Farm Facts
Split Creek's goal includes being
self-sufficient, so progress has been gradual. The farm started
with three goats and a piece of land. The herd peaked at 750 goats, and
fences, pastures and barns were built over the years. The goats and the
cheeses are recognized nationally and have won numerous awards.
Currently
the farm population averages about 350, with half of those being
milked twice a day. The goats are full partners in the operation and
every effort is made for them to be able to perform up to their genetic
potential. The milkers are managed to encourage long lactations with
most does milking at least three years. Hormones are never used to get
the does bred or to produce more milk. Herbicides and pesticides are not
used on the pastures in keeping with the commitment to produce an all
natural product.
Good
milk makes good products, and the farm's artisan cheeses are made
by hand with purity and freshness the goal.
The
Farm Shops are open Monday - Saturday, 9:00am - 6:00pm and Sundays,
2.00pm - 5:00pm, to sell the milk, cheese, fudge and soap produced by the
farm. Goat meat in a variety of cuts may be purchased in the shop. Along
with Split Creek’s own products, the farm shop sells many other items produced in South Carolina: eggs, honey, grits, corn meal,& rice to name a
few. The unique folk art of Pat Bell is also available in the Hen House.
Combining traditional techniques with her own creative style, she transforms
worn items into art collectibles.
Visitors
are welcome at the farm. The farm staff knows that survival of
small farms is dependant on educating the public about rural life and
the origin of their foods. Since this is a working farm and a great deal
of time is spent daily with milking, feeding, and processing cheese,
visitors to the shop are encouraged to schedule a tour for a better look
at the farm and how it is operated.
The Folks at
Split Creek
