THE REAL LIFE OF A GOAT FARMER

WINTER ON THE FARM

Becoming a goat farmer isn’t something you just fall into. It’s something you commit to with your whole heart, your hands, your back, and your every waking moment. It’s a 24/7 life, not just a job. There are no sick days. There are no vacations. And forget about lazy Sundays as weekends are often the busiest of all.

Whether it’s pouring rain, blistering hot, snowing sideways, or a perfect blue-sky day, the goats still need fed, the water buckets need filling, and the chores don’t pause. Every single day, the barn has to be cleaned, fencing inspected and repaired, hooves trimmed, and health checks completed. These tasks don’t care about birthdays or holidays. They’re as constant as the sunrise.

GOAT MILK SOAP MAKING DAY

Milking isn’t optional. If you’ve got dairy goats, like I do, you’re up every morning and back at it again every evening. It’s routine, but it’s also bonding time, and it’s the heart of our operation. The fresh milk goes into handmade goat milk soap, lotion, and other body care products, in addition to being made into cheese and butter. And that means the work doesn’t stop in the barn - it continues in the kitchen or workshop, crafting and preparing each item with care.

The weeds still grow. The troughs still need scrubbing. A goat with an upset stomach doesn’t wait for Monday to get sick. And when kidding season rolls around, you’re on high alert (day and night) watching, waiting, ready to step in at a moment’s notice.

THE JOYS OF BOTTLE FEEDING!

And yes, we chose this life. We started small, with just four sweet little doelings. Fast forward to today, and we are raising 30 goats - Nubians and Myotonics (the famous fainting kind). Each has their own name, personality, quirks, and place in the herd. They’re not just livestock; they’re part of our everyday life.

There’s mud, sweat, and more poop than you can imagine. But there’s also peace in the quiet morning milkings, pride in a clean barn, and joy in watching kids bounce across the pasture. There’s a deep satisfaction in creating a product from scratch, knowing it started with the care of a goat you raised with your own two hands.

Goat farming is hard work. It’s sacrifice. It’s never-ending. But it’s also purpose. It’s passion. It’s something you don’t clock out of because it’s not just what you do. It’s who you are.

If you’re thinking about becoming a goat farmer, know this: It’s not easy. But for those of us who truly love it, we wouldn’t trade it for anything.