ALVINSTON FARM FIELD GUIDE
Goat Snuggles at Jireh Hills: An Old‑Fashioned Milking Parlour in Alvinston
A one‑hour, hands‑on visit at Jireh Hills Family Homestead that pairs education about dairy goats with up‑close contact — ideal for families and customizable for special needs.
Goat Snuggles at Jireh Hills: An Old‑Fashioned Milking Parlour in Alvinston.
On the edge of Alvinston, Jireh Hills Family Homestead opens an old‑fashioned milking parlour to visitors for an hour of close encounters with a friendly herd of dairy goats. The experience combines up‑close animal time — from cuddling newborn kids in winter to pasture play in summer — with an explanation of the goats’ role in a sustainable homestead.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
An old‑fashioned milking parlour and family homestead
Visit the milking parlour where the farm’s story began and learn why the homestead values dairy goats as a core part of sustainable farm life.
Direct contact with newborn kids in the kidding pens
From February through May guests can enter the kidding pens and gently hold tiny baby goats — a quiet, tactile encounter that reveals the bonds between mama and kid.
Pasture play, chores and farm products
From June into fall the visit shifts to pasture time with playful young goats and their dams; guests can help with simple chores, meet the bucks, and purchase handcrafted goat’s‑milk soap made on the farm.
What the day feels like
What the hour feels like
This is a tactile, low‑tech hour: introductions in the parlour, a slow, supervised approach to the pens or pasture depending on season, and hands‑on moments — tucking a small kid inside your coat in spring or tossing treats to an eager buck. Guides explain how and why the herd is milked, the products made from that milk, and the daily chores that sustain a small dairy homestead.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this visit suits — and who should take precautions.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Closed‑toed shoes are highly recommended; wear clothing you don’t mind getting a bit dirty. In summer bring a sunhat and water to stay hydrated.
Kidding pens are not heated in winter and much of the program can be outdoors; dress appropriately for the conditions.
The host offers customized programming for guests with disabilities, small children, and the elderly—contact the operator ahead of your visit to arrange adaptations.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the experience?
The encounter lasts one hour.
Are children allowed?
All ages are welcome, but younger children must be accompanied by an adult while in the goat pens.
What are the group sizes?
The operator runs small groups (up to 4 guests) and large groups (5–10 guests).
Can the experience be adapted for special needs or disabilities?
Yes — the homestead can customize the experience for special needs, guests with disabilities, and the elderly; inquire when booking.
Is there anything to buy on site?
Yes — handcrafted goat’s‑milk soap made on the farm with ingredients including essential oils and herbs grown at Jireh Hills is available for purchase.
What happens in winter versus summer?
From February to May you’ll typically meet newborn kids in the kidding pens; from June into fall the visit is more pasture‑based with playful young goats and their mothers.