Global interest in Royal Golden Guernsey goats
There has been international interest in the Royal Golden Guernsey Goat in the wake of its new title, the owners of Golden Guernsey Goats Cheese have said.
They have been working hard to keep up with demand for their animals' produce locally.
Mandy Girard, who is also secretary for the Guernsey Goat Society, said that people from as far as the mid-Atlantic had messaged about a visit, whether on a cruise ship or on holiday.
She said that while it was good for the business, she was exhausted from making goats’ cheese every day.
‘It’s made the best when fresh,’ she said.
‘You can guarantee that within 30 minutes of the goats’ milking I will be making the cheese. It actually comes out at the right temperature, and it’s unfiltered and unpasteurised.’
Mrs Girard said that she made different flavours of goats’ cheese, including garlic and herb, and chilli, some of which would be available to purchase at the upcoming Goat Show this weekend.
She compared the bodyclock to that of a cattle – the animals want to be milked at the same time every day.
The St Peter’s farm on Route des Sages is also the Girards’ home, and their nannies and kids can often be seen in the field near to their house, while the billy goats are kept in fields slightly further away.
Mrs Girard said that the royal title gave not only the goats, but Guernsey as a whole, more recognition.
‘They are the first livestock to be granted this title and so it has put Guernsey on the map,’ she said. ‘If people want to come and see our goats they can, we’re open Monday to Saturday. You can go into the farm shop and buy some feed for £1. There is a garden area so you can come and sit and have a picnic as well,’ she said.
Royal titles are granted sparingly with strict standards applied, and only on the advice of the Cabinet Office.
The goats were given their royal title during the visit of King Charles in July.
