A modern-day steward of the land, with roots stretching six generations deep into the fertile soil of Mariposa. Armed with a degree from UC Davis, he's not just a farmer; he's the visionary force behind Fouch Farms, where the ethos of grass-fed beef thrives.

‍

But Jesse's agricultural journey doesn't stop there. As a Co-Founder of Happy Goat, a sprawling 2,000-acre non-profit regenerative farm, he's redefining sustainable agriculture. A master of permaculture design, Jesse's commitment to harmony between land and livestock is matched only by his passion for education. As an Associate Educator with the Savory Institute, he's sowing the seeds of regenerative practices far and wide. Jesse Fouch isn't just cultivating crops; he's cultivating change.

Lacey is a versatile professional at Happy Goat, where she holds multiple roles including Daily Operations Manager, Prescribed Grazing Director, Cashmere Production Manager, and Human Resources & Onboarding Manager since August 2021. Her responsibilities range from overseeing daily farm projects and managing operations to conducting herd health checks and representing Happy Goat in the Mariposa County Fire Advisory Committee (MFAC).

‍

Beyond her roles at Happy Goat, Lacey, alongside her wife Alyssa, manages Sharp Farms & Cattle Co., a family farm launched in 2023. Originally from Texas, Lacey's background in small-scale cattle operations influenced her pursuit of a B.S. in Livestock & Production Management from Fresno State University. She brings a diverse skill set, having previously worked as a professional softball coach, certified veterinary technician, and Beef Fabrication Supervisor at Cargill. Lacey is deeply committed to Happy Goat's mission of community impact through effective land management and fire fuel reduction, which she finds particularly fulfilling in her career.

Matty Elliott joined Happy Goat as a volunteer in February 2022 and was officially hired in April 2022.

‍

Matty is responsible for the care of all the non-human animals on the farm, including dogs, cats, chickens, ducks, guinea fowl, a sheep, two pigs, and lots of goats! She attends to their physical, medical, and emotional needs.  Additionally, she leads our cashmere production program beside Lacey and coordinates our volunteer program.

‍

She loves working at Happy Goat because of the special bond she shares with the animals and their unique personalities. Additionally, there is always something new happening to keep her challenged and on her toes.

‍

A few fun facts about Matty: She is a veterinarian with 25 years of experience in small animal medicine and is now getting a crash course in goat care. She also rowed on a varsity crew team for four years in college and later coached a college crew team after graduation.

Georgia Schreiner is the Vegetable Production Manager at Happy Goat, where she blends scientific knowledge with deep-rooted care for the land and community. Born and raised in Ojai, California, Georgia grew up with a strong connection to nature and a deep respect for community-based living. She earned her B.A. in Agroecology from UC Santa Cruz in 2024, where she also honed her horticultural skills working and teaching in the renowned French-intensive Alan Chadwick Garden.

Before planting herself full time in agriculture, Georgia spent several years editing a lifestyle magazine, channeling her creativity and curiosity into stories that celebrated intentional living. That same passion now drives her work in the field, where she focuses on soil health, regenerative growing practices, and making nutrient-dense vegetables accessible to everyone.

Georgia prefers to work barefoot, grounding with the earth as she moves through the rows—sun on her shoulders, hands in the soil. She’s deeply rooted in her values, inspired by those closest to her, and brings that heart-forward energy into everything she does. A homestead and raw milk enthusiast, Georgia is always exploring ways to live in closer harmony with the land. Just don’t try to schedule a meeting in an office—she believes the best conversations happen in the field, under the sky, with a little dirt between your toes.

Before joining Happy Goat, Darian spent over three years in the recreation sector, where she coached sports teams, directed summer camps, and managed the local nature center in Chico.

‍

Darian holds a Bachelor’s in Art Education and a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Printmaking, with a focus on relief wood carvings, from Chico State. Her diverse educational background brings a unique blend of creativity and outdoor expertise to our team.

‍

Outside of work, Darian is passionate about crafting, including sewing, crochet, wood carving, and sourdough bread baking. When she's not working with goats, she enjoys exploring the outdoors with her little one, nurturing a love of nature and adventure.

‍

Darian finds the most rewarding aspect of her role at Happy Goat is the meaningful connections she builds with each animal on the farm.

Emily Meyer, brings high energy, compassion, and versatility to our team. Growing up on-site at a summer camp in Coarsegold, Emily developed a deep love for the outdoors. She pursued her passion further by studying culinary arts and sustainability at the Culinary Institute of America, where she discovered her enthusiasm for plants, livestock, and farm work.

‍

Armed with her new degree, Emily returned to California and joined Happy Goat Farm, where she enjoys working with goats, chickens, and vegetables. She delights in the sunshine, raw milk, and the occasional mud-covered adventure!

‍

Troy joined Happy Goat in June of 2022. His typical day involves a variety of tasks, from using chainsaws to maintaining various areas around the farm, ensuring everything operates efficiently.

‍

Troy's favorite part about working at Happy Goat is spending time with all the animals and being outdoors. In his free time, he enjoys hanging out with friends and going riding.

Angel Lopez, originally from Guadalajara, Mexico, has called Mariposa home for 27 years. He began his journey working as a cook while doing landscaping part-time, dedicating a decade to building his own successful landscaping business.

For the past two years, Angel has been part of the Happy Goat team, a role that has brought positive changes to his life. He takes pride in working with a strong, communicative team that keeps everything running smoothly. Angel believes in hard work, community, and the blessings that come with both.

Isaac Sproul is a dedicated landscaper, carpenter, and field technician with a passion for working outdoors and bringing projects to life. At Happy Goat, he plays a key role in greenhouse and vegetable production, ensuring that plants thrive and operations run smoothly. He finds joy in the hard work it takes to build something from the ground up, watching projects evolve through different stages, and being surrounded by the animals each day.

Beyond the farm, Isaac is just as hands-on, whether he’s working on motorcycles and cars or spending quality time with family and friends. His love for problem-solving, teamwork, and the satisfaction of a job well done make him an essential part of the Happy Goat family. He brings energy, dedication, and a can-do attitude to every task, helping to create a thriving, sustainable farm that benefits both the land and the community.

A California native, Gabriel Scrivens grew up in the Santa Cruz area, where his passion for plants first took root. After high school, he joined the Coast Guard, traveling the Pacific from Alaska to Panama. Following his service, he pursued horticulture studies at Cabrillo College, further deepening his knowledge of plant cultivation. With a lifelong love for growing food, Gabriel is dedicated to helping provide fresh, local produce to the community.