Our Purpose
We are a veteran-owned family farm located on the hillsides above Hardwick, Vermont. Through our hard work in providing fresh, high-quality goat milk and organic garlic, we help maintain the farming traditions of the Northeast Kingdom. In caring for the land, animals and community we are blessed with, we respect those who came before us and honor those who sacrificed all to preserve our freedom.
Our Journey
Our land was purchased in 2007 and kept in agricultural use by a nearby dairy farm. During leave periods from the military, we began a long-term restoration agriculture project to revive degraded fields and reverse erosion. In 2016 we finished military service and travelled 4500 miles across the USA in a questionable Airstream bus, landing in Vermont and starting a new adventure here in the community of Hardwick.
Our Name
On the last day of March 2017, we bought eleven beautiful Alpine doelings from Lazy Lady Farm in Westfield, Vermont, driving them home in a snowstorm in the back of our family van. In a strange twist of fate, on this very same day, we lost our dog of 14 years and buried her on the farm just beyond the barn. Her spirit lives on in the goat herd and the Ghost Dog Dairy of Bridgman Hill was born.
Our Milking Herd
Our goats truly are the stars of the farm, and life often revolves around their needs. Our first milkers were American Alpines and now Saanen – Alpine hybrids form the core of our milking herd of 35 goats.
Farm Dog Formula
We ferment our goats milk into a probiotic formula that is a powerful supplement for pets. It rebuilds the immune system, solves digestion, allergy and joint issues, and is rich in cancer-fighting CLA fats.
Garlic
We grow high quality hardneck garlic certified by Vermont Organic Farmers (VOF) for sale and feeding our animals. Garlic has a special role in our farm system as a protective nutrient for the grazing herd.
Grass-Fed Meat
We raise both pastured pork and meat goats using a restorative grazing system. Our pigs provide tillage for new fields and our meat goats clear invasive species from hedges and field boundaries.
Haying at the Farm
Vermont is famous for milk and cheese, but look closely and you’ll find the secret is in the soil and the grass. It’s never easy, but the rewards of bringing in a full wagon of silvery green bales on a late summer day is something to be cherished.
Farming Methods
We practice regenerative agriculture, building new topsoil and improving the land as we farm. Our system integrates raised beds, cover-cropping, composting and biochar with our hayfields, pasture and winter bedded pack.
Our Team
All farm duties are performed by our family, whether they like it or not, from milking to fermenting to making hay. It’s a difficult life but one with many rewards.
Our Spokesmodels
Dogs have a special place on our farm and there have been some great ones over the years. We are proud that our farm has been able to help so many dogs improve their health.
Hockey
In addition to goats, garlic and hay, we also grow hockey players and appropriate-lengths of hair for the season. The seasonal nature of the dairy goat lies in perfect harmony with winter’s greatest pastime.