Tyler, Jessica, & Ava with North Jackson Goats

1. How would you describe your business and/or products?

We are a family owned and operated meat goat operation located in upstate N.Y. that strives to produce high quality chevon for our consumers. We breed and raise percentage Boer and Kiko goats on our farm and take great pride in the health and welfare of our animals.

2. Why do you choose Washington County for your farm?

My wife and I both grew up here in Washington county and my family has farmed this land for three generations so it was only natural that we continue the farming tradition where it all started.

3. What has surprised you most OR challenged you most as a farmer?

I continue to find the death of an animal that we have devoted our time and energy towards to not only be a financial loss but an emotional challenge to overcome and learn from each time. Where there is death there is life as well, we always look forward to new kids being born, and that brings excitement and its own set of challenges.

4. Why should someone buy your products?

Goat is the most widely consumed meat in the world and is used in many ethnic dishes. For the health conscious consumers looking for a source of red meat in their diet chevon is lower in calories, total fat, saturated fat and cholesterol while high in iron and protein. It has less fat than chicken and more protein than beef. Our animals thrive on pasture for the majority of the year and hay for the winter months with minimal grain in their diets.

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

One particular memory on the farm that stands out for us was the year our daughter was born. That same time of year, we also had goats kidding; two births a day every day for a week. Unfortunately, one of our goat mammas kidded four kids and was unable to raise them so in the house they went to be bottle babies. A fifth kid was added to the group because she was too weak to nurse off her mother and needed extra care. So now, we were feeding five newborn goats every couple of hours as well as our newborn baby. There were many sleepless nights ahead of us but that is the kind of dedication it takes to raise kids.

6. What would you recommend to someone looking to transfer his or her farm from dairy to another operation?

I recommend diversifying your business. Instead of relying solely on the dairy part of your business which is difficult to do these days; try to find another Ag product that fits well with your existing business. That way you have another source of income to help supplement the dairy business during stressful times.

Last updated July 26, 2019