ADVENTURES IN GOAT CHEESE
July 31, 2004
THOMAS
Thomas and Eva Kafsack came from Germany to bring Maui superb cheeses which they produce using free-range, grass-fed goats. We joined them for a tour of the dairy on our 10th anniversary. Here, Thomas talks about his friends at our first stop.
HUNGRY?
These goats are willing participants in the “feed the goat” part of the tour.
Molly keeps up her end of the bargain with a handful of sweet feed.
PORTRAIT
A face not only a nanny could love.
GOATS AS ART
Bob took this compelling picture.
TIMELESS
The goat against the rock wall is a timeless image.
RETIRED BILLY
This old goat doesn’t have to work for a living any more. He gets to hand out with his companion. We learned that Billy Goats urinate on their beards which helps create their legendary fragrance. When the wind is right, Thomas says you can smell this goat all the way to Kahului.
BIG HORNED BILLY
This monster was not dehorned as a kid. The only way to handle this omission is with respect.
Thomas shows the group the absence of upper teeth in his Billy’s mouth.
It is obvious that Thomas loves his goats. Likewise, they enjoy his attentions. However, they can be formidable adversaries. Thomas told us that if this 250 pound goat were to knock him down his only recourse would be to wrestle the animal to the ground using his horns as handles.
MILKING TIME
One of the tricks to milking is to let them bury their heads in a deep feed bucket first.
Molly gives it a try and gets the hang of it on the first try!
As does Cookie.
MILKING MACHINE
After everyone tried their hand at milking, Eva got down to business and hooked up the milking machine.
IN THE CHEESE ROOM
Thomas donned his cheese-maker’s cap and we followed him into the cheese room. These cute little buns are curing in olive oil. We have been enjoying this cheese at home for some time now. When we are finished eating the cheese, we use the olive oil to make salad dressing.
MORE FUN
Than a bucket full of kids! After we all tasted 19 different cheeses, Eva got out the tractor and gave these children a ride to the petting pen.