As mentioned yesterday, farmers are looking for models to make farming work. Back when it was illegal, Cannabis was a good choice if you were willing to take the risk.

Pumpkin Vine Family Farm a few miles south of here in Somerville has tried a different route. They have built an impressive goat herd for milk and cheese and also (and perhaps more importantly) for community building. Today we attended their annual Goat Festival. I’m not sure who outnumbered whom, but there were goats and people everywhere. I bet there were over two hundred goats. A number of the goats were given awards and dressed up in elaborate garments and crowns. It was fun.

We had goats on the farm here a very long time ago. They are amazing creatures - lovable, loyal and delightful to the extreme. Filled with personality. They would go on walks through the woods with us and never run away. But they loved garden produce, especially fresh out of—or in—the garden. And they also loved to eat young trees, including apples.

Perhaps we’ll find a way to bring goats back to the farm. Animals are good for the farm, and the on-farm source of manure would be a big asset. They also love to eat poison ivy, and we have too much of that pesky plant in parts of the orchards.