Nov. 12, 2009 - Though the Fair Meadow Farm goat dairy, located in Hawkins, is not certified organic by the State of Texas, the family-run farm prefers to utilize organic and all-natural practices.
"Pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, antibiotics, growth hormones and milk stimulants are harmful to both people and animals," said Carol Pinckard, owner and operator of Fair Meadow Farm, an East Texas ranch that focuses primarily on dairy goats. "We prefer the term 'all-natural,'" Pinckard said, "However, we utilize organic practices. My husband fertilizes the land with a type of compost tea with seaweed extract added. All of our livestock, including poultry, are given free access to grazing and browsing at all times."
A rotation method is utilized to break parasitic cycles.
"The animals are moved from paddock to paddock in a timely manner," she said. "If done properly, parasites are kept to a minimum. This eliminates the use of chemical wormers. Good, quality loose minerals are available free choice, and of course, clean water."
The barns and holding areas are cleaned on a consistent basis to eliminate flies. The milking facility is kept clean and inspected by the state on a regular basis. Milk samples are also taken for testing. The testing reveals bacteria counts and potential animal health problems.
"Since each animal is brought in the milking parlor twice a day, that gives us a chance to stay ahead of potential problems," she said. "They are looked over thoroughly, brushed out and hooves are trimmed. Herbs and natural supplements are given according to the need of each animal."
Running the farm requires the cooperation of the entire family. The day starts with a 5:30 a.m. wake-up call. Pinckard's husband John is usually the first awake, followed by her and their three girls.
"Once everyone gets dressed and eats a little something, we head out to the dairy barn," she said. "While I start getting things ready to bottle the previous nights milking, the girls are checking all the livestock; watering and feeding the poultry and all the other animals besides the goats. Once bottling is complete, we start milking. We have a vacuum machine system, but for the last couple of years we have been hand-milking. Herd health is excellent since we started that."
The milk is the ranch's main source of agriculture income.
"When it comes to raw milk, we consider it worth its weight in gold," Pinckard said. "Pasteurized, store-bought milk has no real nutritional value. The heat process has removed all the good bacteria and flora that our digestive systems crave to function properly. Whereas, raw milk contains, in abundance, the nutrients our bodies need to maintain good health. Nothing has been removed or added."
Raw goat milk, both fresh and frozen, is sold in one-time use plastic containers. What is not sold each day is promptly frozen to maintain freshness.
"We are careful to rotate out the frozen milk," Pinckard said. "Customers have told us that they have kept our milk in their refrigerators for over a week, and it still has a nice flavor. We have also been told that frozen milk has been kept for three to four months, with no 'off' flavor.
"I usually tell those that are skeptical to come by the farm and we will pour them a complimentary glass of milk to try right there on the spot," she added. "You should see their faces after they take a sip. Their eyes get round and they cannot believe it is goat milk."
Besides selling milk, the family also raises chickens and eggs and produces specialty products, such as soaps and lotions.
Having an abundance of poultry allows the family to option of selling eggs. The poultry flock includes chickens, turkeys, guineas, ducks and peacocks, all of which roam freely on the farm.
Soaps are made using vegetable oils and essential oils -- no preservatives or artificial colors and no animal tallows. The lotions are made using natural preservatives.
"When time permits, I also offer lip balms and bath fizzies," Pinckard said. "All of our bath products are made by me, in small, controlled batches to maintain quality."
The family enjoys dressing in 1800s-style clothing when they travel to craft shows and farmers markets to sell their products. When traveling, the family must leave the raw milk behind. State law prohibits the sale of raw milk away from the farm premises. The customer must come to the farm to purchase milk and the farm must possess a "Grade A Raw for Retail Permit," which the family does.
"During kidding season, we have goat kids available from good bloodlines," Pinckard said. "In the future, we hope to offer a few vegetables, herbs and cut flowers. This winter, we are working on our garden areas and hope to have them producing next spring.
"We love to watch things grow and being a part of the whole process. All of us have certain animals that we especially enjoy," she said. "Our girls love the idea of having all the critters they like around them. Another thing we really enjoy is educating others about what we do. Whenever a new customer comes out and we give them a tour, our whole family usually participates. We all give our points of view and answer questions."
To find out more about the Fair Meadow Farm Goat Dairy and their products, visit www.fairmeadowfarm.com .
