We had the good fortune of connecting with Gary Young and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gary, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Evelyn’s uncle (Paul, Lost Ruby Ranch) was talking to us about his farm. I grew up on a small farm and helped my grandfather, during the summers, on his ranch. Living in the suburbs, I missed being able to stretch and not touch my neighbor’s house. Evie and I both knew that we did not want to remain in Houston for the rest of our lives. We spent about ten days with Paul, working on his farm. We also began taking caprine management classes at Prairie View A and M as well as Langston University in Oklahoma. Evie’s dad said we could use his land to build the farm. In August 2017, we began this business with twenty-four Saanen does and one buck. In three years, we have expanded to 126 does two bucks and are in the middle of kidding (birthing) season. We expect to have 170-180 goats by the end of this year.

What should our readers know about your business?
Our business is one that is built on family. We have me and my wife Evelyn, our son Mathew and Evie’s dad, Kelly Allen. Evelyn and Kelly have backgrounds in sales, marketing and business ownership. I did not have a business nor marketing background but I have been taking business classes, in an effort to better understand the business side of the dairy. The lessons learned are hard work creates luck. This company was built through hard work and determination. We love nothing more than hearing people tell us they came to the market specifically for our cheese. This makes all of the hours spent creating our product, worth the effort!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost to Paul Allen at Lost Ruby Ranch in Dallas, Texas for his mentorship and encouragement. To Whiskey Cake Inc. for giving a start-up dairy an opportunity. In Houston to Eleanor’s Farmers Market along with Tomball Farmers Market, Henderson and Kane General Store, Victoria’s Natural Market, Verde Green hydroponic farm, Graze Charcuterie Boards and Central City Co-op. In Columbus, TX. Erbe Ranch. In San Antonio The Cured, The Larder, Southerleigh, The Supper, and Hotel Emma all of which are located in the Pearl District. Thompson Hotel located near the River Walk in San Antonio.

Website: www.dappergoatdairy.com
Instagram: Dappergoatdairy
Facebook: Dappergoat Dairy

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