Agriculture Evolves at Skylar Brook Farm
Provided by Dan Starcher, Communications Coordinator for Wayne County
Updated Wed, October 14, 2026 at 5:09 PM UTC
3 min read
Wayne County's agricultural landscape extends beyond traditional grain production and dairy farming, as evidenced by Skylar Brook Farm. Owned by Dave and Christy Forrer, this Orrville farm showcases a diversified agricultural business through its unique blend of Christmas tree production, alpaca raising, retail sales, and an event venue.
A Changing Landscape
Dave, a Wayne County Farm Bureau trustee, emphasizes the farm's transformation from a deteriorating dairy to a thriving agricultural hub. "You can do things with farms other than growing corn and raising cows," he notes.
Since purchasing the farm in 2005, the couple has undertaken significant changes. They demolished existing structures, rebuilt, and introduced new elements, including:
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Christmas Tree Farm: Planting began in 2006, with 1,000-2,500 trees cultivated annually, featuring varieties like Canaan fir, Fraser fir, blue spruce, and white pine.
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Alpaca Raising: Alpacas were introduced in 2007, with a current herd of six, producing approximately 10 pounds of fiber per animal annually through the New England Alpaca Fiber Pool.
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Retail and Events: Skylar Brook Farm offers retail sales of alpaca fiber products and serves as a venue for weddings and special events.
Media Attention
The Forrers' dedication to their farm and its unique offerings attracted television coverage from Fox 8's "New Day Cleveland," further highlighting this impressive transformation.
Looking Ahead
Skylar Brook Farm continues to evolve, showcasing the resilience and adaptability of Wayne County agriculture. It stands as a testament to the diverse possibilities within the agricultural realm, inspiring others to explore innovative ways to preserve and grow rural communities.