Allison Bullock’s journey with Holler Back Farm in Maryland dates back to when she was a young girl with a growing curiosity for animal care, especially for goats. Now, at just 16, Bullock has made a name for herself in her community and the world of livestock and dairy goat farming thanks to years of dedication, skill-building, and persistence. Her passion has evolved into a small business, transforming her farm into a thriving venture that combines education, competition, and community outreach.
Bullock’s story starts with two pet goats her family kept as “weed eaters.” But these two goats sparked something special in her. Unlike other young livestock enthusiasts who gravitate toward market animals, Bullock didn’t initially see herself going down that path. With her mom’s guidance, they explored 4-H projects, and dairy goats became her focus.
Starting with a couple of does from a respected breeder, she dove into the care and raising of these animals. Her journey took off when she joined her local livestock 4-H club, dedicating herself to understanding every aspect of goat care.
The early days weren’t easy. Bullock spent countless hours bottle-feeding and monitoring her goats, gaining a deep understanding for what it takes to raise animals responsibly. This hands-on experience shaped her views on animal husbandry and helped build her confidence in managing a small herd.
When she began showing goats, Bullock faced stiff competition from older, more experienced participants. But instead of being discouraged, she let the challenge motivate her. She spent time at local goat shows, learning the intricacies of showmanship and paying close attention to the judges’ feedback. Her hard work paid off as her skills improved, and she gradually made her mark in the show ring.
As she gained experience, she also started attending larger, out-of-state competitions, including national shows, where she could gauge her progress against the best. These experiences helped her see the subtle skills needed for success: mastering techniques like keeping steady eye contact with the judge and pacing her goat correctly. Despite challenges, she now competes confidently at a national level.
Not everything went smoothly, though. A major turning point came when her goats began to fall ill due to parasites. This was a harsh lesson in the importance of proper pasture management and biosecurity. With few local veterinarians specializing in goat care, Bullock had to take matters into her own hands. Her mother gifted her a microscope, which she used to perform fecal tests on her goats. This hands-on approach taught her about parasitology, leading her to chart different dewormers and medications based on the parasite types she found.
This self-reliance not only saved her time and money but also gave her a deeper understanding of goat health. Today, she no longer needs to consult her vet for parasite issues, having mastered fecal testing and prevention. Her experience inspired her to maintain strict records and develop a more detailed approach to herd health, underscoring her commitment to caring for her animals.
Over the years, Bullock has invested in improving the genetics of her herd. Starting with Nigerian Dwarfs and a Toggenburg, she worked with breeders, invested in new stock, and developed her breeding program. She’s also been involved in advanced practices, such as laparoscopic artificial insemination, to enhance her herd’s genetic diversity. Her commitment to breeding quality animals has helped her earn respect within the Maryland Dairy Goat Association, where she has become an active volunteer and advocate.
Bullock’s dedication extends beyond her herd. She is involved with the Dairy Herd Improvement program and has participated in linear appraisal to track and enhance the quality of her goats. By continuously working on her herd’s lineage and using blood testing, she aims to produce goats that meet high standards of health and productivity.
“I love seeing the kids, the results. Even when breeding the same buck with different does, I get unique offspring every time. I want to understand why,” she shared. Her keen interest in genetics drives her to explore how specific traits can be emphasized in each generation to optimize dairy production and health.
Bullock’s influence extends far beyond her farm. Currently serving as the treasurer of her 4-H club and holding past leadership positions within her FFA chapter, Bullock believes in the power of agricultural education. She has been instrumental in encouraging younger members to pursue dairy projects, sharing her knowledge and experience to help them succeed.
Her mother’s role as an agriculture teacher at Southern High School allowed Bullock to be part of the FFA program’s revival. Even before she was officially eligible to join FFA, Bullock joined the chapter on trips, including a memorable experience volunteering in Kentucky after a tornado. Through her FFA involvement, Bullock says she’s learned the importance of leadership and community service, values that she carries into every aspect of her work with Holler Back Farm.
Outside of her SAE, Bullock is a natural advocate for agriculture in her community, where agriculture is rare. Her schoolmates find her life unusual, even referring to her as “Amish” due to her farm-centered lifestyle. Yet, she meets these perspectives with humor and uses them as teaching moments.
“I bring baby goats to events,” Bullock explained. “People get curious, and it opens up a chance to explain what goats are and that they produce milk. Sometimes people think they’re d0gs at first.”
As she prepares for college, Bullock is looking to scale down her herd — a practical decision influenced by advice from older breeders. She has already made plans for her younger sister to take on more responsibilities with the goats, ensuring continuity at Holler Back Farm. Her ultimate goal is to study Animal Science, Agricultural Business, Dairy Science, or Livestock Genetics and Reproduction, fields that will allow her to deepen her knowledge and broaden her impact on the agricultural community.
For Bullock, every experience — whether it’s bottle-feeding newborns, identifying parasites, or competing at a national level — has contributed to her skills as a young farmer. Her advice to others is simple: never stop learning and be willing to get your hands dirty. Her practical approach to problem-solving, combined with a willingness to seek guidance from experts, has been crucial to her success.
Bullock’s journey is far from over. Her work with Holler Back Farm has already left a lasting impact on her community, and her commitment to agriculture is evident in everything she does. By advocating for other young people to get involved in dairy projects and setting an example through her leadership in FFA and 4-H, she is paving the way for the next generation of agriculturalists.
Heidi Crnkovic, is the Associate Editor for AGDAILY. She is a New Mexico native with deep-seated roots in the Southwest and a passion for all things agriculture.
