Dairy Goats Contacted a Well-Respected Breeder in of Any Size

VOL. 95 NO. 6 • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 • $4.99 U.S. • WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM

DAIRY UNDERSTANDING GOATS GOAT BEHAVIOR & BEYOND! + IT'S RUTTING Introducing SEASON! PACK GOATS

Raising GOATS FOR FIBER

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THE FEATURES

THE STORIES 18 Got Fiber Goats? by Janet Garman 28 Growing Kids Through 4-H 44 It’s Rut Season by Kate Johnson by Janet Garman 20 Packing Quite a Kick by Theresa Miller 32 Reading Goats’ Minds 48 Cutting the Cheese by Tamsin Cooper in Colorado by Amy Hadachek 35 Goat Lady Dairy THE REGULARS by Amy Hadachek 58 Breed Profile: French Alpine 08 From the Editor 40 She Can’t Stand It by Tamsin Cooper by Kat Drovdahl 10 Reader Feedback 64 Life Lessons Reader Responses by Kate Johnson 16 Kat’s Corner by Kat Drovdahl

24 Photo Essay: ON THE COVER Utility Goat Show Charles and Festus hiking up a CCC road that was built by workers back in the 1930s. 60 Calendar Pretty steep terrain, but pack goats can Upcoming Events handle it! See more of Charles and Festus in the Fan Photos section. Submitted by 62 From the Archives Charles M Jennings of Bear River Outfitters. by Mike Campbell

4 GOAT JOURNAL, november/december 2017 WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 5 Statement of Ownership Management and Circulation The World Leader in Title of publication: Dairy Goat Journal. Publica- GOAT Equipment and Supplies tion no. 147-020.Publishedbimonthly.Annual Check out our milking machines and other subscription price $24.99. Mailing address of products for Goats, Cows, Sheep, Llamas. NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017 publication,head-quarters of general business Also everything you need to show livestock. of�ces, publisher,editor and managingeditor: VOL. 95 NO. 6 Great prices on cheesemaking and 136 W. Broadway,Medford, WI 54451. Pub- soapmaking products, plus animal health, www.CountrysideNetwork.com lisher, Mike Campbell; Editor,Marissa Ames; grooming, milking, and gift items and books Managing Editor:Marissa Ames. Owner: Fence for breeders, homesteaders, and hobbyists. editorial Post Company,Paul W. Toler,Chariman, 580 Plus you can’tbeat our service! Mallory Way, CarsonCity,NV89701.Known Steph Merkle, Content Director Visit us at our new,improved web site: bondholders, mortgagees and other security [email protected] holders owning or holding 1percentor more www.caprinesupply.com of total amount of bonds, mortgages, or other Marissa Ames, Editor 1-800-646-7736 fororders or catalog securities: Swift Communications,Inc. Extent P. O. BoxY,DeSoto,KS66018 [email protected] and nature of circulation: Average no. of copies each issue during the preceding 12 months(ac- Samantha Ingersoll, Ann Tom tual no. of copies of singleissuepublishednear- Editorial Assistants est to �lingdate�:A:Totalno. ofcopies printed: 6,750 (4,200�. B(1�: Paid�requestedoutside circulation & marketing county as stated on form 3541: 3,674 (3,302�. Ellen Grunseth, Marketing Director B(2�: Paidin-county subscriptions: 0(0�. B(3�: [email protected] Sales through dealers,carriers, streetven- dors, counter sales, and other non-USPS paid Afton Pospíšilová distribution: 1,510. B(4�: Otherclassesmailed Rhinehart Dehorner Design Manager through the USPS: 0(0�. C: Total paid and�or requested circulation: 5,184 (3,302�. D(1�: Free $72.95 Madelyn LyBarger distribution by mail: 0(0�.D(4�: Free or nominal Publication Designer rate distribution outsidethe mail:0(0� E: Free distribution outside the mail:0(0�. F: Total distri- advertising bution:5,184(3,302�. G: Copies not distributed: 1,566 (898�.�:Total: 6,750(4,200�. I: Percent Alicia Soper, Advertising Director paid and�or requested circulation: 100� (100��. SpringwaterAnimal Supply [email protected] Icertify thatthe statements made by me above (715) 748-1388 are correct and complete �s� Ellen Grunseth, 1-800-600-0716 Business Manager,10�1�17. www.springwateranimalsupply.com Kelly Weiler [email protected] (715) 748-1389 Sue Lapcewich [email protected] (970) 392-4436

