From Barn to Bar: The Story Behind Our Goat’s Milk Soap

There’s a certain rhythm to life on the homestead—a gentle balance between caring for the land and letting it care for us. Nowhere is that more apparent than with our goats. Their soft bleats echo through the barn each morning, a familiar soundtrack to daily chores. They nuzzle into our pockets, beg for treats, and occasionally climb where they shouldn’t—but they’re part of the heart of Swift Acres.

And thanks to them, we’re able to make one of our favorite homestead staples: goat’s milk soap.

Why Goat’s Milk?

Goat’s milk isn’t just a charming homestead ingredient—it’s a skincare powerhouse. Naturally rich in fatty acids, vitamins A and E, and minerals like selenium, it’s incredibly gentle and nourishing for your skin. Unlike water-based soaps, which can be drying, goat’s milk has a creamy texture and pH level similar to our skin’s, making it ideal for sensitive or dry skin types.

It’s also packed with lactic acid, a natural exfoliant that helps to break down dead skin cells, leaving your skin soft, smooth, and refreshed—without ever feeling stripped.

But to us, it’s about more than the benefits. It’s about knowing exactly where each ingredient comes from. When you use our soap, you’re using something made with milk from goats we’ve raised ourselves, by hand, with love and care.

Meet the Herd

It all started with our original trio: Autumn, Clover, and Poppy. Autumn is the wise matriarch—always on alert and the first to sound the alarm if something’s not quite right. Clover and Poppy are twin sisters but couldn’t be more different. Clover’s a bit more independent, happy to do her own thing, while Poppy is one of our friendliest gals—always the first to nuzzle in for a cuddle.

The original 3: Autumn, Poppy & Clover

Poppy’s daughter, Lumi, inherited her mama’s love of affection and is rarely more than a few steps away from us if we’re in the barn. We also kept Raven and Dahlia, Poppy’s twin doelings from last year—our two loudest goats by far. They’ll absolutely make sure you know if you’re late for chores or if they simply feel like chatting.

Always looking for attention: Lumi

Then there’s the Willow line. Willow is a seasoned pro at finding her way into places she shouldn’t be—usually following her stomach. Her daughter Twiggy is cut from the same cloth: sweet as can be, and constantly in search of snacks. Blossom, Willow’s youngest, rounds out the family—quiet, gentle, and often trailing along behind her big sister.

Willow- food is the fastest way to her heart

How We Make Our Soap

We keep our recipe simple—just the way nature intended. Each small batch is made right here in our farm kitchen using a traditional cold-process method. It takes time and patience, but it’s worth every step.

We blend fresh goat’s milk with skin-loving oils like olive oil, coconut oil, and shea butter. Once the lye and milk mixture is ready (carefully cooled to preserve the nutrients), we mix everything by hand and pour it into molds. The soap rests and cures for about 4–6 weeks, allowing it to harden into long-lasting, creamy bars that are as beautiful as they are functional.

We keep the scents seasonal and subtle, using essential oils or skin-safe fragrance oils. Think lavender from the herb garden, honey oatmeal with beeswax from our hives, and rich orange-cocoa in winter months.

Why It Matters to Us

There’s something deeply satisfying about creating something from start to finish—feeding the goats, milking them, mixing the ingredients, cutting the soap bars. Every step is hands-on. Every bar tells a little story of life on the farm.

In a world that moves fast and leans hard into convenience, this process helps us slow down. It helps us reconnect to the way things used to be—crafted with care, made with what’s on hand, and infused with the personality of the land and animals that surround us.

We believe that skincare should be simple, nourishing, and made with integrity. Goat’s milk soap checks all those boxes—and then some.

Coming Soon: Spring Scents + Soap Restocks

We’re busy restocking our soaps with spring and summer scents you’ll love—lavender mint, cedarwood citrus, and a personal favorite: oatmeal honey, made with honey and wax from our own hives. We’re also playing with a few new ideas, including unscented bars for ultra-sensitive skin.

Keep an eye on our shop and socials—we’ll share release dates and sneak peeks soon.

Next Month on the Blog…

We’ll be talking about how to grow a kitchen herb garden—whether you’ve got raised beds, a windowsill, or a sunny corner on the porch. I’ll share my favorite herbs for cooking, natural remedies, and even making your own salves and infused oils.

Until then, hug a goat (or at least think about one), breathe in some fresh spring air, and maybe treat your skin to a bar of soap made the slow, thoughtful way.

With muddy boots and a happy heart,

Marci Swift

Swift Acres Apiary & Farm