Our Story

Utah Refugee Goats began in 2013 as the East African Goat Project with support from the International Rescue Committee (IRC). The vision was simple: create a place where refugees could reconnect with farming, animals, food, and community.

For many refugee families, farming is more than work—it is culture, identity, and a connection to home. When families are forced to leave everything behind, they often lose not only their livelihoods but also traditions that have been passed down for generations.

A major milestone came when Rio Tinto donated 87 acres of land, providing a place where refugee families could gather, learn, grow food, care for animals, and begin rebuilding their lives. What was once open land became a place of opportunity and hope.

In 2021, Utah Refugee Goats became a refugee-run organization, giving leadership and decision-making power to the community it serves. In partnership with Utah State University Extension, training programs expanded to provide hands-on education in goat care, poultry production, grazing management, fencing, and sustainable agriculture.

Today, Utah Refugee Goats is more than a farm. It is a place where families build skills, children connect with nature, volunteers serve their community, and refugees find opportunity, belonging, and hope for the future.

Our Refugee-Led Timeline

2013Farm Founded

The farm has grown from community effort into a refugee-run place of service, training, food access, and animal care.

2021Refugee-Run

The farm began as a place to support refugee families and community food access.

2024Training Expanded

Refugees began leading the farm and shaping its future around community needs.

218+Goats Cared For

The farm continues rebuilding after setbacks with support from volunteers, donors, and partners.

“This farm is not only about animals. It is about restoring dignity, rebuilding confidence, and helping refugee families feel at home again.”

What We Do

Utah Refugee Goats combines farming, education, and community service to create opportunities for refugees and the wider community.

Goat Farming

We care for goats while teaching refugee families practical skills in animal husbandry, grazing management, fencing, feeding, and farm operations.

Poultry Training

Our poultry program helps refugees learn how to raise chickens for eggs and meat while rebuilding food access and farming traditions.

Community Education

We welcome schools, volunteers, churches, universities, and families to learn about refugee experiences, sustainable farming, and animal care.

Challenges We Have Faced

Like many small farms, we have faced difficult moments. We experienced devastating poultry losses from avian flu, and the theft of goats that deeply affected the refugees who cared for them.

Despite these hardships, we continue rebuilding with the help of volunteers, donors, sponsors, and community partners who believe in this mission.

Every fence repaired, every animal fed, and every new training opportunity represents resilience and hope.

Help Us Rebuild

Our Vision

We envision a future where refugee families have access to farming opportunities, culturally important food, training, leadership development, and community support.

Food Access

Helping refugee families access goats, chickens, eggs, and culturally familiar food sources.

Training & Skills

Teaching practical farming and livestock skills that create confidence and opportunity.

Community Healing

Creating a welcoming place where refugees and the broader community can connect and grow together.

Volunteer Signup

Complete the form below to send your volunteer request directly to our CRM dashboard.

Be Part of the Story

Your support helps refugee families rebuild through farming, training, food access, and community connection.

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