Hickory Leaf Dairy Goats | Nigerian Dwarf & LaMancha Goats, Milk & Cheese in Missoula, Montana

Welcome to Hickory Leaf Dairy Goats

Hickory Leaf Dairy Goats is more than a farm; it’s a dream nurtured with care, love, and dedication. Nestled in Montana’s beautiful Missoula Valley, our farm is a place where animals thrive, the land flourishes, and every drop of milk and piece of cheese reflects our commitment to quality and integrity. Here, every goat tells a story, every field is tended with heart, and every product we share carries a piece of our passion.

Our Journey

In 2005, I (Cheryl) began raising Nigerian Dwarfs, LaManchas, and Mini Nubians in Texas, captivated by their gentle nature, playful spirits, and the richness of fresh, clean milk. In 2009, I married John, a devoted sheep rancher, and together we merged our herds on his ranch in Western Montana. The union of our animals and hearts transformed a passion-driven farm into a vibrant sanctuary of life, learning, and growth.

Montana’s Food Choice Act of 2021 opened the door we had long dreamed of sharing our raw milk, tasty cheeses, and the love we pour into our herd with our community. With this opportunity, we expanded our mission: raising healthy, disease-free show goats that produce pure and delicious milk.

Our Heart & Values

Every decision on our farm is guided by care, integrity, and the desire to provide the very best:

Health & Happiness First

Annual testing for Brucellosis, Q Fever, CAE, Listeria, and Johne’s ensures our goats thrive. Milk quality is carefully monitored, guaranteeing purity and excellence.

Sanitation & Safety

Equipment and milking areas are thoroughly cleaned and checked twice yearly through Udder Health Idaho.

Nourishment from Nature

Our goats graze on lush pastures and enjoy organic, non-GMO feed we prepare ourselves. Gentle homeopathic remedies are preferred, keeping our herd safe, healthy, and happy.

Continuous Improvement

We participate in milk testing with ADGA, AGS, and TMGR to monitor butterfat, protein, and SCC counts, refining our milking lines and herd quality. Occasionally, we introduce goats from other clean herds to enhance genetics.

Transparency & Trust

Every goat matters. If one does not meet our rigorous standards, she is lovingly removed from the milk line until fully healthy.

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, taste our fresh milk and cheeses, and feel the care, passion, and joy that make our farm truly special.