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NEW BOOK RELEASE!
Goats in America coming September 9, 2025
Pre-order now available!
Since arriving in North America in the sixteenth century, goats have been valuable companions to humans, providing sustenance along with valuable products like meat, milk and mohair. But despite their value, throughout much of American history goats were persecuted as public nuisances and symbols of degenerate behavior. Over the centuries the tenacious goat has managed to overcome many of these stereotypes and has won over modern Americans who love goat cheese and are more than willing to embrace goats as social media starts. Examining key moments and notable developments in goat history and culture, Goats in America outlines the history and evolving role of goats in communities across the country.
RECENT PRAISE
“Who knew goats would make such a rich and captivating topic? Fortunately, Tami Parr did, and her exhaustive research and lively writing have produced a riveting narrative. Goats have had a turbulent trajectory in the United States, banished in some eras, beloved in others. Thanks to Parr, I have renewed appreciation for these gentle creatures that provide us with such nutritious milk, meat, and cheese.”
—Janet Fletcher
Author and publisher of the Planet Cheese blog
“In this lively, engaging ramble through the multifaceted history of goats in America, Parr leads us through the many twists and turns of goats in America from their role in Navajo culture to the current backyard livestock trend, always keeping the focus on how very malleable the place of goats in American culture has been.”
—Frederic L. Brown
Author of The City is More than Human: An Animal History of Seattle
“Tami Parr’s writing about cheese in our region has become the glue that binds our cheesemaking community together. First there was her groundbreaking blog, Pacific Northwest Cheese Project, and now the first definitive guide to cheese of the Pacific Northwest. It is a great read, a great tasting guide, and a great travel guide.”
—Kurt Dammeier
Owner of Beecher’s Handmade Cheese and author of Pure Favor: 125 Fresh All-American Recipes from the Pacific Northwest
“Tami Parr shines a loving spotlight on an amazing array of artisan cheese-makers in the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia. Her affection, interest, and enthusiasm for the artisans and their cheese is palatable! Artisan Cheese of the Pacific Northwest dishes up great handmade cheese to accompany the region’s beers and wines. ”
—Jeffrey Roberts
Author of The Atlas of American Artisan Cheese
