Finding fresh and affordable feed in hot and dry areas of Texas can be a challenge. Over the past 3 years, Marfa Maid Dairy has taken on the challenge to try and grow an Australian plant and tree, Tagasaste, to be fed as a highly nutritious feed for their animals. Farmer Malinda Beeman will share what she has learned about the potential this plant holds in supporting livestock in some of Texas' driest climates. This project was developed with the support of a USDA Sustainable Agriculture Research Education grant.

Malinda Beeman with her partner, Allan McClane, own and run a small goat milk dairy and creamery in Marfa, Texas. For the past ten years we have made a variety of artisan goat cheese that is sold to local markets, restaurants and at the farmers market. The cheeses we make are chevre, feta, soft ripened and aged cheeses.