Daily Pioneer News

PLATTEVILLE - Michelle Skaden, a 2003 graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, has found independence in the company of 300 goats. Shortly after she graduated, Skaden and her friend were four wheeling through the countryside of Southwest Wisconsin. When Skaden's friend pointed out a five-acre farm for sale, Skaden didn't expect herself to become the buyer. But after researching dairy goat farming and the possibilities it offered, she "fell in love with the idea" and soon became sole owner. Almost three years later, owning her own goat farm feels just right.

Skaden has loved animals since she was a young child. Although she lived within the city limits of Lewison, Minn., she was happiest on the farm that her grandparents and uncles operated. In sixth grade, she got involved in 4-H, and in high school, she spent half days working with a veterinarian as part of a job-shadowing program. Surprised, yet satisfied, in the way she accomplished her childhood dream, she said, "I knew I'd own a place of my own with animals, but never did I imagine a fully operating dairy goat farm. It's been a great feeling of success and happiness to have accomplished this goal."

One of the steps in accomplishing this goal was attending UW-Platteville. When a family friend brought Skaden and her dad to UW-Platteville, the pre-vet program and the softball program, along with the small town atmosphere of Platteville attracted her. Skaden later decided to switch to an animal science major and worked on the Pioneer Farm, gaining hands-on experience that has come in handy on her own farm. Skaden is positive about UW-Platteville's animal science program. She said, "It's a great program; the staff are all supportive, the classes and labs offer the knowledge you need to obtain for your future career, but the clubs and activities you can become involved in within your major give you true direction and experience for the next level."

The major resource that helped her buy the goat farm was a young farmer's loan through the Farm Service Agency of Lafayette County. When she closed on the farm, she said she was "excited but very nervous." She said, "I kept asking myself over and over again, 'is this what I want to do,' and 'am I doing the right thing?' The first two years were difficult at times; I was still wondering if I had made the right career choice, but now I wouldn't change it for anything." Her stock was at 200 goats that first year, but it has now grown to 300. Skaden will be milking around 150 goats this year, which is 60 more goats than last year. Next year, she hopes to be milking about 250 goats. The goats' milk is sold for cheese production to Montchevre-Betin in Belmont. Based on her experience, she now prefers working with goats. "I really enjoy working with the goats over any other type of livestock because they are smaller in size, easier to handle and care for, have different personalities and are very profitable," she said.

She has encouraging words and advice for others who are interested in owning their own farm. She said, "If you are energetic, self-motivated and have a love for animals, it's totally possible. But like any animal, they depend on you 365 days a year. ... As far as being a woman in the industry, not a problem, there are several of us doing it." Overall, she said, regarding her career choice, "It is a great responsibility, but the feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment after a good day out weighs the stressors of ownership. ... I have finally found a career that I love, and I can see myself doing it the rest of my life." Although it is near Darlington, Skaden's farm bares the name Lewiston Acres, showing that Skaden still remembers her hometown roots. She is the daughter of Dick and Shelly Skaden of Lewiston, Minn.