Basilwood Farm, located just above Fresno in the hills of Prather, CA, is a family-owned and -operated goat farm known for its nourishing skincare products. This fantastic farm is no stranger to FresYes readers—we’ve happily introduced you to it previously. However, with so many new things happening, I felt it was time we circled back to Basilwood!
I spoke with owner Jill Spruance about all the exciting new experiences, products, and people involved with Basilwood’s continued expansion. Read on!
FresYes: Basilwood Farm has expanded to offer so many new experiences for customers and guests! Can you tell me a bit about what’s new?
Jill Spruance: The latest “new thing” in Basilwood is the introduction of Kenzie’s Kitchen! Are we crazy?!? YES! We went through the process of becoming a cottage kitchen this year so that we could offer goodies to customers who wanted to linger out at the farm tables while doing some goat gazing. So Jannine Fitzgerald, (formerly of Firehouse Cookies), came on board as our very own Basilwood baker! Jannine joined the team in stride as though she had been here since day one, and we are blessed by her every single day… Oh, and the kitchen smells ahhhhmazing!
Your body care product list also continues to grow. What products are your bestsellers, and what are your newest favorites? Is there anything you’re working on you’d like people to look forward to?
Our goat’s milk soap was our first product and continues to be our bestseller. We have added quite a few products to our line-up since we began. A couple of my current favorites are All-Natural Deodorant and Palm Balm. Palm Balm is so new that it’s not even online yet. As far as new things, keep your eyes open as we approach the fall (wink, wink).
The upcoming cheese class really caught my interest. What should people know about it?
Our “Cheese, Please!” Workshop is probably one of the most popular events here in Basilwood! It is a three-hour demo workshop where Shelby (the cheese chick) shows you how you can make chevre, mozzarella, and ricotta cheeses from goat’s milk while guests enjoy cheese-y snacks, good conversation, a tour of the farm and soap room, meet-n-greet with the goats, and shopping at The Farm Store. A lot of people don’t realize they can either sign up online OR they can book their own private class if they have a group of eight or more. We have hosted bachelorette parties, family get-togethers, team-building events and work retreats. Every single group brings its own flair and personality to the mix, and we enjoy getting to make new friends.
Your farm is located up and away from the stress of the city, yet currently, so many wildfires are burning. Has your farm or activities been affected?
Every fire season has us on alert up here in the foothills. The current fires are located far enough away from us so as to not pose an imminent threat, but the smoke has definitely kept us inside far more than normal.
So, I have to ask, at the risk of creating a stir: do you have a favorite goat?
Every single one of our goats is a favorite in a different sort of way. Each one’s personality is very distinct. If I had to pick a favorite, though, it would have to be Jasmine. We almost lost her last year due to a very difficult delivery, but the sound of her babies’ chatter kept her going. I was sure on several occasions that she was gone, but she just kept springing back to make sure she was there for those kids. She is by far the most attentive and nurturing of all of the girls, and also keeps her herd in line. She’s a GREAT mom. Even if one of the goats is getting a little too pushy with me, she will get between us and head butt the offender. She’s awesome!
That’s amazing! Anything else you’d like FresYes readers to know about Basilwood Farm?
We think we have the most incredible customer/friends and local community on the planet! Our Fall Bash is coming up Saturday, Sept. 1, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.. Our fall soaps will be back with a few new ones in the mix! If you haven’t been up to the farm yet, that would be a great time to visit.
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Basilwood Farm is located at 15759 Morgan Canyon Road in Prather, CA, and can be reached by phone at (559) 332-3276. The farm is open to the public on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and by appointment for private classes and field trips.
For more information about products and upcoming events, please visit the Basilwood Farm website, or give them a follow on Facebook and/or Instagram.
All images used with permission, and property of Mariano Friginal Photography.
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