Ivy Mountain Goat Farm
Mary and Steve Tracy were living in New Milford in ’93. Their son, Chris had struggled with learning disabilities and had recently been placed in a group home to foster his independence, when they received a call from a friend working with the local chapter of ‘Healing the Children’. She asked if they would consider fostering 18 month old Flora, from Belize. Little Flora had been severely compromised at birth to the point where she was unable to eat, speak or control her body and limbs. Her family was not equipped to care for her needs. Mary and Steve agreed to care for her in New Milford while she was tested, evaluated and her needs accommodated.
After 6 to 7 months they traveled to Belize to return baby Flora to her birth family and teach them how to care for her. Milk, essential for Flora’s survival, was scarce in the Mayan backcountry. Even dry milk was hard to find. There were few roads. Travel was by boat, mule or on foot. Deliveries were rare and sporadic, insufficient to meet Flora’s needs. Goats could be the answer. Mary and Steve realized they would need to learn how to raise goats to teach Flora’s family.
They bought three kids from the Merryall Goat Farm and brought them home. Several months later, the folks at the Merryall Farm helped ship goats to Belize with the Tracys. Flora was able to thrive. Today, at age 30, she has a wheelchair fitted for her needs. She communicates using facial features and understands three languages and is cared for and loved by her family and community.
The Tracys were offered the goats at Merryall Farm when the owners retired, but their New Milford home was too small for the entire herd. They rented additional acreage as they searched for a larger farm and finally found the home at 203 Ivy Mountain Road. In 2003, they moved in.
The Ivy Mountain Goat Farm currently houses 35 goats: A mix of Toggenburgs, Saanans and Alpines, including 2 Milkers, 2 Breeding Rams; a handful of chickens, and 4 donated alpaca. Goats are quite easy to care for. They need their annual veterinary shots and occasional deworming. Mary uses field or natural breeding techniques, trying to avoid breeding her does (female goats) before they are 2 years old. She takes 2 quarts of milk per doe each morning and leaves the rest for the young kids (goats) during the day.
All the goats are kept inside at night to protect them from predators. They’re let outdoors to graze during the day. They can eat all sorts of vegetation including poison ivy and invasive species like ‘mile a minute’ vines or Japanese Knotweed. Or they clean up your garden at the end of the season. The best does are kept for breeding and for milk. The remainder are sold, as are the young bucks. Ivy Mountain also offers a herd share plan which entitles the shareowners to goat’s milk or cheese, while Mary and Steve keep your goat at their farm for you.
Goat’s milk is rich in minerals and low in fat. It can be enjoyed by many with dairy allergens or those on a lactose free diet. It is easily digested and great for babies. Cheeses, butter and even ice cream can be made from goat’s milk. Additionally, goat’s milk is used in cosmetics, skin lotions, soaps and skin cleansers offering a healthier, more natural alternative to commercial products.
The Ivy Mountain Goat Farm participates in the Goshen Farm Tour each year. The Tracys host visits from schools and summer camps. They work with handicapped youth through the Torrington Baranco farm visit program. Mary and Steve invite family visits where the ‘kids’ can come meet the kids.
