant, evolving enterprise.

What began as a traditional dairy farm has transformed under Olivia’s leadership into a diversified operation raising beef cattle, pigs, and sheep—all on pasture—and connecting directly with local consumers through innovative sales models.

From Dairy to Diversification

Fuller Acres’ roots run deep. Olivia grew up helping her father and grandparents milk cows, feed calves, and navigate the ups and downs of a dairy operation bound to volatile milk markets. “We didn’t set our own prices,” she explains, recalling how tough it was to make a living under such constraints. When the opportunity arose for her to return to the farm, Olivia knew she didn’t want to follow the same path.

Instead, she chose a bold new direction: transitioning from dairy to pasture-raised meat production. “We began breeding our dairy cows—Holsteins, Jerseys, and Brown Swiss—to beef breeds like Angus,” she says. That pivot, launched in 2018, eventually led to a full conversion in 2023. Today, Fuller Acres is home to approximately 60 head of beef cattle, a growing herd of nearly 20 sheep, and seasonal rotations of pigs raised thoughtfully in woodland pastures.

Creative Marketing: Subscription Boxes and Self-Serve Stores

For Olivia, running a farm isn’t just about livestock—it’s about building sustainable systems that work for her lifestyle and for her customers. As someone who also works full-time off the farm, traditional farmers’ markets weren’t feasible. The solution? A subscription-based “Farm Club” service that delivers boxes of meat directly to customers across Glens Falls, Saratoga, and Albany.

“The subscription model allows me to schedule my delivery routes in advance and gives my customers priority access to popular cuts like ground beef or bacon,” Olivia explains. Farm Club members choose from boxes like the Burger Lovers Box, a beef-and-pork combo, or a rotating “Pick of the Month” assortment.

Fuller Acres also operates a self-serve farm store, open seven days a week, located in their remodeled former dairy parlor. The store is a charming and functional nod to the farm’s past—with a glass-front freezer full of retail cuts, an iPad for checkout, and options to pay via card, Venmo, or cash. “It’s a relief,” Olivia admits, “not having to coordinate every transaction myself. It gives me the flexibility I need to keep the business going.”

Maximizing Every Animal, Respecting Every Acre

Fuller Acres emphasizes whole-animal use and land stewardship. “We work hard to make use of everything we raise,” says Olivia. From lard soap made with pig fat to beef tallow balm crafted by local artisans, value-added products reflect the farm’s commitment to sustainability.

Breed selection is a carefully considered process. The sheep herd began with just three Dorsets and has grown into a healthy flock with Icelandic and crossbred genetics—valued for hardiness, grazing efficiency, and wool quality. Olivia and her partner Tom even process Icelandic sheepskins, which are tanned and sold as unique, natural products.

The pigs are equally diverse, with a blend of Tamworth, Mangalitsa, and KuneKune lineage that thrives in the wooded portions of the 300-acre farm. This includes about 60 acres of forested land, where pigs are rotationally pastured to manage invasive plants like honeysuckle.

“We’re trying to use every corner of our property thoughtfully,” Olivia says. The cows and sheep are co-grazed strategically to manage parasites and optimize forage use, with mobile fencing systems allowing for flexible pasture rotation.

Community-Driven, Conservation-Focused

At its core, Fuller Acres is built on relationships—with customers, animals, the land, and the local community. Olivia’s approach combines education with accessibility, using newsletters and social media to keep customers informed about what’s in stock, and sharing the “why” behind her methods.

But perhaps the most inspiring part of Fuller Acres is the commitment to conservation. The farm is permanently protected through a conservation easement with the Agricultural Stewardship Association. That means its 300 acres can never be subdivided for development.

“This land will always be available for farming,” Olivia proudly notes. “It’s a haven for wildlife, and it’s going to stay that way even after it’s no longer in our family.”

Looking Ahead

Despite rapid growth, Olivia is quick to note that Fuller Acres is still evolving. Demand often outpaces supply, especially for beef and pork. Lamb, while still a niche item locally, is gaining traction as more customers try it and learn about its flavor and preparation.

As Fuller Acres grows, so does its vision: to educate more consumers, support the local food economy, and serve as a model of resilience in small-scale agriculture.

Visit www.fulleracres.com to learn more about their Farm Club, farm store hours, and the story behind each cut of meat on your plate.