We had the good fortune of connecting with Paul Allen and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Paul, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I wanted to work for my self and I want to keep busy. So dairy farming keeps me busy and Dairy goats are profitable… cows are not.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I studied goats and cheese making for over 25 years while i was still in the corporate world. I thought I could make a go of it but I didn’t want to risk my financial future until I was retired. So retiring early I set out to set up a goat dairy and cheese making operation. I started small with used equipment and began the real learning process of doing the work. I believe my goat cheese to be the best in the state. Its all made with fresh goat milk from goats with a very controlled feed to insure the best milk. The used equipment broke down and wore out and has been replaced over time. there is always challenges I just take each one as they show them selves and move forward. I know where the saying ” Don’t cry over spilled milk ” comes from.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Whee, I am afraid this wouldn’t be me, I would show the farm, Goats farm equipment , fishing tanks… let him milk some goats, and feed the kids. I might take him to see a larger goat farm in Sulpher Springs ( Southspoons). Let him work a farmers market with me. Eat my wife’s cooking.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I goat most of my training and education from the American Institute for Goat Research. Dr. Steven Zeng from the Institute spent time with me to teach me the cheese making process. I learn goat raising from others at the Institute.
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Paul Allen