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Family-friendly farm in Byron Center, MI
FARM MARKET OPEN 11AM - 7PM DAILY
Farm Market open as weather permits
Spreading JOY with Pygmy Goats™
Our Story
Parkside Farm is an agritourism destination located in Byron Center, MI founded by Nicole Zaagman in 2021. Parkside Farm is by appointment only named for its “park-like” setting filled with trees and natural beauty. In the spring, trees are tapped to make maple syrup. The farm features a registered pygmy goat herd utilized for the Jump for JOY Program®.
The Jump for JOY Program® has traveled Michigan to events in Byron Center, Lowell, Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, Marshall, Muskegon, Wyoming and more. Focused on sharing agriculture with the next generation through a line of adorable pygmy goat gifts, products and children’s storybooks, Nicole's mission is to impact families with farm education.
Parkside Farm offers Airbnb farm stays for up to 10 guests, farm tours and classes, photography sessions and pygmy goat visits for churches, families, homeschool groups, organizations and schools. The self-serve Farm Market offers maple syrup, honey, goat milk lotions, soap and seasonal cut flowers and pumpkins with cash or Venmo payment or online card orders for pickup.
But Jesus looked at them
and said,“With man this is impossible, but with God
all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26 NIV
Pygmy Goats
Children's Storybook
In 2022, Nicole Zaagman authored and photo-illustrated a storybook about baby Samson the pygmy goat. Samson was born at Parkside Farm 10/28/22. A little miracle, Samson's storybook and his cute merchandise has gone on to spread joy to those of all ages around the world.
AGS & NPGA Pygmy Goats
Parkside Farm animals are dual registered with the AGS and NPGA. Shipping pygmy goat semen nationwide. Registered with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Michigan Office official Goat Scrapie ID program, Flock ID# MIK2048/Premise ID# 00QX7VA.
Pygmy Goat Program
Farm Founder, Nicole Zaagman offers the Jump for JOY Program® utilizing pygmy goats, farm education and art activities helping participants build social skills, experience JOY and relieve stress. You can book a mobile pygmy goat visit for an upcoming special event or celebration.
Testimonials
Received all positive feedback. Very engaging and many, many families enjoyed this event very much. Highlight of the Jump for JOY Program® was the smiles on all the children's faces when they interacted with the goats. Definitely recommend to other businesses or event coordinators considering the Jump for JOY Program® for their organization.
- Jump for JOY Program® Client - The Otsego Creative Arts Festival
Everyone LOVED it (Jump for JOY Program®) very much!!! It was a wonderful experience for everyone-even children in strollers and wheelchairs could get close to the goats that were held by an adult. Nicole is very easy to work with-knowledge and friendly. The goats are adorable and a big hit with children and adults alike! Worth every penny!
- Jump for JOY Program® Client - Ottawa Area ISD
"Thank you, and your team so much! You guys (and the goats) are phenomenal, what a great experience for our community and what a great job you all did! The staff that were able to make it out we're all talking about it and I'm sure I'll hear more positive great things about it today! Thank you again. I look forward to working with you in the future."
Resident Engagement and Communications Manager
- ICCF Community Homes - Grand Rapids, MI
"We had a great experience with Parkside Farm at our play café. Kids had a great time feeding the goats, and petting them. We enjoyed story time with Nicole. We highly recommend Parkside Farm for your next event."
- Dino Daisy Play Café - Byron Center MI
"I just wanted to let you know that the farm tour was considered a huge success for our Cadet club. I wasn't sure how much they would like it, but it was a big hit. You heard one participant say that he wants Parkside Farm to be an outing for us every year. I think others felt the same. Thanks again, for showing us all the interesting aspects of your farm, and especially you goats. Thanks too, for your testimony during the presentation. It really reinforces everything we try to teach the Cadets all year. "
- Agricultural Farm Tour Client
"Our 3 kids can be pretty uncooperative for photos, but Nicole handled it so well! She was patient and ready for moment when they finally all looked AND smiled. The goats were also very calming for my sensory needs kiddo. The property is beautiful with several great photo locations. I am very happy with how the photos turned out! "
- Farm Photography Session Client
"Everyone loved the goats! It was such a great addition to our mother’s day program. Everyone enjoyed learning about the goats and interacting with the pygmy goats. It was interesting to learn about what pygmy goats eat, comeback in terms of popularity in Michigan, and care/routines. The residents are still talking about the goats! Definitely book Nicole and her goats! Nicole does a great job interacting with the crowd and answering questions and the goats are entertaining and adorable!"
- Jump for JOY Program® Client - Wyoming Senior Center
"We absolutely loved having you and your goat! It was a great addition to our Easter Eggstravaganza event. It was definitely engaging and we would absolutely recommend you in the future."
- The Learning Experience - Jenison Location
"I REALLY appreciate you and the pygmy goats coming for my son's 1st birthday. The kids loved it and my son loved it. You, Samuel and Belle made the birthday party super special!"
- Birthday Party Client - Grand Rapids, MI