Honey Doe Farm started because of the family's quest to find alternative milk for their lactose intolerant daughter, Amanda. They learned that goat milk is more easily digestible for humans, but the ones available in stores had a powerful off-flavor. The good thing is they met a family with milk goats, discovered that goat milk is incredibly tasty. And that's when they started dreaming of having their fresh goat milk and homemade cheese. Said dream turned to reality when they moved to Idaho in January 2005 and purchased their first eight goats, 4 Nigerian Dwarfs & 4 LaManchas.
With their continuous efforts to learn more about goat farming, their herd has grown to 100 goats. They are primarily raising two dairy breeds, LaMancha & Nigerian Dwarf goats and a market goat breed, Boer.
Going the natural route, they provide nutritious hay, minerals, and additional supplements such as dolomite, yeast, kelp, and bran to their goats as well as unlimited access to water.
They sell some goat kids, and also branched out to producing beautiful hand-crafted goat's milk cheeses, lead by Lance Hays. He is deaf and communicates using American Sign Language, and is the primary cheesemaker and dairyman, joined by Frances Hays. A satisfied customer said
, "My husband and I had a great time visiting! We toured the creamery, milked goats, and fed babies. So much fun! And so nice to be able to buy fresh goat cheese made in the creamery we had just toured. It's a great place to bring your kiddos to learn about life on the farm! Support local farmers!". You can reach out to Lance regarding your milk or cheese inquiries on this email,
[email protected]!
