About Our Farm
Split Creek Farm Grade A Goat Dairy
Split Creek Farm is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains' scenic foothills of South Carolina. The Grade A Dairy is in a barn designed and built by the owners to include the milking and cheese operations. A retail gift shop featuring goat milk products and other local wares is open to the public. We invite you to use the links at the top of this page to shop for our award winning farmstead goat cheeses, goat milk fudge, goat milk yogurt, and gift baskets.
Split Creek Farm History
Where It All Began
Split Creek Farm became a commercial Grade A goat dairy in 1985. A small-scale cheese operation started in 1988 in response to a growing demand for domestic goat cheeses and as a means to utilize seasonal excesses of milk. Production progressed from the original four-gallon vat batches to the current 150-gallon vat operation, which began in August of 1990.
The Goat Herd
The Stars!
Split Creek Farm's certified goat herd produces all the milk used for its cheese and fudge. Every animal in the herd receives individual attention daily. The extra care they receive shows in the milk quality. The dairy goat herd competes nationally in the show ring and for milk production records. Herd health and the ultimate quality of the dairy products are the primary concern of the owners.
Not Like the Others
Farm Facts
Split Creek's goal includes being self-sufficient, so progress has been gradual. The farm started with three goats and a piece of land. The herd peaked at 750 goats, and fences, pastures and barns were built over the years. The goats and the cheeses are recognized nationally and have won numerous awards.
Currently the farm population averages about 200, with half of those being milked twice a day. The goats are full partners in the operation and every effort is made for them to be able to perform up to their genetic potential. The milkers managed to encourage long lactations with most does milking at least three years. Hormones are never used to get the does bred or to produce more milk. Herbicides and pesticides are not used on the pastures in keeping with the commitment to produce an all natural product. Good milk makes good products – the farm’s artisan cheeses are made by hand with purity and freshness the goal.
The Farm Shop is open Monday - Saturday, 10:00am - 6:00pm, to sell the milk, cheese, fudge and yogurt produced by the farm. Along with Split Creek’s own products, the farm shop sells many other items produced in South Carolina including eggs, honey, soap, and the unique folk art of Pat Bell to name a few. Combining traditional techniques with her own creative style, Pat transforms worn items into art collectibles.
Visitors are welcome at the farm. The farm staff knows that survival of small farms is dependant on educating the public about rural life and the origin of their foods. Since this is a working farm and a great deal of time is spent daily with milking, feeding, and processing cheese, visitors to the shop are encouraged to take our self-guided tour for a better look at the farm and how it is operated.
Goats 4 Goodness is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that is housed at Split Creek Farm. It has a common theme in its mission – “Do Good Things.” Whether it’s as simple as bringing a smile to someone’s face or educating the public about the diverse nature of goats and other animals, Goats 4 Goodness wants to help. All the rescues or special needs animals on our farm are taken care of through this nonprofit. If you’d like to donate, please do so here. https://www.goats4goodness.com/donate
Sandra & Gourd put on her new prosthetic