Sunday arvo on the farm

It’s been a while since we posted a blog, but things have been busy on the farm. Sundays are no different. A typical Sunday at Holy Goat involves milking early morning and afternoon (just like every other day) cheesemaking (just like every other day) and the usual farm related chores (and farm related things/events/surprises that happen when youContinue reading “Sunday arvo on the farm”

La Luna, Holy Goat’s Holy Grail

Our La Luna is the best known and most rewarded and awarded of the Holy Goat cheeses.  And who better to rely on for its successful evolution than a nun? Mother Noella Marcellino is known in cheese making circles as ‘The Cheese Nun’. But this moniker suggests more divine intervention, than the scientific rigor andContinue reading “La Luna, Holy Goat’s Holy Grail”

Spring and Rejuvenation

La Primavera, Spring, and thoughts turn to rejuvenation, renewal and regrowth; to new life and productive times ahead. At Holy Goat, Spring starts in August as we welcome the new kids, but they’re not the only rejuvenation taking place on the farm: We’re enjoying new life and energy. Spring is … new kids on the block.Continue reading “Spring and Rejuvenation”

Cheesemaking – the Science, and the Art

Our goats have flourished in the spring conditions and milk production reached an all-time high this month. Last month 8400 litres poured into the vat, compared to 5600 litres last spring, and 4200 litres the year before that. But it’s not only sheer volume, the milk is sweet and balanced, with medium protein and fat levels.Continue reading “Cheesemaking – the Science, and the Art”

All in a Weekend’s Work

It’s 5.15am on any Saturday (and some Sundays) and you’ll find our ‘market car’ with its cargo of Holy Goat cheese, lovingly packed and refrigerated, on it’s way an accredited Farmers’ Market in Melbourne, or perhaps closer to home at Castlemaine or Bendigo. By 8am our stall is set up and ready – our cabinetContinue reading “All in a Weekend’s Work”

Who do you think you are?

Ivy was born on the 9th August this year, the last of the kids born to the maiden does (first time kidding). She comes from a long line of goats. Her mother is Hoya, borne by Jasmine, who came from Lilac, out of Buddelia. Muse is her great great great grand dame. Ivy’s father’s isContinue reading “Who do you think you are?”

Who’s Kidding?

We are coming up to our most intense time on the farm – kidding. Our pregnant does are due to start birthing on 9 August and it’s an expectant time for us all on the farm. The natural breeding season for goats is March to September; young females reach puberty at around five months andContinue reading “Who’s Kidding?”