Friday, November 2, 2007

Maryland's first grade A goat dairy

goats being milked at Pleasant Valley Goat Dairy (image by Pleasant Valley)Pleasant Valley Goat Dairy is nestled in the mountains of picturesque Washington County. The farm is family owned and operated, having been in the family for over 100 years.

According to the web site, Pleasant Valley Goat Dairy is Maryland's first grade A goat dairy (as of June 2007). Grade A milk can be used in any dairy product, including fluid milk for drinking, whereas grade B milk can only be used to manufacture dairy products, such as cheese.

Milk from Pleasant Valley Goat Dairy is processed and bottled at South Mountain Creamery in Middletown. Glass-bottled milk is available from the creamery, as well as the Common Market Food Co-op in Frederick. Pleasant Valley's goat milk is also served at the Bavarian Inn, an elegant German restaurant in Shepherdstown, WV.