Greg Shafer originally decided to start his farm selling goat milk because his step-son Jake is allergic to cow and soy milk. With this motivation and after extensive research into dairy farming and the health benefits of goat milk, he purchased his first five animals. Since then demand has grown through grassroots networking and now he proudly discusses his sixteen goats and ten cows, including four new calves this year.

With a slight twist on normal direct marketing, Greg doesn’t sell at stores or farmers’ markets. Instead he allows customers to lease part of his herd and consume the milk from “their” cows or goats, and also any cheese, cream, or butter. Greg takes the health of his goats and cows, as well as the products he provides, very seriously because his own family consumes the farm’s fresh goat milk, cheese, and yogurt. Treating the animals humanely and with care, however, is undoubtedly a personal calling for him. That is why his goats and cows graze freely and live in a natural communal setting on pasture where they can socialize.

Joining Animal Welfare Approved was just another way that Greg set his farm apart from the rest. He says that customers have recognized his new certification and praised it. Explaining the importance of the label he adds, “Animal Welfare Approved recognizes the difference in quality between animals raised humanely and those not, and I think consumers are starting to recognize it too.” Hickory Creek Dairy is still growing, adding a new share member almost every week. With customers driving as much as an hour to pick-up their milk, cream, butter, and cheese it’s clear that Greg’s products and farm speak for themselves. So if you’re ready to try some fresh goat milk then head down to Three Oaks.