Here’s a short recap of achievements in 2023:

Iris kidded a doeling and a buckling in May, 2023. A prolific milker, she provided milk for the soap business and the family. With milk safety in mind, I recently purchased a home lab. An achievement of which I’m extremely proud. For my peace of mind, I wrote a detailed RAMP (Risk Assessment Management Plan), CCP (Critical Control Points), and SSOP (Standard Sanitary Operating Procedures), as well, I sent Iris’ milk to the lab for testing – three months in a row. The lab tests look for Coliforms, Fecal E. coli, E. coli 0157H7, TPC (Total Plate Count), Listeria spp, L. monocytogenes, and Salmonella Shigella. I am delighted to say all tests came back indicating ND (None Detected) for the listed pathogens and her TPC was well below the limit. The purchase of a home lab enables me to test milk whenever I wish ensuring I produce the best product for organic goat milk soap and delicious, nutritious milk and milk products.

As registered goats, I took part in several Sanctioned goat shows. This was a fun and exhausting time as I needed to clip both Iris and Hazel (doeling) and learn how to exhibit at least a modicum of showmanship in the ring. I tried! I know Iris enjoyed herself – she’s quite the diva (see photo) and I’m pleased with their placings. Hazel shows promise and I look forward to seeing how she does this year.

I’m delighted to share soap business sales tripled in 2023 over 2022. I attended markets during the Spring and Summer and several seasonal markets in November and December. It is a source of gratitude and joy learning many people only purchase Point 6 Acre goat milk soap. I can’t ask for more – high praise!

With 2023 behind me, I’m focusing on the excitements 2024 will bring. Iris is due to kid April 9-10, and the soap business is full steam ahead.

I hope you will follow along!

Warmly,

Brin