Goat Farming in the U.P.

With more and more people being identified as lactose intolerant, we decided to send ABC 10’s Danielle Davis out to a local pasture to see why one local resident not only made the switch to goat milk but became an actual goat farmer.

Mike Hainstock says he never would have imagined himself as a goat farmer but his inability to process pasteurized dairy milk prompted him to purchase a goat or two and to his surprise after one sip he was hooked.

“It’s just amazing to see that we have an animal capable of just eating grass and tree leaves, things that aren’t suitable foods for us and they can turn that into foods that are suitable foods for us,” said Mike Hainstock.

Mike currently has 26 goats, two of which are just a day old.  Susan and Daisy were born yesterday and are Mike’s first venture into breeding.

“The unique thing about this farm is that they herd–share, so you can own a portion of one of these goats and their milk,”

Even though the goats are for sustenance, he says owners can come out and pet and even milk them themselves anytime they choose.

“There are types of goats that produce a fiber similar to sheep, there are three types of goats, dairy goats there are three classifications of goats, there are dairy goats, meat goats and fiber goats and sometimes you will find crosses between the two,” continued Hainstock.

His flock of two turned int a flock of more than twenty because Mike said they have so much personality.

“Goats as an animal to raise, I feel they are under appreciated in our world,” explained Hainstock.   They have a lot to offer for small scale producers and for people homesteading who might want a couple of animals for milk for their family.  Equipment and facility–wise, it’s a lot easier to get into than cow farming.”

If you want to own part of one of Mike’s goats you can visit him at Badger Creek Farm in Marquette, just off County Road 492.  For ABC 10 and CW 5 News Now, I’m Danielle Davis.