2025 Virtual Farm Tour Day 2
Virtual Farm Tour Day 2: Old Red Barn of Geneva
Goats were one of the first animals domesticated by humans, and today, they are raised for milk, meat, fiber, and even land management. Florida has around 9,000 dairy goats, contributing to the growing demand for goat milk products like cheese, soap, and lotions!
What is the difference between dairy goats and meat goats?
The main difference between dairy goats and meat goats is in their purpose and physical traits. Dairy goats are bred for milk production and typically have leaner bodies, high milk yields, and longer lactation periods. Some of the common dairy goat breeds include Nubian, Saanen, Alpine, Nigerian Dwarf and more. Meat goats, on the other hand, are raised primarily for their meat, so they tend to grow quickly and have a more muscular build. Popular meat goat breeds include Spanish, Boer, and Kiko goats. While both types can technically be used for either purpose, their genetics and body structure make them better suited for their intended role.
What types of products can be made from goats?
Goats are incredibly versatile animals, contributing to both food and non-food products that are valued around the world. Dairy goats are useful in the production of dairy products like goat milk, cheese, yogurt, butter, ice cream and more. Meat goats offer meat that can be simply prepared or processed into sausages or cured meats. Beyond just food, goats can provide materials to make fiber products like Cashmere, skin care products like soaps, lotions, and creams, and other products such as leather. Additionally, goat manure is a valuable natural fertilizer, rich in nutrients that benefit soil health and plant growth.
2025 Virtual Farm Tour
The Seminole County Farm Tour has been a long held tradition, hosted for over 20 years. Over the years, the tour has been hosted in many different forms from self-driving to tour busses and even online. This year, we are hosting the tour for the second time in this virtual format. A virtual tour opens the doors for more folks, allowing people from anywhere to participate without the need for travel. Through farmer interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and interactive storytelling, these Virtual Farm Tour videos aim to make agriculture more accessible and educational for everyone.
Acknowledgements
A big thank you to Kurt Slafkovsky and John McClelland from Seminole County Government TV for the production and editing of these 2023 Virtual Farm Tour videos. A special thanks to all of the farmers featured in these videos for spending time with us and allowing us to film at their farm to help teach everyone about local agriculture!
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