College sophomore hopes to expand her farming operation in the future
STRAFFORD, MO. – Tucked deep within the Ozarks countryside in Strafford, Mo., is a once-defined “hobby farm” making waves.
Addy Crocker, a Missouri State University student, along with the help of her parents, has started a small goat farm with big dreams for the future. Just before COVID became rampant in 2020, Addy and her parents moved into their new home and purchased a plot of land. After living on their small farm for around a year, Addy and her mother contemplated adding a few animals to their empty field.
According to the story, Addy’s mom ran across several goats that had escaped from a neighboring farm. The original owners offered to sell a few of them to Addy and her mother. They happened to be Nigerian Dwarf goats, which is how this dream began.
The Crockers have since bred their goats and purchased from breeders in Missouri.
The dairy herd comprises 17 registered and unregistered Nigerian Dwarf goats and two mini-Nubians.
Addy’s main love is Nigerian Dwarf goats, which are known for their milk quality and high butterfat content. Addy’s mother, Jessica Crocker, enjoys making soaps for the family, natural makeup (preservative free), as well as other products that do not contain any chemicals, on their small hobby farm in Strafford, Mo., and offered at ozarkshippiegoatfarm.com
The Crockers also sell their homemade products at Thee Quaint Market in Strafford. In addition to the word-of-mouth advertising, Facebook and their website, the Crockers enjoy bringing their goats to the local boutique and community events. Folks always enjoy taking pictures and posing with the goats. The family also enjoys hosting the Springfield Community Garden’s Grow to Ride 4-H summer camp at their local farm. They provide lessons on farming and allow the children to play with the goats, which is fun for human kids and the four-legged goat kids.
Nigerian Dwarf goats do not typically exceed 60 pounds. Nubians are larger, and goats are known as the traditional goats. Addy plans to learn more about breeding and AI.
The Crockers have 7 acres for their goats. Although they do have a local vet in Rogersville, Mo., for care and debudding of younger goats, the Crockers vaccinate and give preventative care to their herd onsite.
Many people are interested in goats for their uniquely flavored, thick milk production. Because of their small size, goats are often pets.
Addy said her goat kids sell for $200 to $600, depending on their American Dairy Goat registered genetic lineage, milk production, and markings. They typically sell goat kids at weaning, at 8 to 10 years of age. On average, the family offers 10 to 15 goat kids a year. Addy plans to show her registered Nigerian Dwarfs in the fall to gain recognition for the quality of the farm’s herd.
Addy’s love of farming began at a young age.
“My grandparents owned a dairy farm and milked twice a day,” Addy said. “I grew up around farming and years later, when we started with the goats, that passion for animals and farming was rekindled.
“I had no idea what I wanted to do. But then, one day, it hit me: agriculture. My passion was sparked at an early age with animals. I love the goats and definitely want to stick with my investment in them, but I do plan to add other animals.”
Addy would like to have a farm of her own one day and continue with Nigerian Dwarfs and Boers. She said she would enjoy adding cattle.
“I am very passionate about agriculture. I would like it to be a generational business for my family and to pass down to future generations,” Addy said.
Addy and her family started with smaller animals, a path she would recommend to others wanting to enter agriculture.
“Purchase chickens, sell eggs, start your own local business, and add to it, little by little,” she advised. “It is amazing the growth you can see from starting small. Find what you are passionate about, research, learn, ask questions, and know that you can do whatever you want if you have the drive and desire to work hard. I didn’t believe I could own a small business, but I worked hard, went out one day, and bought a goat. With my parents’ help, I have started a small business, which I look forward to expanding and turning into something great one day.”
