In 2017 Mary Blanchard had an opportunity to move her goat herd from Oregon to Rio Vista to establish a new ranch. She packed up 2 nannies (mother) goats and their 14 offspring (kids) in the back of her minivan with water and beds of straw to make the drive. She had some anxious moments when she had to make roadside stops for the goats to relieve themselves. She chuckles, remembering the crossing into California and the look on the faces of the State Border Agricultural Inspectors when they looked in the back of the van expecting to see illegal fruit or plants.
Mary and her partner, Jacob Markow share the 170-acre farm, located on a rescue animal preserve, with 40+ goats, assorted egg-laying hens, peacocks, horses, cows, guinea fowl, turkeys, dogs, and an array of cats… some larger and more exotic than others.
Mary runs the farm, including milking goats and collecting eggs, while Jacob tends to the rescue animals. While it is legal to sell raw goat milk for human consumption in Oregon, it is unlawful to do so in California. Mary and Jacob prefer it, as it is highly nutritious, and they feed it to their animals on the farm. Excess raw milk is sold to feed rejected or orphaned goat kids, newborn cow calves, and to families wishing to supplement their pet’s diets. Mary is happy to provide fresh goat milk to folks who purchases it for non-human consumption.
Nearly three-quarters of the world’s population drinks goat milk instead of cow’s milk as goats take less land and resources to support than cattle. Goat’s milk is also easier to digest and is a richer source of protein and calcium than cow’s milk. Mary and Jacob also operate a Resi-graze program that rents a nanny goat and her kids to residents and landowners. Goats are useful for clearing unwanted or fire-risk vegetation in fields and lawns. Goats will eat what sheep and cattle will not, including poison ivy and kudzu. Several local ranchers and homeowners prefer goats grazing their property rather than mowing by machine.
Several Rio Vista residents order Mary’s farm-fresh chicken eggs, either for pickup at the ranch or delivered to their doorstep. Often people arrange visits just to spend some time with the animals and perhaps, try their hand at milking a goat. At present there is no charge for a visit, though a donation is very helpful in paying veterinary bills and buying animal feed. The farm is located 6 miles west of Highway 12, along an unpaved country road. To visit the farm or place an order for eggs or milk, call (707) 410-5547 or email legenddairyfarm@gmail.com. Be careful to not add an ‘s’ in the email address (farms instead of farm) or you will get a friendly note back from a rancher in New Zealand.
