Goat's Pride Organic Goat Products

Goat’s Pride Organic Goat Products in Abbotsford crafts hand-made fine milk, yogurts and cheeses on their farm in the beautiful Fraser Valley. They are the first Certified Organic goat dairy in Western Canada.

“We believe in the small family farm, humane and loving treatment of our animals and sustainable organic farming practices,” says Jo-Ann Dykstra, who with her husband Peter took over Goat’s Pride two years ago. “We have a very low-tech operation that is labour intensive and produces a delicious, traditional cheese.”

Goat’s Pride’s organic milk comes from their own and their producers’ herds of milking does. Their goats are fed a mixed diet of organic hay, grain and minerals, and live in comfortable barns with open access to pastures. The Dykstras never use hormones and rarely use antibiotics, preferring to use herbal and homeopathic remedies when needed.

Goat’s Pride are regulars at farmers’ markets in Vancouver and Abbotsford “We like to meet the people who are buying our products,” says Dykstra. “We enjoy the opportunity to introduce people to the flavour. Our products are different, but once people try it, it’s great to see the surprise on their faces.”

Their product range includes Blue Capri (Roquefort style), Caprabella, Capramonte, Chevre, Chevrotina, Feta, Gouda, Organic Whole Goat Milk and Organic Goat Yogurt.

Dykstra says they often hear how important their products are to people with specialized diets or allergies. “It’s great to know that you’re meeting a need,” she says. “People will tell us how they can still eat yoghurt, can cook with our products. There’s even a local naturopath who sends us his clients with special dietary needs.”

Goat’s Pride products are available at their store in Abbotsford and from grocers throughout the Fraser Valley, Metro Vancouver, Vancouver Island and even in the Interior and Queen Charlotte Islands. Their products are also served in many fine restaurants and are available through some organic delivery services.

The dairy often hosts school tours and do two open houses each year to invite city people to see the farm, pet the goats and taste the cheeses.

To introduce chefs to their flavours, Dykstra says they have participated in some chefs’ tours and wine and cheese events. “We’ve met a lot of chefs looking for local and organic food, so they’re happy to find good quality cheese products that are both local and organic.”