general manager Mike Campbell [email protected]

Goat Journal (ISSN 0011-5592, USPS 147-020) is published bi-monthly by Countryside Publications, 136 W Broadway Ave, Medford, WI 54451. Periodicals postage paid at Medford, WI and other mailing offices.

The views presented here do not necessarily represent those of the editor or publisher. All contents of this issue of Goat Journal are copyrighted by Countryside Publications, 2017. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited, except by permission of the publisher. 45° teat dips Fight Bac nozzle For compLeTe Editorial office: PO Box 566, Medford WI 54451. (white areas are milk) coVerAge [email protected]

Advertising office: Goat Journal, PO Box 566, Seethe white areas in these x-rays? That’smilk.After milking, regular teatdips Medford WI 54451. [email protected], can leave milkresidue that actually feedsmastitis-causing bacteria. Fight Bac® Display advertising rates on request. leaves only pure disinfectant. Its aerosol action blows away residual milkand Phone 715-748-1388, fax 715-785-7414. completely disinfects. Less mastitis means higher milk premiums andlower Subscriptions (US funds): $24.99 per year; 2 years $39. medical costs. Goat Journal Subscriptions, PO Box 1848, Visit www.FightBac.com to learn moreabout FightBac and how research Carson City NV 89702. 970-392-4419. proves it controls mastitis better than traditional dips. POSTMASTER: Send all UAA to CFS. (See DMM 707.4.12.5); NON-POSTAL AND Fight Bac—The smarter way to disinfect teats. MILITARY FACILITIES: send address corrections to Goat Journal Subscriptions, PO Box 1848 Carson City NV 89702. 1-800-656-6007 |www.FightBac.com PRINTED IN THE USA.

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WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 7 from the editor

Introducing Goat Journal

by MIKE CAMPBELL, general manager [email protected]

IF YOU HAVE gotten this far, you’ve likely noticed a change on the magazine’s front cover. Welcome to the premiere issue of Goat Journal. Dairy Goat Journal traces its history back to 1922. About a year ago we acquired a collection of old issues of Dairy Goat Journal, from the late 1920s to the mid-1960s. It’s interesting to read these older editions and see discussions of the day. Quite frankly, the subjects Marissa Ames don’t differ too much from what with goat Robin dairy goat owners face today. How proper feeding and care result in improved milk yields. Tips on in- creasing profits for dairy operations. Advice on marketing goat raising Pygoras for fiber, and new dance of reader letters, full of ques- milk. And plenty of questions on contributor Theresa Miller fea- tions, answers, comments and sug- health, from optimum feed rations tures pack goat basics. Charles M. gestions. Most of the 95-year history to mastitis to worms. Jennings of Bear River Outfitters of Dairy Goat Journal happened be- The absence of “Dairy” in our and his sidekick Festus grace our fore email, social media, websites or title doesn’t mean we are aban- cover this issue. the internet existed, and the dairy doning our roots. Far from it. In I would like to introduce Marissa goat community stayed in touch this issue, longtime contributor Ames as our new Goat Journal editor. with letters. We encourage you to Katherine Drovdahl answers feed Marissa is an Idaho native and cur- let us know what’s on your mind, questions and deals with behav- rently resides in Nevada. She’s been a in any way you’re most comfortable. ior issues on the milk stand. We’re frequent contributor to Countryside & Send a note to Goat Journal, PO into breeding season, and Janet Small Stock Journal, Backyard Poultry Box 566, Medford Wisconsin 54451. Garman discusses that on page 44. magazine, and CountrysideNetwork. Email us at [email protected]. And don’t miss Amy Hadachek’s com. Marissa also authored a series on Leave a comment on our Facebook article on Goat Lady Dairy. cheese making in the May/June issue page facebook.com/goatjournal or We’re happy to focus on “all of Dairy Goat Journal. on our website countrysidenetwork. things goat” and this issue reflects Now back to older issues of Dairy com/contact-us/. We would love to that. Janet Garman writes about Goat Journal. There was an abun- hear from you. r

