Photo courtesy of Paolo Vescia.

Deneane and Mark Ashcraft have farming in their blood. Both are sixth-generation California farmers and both feel a deep connection to their land and their animals. “I don’t think we can’t not farm,” laughs Mark. “It’s in our blood.” The Ashcraft’s farm is the first goat dairy to become Animal Welfare Approved in the United States. When Deneane first heard about Animal Welfare Approved at Slow Food, San Francisco, it seemed a natural fit for North Valley Farms. “The standards are comprehensive and deal with every aspect of the goats’ lives. We get asked about the welfare of our animals a lot and the Animal Approved Welfare seal is a nice fit of us. It lets our customers know that our goats are out running around in the grass, being goats, and that we’re not a confinement operation.”

North Valley’s goats are born and raised on the farm and Deneane, who is the goat keeper, puts their well-being first and foremost. “Our goats are so important to us and we want them to have as natural a life and as contented a life as possible,” she said. “And our goats are healthier, too. Their high standard of living means they live a longer, healthier life and produce longer.”

The Ashcrafts also make handcrafted farmstead goat cheeses, which are made in small batches and are free of hormones and antibiotics.

Congratulations to Deneane and Mark Ashcraft! Their North Valley Farms soft goat’s milk cheese was Best of Class at the 2009 U.S. Championship Cheese contest. The U.S. Championship Cheese contest is the “Superbowl of cheese” and was held in Green Bay, Wisconsin this March.