I had the delightful opportunity to visit the farm that produces raw goat milk for My Pet Carnivore. It was an eye-opening and heartwarming experience. As soon as I arrived at Risin’ Creek Creamery, I was greeted by an extremely enthusiastic yellow lab who climbed right into my car and onto my lap. Yes, he sniffed out the freeze-dried lamb liver I had stashed in the car! After using the treats to coax the lab out of my car, I finally stepped out to meet the farmer, Tim Vanzant.

Arrival at the Farm

The warm welcome from the yellow lab set the tone for the entire visit. His excitement was contagious, and I couldn't help but laugh as I used the treats to get him out of my car. Stepping out, I was immediately struck by the peaceful ambiance of the farm and the friendly atmosphere.

Meeting the Farmer

Tim Vanzant, the goat farmer, greeted me with a warm smile and genuine enthusiasm. He was eager to take me on a tour and show me the milking process. It was clear from the start that Tim had a deep love for his goats and took great pride in his work.

The Milking Parlor

Our first stop was the milking parlor, where Tim's wife, Sheena, had everything set up for the milking process. Tim explained that hygiene and quality are paramount. The teats are cleaned with an antiseptic, and the first milk, which contains more bacteria, is discarded. After drying the teats, the milking machine is applied, and antiseptic is used again post-milking. The milk is then tested to ensure it is antibiotic-free.

Diet of the Goats

Tim also explained the diet of the goats. Unlike cows, goats love to forage and prefer to eat higher up rather than from the ground. Their diet includes various forage and hay, and during milking, they receive corn, oats, barley, and pellets. Tim mentioned that they are particularly fond of dry leaves and will even catch leaves as they fall off the trees in autumn. This varied diet contributes to the richness of their milk, which contains more minerals than cow milk.

Milk Testing

Each batch of milk is tested for its somatic cell content. A higher somatic cell content indicates that the animal the milk came from is likely fighting some sort of infection. The less somatic cells, the higher the grade of milk. Tim only accepts human, grade-A milk, ensuring that the milk sent to My Pet Carnivore is of the highest quality.

Tour of the Farm

As we toured the farm, it was evident that Tim had a special bond with his goats. They came over to us, trying to get his attention, nibbling his shirt, and seeking snacks or pets. Tim shared that he started with goats 40 years ago for 4H and never stopped because he loved the goats and farm life. Many of the goat kids produced on the farm also go to 4H participants, and Tim exports goats to other countries as well.

Kid Barn and Goat Kids

We visited the kid barn, where young goats are kept. A young dog greeted us at the entrance. Tim explained the importance of having dogs on the farm to protect the goats, especially the kids, from predators like bald eagles. The farm mainly has Anatolian Shepherd Dogs for protection but also a Yellow Lab, the same one that greeted me so enthusiastically.

Health Precautions

Tim explained that the kids are separated from their mothers at birth to prevent the transmission of Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis (CAE), an arthritic disease passed through milk. While his herd is CAE-free, Tim takes this precaution out of an abundance of caution. The kids are fed heat-treated milk and colostrum to kill the pathogen that causes CAE. This disease is species-specific and does not affect carnivorous pets.

Vaccinations

I also asked Tim if there are any vaccinations that he uses on his goats. He said that it is pretty standard to vaccinate against clostridia and tetanus. These vaccines are typically given once or twice when a goat is young to ensure they remain healthy and protected from these common diseases.

Boar Barn

We then visited the boar barn, where the male goats are kept. Tim introduced me to each one and shared their names. He proudly mentioned that all the goats on the farm are named, highlighting the personal connection he has with each animal.

Indoor and Outdoor Areas

Tim showed me the areas where the goats can choose to be inside or outside. Goats prefer temperatures of 65-70°F and will be outside most of the day in that kind of weather. If it's hotter, they enjoy being inside with fans blowing on them. If it's cooler, they prefer the shelter of being inside and grouped together.

Breeds of Goats

Tim's farm has two different breeds of goats. His first love is the Nubian goats, known for their floppy ears and loving nature. While not the most productive milkers, they produce milk rich in nutrients. The farm also has Saanen goats, which are all white, smart, adventurous, and higher in milk production, though slightly less nutrient-dense.

Personalities of Goats

As we stood in the field, many of the goats gathered around us, rubbing up against us and nibbling at my shoelaces, shirt sleeves, and notebook. I was amazed at how much like dogs some of them were! A particular goat, Fern, was immensely pleased by getting scratched at the base of her tail area.

Challenges of Goat Farming

I asked Tim about the hardest part of being a dairy goat farmer. He looked a bit sad and said, "Losing a goat..." However, his favorite part is getting to know each goat's personality and the farm life in general.

Fun Facts About Goats

Here are a few fun facts I picked up from Tim during my visit:

• Goats are closer to the deer family than they are to sheep or cows.
• Goats love minerals! They seek out brambles and stems because they have a higher mineral content than grasses.
• Domestic goats usually live to be 12-14 years old.
• Goats love routine and need a lead goat, a braver goat to help guide them through change.

Risin' Creek Creamery Products

In addition to the raw goat milk for pets, Risin' Creek Creamery also offers a line of human products, including award-winning cheese. If you live in Indiana, you can find these cheeses at the Caramel Farm Market, City of Franklin Farm Market, and Bloomington Farm Market. You can also order their cheese online and pick it up at their farm.

My visit to the goat milk farm was a delightful and educational experience. From the warm welcome by the yellow lab to learning about the meticulous milking process and meeting the friendly goats, it was clear that Tim and his family deeply care for their animals and produce high-quality milk. I left with a greater appreciation for the hard work and dedication that goes into goat farming.

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