Dote on the Does
Schedule
Sat Feb 14 2026 at 11:00 am to 01:00 pm
UTC-06:00Location
4410 North Lincoln Avenue, Champaign, IL, United States, Illinois 61822 | Champaign, IL
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Saturday & Sunday, February 14-15, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM | Donations AcceptedWinter at Prairie Fruits Farm may appear quiet, but beneath the peaceful exterior, remarkable work is underway. Our does—the hardworking mothers of our herd—are almost through their 150-day gestation period, their bodies transforming to nurture the kids who will arrive this spring. This is the season they deserve recognition, appreciation, and a little extra pampering.
"Dote on the Does" invites you to celebrate these expectant mothers during the most crucial phase of their pregnancy. This intimate, educational experience offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at how we care for our pregnant does and prepare for the upcoming kidding season.
Monetary donations, newspapers, and old towels are accepted to help support our herd this kidding season.
What the Experience Includes
Meet the Moms-to-Be: Spend time with our pregnant does as they show visible signs of their developing babies. Learn to recognize the physical changes that indicate a healthy pregnancy.
Grooming Demonstrations: Join our dairy team in grooming and care for the does, and learn why extra attention during gestation matters for both mother and baby.
Health Monitoring: Observe as staff measure and track the girth of does expected to kid first, including Fergie, Lavender, Tiana, and Wendy Sue. Understand how we monitor their progress and prepare for delivery.
Interactive Q&A: Our knowledgeable staff will answer questions about goat pregnancy, kidding preparation, herd management, and what makes our Animal Welfare Approved practices unique.
Kidding Season Contest: Make your prediction! Choose which doe will give birth first, select a date, and guess the number of kids for a chance to win a free tub of Prairie Fruits Farm chèvre. (Hint: Kidding season begins in late February.)
Warm Welcome: Enjoy complimentary hot chocolate while visiting with the herd.
After Your Farm Visit
Following your time with the does, retreat to Caprae Restaurant to warm up and continue your experience:
Dining Options: Order from our full brunch menu, or enjoy a curated cheese board paired with wine or beer. Brunch reservations can be made here https://www.exploretock.com/prairie-fruits-farm/
Farm Store: Browse our selection of farmstead cheeses, local meats, eggs, sausages, locally milled flour, honey, jam, and Prairie Fruits Farm merchandise—perfect for Valentine's gifting or stocking your own kitchen.
Event Details
Duration: Drop in anytime between 11 AM - 1 PM; stay as long as you wish in that time frame.
What to Wear: Dress warmly for outdoor time with the goats. Boots or sturdy shoes are recommended. Barn floors may be uneven.
Weather: Event proceeds in most winter weather conditions. Extreme weather cancellations will be communicated via email.
Parking: parking in the main lot- Entrance marked by grain silo. ADA parking is located at the second entrance on the marked parking pad.
All Ages Welcome: This is a family-friendly educational experience. Children must be supervised at all times around the animals.
Monetary donations, newspapers, and old towels are accepted to help support our herd this kidding season.
Plan Your Return
After meeting the expectant mothers, mark your calendar for March and April when we host Babies & Brunch—your chance to meet the kids these does will deliver and welcome them into the world.
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Where is it happening?
4410 North Lincoln Avenue, Champaign, IL, United States, Illinois 61822Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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