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Welcome to the farm… |
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About Us |
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The Shepherd’s Gate is located on the perimeter of the Pioneer Valley in south central Massachusetts, in a lush woodland area known as “The Last Green Valley”. Rich in heritage, this small family farm on Union Road in Holland; nestled on the edge of the Connecticut Nipmuck State Forest, is home to the Poirier Family and the Shepherd’s Trail dairy goat herd. The location provides hours of outdoor exploration, hiking and packing with the goats. Besides the 58 dairy goats who live on the farm, 7 alpacas and a flock of heritage poultry now free range on the fields. This property has been farmed in the family, for five generations spanning almost one hundred and fifty years of cultivation, woodland management, nursery and livestock rearing. Currently, the Poiriers are milking thirty LaMancha dairy goats, who provide all the milk used in creating a wide variety of products. For the past four years, The Shepherd’s Gate has been offering hand crafted cheeses ranging from 12 distinct flavors of chevre; to feta, ricotta, mozzarella and queso blanco. The Shepherd’s Gate also makes fresh yogurt, fudge and gelato (Italian style ‘ice cream’) in a variety of tantalizing flavors. The Shepherd’s Gate is currently the only farm in Massachusetts bottling, grade A pasteurized goat milk. Their products are marketed fresh at Farmer’s Markets throughout Massachusetts, and in a growing number of specialty shops and retail outlets. (See: FIND STORES for the locations of markets) |