Getting to know Donna Wethey of Spotted Hill Farm

Just Get in the Car — Tue, 18 Feb 2020 16:12:46 +0000

Last spring we had a lovely visit with Donna and Guy of Spotted Hill Farm. We learned all about kidding season, and got to feed the baby goats! We thought it would be fun to catch up with Donna and ask her a few questions. Here’s what she has to share.

Tell us about you, Guy, and the farm. What does a typical day look like for you?

A typical day here:

We get up early, 6:30 most days, when we have kids [baby goats], earlier! There are animals to be fed and cared for, and babies to be bottle fed. The does [mama goats] are milked and then we pasteurize the milk and set up bottles for the next feed. When the babies are weaned, we will either freeze the milk for later use in soap or make cheese for family and friends.

In between feeds, there is hay to gather, grain to buy and pick up and numerous other things to do. Our garden is just getting started in Spring, so there is planting and weeding to be done. We never lack something to do around the farm and we are never bored!! Later on in the season we will be canning fruits and vegetables for use in the winter.

2. What do you want our readers to know about Spotted Hill Farm? Can people visit you?

We LOVE sharing our farm with others, especially young people! Guy and I believe every child should know where eggs and milk are made! Springtime is the best time to visit, as our goats give birth in the Spring! This year, we have 7 does due to kid in April!

We will be hosting our Open Farm Weekends every weekend in May from 10-5. We are open by appointment the rest of the week! Set up a time to come see our friendly farm pets or shop in our Barn Store for wonderful goods handcrafted by local artisans and farmers.

We host Yoga With Our Baby Goats in May and June! Our babies are bottle fed and obnoxiously friendly and love interacting with people! Check out SpottedHillFarm.com/yoga for schedule and tickets.

3. We know you love your town – tell us the best thing about Boyertown! Is there a hidden gem that we should know about?

Our little Boyertown has tons of gems!! Some of my favorites are Dancing Tree Creations, Colebrookdale Railroad and Taylor Backes.

4. If you had a day to explore around your town, where would you go, what would you eat, what would you do?

We would start out having breakfast at Brakeman’s Cafe, right across the parking lot from the Colebrookdale Railroad. Set in an old brick garage, it is a friendly and charming place with excellent coffee and food! Then, we would go take a glass blowing class at Taylor Backes, a wonderful gallery of handcrafted blown glass.

We would then stop by Grind [website appears to be coming soon] for a delicious lunch! We would visit with Keith, the owner and Tom, our favorite waiter. The food is wonderful and the people are even nicer!

After lunch, we would definitely take a ride on the Colebrookdale Railroad! The last time we went, we took our grandkids and it was the biggest kid, Guy, who had the most fun!

Then, we would go home as it would be time to feed all the animals.

5. It’s almost kidding season – right? Are there opportunities for the public to come and see the baby goats?

We will be open weekends in May from 10-5. Other times by appointment only. We are not set up to receive visitors on a drop by basis.

6. When we visited, our daughter named one of the babies! How is Gabbie doing?

Gabbie is doing well! She is living with a lovely young couple out in the western part of Berks County. We delivered Gabbie and Harvey and they have a wonderful life, going for walks every evening.

Thank you so much to Donna for sharing more about her farm, Boyertown, and the opportunity to visit the baby goats! Our family had such a lovely day with Donna and Guy and we can’t wait to head back this spring. It’s an experience you and your [human] kids will not soon forget!

Things to do in Berks County – Just Get in the Car

Getting to know Donna Wethey of Spotted Hill Farm

-Kristin