Goats Make Life Better at Harley Farms

Goats have a way of calming people and making them feel at ease.  We learned a lot about goats today when we paid a visit to a local legend–Harley Farms in Pescadero.  We met Suzy, a local resident who helps out at the farm giving tours that are offered Friday through Sunday at 11 and 1 pm.

But you don’t need a tour to enjoy the company of the goats–from the one-day-old scamps who were already walking and nuzzling to the group of pregnant mama goats, and the 150 or so other milking goats who munched on plants out back.

Suzy said the goats have a way of making difficult times better, and that’s why she loves spending time here, taking school kids on the tours, and explaining the way they make goat cheese to the many visitors who flock to the farm.

But if you visit on a weekday like we did, you can still visit with the goats, and buy some of the famous cheese that sells out at farmer’s markets and at the store.

Out on the fields guarding the flock are two large white shepherd dogs, they’ve already had one successful intrusion foiled when a mountain lion entered the pen and the dogs herded the goats to safety.

A llama who was originally thought to provide security turned out to not be as effective as they hoped, hence the dogs.

There are a lot of things going on at Harley Farms. One of them is the special farm dinners that take place four times a year, and every one sells out in a flash.

The venue for the events is a second-floor former hayloft that’s been turned into a cozy dining room including a giant table made from a tree felled on the property, surrounded by Dr. Suess-inspired tall handmade chairs.  There is a secret garden where weddings and other events take place.

If you’re feeling blue, go nuzzle one of these goats, who will be seeking a rub, not a hand-out.

Harley Farms
205 North St. Pescadero, Calif
650-879-0480
www.harleyfarms.com