The Farm
Cedar & Sage Alpacas are located on Jo-De-Bran Farms, a family-owned, century-old farm spanning over 200 acres of fertile land in Southwest Wisconsin. Known for its long-standing tradition of award-winning dairy farming, the farm was most recently operated by Travis' parents, Joe and Deb Brant. This is where Travis grew up alongside his older sister, Jenni, and younger brother, Ben.
Joe Brant dedicated his entire life to the family farm, milking a mid-sized herd of Jerseys and Holsteins twice daily, 365 days a year, while also working the land to grow crops for both livestock and sale. In early 2021, due to increasing physical limitations, Joe sold his milking herd but continued to board and care for animals from other farmers. He passed away on June 15, 2023, from complications related to his health issues.
Beyond the love for the land and the unparalleled work ethic Joe instilled in his kids, he also supported their individual passion whether that be the arts, competitive sports, or environmental sustainability.
What’s in a name?
When you step onto the Trail of the Cedars in Glacier National Park, where we vacationed in 2019, a sign greets you with the words, “You are among the ancients here.”
Cedar trees are renowned for their remarkable longevity. Like many of us, they take years to reach maturity, with a true cedar typically living well over 300 years. Some of the oldest can survive for more than 1,000 years.
Trees symbolize many things, but there was something particularly captivating about the Cedar. During our 2019 adventure, we couldn't help but wonder about the stories these trees could tell—what they had witnessed throughout the centuries. Majestic and larger than life, they stood as symbols of wisdom, strength, and resilience, with root systems unbroken for generations.
The "Cedar" in Cedar & Sage is inspired by this humbling experience. As we walked among these silent giants, we felt as though they were quietly communicating, "We’ve weathered change for hundreds of years, and we’re still standing tall." That sentiment continues to inspire our dedication to Cedar & Sage Alpacas.