Brooks’ Family Farm
is a 7-acre, multi-generational, family-owned and operated meat goat farm in Starkville, Mississippi. Co-owner, Elmarie Brooks, is the only African American female goat farmer in the area. Brooks’ Family Farm uses minimal amounts of purchased feed and instead primarily pastures (allows to graze) their Nubian and Boer goats. They received a $5,000 grant to upgrade their barn facilities with essential equipment and supplies such as a livestock shearing and trimming stand, freestanding corrals, and a scale, as well as essential signage and supplies for group visits and farm tours.
Farmer manager Elmarie Brooks reported that in addition to the purchase and installation of their new equipment, they hosted an 8-week class on “Improving Results on Farms & Ranches with Holistic Management” that was attended by a number of local farmers. They also hosted a local Girl Scout troop where kids could experience goat hoof trimming, body conditioning checks, and feeding.
“This funding opportunity allowed an opportunity to bridge some racial gaps in the community by allowing a Dialogue Group to attend field day on the Farm. Thank you so much for this opportunity. It has made a tremendous improvement in Brooks Family Farm that will sustain the farm for many years to come.”
