What began as a retirement dream for Debbie Nightingale and Shain Jaffe in 2009 soon blossomed into a thriving farm experience that captivates visitors from all over.
They initially bought a property in Campbellford, intending to enjoy a quiet life with a bunch of goats. But as word spread, people began flocking to their farm, eager to experience goat life firsthand. Recognizing the demand, Debbie and Shain decided to turn their hobby into a full-fledged business, eventually moving closer to the city in 2015 to be near their grandchildren.
Their signature experience, “The Shmurgle,” lets guests cuddle, walk, and interact with the goats in a truly unique and chaotic fashion. “Goats are really chaotic, so Debbie needed a chaotic experience that they would thrive with,” explains Tori Broadbent, the farm manager. The Shmurgle begins with releasing the goats from their pen, letting them lead the tour, and ends with cuddles in the goat playground.
Beyond goats, the farm now offers sleepovers, a Disc Golf course (inspired by Debbie’s son Noah), and even hosts the annual Cultivate Festival, transforming the property into a vibrant community gathering spot. The Disc Golf course, designed with nature in mind, was developed with minimal changes to the land, preserving the farm’s natural beauty.
Debbie and Shain’s vision of a welcoming, family-friendly farm has evolved into something truly special. Their passion for animals and the community continues to make their farm a cherished destination, embodying a lifestyle where goats, golf, and guests coexist in harmony.
To hear more about Haute Goat, listen to our interview below with Farm Manager Tori Broadbent and you can check out their website at Farm Experiences, Tours, Shop at Haute Goat Farm – Port Hope, Ontario.
Seeds of Success Fueled by Kubota.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
