MAY MEETING - May 19, 2003

Our Speaker for the evening was Nancy ST. VINCENT, from the Emerald Forest Homestead in West Greenwich, who introduced us to the world of dairy goats. Her family operates a small farm where goat milk, cheese, and yogurt are produced for family use and goat milk soap is handcrafted for sale in boutiques and other specialty shops.

Mrs. ST. VINCENT said that the animals are relatively easy to handle. They don't need a large parcel of land but do need to be free to roam, within the containment of a fenced environment, where brush lands and a carried selection of pasture plants are available. Their natural curiosity may lead them to investigate newly-found food stuff by sniffing and nibbling but, contrary to common belief, they don't ingest everything in sight, and they refuse to eat all that is dirty or distasteful. They are hardy and can be kept in all climates but some type of shelter is required. With proper care they have a life span of eight to twelve years.

For those with sensitivities to cow's milk, goat milk is considered an alternative because of its easy digestibility and, an added factor to its acceptance, there is no perceptible difference between the flavor of goat milk and cow milk. Many dairy goats in their prime average 3-4 quarts of milk a day during a ten-month lactation period. Although The ST. VINENTS do not market their goat milk, there are others who make it available, fresh, raw or pasteurized, condensed or dried, in some grocery stores and specialty shops, along with gourmet cheese, ice cream, and yogurt made from goat milk.

Mrs. ST. VINCENT briefly touched on the mission of the American Dairy Goat Association, an organization that promotes and regulates matters pertaining to the history, publicity, breeding, exhibition and improvement of dairy goats. Although she did not elaborate on other goat products (how could we accept the thought of destroying such adorable creatures), she mentioned that the ADGA recognizes that goat meat is a staple in some countries, and goat leather, so soft and fined grained, is used for fine leather goods.

Not only did we learn about goats, goat milk, and received samples of goat milk soap and goat cheese, but we also had the pleasure of being introduced to two baby goats that were only a couple of days old. The group was instantly captivated by their perkiness, approachability and of course their intermittent bah-ing. The tow little creatures were the celebrities of the evening, the center of curiosity and the beneficiaries of much petting.

Taken fromThe Pawtuxet Valley Historian Volume 16, issue 10, May 2003.