Jim Osborne of Goats Galore, Hartford

How would you describe your business and/or products?

I milk 10 Nubian goats and make goat milk soap. My soap is one of a kind! I’ve looked everywhere and can’t find any other soap with the clean and healthy ingredients found in mine. I use no fragrances so that my customers are getting the freshest, cleanest product possible.

How or why did you pick Washington County to establish your farm or business?

It means a great deal to me that I am on the farm where my father, grandfather and great grandfather farmed. I love how quiet it is here and that I know just about everyone! There are few counties in this state with as much agriculture and heritage as Washington County.

What inspires you as a farmer?

Oh man, I don’t know. I just love what I do. I love my animals and the product we produce. I take pride in the fact that someone with sensitive skin can use my soap and be happy with it. Case in point: I once got a message from a customer who had a serious skin condition and had tried my goat milk soap. They said it worked better than any lotion or cream they purchased from the pharmacy. That’s not the only story like that that I’ve heard. It makes me feel good to help others.

What has surprised you most as a farmer?

The attitude people have towards farmers surprises me. I’ve always been around agriculture and being involved with it comes to a sense of responsibility and work ethic. I don’t think people understand the hours and commitment required to raise and care for animals. There are no days off – birthdays, holidays, weekends – we always have to be here for our animals. I think people often look at me and shake their heads, not understanding how farmers can work we way we do.

Why should someone buy your products?

Skin is the largest organ in the human body and my goat milk soap is healthy and good for your skin! We need to take care of our skin, as it’s the only skin we have.

Is there are a particular moment, memory or achievement in your farm or business that stands out for you?

Yeah! When I first started selling soap, I was calling stores every day to see if they’d carry my product. No one responded. Then one day, the Little Soap Shop in New York City returned my call and they ordered 100 bars of soap! It was the largest order I had received yet and thought to myself, “Wow! This is really something that will sell.” And the rest is history.

What might someone be surprised to know about you?

I’m a simple man that loves my goats. Nothing surprising there.

Is there anything else you want to share about you, your farm or your product?

I love what I do and I love that I’m able to make a product that is so wholesome and healthy. I just ask that people give my goat milk soap a try! They won’t be disappointed.  

Last updated July 26, 2019