Since moving to Mangalore in 2014 and taking on a small herd of commercial boer goats, Ms McKenzie’s pursuit has been the constant improvement in herd quality, husbandry practices and meat production.
She has combined this with consistent collaboration with local retailers and hospitality venues to develop innovative solutions for her business, Strathbogie Goat.
“Greg Lindner and staff at Taurus Fine Meats and Smokehouse trialled products and packaging to create some attractive value-added options for easy cooking for retail clients,” Ms McKenzie said.
“Meat Livestock Association provide recipe booklets and leaflets for counter placement at Taurus Meats.
“The Taurus Meats’ staff have been amazing in raising customer awareness of the addition of a locally-grown product and providing the recipes to customers free of charge to inspire the home gourmet cook.
“The entire process has been co-operative and evolving, with valued feedback from all staff contributing to the success. Strathbogie Goat now has a permanent display in the cabinet at Taurus Fine Meats.”
“Running a social media campaign which included joint promotion with Taurus Meats, Palling Bros. Brewery in Heathcote, Harvest Home in Avenel and Bank St Pizza in Avenel allowed me to show support, while assisting other local small businesses.
“My clients all have in common the desire to be community supporters and providers. Together we can build a stronger community during these difficult times.”
Ms McKenzie said she was developing a network to support and encourage other small boer goat producers, or those wanting to get into a rural lifestyle on small farms.
“What I offer is mentoring for those wanting to start a small-scale operation of boer goats. There is no charge for mentoring, but I do ask that producers give me the first opportunity to buy what they raise to be part of the Strathbogie Goat offering,” she said.
“The mentoring involves visiting the farm, being available for phone and email contact to assist with the running of their enterprise.
She said farming was not as simple as buying a few animals and turning them out to the paddock.
“I was fortunate to observe all the background growing up, but many people who choose to make a lifestyle change from the city to country do not have this opportunity,” she said.
“It is quite difficult to move to the country and develop a network of like-minded farmers. I hope to be able to offer that type of support to those who want to move into sustainable production of boer goats.”
Ms McKenzie said the future of Strathbogie Goat was bright. She has plans to expand the operation to include a commercial kitchen and on-farm accommodation.
“I am hoping the kitchen will be able to employ staff and create opportunity for others,” she said.
“The on-farm accommodation will be a place where people can come and stay and experience the country life, while visiting some of our fabulous local attractions.
“I dream of role-modelling that a lifestyle change moving to the country is possible with small-scale agriculture. It is not something that can be achieved on your own, but as a community supporting each other, we can do it.”