Dairy goat producers are finding local markets with their own niche items
Most people who own dairy goats will tell you that they are like potato chips – you can’t have just one.
A couple of dairy goats can quickly multiply, and suddenly producers can find themselves with a refrigerator overflowing with goat milk.
While goat milk is often a popular item to sell on its own, a few local entrepreneurs have found some innovative ways to utilize their goat milk and create more farm income.
Cheese
Terrell Creek Farm in Fordland, Mo., has become legendary in the Ozarks for their delectable, locally made artisan goat cheese.
Lesley and Barry Million went commercial with their cheeses in 2012. They have a herd of Nubian and Alpine dairy goats, and the milk produced by their does goes into the creation of their Chevre (plain and flavored), Feta, Blue Cheese and a cheese of their own creation, “The Dude.”
Their cheeses can be purchased straight off the farm, or from local retailers around the Springfield, Mo., area. Several restaurants also serve Terrell Creek Farm cheese on their menus.
To further add to the niche market they’ve created, the Millions offer cheese making classes at their farm, and they host cheese night events throughout the summer where guests can come tour the farm, sample cheeses, listen to live music and, of course, meet the goats.
Soap
Deb and Wayne Malas, owners of Windwood Goat Milk Soap in Springfield, Mo., started their business by using the milk from their herd of Saanens to create high-quality bath and body care products that have become a staple for many people around the Ozarks. As their business started to pick up, Deb and Wayne sold their goat herd and now purchase the goat milk used in their products from a close friend who adheres to their management standards to produce outstanding quality milk.
Windwood Goat Milk Soap has products in more than 90 locations across the United States, and with more than 20 scents of soap and multiple types and scents of lotion, there is a great deal for customers to choose from. Their most popular soap scent is Oatmeal and Honey. Other more unique fragrances include Ginger Rose, Wrangler and Patchouli.
Caramels
As a way to generate winter farm income, Caleb Howerton of Green Thicket Farm in Springfield, Mo., developed a goat milk caramel recipe to sell value-added confections around the 2017 holiday season.
The caramels quickly became one of the most popular items on the farm and are now being made and sold at most major holidays throughout the year.
Green Thicket Farm’s goat milk caramels are coated in chocolate and topped with sea salt for a decadent treat; they are sold by the dozen and packaged in egg cartons. Customers can order the caramels on the farm’s website during a set period of time, and then are delivered to the customer’s door within the Greater Springfield are, or can be picked up on the farm.
