Sunday, April 08, 2012

Hay Dairies Goat Farm [Buy Goat's Milk] @ Kranji Countryside (Kranji Heritage Trail No 7), Lim Chu Kang Lane 4

A short health discussion between my mom and my maternal auntie eventually resulted in a decision to visit Hay Dairies goat farm after lunch at Jurong East.

Despite a four-hour sleep, i was actually excited to drive all the way back to Lim Chu Kang. The Kranji countryside has loads to offer and it would only be beneficial for those who have been supporting this blog!

Lady luck was shining on us; a busload of teenage visitors had just arrived and a farm tour shortly commenced.

Not that it matters much for my mom, uncle and auntie as the information was dispensed fluently in English; a language not grasped well by them.

An elevated platform was where most of us stood to hear the educational speech. And from there, we could have a direct view at the milking process which is available for only two hours in the morning.

With roughly 1,000 goats, the operation is small-scaled when compared to its overseas counterparts. However, it is the one and only goat farm in Singapore where you can purchase fresh goat's milk!

Six species are recognised as dairy goats and Hay Dairies maintains a mix although many are Alpine goats. The reason for keeping a higher number of Alpine is simple; alpine goats produce a lot more milk.

There is a sheltered walkway beside the platform and we happily began the exploration without the noisy crowd that would follow shortly after.

The pens housing the goats - design was basic and there is no way you can escape from smelling the goats' poo. I know shit stinks but goat's shit has a wild mustiness to them!

Kids (the term used for young goats)!! The sounds they made are extremely cute even though i bet it would turn out to be hair-pulling irritating after a while. Imagine meeh meeh meeh every few seconds.

Initially, i thought Hay Dairies was named because goats eat hay, like cows. The truth is; the family who owns this goat farm has the family name of Hay (夏 which means summer in Chinese).

Guess the use for the metal pole facing us!

Water for the goats! And they do need plenty of that given how hot the weather was on that sunny Sunday.

I was anticipating pens that were spacious with plenty of room for the goats to have some exercise. Unfortunately, that would be luxurious for Singapore's standard.

At the end of the walk is a sales counter where you can buy fresh goat's milk! This counter is in fact the first thing you see when you enter into the building where the milking process is taking place.

Pure goat's milk is easily digestibly, highly nutritious with many benefits (good for people with asthma, arthritis, eczema, jaundice and stomach ulcer) and is a good substitute for those with sensitivity towards cow's milk.

Note that goat's milk should never be boiled or microwaved! Home delivery (call 6792-0931) is available for selected locations on a weekly basis at a slightly higher price with a minimum order of 1600 millimeters (two large bottles).

You may find a seating area near the sales counter if you prefer to drink the goat's milk directly while smirking at the dairy goats that are being milked.

Be appreciative and thank them!

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Location
No 3, Lim Chu Kang Lane 3

Map
As above (red star). There is a kranji express that will bring you to the farm. Visit http://www.kranjicountryside.com/ and click "location" for its rate and schedule.

Opening Hours
From 9am till 4pm daily! Milking, as i mentioned in my first few paragraphs, is once a day from 9am till 11am.

WebsiteAdditional Information
Hay Diaries is part of the Kranji Heritage Trail that features both historical and farm sites. I shall be back to cover the rest [blog label for Kranji Heritage Trail is added].

Before i forget, there is a halal certification for the Hay Dairies goat's milk and they are free of antibiotics, preservatives, pesticides and chemicals! Assuring information for health freaks conscious individuals!

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