Costa Rica Goat Farm, Caprine Capriella
A regenerative goat farm in Costa Rica
When Gabriella and Ivan decided to start their regenerative farm in Costa Rica, they chose San Mateo, an area ideally situated in the lush foothills between the capital of San Jose and the Pacific coast. Not only was it suited for farming, but it was also where Ivan grew up. Ivan brings a life-long immersion in farming and raising livestock to their project, while Gabriella has had more formal training in agronomy and regenerative entrepreneurship. They both have a passion for creating a more sustainable future and a love for their animals. Their young daughter, Ines, rounds out the family and is also a dedicated member of the team.
Goats, however, weren’t their first choice for inclusion in their fledgling farm. They initially settled on mushroom farming, which generated large quantities of hay as a byproduct of the growing process. They decided to add a few goats to help with the surplus. As their goat herd grew, so did their love for the animals, and soon they had changed their focus. Mushrooms were out, goats were in, and Capriella was born.
Their mixed herd of Saanen and LaMancha goats now numbers around 20, and is an integral component of the regenerative farming model, as well as providing milk.
While the milk output isn’t yet at the level they want it to be, Gabriella has recently completed a cheesemaking course so they can expand their product line. They sell their products directly from the farm and at a local farmers market. Raising goats in a tropical environment has unique challenges, including guarding against predators. Early on, they had the unfortunate experience of seeing one of their goats taken by a puma. However, snakes probably present the greatest danger and one that’s hard to prevent.
The Fer-de-lance viper, a relative of the rattlesnake, is endemic and abundant in the area. They usually range from four to six feet long and are deadly to goats and humans. As ambush predators, these snakes lie in wait for prey, expertly camouflaged to blend in with dead leaves or hidden in tall grass. Scorpions are also common and present yet another threat.
The goats’ housing reduces the opportunities for these dangers to hide near the goats. With an elevated, open-air design and slats for flooring, it‘s much easier to keep clean and free of intruders. Because the weather is consistently warm throughout the year, there’s no need for a traditional closed barn. This housing style also facilitates the goats’ contribution to the regenerative farming model. Since they’re housed in stalls on a raised structure with slats, the goat droppings fall through to the ground below. This waste will stay for a month or so under the structure, which allows it to acquire a whitish coating of fungi.
These fungi help break down the droppings, rendering them odorless and easily broken. The fungi are integral to the health of the soil and, in particular, the area in which it grows. It thus becomes a major component of Capriella’s soil regeneration goals. After being swept up, along with the waste hay deposited there, it’s transported to other areas of the farm to be used as organic fertilizer. As the fungienriched droppings are absorbed into the soil, vital organisms are reintroduced, thus creating a more balanced biome.
Gabriella and Ivan are adding fruit trees and other food plants to their farm and a greater variety of forage for the goats. Their goal is to be as selfsufficient as possible, with the goats contributing to the soil’s overall health, and the forage contributing to the goat’s health.
Ivan and Gabriella have completed goat artificial insemination courses and don’t need outside help for that aspect of the farm. They’re also educating themselves on general goat health care as much as possible.
Occasionally, though, they need to call in a local vet, as was the case recently when a goat injured her mouth and required emergency care. Luckily, they have a vet nearby, with whom they have developed a good relationship and can call when needed.
Ivan and Gabriella receive help on the farm from volunteers recruited through Workaway, a platform that facilitates international work exchanges. They provide tents and food for the volunteers, who work an average of 20 hours a week. A small cottage containing a fully equipped kitchen, bathroom, and lounge area is also available to the workers.
On a recent visit to the farm, I worked for a week with three other volunteers, all French. Our daily duties included sweeping out the goat stalls and giving the chickens fresh food and water every morning. Other tasks varied, depending on what projects were happening at the time. My favorite was brushing the goats, which helps socialize them with people. The regeneration project has been a continual learning experience for the couple, and, as Ivan smilingly put it, “Siempre es algo,” it’s always something.
More information about Capriella, Ivan, and Gabriella’s regenerative farming project can be found on their website https://Capriella.cr/
KAREN M. SMITH is a world traveler and photographer. She recently completed a 6 month trip to Costa Rica, where she worked on a goat farm as a volunteer.
Originally published in the 2024 Summer issue of Goat Journal and regularly vetted for accuracy.