2026 The Circle of Giving Continues: Why We Gift a Goat Kid Every Spring

At Meadowlark Heritage Farm, everything we do—our raw goat milk in Idaho, our handmade goat milk soaps, and the way we raise our animals—comes back to one core belief: care should always come full circle.

Every spring, as new life fills our barn, we continue a tradition we call our Circle of Giving. This year, we are gifting one goat kid to a thoughtfully chosen home—not as a giveaway, but as an act of stewardship, generosity, and community.

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How the Circle of Giving Began

Our Circle of Giving began years ago in a moment of loss.

A young woman I knew only from a mutual Facebook goat page lost nearly her entire goat herd when her barn burned to the ground. She raised Oberhasli goats—a breed close to my heart—and I wanted to help her rebuild. I offered her a doeling, freely and without expectation.

At the time, I had no idea I was giving a goat kid to our future daughter-in-law!

Years later, after I lost one of my favorite goats, that same young woman—now family—gifted a goat back to me.

The circle had closed. Revisit the tale of Lola, Nadia, and the real Nadia below:

What began as a simple act of kindness became something deeper: a reminder that generosity has a way of returning in unexpected and beautiful ways.

The Four Dairy Goat Breeds We Raise:

We currently raise four dairy goat breeds at Meadowlark Heritage Farm.

Each one was chosen intentionally for temperament, milk quality, and suitability for family farms and homesteads.

Oberhasli Goats:

Oberhasli goats are calm, steady, and dependable. They produce high-quality milk that’s well-balanced for drinking, cheesemaking, and goat milk soap. They were the first breed here on the farm.

Why we love them:

• Gentle temperament

• Excellent family goats

• Reliable milk producers

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Guernsey Goats:

Guernsey goats are a heritage dairy goat breed known for their naturally golden milk, thanks to higher beta-carotene levels.

Why we love them:

• Sweet, creamy milk

• Gentle, social personalities

• Preservation of rare farm genetics

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Sable Goats:

Sable goats are strong, adaptable, and productive, often quietly outperforming expectations. I love their different colors and patterns!

Why we love them:

• Consistent milk production

• Hardy in a variety of climates

• Beautiful and functional animals

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Nubian Goats:

Nubian goats are known for higher butterfat content, making their milk especially rich and creamy—ideal for raw goat milk, yogurt, and cheese.

Why we love them:

• Rich, creamy milk

• Calm, affectionate personalities

• Strong bonds with handlers

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What Our Circle of Giving Is (and Isn’t)

Our Circle of Giving is:

• A way to support new and growing goat herds;

• A way to share knowledge and mentorship;

• A way to place good animals in good homes;

It is not a random drawing or first-come situation this year. We want to take great care in choosing a placement that benefits both the goat and the person receiving it.

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How to Participate in the Circle of Giving:

If you want to be part of our Circle of Giving, we invite you to email us.

📧 meadowlarkheritage@gmail.com

Please tell us:

1. Why you want a goat

2. How the goat will be used (milk, breeding, companionship, education, 4-H etc.)

3. What your current setup looks like, including:

• Shelter

• Fencing

• Companion animals

• Experience level

We will personally read every entry and will thoughtfully choose a home that reflects preparation, care, and a willingness to learn.

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Who Can Participate:

In previous years, participation was limited to children under 18.

This year, our Circle of Giving is open to individuals and families of all ages who are prepared to responsibly care for a goat.

Whether you are:

• starting a homestead

• rebuilding after loss

• or finally stepping into a long-held dream

We would love to hear your story.

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From Our Herd to Yours:

Everything we share—from our family farm in Idaho to our raw goat milk and handmade products—begins with healthy animals and intentional care.

Our Circle of Giving is our way of extending that care beyond our fences.

Because generosity, like farming, works best when it comes full circle.

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Circle of Giving Disclaimer:

One goat kid will be gifted by Meadowlark Heritage Farm at our sole discretion. Participation does not guarantee selection. No purchase necessary. The selected recipient must demonstrate appropriate housing, fencing, companionship, and basic knowledge or willingness to learn proper goat care. Goat kid must be picked up at Meadowlark Heritage Farm unless otherwise arranged. Meadowlark Heritage Farm reserves the right to decline or withdraw placement if a home is deemed unsuitable for the animal’s well-being.