Contact: Jeanne Meier 608-224-5121
MADISON — Tom Huitema laughed when his dad suggested dairy goats as a farm diversification strategy, but with a herd of 450 goats and growing, he’s not laughing anymore. The Huitema family will host a goat farm field day Saturday, May 16 at their Markesan farm.
The field day will run 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. The farm is at N1440 Green Lake County Road A, about 3½ miles north of the Green Lake-Dodge county line. There will be a farm tour at 11 a.m., followed by lunch at 12:30 p.m., either brown bag or available for sale. The afternoon program will focus on milk quality, genetics and feed rations. The event will be of interest to goat farmers, lenders, milk processors, 4-H leaders, and extension agents.
Established in 2006, the farm started with 29 goats. The Huitemas are in the process of expansion and will be milking 450 does by summer. Their goal is to grow big enough to have some time off for themselves.
The event is free, but registration is required at least a week in advance so there will be enough information packets and biosecurity. For more information and to register, contact Jeanne Meier, jeanne.meier@wi.gov, phone 608-224-5121.
