When Cokie Cox, founder of Alphavest, veteran in financial services and author of “Perfect Day” purchased the 40-acre Bedaw Farms in Awendaw in 2001, she knew the property was too special not to share with others. Her vision for the picturesque location was to create a synergy that would serve the community.
In the early days of cultivating the venue, now known as the Back Barn at Bedaw Farms, Cox welcomed a bull, a horse and four rescue dogs. Two rescue Newfoundlands, Chevy and Teton, currently manage a family of over 30 Nubian goats, all of whom have names, including Lou-Lou, George, Irma, Amalia, Lucha, Lola, Chevela, Olga, Garner and Bob.
According to Back Barn events coordinator Georgia Brown, “The goats are not shy. They enjoy interacting with people as much as people enjoy interacting with them.”
Inspired by the goats’ friendly demeanor, Cox started inviting family and friends to attend goat yoga classes on the farm. In 2023, additional intrigue and interest from around town sparked the idea of hosting the lessons.
Brown explained, “Goat yoga classes are led by Annalisa Wolff, an accomplished yoga instructor who has been teaching since 2020 and who is certified with over 200 hours of goat yoga. She’s taught in Charlotte and Columbia and leads classes around Charleston as well.”
“We cap the events at 30 students and about 15 goats because we don’t want to overwhelm or distract guests with too many goats,” Brown said. “We choose which of the dads, moms and baby goats are going to participate in each individual class, depending on which ones need to take care of what is going on in the herd that day.” She added, “Each session is $25 and so far, we have classes scheduled through September.”
In addition to its goat yoga classes, Bedaw Farms also attracts visitors for its freshly-bottled goat’s milk when it’s available. “Goats are like people in that they only produce lactation after they have babies,” Brown said. “That happens this time of year, during ‘kidding’ season.”
“We didn’t realize the demand for goat’s milk would be so huge,” said Brown of the benefits of consuming goat’s milk. It’s environmentally friendly, supports metabolism, is easier to digest, is high in fatty acids, rich in calcium, anti-mucosal, ultra nourishing and has been found to boost the immune system.
The popularity of Bedaw Farms’ goat’s milk has lent inspiration to yet another entrepreneurial endeavor, Brown said. “Depending on the availability of goat’s milk, we are going to be hosting goat cheese classes for up to 12 people. Guests will learn how to make feta, ricotta and mozzarella. They’ll get to take the cheeses as well as goat’s milk home. Classes will run $150 per person.” As dates and details have yet to be finalized, check their website barnatbedawfarms.com for updates.
Book your goat yoga class by visiting eventbrite.com/o/bedaw-farms-108203431911.
By Sarah Rose
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