When the holidays wind down, Bonton Farms in South Dallas usually receives a collection of donated, dried-out Christmas trees. In past years, the trees were treats for the farm’s flock of goats.
Not this year.
“We just looked a little bit more into the growth of Christmas trees, and in general, it’s not done naturally with the same practices that we have for our produce and our same standards,” said Savannah Nordstrom, director of farm operations at Bonton Farms. “So we decided this year we would avoid giving them any Christmas trees.”
On Tuesday morning, the goats were instead enjoying a breakfast of bok choy.
“The produce scraps actually help to supplement our feed costs,” Nordstrom said. “One of the most expensive parts of taking care of animals is feeding them a high-quality diet.”
Nordstrom said Christmas trees can pose possible health issues for goats.
“Last year we were sure to specify that no flocking could be permitted, not to use any that had, like, the flame retardants, and to be really vigilant about tinsel,” she said. “Still, it’s very hard to guarantee what we’re getting, so we’re just avoiding the risk now.”
It’s a bit like a New Year’s resolution to eat healthier.
“They know what’s fresh and they go for it,” Nordstrom said. “Our goats, at the very least, are a little bit pickier than other goats.”
Bonton Farms still accepts donations of produce and pumpkins to help feed goats, chickens, pigs and other animals at the nonprofit urban farm.