Nicole Zaagman - Author, Coach, Farmer & AGvocate

Nicole Zaagman is a bestselling author, accomplished Christian entrepreneur, business coach, and dynamic public speaker. She is the founder of Parkside Farm, an agritourism destination in Byron Center, Michigan, where she resides with her husband and a beloved collection of furry and feathered animals. 

​

Growing up in 4-H, Nicole developed a deep love for animals showing horses, bantam chickens, pygmy goats, and rabbits. After graduating from Spring Arbor University in 2009 with her art degree, Nicole co-founded a photography studio in Grand Rapids with her mother and became a certified dog therapy handler.

​

Nicole’s passion for animals and creativity led her to volunteer in clinical settings doing art assisted therapy and later work within the equine-assisted therapy industry. In 2021, she founded Parkside Farm and re-established her pygmy goat herd, witnessing the remarkable joy they brought to individuals of all ages.

​

In 2022, Nicole authored and photo-illustrated her first children’s book, Samson the Baby Pygmy Goat, followed by, Stella Bella's Pygmy Goat Miracles in 2024. She also created the Jump for JOY Program®, a traveling farm education program bringing pygmy goats to celebrations, corporate events, libraries, senior centers, schools, and more.

​

A passionate AGvocate, Nicole encourages families to support local farms. She actively judges youth poultry shows and is a proud member of many agricultural organizations. Through all her work—whether coaching, farming, or speaking—Nicole remains committed to faith, family, and sharing joy through animals and agriculture.

​​

Nicole is a current member of the American Goat Society, National Pygmy Goat Association, International Organization of Professional Life Coaches, Michigan Agritourism Association, Michigan Short Term Rental Association, Michigan Farm Bureau and is currently serving as the District 5 - Kent County Farm Bureau Board Member and third executive board member.