NEWRY – The fourth in the University of Maine Cooperative Extension’s series of goat enterprise farm tours will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 24, at Garden Path Farm, 957 Bear River Road.

The tour will focus on how goats fit into a diversified farm operation. A training on performing a FAMACHA test to detect parasite infestation in goats and sheep will be held on the same day. While the goat tour is free, there is a $20 a farm fee and required preregistration for the training.

UMaine Extension’s series of goat enterprise tours are taking place through September at farms around the state. Designed for anyone who wants to learn more about raising goats for meat, milk or fiber, the tours aim to teach sound goat husbandry and help support the growing Maine market for local cheese and meat.

All tours are free and open to the public. No registration is required, but people should arrive at the designated tour start times.

The remaining tours will take place at farms in Starks, Dresden and Saco. Visit www.umext.maine.edu or call UMaine Extension’s Cumberland County office at 1-800-287-1471 for details.

Goats have been a traditional farm animal around the world for centuries. Raising goats is becoming increasingly popular in Maine. According to the American Dairy Goat Association, the fat and protein in goat milk is more easily digested than that in cow milk, and goat milk is often tolerated by people allergic to cow milk. Goat milk is also naturally homogenized. Goat meat, called chevon, is low in fat and calories compared to beef and is one of the most commonly eaten meats worldwide.

For more information about raising goats, contact UMaine Extension Educator Richard Brzozowski, at 1-800-287-1471 or [email protected]. To be placed on UMaine Extension’s statewide goat mailing list, contact Melisa Potts at 1-800-287-7170 or [email protected].