G.O.A.T zoom proves less gruff, more gold mine for farm

Yorkshire farm sees revenue soar after lockdown video calls with their goats get global demand

Be it on the BBC, across social media, or in local news, lockdown 1-3 has been filled with stories from across country life that are jam packed with feel good and fresh air that they can’t fail to brighten the mood.

The Belper ‘Mooo’, cows in Christmas jumpers, cheese rolling and the nation’s rediscovery of beekeeping – thanks to a certain David Beckham – spring to mind in recent months.
But this story, widely reported including on the BBC, may just be the G.O.A.T; greatest of all time – in the eyes of the Muddy Matches country life dating team anyway.

Cronkshaw Fold Farm in Rossendale have taken farm diversification to a whole new level by offering £5 ‘Video Chat with a Goat’ sessions on hugely popular video conferencing service – and lockdown lifesaver for many – Zoom.

What’s more, the farm has banked a cool £50k from worldwide interest in having their ‘show’ goats butt in on video calls to surprise viewers and brighten their lockdown experience. The revenue has been a lifeline, helping to pay staff and covering farming costs. It has filled a hole usually filled with hosting weddings and educational visits.

No, we are not kidding around.

The success of goat Zooms has been dubbed ‘insane’ with the scheduled slots attracting interest from as far afield as Russia, Australia, and the USA.

One of the herd ‘Margaret’ has a weekly booking with one family so they can update on ‘nanny news’.

Speaking to the BBC, family farmer Dot McCarthey said, “It was easier and far more fun than selling manure to make ends meet.”

Monies raised will also go towards converting the farm to renewable power to improve its carbon footprint.

Photo copyright and credit to Cronkshaw Fold Farm