Is Rainbeau Ridge produce organic?
We are not certified organic. But we manage our pastures without herbicides; we use only organically grown grain to feed the animals; we compost all of our leaves and farm-waste, from the animals and from the gardens; and we enrich the gardens’ soil with compost, rather than with chemical fertilizers. In the garden, we use non-toxic bug-repellents, such as Safer's soap and plain old hand-picking (of Japanese beetles), rather than chemical pesticides.

How can I buy Rainbeau Ridge produce?
Individuals can "access the harvest" of the farm in several ways. Read more.

Why don't you make goat cheese in the winter?
In the winter, we rest the Alpine milking goats so that they can recuperate from the long season and gain energy for kidding (having baby-goats) in the spring. Read more about our goats.

Where can I buy Rainbeau Ridge farmstead goat cheese?
Rainbeau Ridge goat cheese is available at an ever-growing list of retail stores and fine restaurants. Here's the most up-to-date list.

Why do you spell it "Rainbeau Ridge" instead of "Rainbow Ridge"?
"Rainbeau" is a family name and so we chose to use that instead of the more traditional spelling!

How do I sign up for kids' Roots, Buds, and Sprouts programs?
To sign up for the Roots, Buds, and Sprouts kids’ programs, for children ages 2 to grade 3, the best thing to do is to retrieve the registration form from the web-site, print it out, and send it in! For more information on kids’ programs, please also see the web-site’s in-depth descriptions.

Can I just sign up for one kids' class?
The Roots, Buds, and Sprouts programs are offered only in a series of classes. But from time to time, however, we offer one-time after-school classes for older children, in grades 4 to 6. To keep up with our offerings, be sure to register with our site for the farm newsletter, or check the web-site.

Can we visit the farm?
We aren’t open to the public every day, but we do love visitors! The farm opens its doors for many public events, including lecture series, cooking classes, children’s classes, and festivals such as Fall Fest every October, and the Sheep Shearing every May. In the spring and summer, we are open for self-guided tours on selected Saturdays. The fee is $10 per family. Check the web-site for up-to-date information on visiting days.

Do you offer birthday parties at the farm?
Unfortunately, we don’t offer birthday- or other private parties on the farm at this time. Contact Lisa by e-mail if you are interested in group visits to the farm to discuss timing, content and event fees. This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Is it okay to let my dog out of the car?
While we love animals, including dogs, we don’t allow them on the farm for the safety of all of the animals.

How can that be a girl cow? It has horns.
The farm’s cow, Destiny, and her daughter, Destiny’s Child, are specimens of a rare breed of cattle from Ireland, called Kerry. Although technically a dairy breed, this useful animal is really dual purpose and has great utility to a family.  One of the oldest breeds in Europe, even female Kerrys have horns. For more information on the breed, see http://www.kerrycattle.ie/default.asp.

Why are the hens’ eggs different colors?
They are different colors because they come from different breeds of hen. For instance, our Araucana hens lay eggs with bluish/green shells, while the Rhode Island Red hens lay brown or speckled eggs. We have more than seven breeds of laying hen on the farm.

Are your baby goats for sale?
Yes! In the spring, we can't keep every goat born to our Alpine milking does. But we are eager for them to find homes. There are still goats available—does and wethers (neutered males).  To inquire about purchasing a baby goat, call the farm at 914-234-2197 or email Lisa at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

How does Rainbeau Ridge differ from a petting zoo?
While we love our animals, and treat them royally, the animals here are also productive members of the farm. The guinea hens and pea fowl, for instance, eat ticks as they graze the farm’s orchard and pastures; the hens lay delicious eggs year-round; the goats produce thousands of gallons of fresh milk every year; the llamas offer protection to the sheep with which they share a pasture; while all the sheep provide fleece for spinning into yarn. And, of course, the honeybees provide honey! Read more about our livestock family.

Can I buy a photo from your slideshows?
Yes. Just email Karen, at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , and let her know which photograph you’d like. Please include both the date of the slideshow, and the number of the slide, and she’ll contact you with purchase-options.