MK Ranch
Kingsley, MI
MK Ranch
Eyes on the sky with arms wide open
MK Cashmere is nestled into the countryside of Kingsley, Michigan. Surrounded by active fellow farmers and state land that runs along the majestic Manistee River. I have my herd on The Rainbow of Hope Farm, a working farm that has an adult foster care home for the mentally disabled, which I work for, and I live in the old farmhouse there. It has been a remarkable blessing to be here. The 200 acres are absolutely gorgeous and supports a herd of cattle along with my cashmere goat herd. My main focus is to produce the finest cashmere possible and grow a healthy resilient herd of impeccable quality. I am absolutely thrilled to be apart of this budding industry in America and to be partnered with the amazing people at Clean Cashmere to make these dreams become a reality. Thank you all. From Molly in Michigan.
FARM STATS
FARM STATS
Kingsley, MI
Location:
200
Acres:
1-50 Goats
Herd Size:
Available Services & Activities:
Farm Tours & Experiences
On-Farm Stay:
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Farm Website:
Meet the Farmers
Molly K. Stieg
Greetings, my name is Molly, my journey began with an opportunity to live at a set up family farm of my father-in-laws. I was very eager to start a farming adventure and had saved money to do so. I had Nubian goats as a young teenager and absolutely loved it. Unfortunately that was a short glimpse of farm life, but I was hooked. So with a lot of research and a desire to find a breed that fit my interests, I landed on cashmere goats. Actually I was in love right away when I discovered them. Little did I know they would be a perfect fit. I loved the fact of every one having value, for the fleece, no dealing with unwanted bucklings and wethers, they still have value! Also the acceptance of their horns! I think they are gorgeous and needed. I got used to them fairly quickly, after being too comfy too soon and gaining respect for the animal and how they use them. Impressive. I found my starter herd with Emily at Weesner Bittersweet Farm. So 9 Cashmeres were delivered by a livestock moving company and my adventures began. I have had them almost 3yrs. now and I can't imagine what my life was without them nor can I imagine my life without them now! So thrilled to be apart of this budding industry and willing to give it my all to watch my herd grow and prosper!
Farm Interview
Why Cashmere?
I love the old ways and growing fiber appealed to me. I bought a spinning wheel and plan to learn to knit. I'm so looking forward to learning the whole process. Like farm to table, this is farm to back.
Biggest Challenge?
Fencing for sure
Biggest Successes?
Learning their nutritional needs. The importance of minerals.
Do you view farming as more of a business or a lifestyle?
It's both, but it's definitely a lifestyle. Business mind when hard decisions need to be made or finding outlets for product and harvesting cashmere. Lifestyle because of loving caring for the animals and doing it to the best of my ability day after day.
What have been the biggest changes you've implemented on your farm?
Pasture rotation. Figuring out separate set ups for winter and summer.