Dailey’s Goat Milk
By: Morgan Kidwell
I recently had the opportunity to meet John Dailey, who owns Dailey Farms in Alexis, Illinois. John was offering samples of his grass-fed goat milk in the health market department at the Hy-Vee store in Moline, Illinois. I was very interested in learning about the benefits of drinking goat milk versus cow milk and John invited me to tour his goat farm. When I arrived at his farm I was greeted by John and his Great Pyrenees dog, Montana, who protects the goats from predators and lives with them daily. I toured the farm and then learned about the equipment which processes the goat milk.
John started his farm a few years ago with around 20 goats and now raises approximately 70 Alpine goats on his 60+ acre farm. He raises the goats for the sole purpose of providing goat milk, which he milks by hand twice a day. John has named each of his goats and interacts with them daily.
Each serving of goat milk provides about 95% of vitamins and minerals. It is also high in calcium, magnesium, and zinc, as well as being rich in Omega 3, 6, and 9’s. The goat milk is anti-inflammatory, which reduces inflammation, and it is also lactose friendly. Bodybuilders find benefits from drinking goat milk because it is higher in protein than other other milks and helps burn fat. Goat milk is also keto and paleo friendly.
John’s goat milk usually lasts about 35 days on the shelf and is sold in local grocery stores such as Hy-Vee and Healthy Harvest. John has even partnered with Theo’s Java Coffee shop in Rock Island, Illinois, who uses his goat milk in some of their drinks.
Not only is goat milk simply good to drink on its own, it is also great in soups, pies and any other recipes that call for milk.
Goat milk is different from cow milk as it is easier to digest and has less sugar. When you purchase a container of goat milk, it usually has a layer of fat (cream) on top which you will need to shake before drinking. John told me about his neighbor who uses the cream that appears on the top of the container of milk by spreading it on a piece of toast and then sprinkling a little bit of cinnamon and sugar on top.
Goat milk may be a bit more expensive than other types of milk, but the benefits of drinking goat milk versus other milks sure outweigh the costs. I know I will be drinking goat milk from now on!
John provides tours on his goat farm for those who want to learn more about the goats and the processing of the goat milk. You can find more information about Dailey Farms through social media on Facebook at: Dailey Farms; and Instagram at: daileyfarms.