While many people are sad to see their live trees come down after Christmas, there is one group that cannot wait for the end of the holiday season - goats.

According to local goat farmer Lynne Reid of Amazing Acres Goat Dairy in Elverson, goats love eating all parts of the tree from the needles to the branches. "Goats will eat the needles, finer branches and even the bark of Christmas trees," she said. "Pine needles provide trace nutrients, minerals and forage. There are claims that pine trees act as a natural dewormer."

While trees are no longer being accepted at the farm, Reid reported that about 30 local residents dropped their live Christmas trees for the goats to enjoy in December. "Goats enjoy variety in their diets, so fresh, green pine branches in the dead of winter gives them something novel to eat during a time when the majority of their diet is hay," she said. She added that the goats are also given old pumpkins after Halloween.

Another time that the goats receive extra treats to eat is during their regular outings. "I take them out on walks where they can eat old grass and vines in the forest," Reid explained. "In the perimeter of our property, we have a wooded area. I take the whole herd. They stick together, and I guide them around where I want them to go. It's kind of fun. They behave for the most part."

Reid explained that she and her husband, Will, raise goats to make artisan goat cheeses inspired by classic French styles such as Fromagina, which is similar to ricotta cheese. "We are a dairy; we make cheese and sell it at local farmers markets and small local markets," she said.

She added that the farm's goats get plenty of daily exercise, fresh air, brushings and treats. "We treat our goats like pets," Reid said.

For more information about Amazing Acres and a list of local stores where the farm's cheeses may be purchased, readers may visit http://www.amazingacresgoatdairy.com.