8 GOAT JOURNAL, november/december 2017 Needed: Your Taglines!

We need your help! Our new identity needs a new magazine tagline, but we can’t come up with the right one. Here’s what hit the rejection pile:

Whatever Floats Your Goat Follow In Our Cloven Hoofprints No Sheeple Here. Next Pen Over. Yes I Ate It: A Goat Memoir Who You Callin’ Billy? Know, Tow, Slow Your Goat Stowing Your Wild Goats Quick, Before It Screams Keeping Your Bridges Free of Trolls for 95 Years Climb Every Mountain Biker Beards Before They Were Cool

DO YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TAGLINE FOR US? Submit ideas to [email protected] or message our Facebook page. The winner receives an exclusive Goat Journal hat for those winter barn chores.

We’ve Got Great Things Coming in 2018!

CHECK OUT some of our coming attractions for the January/February issue: - Janet Garman talks about preventing foot rot in winter weather. - Is goat yoga really a thing? Theresa Miller chimes in on the growing trend. - Amy Hadachek details a Kansas zoo’s efforts to save an ancient breed. - Goats can have lung issues in cold seasons. Kat Drovdahl gives expert advice. - Tamsin Cooper tells us why goats prefer that we have happy faces. - Plus a new breed profile, Life Lessons, Kat’s Caprine Corner, a just-for-fun section, feeback from our readers, and a fun reader contest!

Submitted by Ashley of A&A Acres in Southern Oregon. Tiger Lily, a Nubian doe, enjoys a rare January snow storm.

WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 9 xxxreader conversation & feedback

Benefiting From Magazine Subscriptions I very much enjoy Dairy Goat Journal and Countryside & Small Stock Journal magazines that I get in the mail. I am 74 years old and the grandkids and I have a few goats on the farm as well as geese, cats, a couple of dogs, steers for beef and one of my sons trains and races standard breeds off of 18 acres. We bale hay every summer also — two or three cuttings. The 4-H members have shown goats at our county fair for several years now, selling market wethers at auction. They had done meat chickens for two years but really enjoy the goats, especially the kids in the early and late springtime. Your magazines have been valuable in many areas — educating and informing the 4-Hs. Where can I get more information on goat harnesses? We especially like the Oberhasli and Nubian breeds.

Thank You! Penny Boring Michigan Hi, Penny! We recommend webbing harnesses from Caprine Supply. They’re padded and have two sizes to fit goats.

