MIDDLEBORO — As they affectionately head-butt visitors and check out their pockets for potential treats, the brother and sister goat team of Felicity and Fernando are easy to love.

The high-energy animals that live on the farm at Soule Homestead Education Center are “the most social of the farm animals,’’ said Jim Lough, director of the homestead.

They both have endearing personalities. “They’re always looking to eat, even shirts,’’ Lough said, laughing, as he warned of the dangers of loose clothing in their immediate vicinity. 

But only one can be top dog, er, goat.

The public is encouraged to select their favorite in an ongoing poll through December. As Lough asks with a smile: “Who’s it going to be in 2023?”

The top vote-getter receives bragging rights for the year. But the real winner of the contest is the center itself.

For each donation that accompanies a vote, the center will receive financial support for its programs. The community-based nonprofit education center works with schoolchildren and the general public to provide environmental programs, organic farming activities, traditional crafts and cultural events while preserving and enhancing the historic Soule Homestead.

Educational programs promote organic farming, gardening, traditional arts and crafts such as spinning and weaving, rug braiding, quilting and food preservation, among other farm-related activities. 

In addition to structured events, The Soule Homestead is also open to the public daily from sunrise to sunset, Lough said.

 “People can visit the animals,’’ which include sheep, chicken, ducks and a rabbit, in addition to the goats. “And they can walk the trails,’’ which meander through the property.

The center offers a “peaceful, rural setting’’ for such activities as hiking, cross-country skiing, art, photography, bird watching and picnicking, among other pastimes. 

“I think a lot of people in town don’t even know this,’’ he said.

Lough hopes the goat contest will be one way to attract attention to the farm offerings and provide a boost to future programs.

“We love our community,’’ one of the homestead’s goals reads. “And we encourage participation in all aspects of the farm’s operation.’’

To select a favorite goat, visit soulehomestead.com, make a donation and leave a note with the donation selecting either Felicity or Fernando.