Sacramento Native Discovers a Rural Homecoming with Nightingale Farms

Sacramento native discovers a rural homecoming with NIGHTINGALE FARMS

Story by Laura Petersen

On a one-quarter acre lot in Sacramento, Lateefah Thompson and her husband were raising chickens, growing a big garden, exploring with hydroponics, fermentation and mushroom cultivation when a six-acre property came up for sale in the foothills.

The couple jumped at the chance to take their homesteading to the next level. Last December, they bought and moved to six acres in Nevada County with their two young daughters.

“When this property came up we just fell in love with it. A farm for me is the utmost play yard,” said Lateefah, who was born and raised in Sacramento. Self sufficiency is her family’s ultimate goal.

At the time of their move, a young goat herdess named Erin Kaiser was tending goats on the property. The milk from the goats was used for a popular line of lotions and soaps she made for her skin care business, Nightingale Farms. The goat milk lotion can be found in the Wellness Department of BriarPatch Food Co-op.

Lateefah’s family’s big move to the country was serendipitous in more ways than one. At the time, Erin had made the decision to sell her business. Lateefah, an experienced business woman, saw this as a great opportunity. She and her husband decided to take over the business.

“We just jump in when we decide something. Luckily Erin was there to show us all the steps along the way,” said Lateefah.

With Erin’s guidance, Lateefah learned the recipes and efficiencies of the skin care business. She took over as owner in March and is still outsourcing milk from a local goat herder, upwards of 8 - 10 gallons of milk each month.

Nightingale Farms was birthed on the property 13 years ago by Shannon and Steve Nightingale who specialized in raising and showing a Swiss goat breed, called Oberhasli. Oberhaslis are known for their winter hardiness, agility and robust production of sweet milk. Goat milk has the same pH balance as our skin and has been a beauty secret for centuries.

The fast-absorbing lotion is gentle and mild for even the most sensitive skin types. The body care line of goat milk lotion and soaps is made by hand in small batches.

“This is something I really believe in. I’m 100 percent behind it,” said Lateefah.

Lateefah remains friends with Shannon and is continuing her legacy of animal husbandry. A novice with a researcher’s mind, Lateefah purchased two does, Sugar and Magic, and a yearling wether or male goat named Lupine. The goats are a welcome addition to the homestead’s five chickens and resident horse, Jingle Bells, who came with the property. Lateefah is curious about growing the herd, adding a cow and getting a tractor. She envisions an orchard and big garden that feeds her neighbors.

“So many people are hungry. If you have the means, give back,” she said.

As a mom of two young children age one and four, life on the farm is a constant juggling act. At times hectic and exhausting with often not enough time in the day, Lateefah says she wouldn’t trade her new life for something easier. She keeps her eyes on the end goal – of building a healthy, functioning farm that feeds her family and gives back to the community. “Up here I’m really happy,” she said.

Learn more: nightingalefarms.net

Sample gift box below from Nightingale Farms. One soap and two lotions are included in this beautiful set. For more info go to nightingalefarms.net and click on the Shop button.

Dairy Goats

The Oberhasli (also known as the Oberhasli Brienzer) is a dairy breed developed in the mountainous cantons of Bern, Freiburg, Glarus and Graubunden in Switzerland.

Oberhasli goats were first imported to the United States in the early 1900s, though it was not until 1936 that purebred herds were established and maintained. The breed was initially called the Swiss Alpine.

While the does are a dependable source of milk, bucks and wethers are also useful as pack animals because of their strength and calm demeanor. The record is 4,665 lbs of milk per year!