HANSON — Surrounded by branches on nearly three acres of land 10 Nigerian Dwarf Goats were busy munching on Christmas trees at Channel Homestead in Hanson this week.
Goats are known for their fondness of forest fare, making them perfect disposal units for discarded holiday trees.
Christanie, Matt and Hunter Channell 1½, live on the homestead and are busy with dozens of daily tasks to keep the farm in motion especially during the pandemic.
They recently posted on local town Facebook pages that they were accepting drop-offs of Christmas trees in all varieties. While there is no fee involved, they do ask that the trees are still alive. There are great nutrients for the goats and a natural de-wormer for their chickens.
This past weekend, a pile of nearly 100 trees and counting were lined against their penned property and in their pickup truck bed — waiting to be served.
Due to COVID-19 the family are currently not allowed to have visitors come to see the Nigerian Dwarf Goats, but as restrictions change they will be welcoming people back for visits. They plan to continue having themed family farm days similar to last year, which they said were successful.
Among their livestock are Flemish giant rabbits, blue Swedish ducks, Wynadotte chickens and two horses, that are available for riding lessons.
Christanie teaches individual riding lessons in the afternoons as well as rising early to care for the animals.
The COVID pandemic gave her the push to expand all of her products she had begun to work on Christanie said. She is aiming to add additional products in the future but currently handmakes body soaps, lotions hand sanitizers, shampoo and conditioner bars and body scrub products as well as bath bombs all with their own goat milk just to name a few. Lavender-scented calming room spray has been a hot product as she is already working on new items for the coming months.
These products, several varieties are unscented, are for sale at the farm stand at the front of their property.
She has received feedback from customers on the benefits of their goat milk products, which has been helpful for people with sensitive skin, eczema and other skin issues.
They also have product with activated charcoal and two CBD oil soaps- made in a tea tree and a citrus scent. ‘’It’s as good as you can get for your skin’’, she said. They are committed to using all natural, raw ingredients in their cold process.
Jarred honey, honey sticks, candy and eggs direct from the farm are also available for purchase. Spring will be full of activity as they have planned breeding for several of the animals for their own as well as client breeding services.
The spacious barn has also been host to bridal showers. They have pre-order custom favors and seasonal gift baskets. They also schedule on location, outdoor pony parties.
For more information on their services and contact information visit their webpage channellhomestead.org they are also on Facebook at Channell Homestead