About Us

From a 4-H Project to a Family Legacy

Cherokee Flats began in 2004 with a single 8-year-old boy and a 4-H project known as "Cody's Rabbit Cave." As we moved to rural Farmer City, our family and our passion expanded, officially becoming Cherokee Flats in 2007. Today, we specialize in Mini Lops, Flemish Giants, Polish, and the Argent series (Creme, Champagne, and Brun), as well as American, Skinny, Teddy, and Peruvian cavies, fancy rats, and mice.

Sustainability is at the heart of our farm. We believe in a "closed-loop" approach to animal husbandry, ensuring nothing is wasted. Our animals are raised with a focus on health and longevity, and we manage our small farm with a deep respect for the Illinois soil that sustains us.

This commitment extends to our local ecosystem. Since 2005, we have partnered with the World Bird Sanctuary, and in 2024, we expanded to add the Illinois Raptor Center. Every few months, we donate rabbits, rats, and mice to provide a natural, sustainable food source for non-releasable birds of prey. By supporting these raptors, we help maintain the balance of our shared natural world.

Crystal R. Akey-Smith

CEO & Community Leader

A 1995 high school graduate and former barrel racer, Crystal brings her high-energy spirit and dedication to everything she does at Cherokee Flats. As our CEO, she manages the day-to-day operations with a singular focus: helping families find the perfect animal companion to complete their homes. Her passion for understanding others is further fueled by her current studies in Psychology at Southern New Hampshire University.

Crystal’s heart for service extends well beyond the farm. In the local community, she:

When she isn't busy running the business or volunteering, Crystal loves traveling, exploring nature, and spending quality time with her friends and family. She is also a self-proclaimed "crazy" houseplant enthusiast with a collection that continues to grow!

Brian J. Smith

Technical Lead & Innovator

With a career rooted in problem-solving and technical excellence, Brian has been a pillar of the Bloomington tech community since graduating high school in 1989. By day, he serves as a Lead Software Engineer for State Farm Insurance, bringing decades of expertise to one of the nation’s leading insurers.

His passion for development extends into his personal projects, most notably as the creator and developer of Who’s Due. Brian is constantly looking for ways to improve the app, often spending his free time engaging with users to learn exactly what features they need to make their lives easier.

When he’s away from the keyboard, Brian prioritizes:

  • Family Traditions: Making memories and spending quality time with his loved ones.

  • Adventure: Traveling and exploring new destinations with his wife, Crystal.

  • Continuous Learning: Staying at the forefront of software trends to better serve his community and his app's users.

Cody R. Smith

The Inspiration Behind the Farm

Cody is the heartbeat of our history—he is the reason we started Cody’s Rabbit Cave back in 2004, which eventually grew into the Cherokee Flats you know today. Although he is now 29 and moved to the Champaign-Savoy area in 2020, his connection to the farm remains as strong as ever.

Even while living in Savoy, IL, Cody is a frequent face around the property. Whether he is stopping by for a visit or stepping in to house-sit and care for the animals when the family is out of town, he remains a vital part of our farm family.

When he isn’t visiting the animals, Cody stays busy with:

  • Gaming: An avid video game enthusiast.

  • Community: Spending quality time with his close friends and family.

  • Support: Helping maintain the legacy of the farm he inspired over two decades ago.

Austin A. Smith

Our Small Animal Expert

Austin, now 26, played a pivotal role in shaping the diversity of animals we have at Cherokee Flats. His interest in reptiles led us to begin raising fancy rats and mice, a venture that started to support his three pet snakes and grew into a core part of our farm's history.

Though he no longer lives on the farm, Austin is a frequent visitor who loves catching up with the "critters." He recently expanded his own animal family by adopting Skylar from Pet Central Helps! in Normal, IL. Skylar has since become his official Emotional Support Animal (ESA), providing companionship and support in his daily life.

When he isn’t at the farm or with Skylar, Austin enjoys:

  • Gaming & Connection: Spending time playing video games and hanging out with his close friends.

  • Staying Active: Going for walks and exploring the outdoors.

  • Family: Prioritizing quality time with his family here at the farm.

Autumn R. Smith

Our Mini Lop Specialist & Miracle League Athlete

Autumn, 23, is the heart of our rabbitry and a true Audrey Hepburn enthusiast. A 2022 high school graduate, she spends her days dedicated to the animals at Cherokee Flats, where she has earned the title of our resident "Mini Lop girl." Her deep love for lop-eared rabbits is matched only by her commitment to helping manage our wide variety of exotic animals alongside her mom.

Beyond the animal enclosures, Autumn is an essential part of the farm’s daily life:

  • Green Thumb: She shares her mom’s passion for greenery, helping tend to the farm’s extensive collection of houseplants.

  • Miracle League Legacy: A talented athlete, Autumn has played baseball with the Miracle League of Central Illinois since its very first season in 2008.

  • Family Support: She is a constant presence in the office, ensuring every animal and visitor feels right at home.

When she isn't at the farm or on the diamond, you can find Autumn channeling her inner "Fair Lady," enjoying the quiet beauty of nature and the company of her favorite critters.

Cherokee Flats on CI Living