Soule: Loudon Goat Dairy Offers Much More Than Milk

Of all the farms in Loudon, one of my favorites is Purely Wholesome Farm on Lower Ridge Road. Years ago, I met owner Cindy Shea at a writers’ picnic at Southern New Hampshire University. Cindy, a published author, had just started farming and came to me for advice. Since then, Cindy and her partner Dennis have turned their farm into a haven for lovers of dairy goats and seekers of goat-raising information. Now Cindy is my go-to goat expert. That’s how farming works. Farmers help each other.
I recently asked Cindy about those early days and why she decided to farm.
“We didn’t set out to be farmers,” she said, “but we live in an area surrounded by people passionate about farming, who inspired us to give farming a try. Then we realized how wonderful and healthy locally raised food was, and it made sense to start raising our own food.”
They started with sheep but moved to goats when they discovered how delicious and versatile fresh, raw goat milk was. They chose Nubians because of their high butterfat, but also because of those ears.
“We love the ears!” said Cindy.
I have a Nubian goat, and I agree with Cindy. My goat’s large, floppy ears remind me of the Star Wars character Jar Jar Binks. Enchanting. But Nubian goats are more than a pretty face.
“At first, we were hesitant about drinking milk from our goats. What a surprise when we discovered that fresh milk from our goats was delicious and creamy. Nothing like anything we had tasted before. We now had a great source of milk, and I learned how to convert the milk into luxurious bath and body products.”
Like a good farmer, Cindy didn’t stop at making soap and lotions.

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Carole Soule is the co-owner of Miles Smith Farm in Loudon, N.H. She raises and sells beef, pork, lamb, eggs, and other local products. She can be reached at cas@milessmithfarm.com.