10 GOAT JOURNAL, november/december 2017 Hello, I read this morning the subject article in your September issue and have some thoughts to share. I agree that there has been significant progress/changes in dairy cows driven by intense genetic efforts. I also agree that there have been significant health and animal welfare issues that have arisen in dairy cows in the past few decades although I do not agree that those are driven by the genetics and will explain why. In general the doubling of production in dairy cows is in large part driven by simply the nutrition. A few decades ago the typical dairy farm was much smaller and the forage quality less in that hay was not put in until later June and cows were fed separate portions of baled hay and corn silage with a separate feeding of grain. Today most dairies use a TMR mix consisting of high quality early cut grass silage, grains and corn silage. The result is high production. If you look at organic pasture based dairies you will find a much lower production on par with a few decades ago. Relative to health issues the industry has become a disaster. The typical clinical mastitis rate is around 7%, cull rates around 40%, lameness in the 30% plus range and death rates in the 5% to 10% range with 10% typical on larger dairies. This is not genetics driven and will not be resolved with genetics. It is very simply a result of milking machines destroying the cows, which is not new but worsened by the advent of large-scale dairies combined with automation. A conventional milking machine forcibly shoves bacteria up the teat canal and causes physical harm to the teat and udder structure. Years ago farmers with small dairies took the time to hand strip problem quarters and dealt with the same problems but managed them in a manner that allowed for the cows to survive in the herds. The larger scale operations are forced to manage cows as one would strawberries – plant in the spring, harvest early summer and plow under in the fall. There exists a significant amount of data and studies to support this. A recent published Journal of Dairy Science study shows that cows milked robotically have 10% higher mastitis rates. The sad reality is that the goat industry is not different and if you visit large goat dairies you will find the same mess exists, perhaps even worse. It has been my observation if it were not for the fact that goats have two offspring per year then large commercial goat operations would not be practical. I have provided below a couple of quick examples of the typical udder damage you will commonly find on large goat dairies milked with conventional systems. I noted that Tasmin is located in France. There are a number of large goat dairies in the Netherlands that can be visited that are using my milking system. I just received this week the following email from a dairy farmer in New Zealand who has just returned home from the Netherlands: I have just returned from Holland where they are starting to use your Co-Pulsation system on their milking goats. They were giving it a lot of praise and I have since been up on your website and read all the documents. In general there exists an animal welfare issue that is a growing disaster that needs to be addressed.

Regards, Bill Gehm Partner, LR Gehm LLC www.CoPulsation.com

WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 11 xxxreader feedback :: fan photos

Holton’s pre-game before the big weekend. King of the bunk house. Submitted by Ryan Marler

Stephie meets a goat! Submitted by Ralinda Grover in Minnesota

Submitted by Cathy Covi of farmhouselove74 on Instagram

This is Linda, Elsa and Matilda, our first year does. We are ADGA registered. Shannon Hess of Emerald Hill Farm in southern Illinois

ways to share: email photos in jpg format to [email protected] message us on facebook: facebook.com/goatjournal tag us on instagram or use #goatjournal: instagram.com/goatjournal mail your entry to: goat journal, po box 566, medford, wi 54451 12 GOAT JOURNAL, november/december 2017 Photo by Dawn McBride of Fuzzy Love Photography in Salt Lake City, Utah

Charles M Jennings, of Bear River Outfitters, hikes with Festus up a CCC road in Willard Canyon, just east of Willard, Utah. Festus has no problems with terrain like this.

Sweet Pea and Mr. Jones lead the way on a wintertime adventure. Submitted by Kirsten Lie-Nielsen of Hostile Valley Farm in Liberty, Maine

Photo by Dawn McBride of Fuzzy Love Photography in Salt Lake City, Utah

ways to share: email photos in jpg format to [email protected] message us on facebook: facebook.com/goatjournal tag us on instagram or use #goatjournal: instagram.com/goatjournal mail your entry to: goat journal, po box 566, medford, wi 54451 WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 13 xxxgoat journal :: gets social

Alana Incardona Looks like my baby!!

On Facebook, we asked for pictures of goat cuddles and kisses, and you responded! Crystal R. Alvarez-Longoria

Robin Kristin Nichols Missouri State Fair Kathleen Chop Dairy Goat Journal

Ed Ridgeway Our Nubian buck Striker, napping between show rings

Rusty Hebert We love these girls Mary Hartsock My buddy Marvin sweetest buck ever Meagan Snide Tabitha (5) and Judah (3)

14 GOAT JOURNAL, november/december 2017 BehindEvery Good Life is a Healthy Gut.

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WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 15 kat’s corner :: featuring katherine drovdahl, MH CR CA DipHIr CEIT QTP

