Farm

Living Outdoors: Explore the Goatery at Kiawah River Farm

Nestled among the lush farmland and glittering marsh flats of the Sea Islands’ landscape, Kiawah River embraces outdoor living by blending working farms with sustainability initiatives. Recently featured in  Charleston Magazine as the Lowcountry’s first agrihood, Kiawah River Farm epitomizes responsible living through its farm-to-table lifestyle. 

Incorporating seasonal produce, wildflower fields, an organic, grass-fed cattle company and some 50,000 working honeybees, Kiawah River Farm is a working farm partnership with local Johns Island farmers. The Farm’s fresh produce, along with other weekly harvests, is available at the Rosebank Farms farmstand, located at the entrance of Kiawah River. 

One of our newest (and cutest) additions to Kiawah River Farm is The Goatery. Specializing in the production of handmade goat cheese and other high-quality goat milk products, The Goatery is an artisan goat dairy that doubles as a sanctuary, offering 90-some kids, bucks and nannies—infant, male and female goats—a forever home.  

Start-up farmers Danny Sillvant and Missy Farkouh lead The Goatery’s daily operations, which includes milking the goats and conducting wellness checks. Committed to humane farming practices, Danny and Missy provide top-of-the line dairy products to some of Charleston’s most notable restaurants including Husk, Charleston Grill and Sorghum & Salt. The Goatery is currently upgrading their dairy facility with a new, high-tech converted shipping container, which will allow them to produce a greater variety of cheeses and cosmetic products. 

Residents and visitors are invited to interact with the trip, or goat herd, with a variety of activities and programs, including goat yoga. Led by our certified teacher, Natasha, the 60-minute Vinyasa class allows intermediate and advanced yogis to practice empowering flows while embracing the healing benefits of animal therapy. The Goatery’s practice is always held outdoors, encouraging a safe environment for social distancing and meditation.  

The Goatery also offers guided farm tours and a two-day farm school for school-age children, with all proceeds funding the general care of the goats. During the farm school, participants can get their hands dirty with active projects on the farm while learning how to care for the animals.  

You can book a private tour or goat yoga class through The Goatery’s website, or find their products at local Charleston restaurants and farmers markets.