Local Farm Seeks Christmas Tree Donations

Now that the holiday season has passed and it is time to take down the decorations, do not trash that live Christmas tree! Instead, consider donating it to a group of hungry goats that reside at Rusty Jax Farm in Parkesburg.

According to Jacqui Maxwell, who operates the farm with her husband, Russell, goats love eating all parts of the tree, from the needles to the branches. "They will eat ... down to bare tree," said Jacqui, noting that pine needles provide trace nutrients and minerals and that pine trees act as a natural dewormer. "It also supplements their feed during the winter months when the pastures are barren. In addition to the hay and grain that we feed them, the trees are a help."

Trees should be placed in the parking area at the farm near the donated pumpkins, which are also fed to the goats.

"We ask for pumpkins around Halloween and Thanksgiving and at Christmas, and we ask for Christmas trees for our herd," said Jacqui. "We have a parking area down by the barn. (Visitors) will see the pumpkins. We will toss the trees over (the fence) as needed. We do ask that there is no tinsel, as that can be quite dangerous for the goats to ingest. I check the trees before tossing them over."

Raising goats is a hobby for the couple, who both have full-time jobs. Jacqui is a licensed behavior consultant, and Russell is a carpenter. "Our mission is to spread joy through goats. They are fun and happy animals, and they are so entertaining and loving," Jacqui said. "When people bring (tree) donations, they can come and see the goats if they want to and play with them. They are very friendly."

Future plans call for milking the goats and using the milk to make cheese and soap. "This is our third year with goats. We started with two," Jacqui shared. "The next thing you know, there are 35 goats in your backyard with more on the way."

Those who would like to see the goats and learn more about them may visit http://www.facebook.com/rustyjaxfarm.

"We try to livestream all the births," Jacqui pointed out. "We go live every day while they're feeding, so (people) can see us and our critters."

She said having pet goats can be compared to having a pet dog or cat. "They are so fun and a great personality mix between cats and dogs," Jacqui stated. "They want to be with you like a dog, but they are very curious and inquisitive like a cat. They are happy to tell you that you are petting them wrong like a cat, and they know their names and come when you call like a dog. It's easy to fall in love with their individual personalities."

The farm is also home to pet dogs, including two livestock guardian dogs; 10 cats; and chickens. "It's like having another full-time job," Jacqui said, noting that she and her husband share a love of caring for the goats. "The goats brought us together. It is something we enjoy doing together."

Rusty Jax Farm is located at 3801 Upper Valley Road, Parkesburg. For more information, visit the previously mentioned Facebook page or email rustyjaxfarm@gmail.com.