Czech Republic Dairy Goat Farmers Visit Area Farms and the Sheepman Supply Open House

From the Delmarva Farmer, by staff writer, Caryl Velisek.

Photo from the left: Charlotte Dinsmore, Peter Vorac, Jan Vesely, Charlotte Dutton, Olivia Dutton, Sarka Vesely.

Jan and Sarka Vesely, dairy goat farmers from the Czech Republic were in the U.S. visiting their son, Jan, who plays for the Washington Wizards, NBA team.

They contacted the Frederick County Sheep Breeders, and visits were arranged to area farms; including Shepherd’s Manor Creamery in New Windsor, the Westminster Livestock Auction, and Cherry Glen Dairy Goat Farm in Montgomery County. They also took time to visit the Sheepman Supply Annual Open House on Saturday, February 9, 2013.

While at the Open House, the Vesely’s shared information as to how farming in their country is not much different than farming in the U.S. That was not the case 20 years ago, when the Czech Republic was part of the Communist regime in Europe.

“Back then”, he said, “it was hard for farmers. they tended to the animals and raised the crops, but it all belonged to the government. Now it’s like here in the U.S., farmers own their land and their livestock.”

Sarka Vesely’s grandfather was a farmer, and helped them get started in the dairy goat business six years ago. “She is the head farmer”, Jan said of his wife. “I am a Director of an elementary school, and help when I can.” “We have a small farm, with 30 dairy goats”, he said. The Vesely’s raise white horned goats, mainly Saaren. The horned goats are better for milk production in their country. They also raise 20 to 40 rabbits and have a horse.

They sell their cheeses to small shops, farmers markets, and to friends.

Ceresville New Holland & Sheepman Supply are owned by Bob and Charlotte Dinsmore and their son, Robert. Their 2013 Annual Pancake & Sausage Breakfast and Open House attracted 675 people.