Family-Raised Registered Dairy Goats in Missoula, Montana
Hickory Leaf Dairy Goats is a family-owned dairy goat farm located in the Missoula Valley, Montana. We raise registered Nigerian Dwarf, LaMancha, and Mini LaMancha goats while providing fresh raw goat milk, raw honey, and handcrafted goat milk products.
Our Story
Hickory Leaf Dairy Goats was established in Texas in 2005. In 2009, I married a sheep rancher named John, and we combined my herd of Nigerians, LaManchas, and Mini Nubians goats with his sheep and goats on his ranch in Western Montana, in the Missoula Valley.
John had several hundred sheep and a few goats, and together we built a wonderful ranch and hobby farm. Over time, our separate farming backgrounds became one shared vision focused on raising healthy animals and maintaining a responsible, sustainable farm.
In 2021, Montana passed the Food Choice Act (SB199), which allowed farms in Montana, with certain restrictions, to produce and sell raw milk, cheese, and other products directly to the public.
This was an important and long-awaited piece of legislation that shifted the focus of our ranch. John continued raising his sheep, and I was finally able to expand my dream of raising quality, disease-free show goats that could also produce fresh, clean raw goat milk.
Our Commitment to Quality
At Hickory Leaf Dairy Goats, animal health and quality production are at the heart of everything we do.
Our management practices include yearly testing for goat diseases such as:
Brucellosis
Q Fever
CAE
Listeria
Johne’s Disease
We also test our milk for udder health, including Somatic Cell Count (SCC) testing, and review our sanitation practices and equipment cleanliness twice a year through Udder Health Idaho.
We make our own feed using high-quality organic and non-GMO grains. Our goats receive quality minerals, organic pasture access, and natural care methods whenever appropriate. We use homeopathic medicines whenever appropriate while still providing conventional veterinary care when needed to protect the health of our animals.
Through daily hands-on care and additional testing methods, we closely monitor the health of our herd. Occasionally, we have a doe that does not meet our testing requirements. When this happens, she is removed from the milk line, and if needed, we provide veterinary care until she is cleared to return.
We perform milk testing through ADGA, AGS, and TMGR to track butterfat, protein levels, and SCC counts. This allows us to monitor progress and continue improving our milking lines. We also occasionally add goats from clean herds with genetics that complement our breeding program.
Our Mission
Our mission is to raise healthy, disease-tested dairy goats while providing families with high-quality farm products they can trust.
We focus on breeding goats with excellent genetics, strong milk production, and gentle temperaments. Our goal is to raise healthy dairy goats that perform well in the show ring while also producing fresh, nutritious raw goat milk for our community.
We proudly serve families, homesteaders, and customers who value locally produced food and want to know where their products come from.
Our Core Values
Guided by integrity and a deep respect for the land and its creatures.
Quality
We prioritize the health and nutrition of our herd to ensure the highest quality milk and products.
Honesty
Transparency in every drop. We provide clear information about our farm practices and products.
Community
We are proud members of the Missoula community, supporting local agriculture and local families.
Welfare
Our goats are raised with care and respect, ensuring they live happy, healthy lives on our farm.
Our Beloved Herd & Achievements
Our goats are registered with:
American Dairy Goat Association (ADGA)
American Goat Society (AGS)
The Mini-Goat Registry (TMGR)
We take pride in our herd’s accomplishments, awards for goats, milk, and cheeses. Our tasty cheeses have been commissioned for formal dinners, restaurant events, wine tastings, and personal enjoyment. Each goat, each batch of milk, and each product embodies the care, love, and dedication we pour into our farm.
Life on the Farm
Our 300-acre farm is alive with energy, laughter, and life. Beyond our goats, we share our land with Dexter cattle, Horses, Chickens, four dogs, five cats, and one yak. John now raises registered Royal White Hair Sheep. Together, we’ve built a sustainable, thriving farm ecosystem where every animal is valued, every product reflects quality, and every visitor can feel the heart behind our work.
Join Our Journey
We invite you to experience the heart of Hickory Leaf Dairy Goats. Explore our herd(s), taste our fresh milk and cheeses, and feel the care, passion, and joy that make our farm truly special.