What are other poisonous toxic or unpalatable plants. They also plants I need to watch out for? will leave most heavy, unconditioned There is a very long list of plants that (uncrushed) alfalfa stems. are poisonous to goats, as well as other livestock, available online. Some of the What do you do with your more common ones include several that hay that the goats don’t eat? are common in landscaping, depending Assuming it’s otherwise good, clean hay, on where you live. Oleander, mountain we most often refeed it. Our hay feed- laurel, rhododendrum, azaelia, lily of the ers are made in a way that it’s easy to valley, larkspur, delphinium, foxglove, scoop out the extra hay from the top some lupines (blue bonnet), braken or and toss over the stall wall into a brake fern, many mushrooms, ground- wheelbarrow. Our doeling pen has a I’ve seen conflicting infor- sel, tansy and yew. Yew is so toxic that feeder that’s easy to scoop out to toss mation on if a goat can eat usually the victim is found dead with over the stall wall into an alpaca feed- water or poison hemlock. Can they? the first or second mouthful still in their er. Other animals we feed/have fed Yes and no. We are talking about two mouth. Prunus species trees and shrubs leftover hay and stems to include our of the most toxic plants in North are cyanogenic when leaves are in any horses, cattle, pigs and even poultry. America here. While a healthy goat stage of wilt. Right now, fresh leaves and It can also be used as bedding or in may be able to ingest a little of either leaves completely dead do not have the compost for your garden or trees. of these plants and not have an out- free-forming cyanogenic compounds wardly visible effect to us, we need to flowing through them which are respon- How do I know what kind be careful. My very well fed, alterna- sible for suffocating their victim as the of alfalfa hay to get for my tive-raised & cleansed, healthy goats oxygen in the blood stream is tied up. dairy or pregnant goats? would nibble the very tips of these Prunus species include all of the tree/ When I am purchasing alfalfa hay, I am plants when we lived in Oregon. Not shrub fruits containing pits such as cher- purchasing it to minerally enrich my eat them or indulge in them, but only ry (fruiting, ornamental, choke), plums/ goats for bone, nerve and muscle de- occasionally sample them. My goats prunes, apricots, nectarines, peaches velopment and to provide much-need- had rumens and GI tracts that were and the like; including wild versions of ed minerals, protein and vitamins for operating at high efficiency and were the above. The largest chance of expo- growing kids, pregnant and/or milking already full on their morning’s hay be- sure often is in the fall when leaves start does and working bucks. I look for high fore they went out grazing and sam- blowing off trees and into pens of greedy leaf content, low moisture content (18 pling. If a goat is not metabolizing goats, who readily consume them. to 22% is great), good green color (not well, is ill or stressed, aged, a kid with unicolor, which may have been dyed or an undeveloped rumen, has GI defi- How do I know if I am feeding food-colored) and fine stems. It is ok ciencies or is hungry and eats more my goats enough hay? if there is some sun bleaching on the than a little, I would expect some The general rule of thumb on this is outside bales as long as they have not problems or worse. This plant will that I want there to be a little bit of hay been exposed to rain. I also don’t want start paralyzing the body internally left in their feeders when we are ready the leaves to shatter off the stems when first by shutting down the nervous to feed them again, assuming that what we open a bale or move hay around. A system. If I noticed any goat at any level is left is clean and good quality. We small handful falling off is normal but of shutdown, my first course of action generally feed hay about every twelve much more than that is a bale that is would be to get cayenne tincture down hours. If they are consuming all of it, too dry and will often fall apart be- them immediately to try to wake up the then it’s likely the goats that are lower fore you can get it to the feeder. I also nervous system. Then I’d put them on a on the pecking order are not getting look for cleanliness. If there are mold cleansing herb blend to help their body enough. If they are leaving a lot of it, smells or colors, or a mold dust, then break down and move toxins out of first check for quality and cleanliness avoid that hay, as it will toxify the liver their organs, tissues and bloodstream. including absence of mold, dirt and of your stock (yes, even cattle) making

