THONOTOSASSA, Fla. — Florida is filled with small town communities, many of them devoted to farming and agriculture. One farm in Thonotosassa is dedicated to also providing a relaxing and fun environment for those who come to visit them. In this week’s Florida on a Tankful, Range News takes us to Grady’s Goat Farm, where we explore a popular experience that gets you up close and personal to the goats that call their farm home.
What You Need To Know
- Grady’s Goat Farm is named after Grady the goat
- He was diagnosed with polio
- Debbie Canton decided to open the plantation to yoga
Life on this farm is always bustling with activity, mostly because of the many friendly residents that inhabit the property. At Grady Goat Farm, it’s all about bringing their love of goats in order to others. That’s exactly what owner Debbie Canton intended when they first opened up their family farm to the public in 2017.
“We started it when we had a goat born with disabilities and that was our inspiration to start doing goat yoga and also start a foundation that raises money for children with disabilities, ” Canton said.
The farm was named after one of their own goats, Grady, that was diagnosed with a disability. Doctors diagnosed Grady with polio after his birth. His illness affected his hearing plus sight, but that didn’t stop him or Debbie and her husband from turning it into something positive.
They opened up their farm for goat yoga and used a lot of the profits from their weekly goat yoga classes to rescue and provide a sanctuary with regard to goats and also provide support for children with disabilities. It’s this work and knowing their goats are helping give back to the community that brings the Cantons joy.
“We like to say there is absolutely no yoga necessary, ” Quarter said. “We like to say if you want to just come lay on your mats and enjoy the goats, they thrive off the attention. ”
Their weekly goat yoga classes take place on their sprawling property, either outside in their rolling pastures or inside their barn. Rain or shine, they are open and ready for all who want to come plus experience the love of their goats at Grady Goat Farm.
“They always look forward to goat yoga exercise.. its great socialization for our goats and it is a form of yoga exercises because it keeps you focused and on your mat when you’re petting a goat! You aren’t thinking about your grocery list or what you have to do when you go home like clean your house or work.. you’re here in the moment enjoying the particular goats, ” Canton said.
Grady Goat Farm is open on Saturdays from 9: 30 a. m. to 12 p. m. For more information on their goat yoga classes and other experiences on the farm, head to their website here .