Goats Are Not Too Much, They Are Beeeeverything!
Welcome to Kupala’s Garden, an agro-eco farm where curiosity and creativity meet ecology. We’re passionate about sustainable farming, community engagement, and crafting high-quality goat products. Here’s a glimpse into what we’re working on and what you can expect as we grow our herd and operations.
About
In designing an agro-ecological farm, I wanted to include animals. They accelerate the cycling of organic matter, benefit ecosystems through their interactions, and are integral to many natural systems.
Goats have been a personal wish for a long time. Initially, they were intended to come much later in the farm’s development. However, fate, circumstances, and perhaps some impulsive decisions brought goats to the farm earlier than expected.
Starting a farm with little experience was always about learning through doing. Now, with more than a year and a half of experience with goats, I’ve faced significant challenges. The journey has been one of trial and error, and not every life made it through. Reflecting on these experiences, I am committed to transparency and a respectful acknowledgment of life—both theirs and mine.
The goat endeavor began with the goal of having small ruminants to manage pastures and produce manure. The goats with me now are a genetically diverse group with hormonal imbalances, and some of them continued to produce milk even without recent pregnancies. From these goats, I’ve learned how to make cheese and soap and have started preparing for meat harvesting as part of this process.
In my ethical framework, this relationship with the goats fits the context of where I live. The soil quality is poor, and plant cultivation is limited, making livestock a practical necessity. These animals have a good life on sunny pastures and are cared for with respect, even in their final moments. This practice aligns more closely with my values than purchasing food from global markets and using AI in text processing.
Going forward, I see potential for expanding the goat enterprise. Goats bring vibrant life to the farm, and their unique personalities highlight the complexity and gray of existence with a lot of color. Currently, we produce fresh cheese and milk from two goats. My vision includes producing different cheeses and meat from five goats, and even training them as pack animals for camping expeditions.
If you’re interested, you can follow or even join this journey. If not, that’s okay too; everyone’s path is their own.
Plan of Action:
Investigation
Wants vs. Regulation
Navigating Croatia’s infamous bureaucracy and restrictions requires finding the safest, most straightforward path forward for this endeavor.
Taking Care of Baby Goats
With the possibility of a baby goat on the way—though false pregnancies have occurred in the past—we’re focusing on deepening our theoretical and practical knowledge about feeding mothers and raising kids.
Basic Cheese Production and Milk Product Technology
By refining our skills and recipes, we aim to create higher-quality cheese and other dairy products. This approach prioritizes utilizing resources efficiently and sustainably—ecologically, socially, and economically.
Building Code for New Goat Stalls and Facilities
Currently, the goats live in the house with me, which works for ultra-extensive production. However, transitioning to more extensive operations will require dedicated facilities for the well-being of all involved.
Material Inventory and Pricing Options
We’re assessing available materials and pricing options, considering ethical and budgetary constraints, to find the best solutions for new construction.
Selecting and Sourcing New Goats for Herd Expansion
Expanding the herd requires intentional planning to select and integrate new members effectively.
Design
Tackling Down the Action Plan
Once we gather the necessary information, we’ll create an actionable plan to turn our vision into reality.
Operational Model
A key component of the plan is ensuring that the operational model is sustainable and manageable with available resources and personnel.
Business Model
Incorporating economic and market considerations, we’re designing a business model to support the farm’s goals while ensuring financial sustainability.
Business Plan
This comprehensive document will help secure financing and business partnerships, providing a roadmap for growth.
Build-Up Plan
We’ll develop technical guidelines for constructing new stalls and other necessary infrastructure.
Implementation
Financing
We’re exploring options such as grants, partnerships, and crowd funding to fund our growth responsibly.
Action Timeline
A clear timeline will help us track progress and stay on schedule.
Action Tracking
By regularly monitoring milestones, we can adapt as needed and celebrate achievements along the way.
Join Us on This Journey
Kupala’s Garden isn’t just a farm; it’s a vision for sustainable, community-driven agriculture. Whether you’re interested in goat care, artisanal cheese production, or the broader journey of growing a farm, we invite you to follow our progress. Together, we’re building something special—one goat at a time.
