In many families buying a tree for Christmas is a yearly tradition. While many of us are trying to decide if having a real tree is worth it folks will agonize about cutting down a thriving tree, enjoying it for a few weeks before and after Christmas, and then carrying it out to the curb and eventually in the landfill. Well, there is another solution, GOATS! The Channell Homestead Farm of Hanson, Massachusetts, has 17 hungry goats that are waiting to devour your Christmas tree.
Speaking with Christanie owner of Channell Homestead Farm, during a phone interview mentioned, “she and her husband purchased the land and created the farm in 2014,” raising goats, chickens, horses, and many other animals. A few years ago, they decided to ask their Facebook community if they would bring their trees after celebrating Christmas to the farm, and once the trees were delivered and given to the goats, there wasn’t much left of the tree. The goats ate all of the needles, and bark on the tree, and the rest of it was recycled for use on the farm. “The trees provide Vitamin-C and a natural dewormer for the goats.”
Photo's by Channell Homestead
Before you wrap up your tree and place it on the roof of your car, there are a few things everyone should know. Christanie stated, “make sure the tree wasn’t treated with a fire retardant or pesticides, remove all tinsel, clips, and ornaments from the tree, and make sure the tree isn’t brown and dead. Once done, check out Channell Homestead Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ChannellHomestead and find out when they are open to receiving trees. Think sustainable and bring a tree to a local farm instead of taking it to the curb or throwing it into the woods. A goat will love you for it!