It Began with One Family moving from city to countryside.
The Earls family changed their entire lifestyle in 2016 and moved from the city to a historic farmhouse tucked away in the beautiful Kentucky countryside. George had always dreamed of owning a small farm meanwhile, his wife Peggy sought after the corbels and distinctive architecture of a home filled with history and character. When they viewed the house with their two kids, Julian and Olivia, the slanted floors and wallpapered walls of the 1875 victorian was all they needed to see to say, "We'll take it." The barn, fencing, and outer structures werer all built from the ground up.
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Initially, the family moved to have a few livestock animals and some chickens for eggs. But it turned into something greater as they looked to sustain their own quality products. They started this farm to know where their products come from while raising the animals humanely and upholding the highest welfare standards. They are committed to providing the local community with natural products from their pasture raised, happy animals.
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Today, the Earls family is involved in multiple business aspects, owning a micro-goat dairy with their Nigerian Dwarf goats, creating goat milk skincare and goat milk caramel items. They are also providing pasture raised pork and lamb meat, as well as some beef alongside duck and chicken eggs.
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Our Story
Our Background
Raised in rural southern Kentucky, George’s journey began at 18 when he joined the U.S. Army serving across the world, like in the Bosnian War. Although when stationed in Germany, he met Peggy, a native nursing student - it was an instant connection. Later they married in Denmark, then moved to the U.S. in 1998. ​
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The couple welcomed their son, Julian, in 2001. Many military moves later, George retired after serving 11 years and began a career in Cincinnati, while Peggy worked a healthcare job serving the Northern KY area. Their daughter, Olivia, was introduced to the world in 2007.
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Although living in the suburbs had its perks for their young children, George talked about his goal of country living and owning livestock to produce their own goods - much to Peggy's surprise. Driven by a dream, they found the perfect place for their family.
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Today's Farmers
At the heart of a thriving farm and successful goat milk skincare business, the family of George, Peggy, Olivia, and Julian plays an essential role in keeping everything running smoothly.
A proud Army veteran, George is the backbone of the farm as he starts and ends his days by tending to the livestock in the barn. After retiring from his city-job in 2024, he spends his time building and repairing structures, maintaining pastures and fencing, or hauling hay and feed. His discipline and work ethic shines as he ensures the animals are well cared for.
Peggy is the heart of the farm's skincare business. With nearly 30 years of experience as a Registered Nurse, she applies her knowledge of health and wellness to create a line of unique, high-quality goat milk skincare products. From soaps and lotions to sugar scrubs, each product is handmade following her own recipes. Peggy ensures that the products are as nourishing as the care that goes into making them, balancing the roles of creator, manager, and caregiver both of humans and animals.
Olivia, a high school student and equestrian with a dream of becoming a veterinarian, has quickly become an integral part of the farm's operations. As the 2nd generation farmer, Olivia designed the majority of the website and handles all promotional content on social media. In addition to her marketing work, Olivia is also involved in the farm’s daily operations, including milking the goats twice a day and tending to the animals.
Julian has followed in his father's footsteps - recently joining the United States Air Force and is stationed in North Carolina. While his decision to enlist meant the farm lost an extra pair of hands, the family is proud of his service to the country.
Our Standards and Welfare
As of the year 2021, Hillside Meadows Farm is A Greener World certified! This is the only certification that assures animals are raised outdoors on pasture or range for their entire lives on an independent farm using truly sustainable, high-welfare farming techniques. Unlike most farm certifiers, AGW’s independent trained auditors visit every farm in the program at least once a year to verify they’re meeting the standards. For more information about the organization, click here.
We are also Kentuky Proud! Products labeled as Kentucky Proud are produced, created, or raised by Kentuckians. Items from Kentucky Proud can be served to your family knowing that they come from friends and neighbors nearby rather than from far away. For more information, click here.
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Animal Care
Our sheep and goat herd is able to roam on pastures during the day whenever the weather allows, and locked safely in the barn away from predators at night. Our animals are mostly grass-fed, and we raise them as organic as possible, without antibiotic additives; however, if an animal is sick and requires medical care, we treat them according to current medical standards per veterinarian recommendation. Depending on the season, the animals receive supplemental grain to fulfill the needed nutrients that is not reached with the grass/hay.
Our pigs roam their pastures, allowing them to forage for acorns, weeds, grasses, bugs and other foods they find. They have access to spacious shelters and shade, along with mud areas they waddle in to cool down on hot summer days. While we do not consider ourselves a cattle farm, we do raise a few Jersey cows each year. Since Jerseys are a dairy breed, most males do not get to grow up and find themselves at slaughter shortly after birth. It takes close to two years for a Jersey cow to become of size, and for the time being we give them a quality life. The result is a delicate marbled, red meat that makes any meal outstanding! All of our poultry range across the farm all day, and roost in their shelters during the evening for protection. They are spoiled by Olivia with fruits and snuggles, majority having names.
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As seen
