Goats in Chicago: A Glimpse at GlennArt Farm

You might not think that goats and goat milk would be available in Chicago! But David and Carolyn Ioder have been selling goat milk at GlennArt Farm in the Austin neighborhood for five years. If you buy a gallon be sure to bring ice to keep it cold on warm days.

"GlennArt Farm is a hidden gem in the Austin neighborhood that provides everything from fresh milk and eggs to yoga classes with goats," said Alicia Anzaldo, a biology professor at Wright College. "It's wonderful to know that these animals are sharing our city with us and providing such valuable services to the community in which they live. As a life-long animal-lover and having majored in Animal Sciences, I know first-hand how domesticated animals can transform human lives."

The Ioders do goat yoga for people during the summer. Having goats climb on your back is cool during the heat. There are also apple, peach, and plum trees in the backyard beside the twenty chickens. The chicken's eggs are sold during the summer.

When winter comes back around, the baby goats will be going to a farm in Wisconsin while the mothers stay in Chicago. The garage doubles as a barn during the cold months. Down the block is a warm-weather field where the goats can run.

Selling the farm is one thing Carolyn and David want to do to carry on the tradition of urban farming. Fresh food is important to Chicago citizens. GlennArt farm is a real diamond in the rough.

Carolyn Ioder helped with this article.

Photo credit: McKayla Bane