Producer Name: Clark Kennedy and Christina Hary
Farm Name: Red Roof Farms
Location: Uxbridge, Ontario
Goat breed: Kiko, registered and commercial
Production type: Meat production, breeding stock, commercial stock
Describe your operation
We are a first-generation family farm owned and operated by Clark Kennedy and Christina Hary along with our children. Located in Uxbridge ON.
Here at Red Roof, we raise registered and commercial Kiko goats for breeding stock and meat. We also raise grass fed beef cattle.
We farm 200 acres of combined pasture, hay/forage, row crops to provide feed for our goats and our beef herd. We have been expanding our goat herd for the last 6 years, focusing on genetics, conformation, and data analysis to make informed decisions to help us be a sustainable farm.
Our goats are raised in a combination of indoor and pasture.
What is the biggest pain point when it comes to farming goats?
We have come across a few challenges when it comes to farming goats, from finding accurate goat specific information on everything from nutrition, housing, dealing with illness and everything in between. There has been lots of trial, error and eventually success.
Feed waste is a constant challenge. We are continuously trying to figure out ways to reduce feed waste.
Another challenge is the amount of time it takes to manage a large herd.
Kikos are a relatively new breed, originating in New Zealand in the 1980’s. With not being able to import goats from the US and abroad we have limited bloodlines here in Canada, keeping genetic diversity is difficult.
What do you like most about farming goats?
Goats are characters, they like to get into mischief, they will keep you on your toes forcing us to be constantly learning. It’s never boring.
There is something special about looking out at the pasture and seeing your herd contentedly grazing, playing on rock piles or just basking in the sun. It gives us a sense of fulfillment. Seeing improvements in the herd has been the most rewarding.
Is there anything you’re particularly proud of about your operation? Or any standout moments/memories?
We are proud to be one of the few goat farmers in Canada involved in importing new bloodlines from New Zealand in the fall of 2024.
Kidding season is always a standout moment for us. The miracle of new life coming into this world never gets old.
Email: info@redrooffarms.ca
Website: redrooffarms.ca
Instagram: redrooffarms.ca
