Farm Overview

Farm background, farming experience, philosophy, goals and interests

My wife Kristand and I, along with our 2 children, have been farming here for 14 years. 

Farm operation

Does’ Leap is an innovative, diversified organic farm specializing in a variety of fresh and aged goat cheeses.  In an effort toward greater sustainability and self-reliance, much of our farm work - including plowing, harrowing, spreading manure, and firewood collection - is accomplished with two draft horses.  The farm is located in northern Vermont in the heart of the beautiful green mountains with close proximity to Lake Champlain.  Our goats and other livestock have the luxury of feeding on the wild vegetation of our region as they spend all but the winter months outside.  We are one of the few goat dairies in the country that rely on a mixture of pasture and browse as the primary feed source for our goats and have conducted a 2 year, USDA-funded study on this farming practice.  As a result or our reliance on browse and grass, our cheeses are of exceptionally high quality and take on the flavor of our varied vegetation and Vermont’s changing seasons.  We believe in a diversified farm ecosystem where each aspect of our farm complements the other.

Farm physical setting and community

Our farm is located in Bakersfield and is comprised of 155 acres - 40 acres of open land with the balance in forest land. 

Are all crops and animals raised organically? If not, to what degree are organic methods used on the farm?

All are raised organically.