16 GOAT JOURNAL, november/december 2017 them more susceptible to reduced pro- trients it obtains with a carbon atom collections. In goats, the most com- ductivity and increased health issues. during photosynthesis. This carbon mon sources come from well or city It also can cause birth defects in does atom allows every nutrient, includ- water, pelleted or processed feeds and that are pregnant when ingesting it or ing calcium, to be fully absorbable mineral mixes. This is why I stick to contribute to Listeriosis issues. I gener- and fully eliminable by the body sys- whole herbs to provide minerals for ally look for 3rd or 4th cutting hay, but tem. This is not true of rock- or dirt- my goats, other than sea salt, which is will take an earlier cutting if it meets sourced (including limestone, which also fully eliminable. r my specs. Young alfalfa fields will have is added to most livestock products a fine stem even at first cutting. Do be as “calcium.”) This nonliving source Katherine and her beloved husband Jer- wary of GMO alfalfa strains, if that is of calcium does not have the carbon ry are owned by their LaManchas, hors- something that matters to you. atom attached and is not fully elim- es, alpacas and gardens on a small piece inable. Thus, over time, the body will of Washington state paradise. Her varied I’ve heard alfalfa causes stash some that it hasn’t been able international alternative degrees & certi- urinary calculi. Is that true? to eliminate into strange areas. Liv- fications, including Master of Herbology I will answer from the Master of Her- er and gallstones, kidney stones (UC & lifelong experience with creatures of bology perspective, since alfalfa is a when it gets into the ureter), bone many kinds, give her unique insight into time-honored herb for millennia. In spurs, hardened areas of placentas guiding others through human or crea- short, the answer is no. Here is why. or brains, and even a calcified throat ture wellness problems. Her wellness As a plant eats dirt and rocks it pulls area I just heard about this week, can products & consultations are available at in with its roots, it combines the nu- be the results of these rock mineral www.firmeadowllc.com.

2017 Dairy Goat Journal.indd 1 1/4/2017 3:21:42 PM WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 17 feature :: fiber goats

got Fiber goats? Sheep Aren’t the Only Option for Spinning a Yarn

by JANET GARMAN

MORE THAN 12 years ago, I men- The Pygora™, a fleece producing can only be used for fiber derived tioned that I wanted to raise goats for goat, was originally created by from registered Pygora goats. Breed crossing a registered American fiber and was greeted with blank stares. standard spells out what makes a reg- Angora Goat Breeders Association You must mean sheep, I was told, be- (AAGBA) goat with a registered istered Pygora. cause sheep grow wool. Sheep were not National Pygmy Goat Association Pygora fleece, very soft and fine, is what I wanted. I had been researching (NPGA) goat. This first cross is con- classified into three categories. Type a certain goat breed with beautiful fi- sidered a first generation (F1) cross A is most Angora-like, with ring- ber that could be cleaned, combed, and and is so marked as an F1 on its lets and sheen. Type B is a soft mix registration papers. The second gen- spun into soft, delicious yarn. between Type A and Type C. Most eration is considered the true Pygo- I desired the Pygora breed to start ra. The Pygora can be bred to other cashmere in quality, Type C has no our fiber farm. Pygoras or back to an NPGA or ringlets and more of a soft, halo ap- At the time, our farm did not have AAGBA animal but the ratio is not to pearance on the goat. In addition to space for sheep. I don’t have any- exceed 75% of either parent breed white, the fiber can be black, brown, thing against sheep but I thought they (pygmy or Angora). All Pygora goats tan, gray, and caramel. must have fleece as described in the would need lots of grazing area. Goats The American Nigora Breeders As- Breed Standard of PBA. — Pygora are known for being better with rough Goat Breeders Association website. sociation states that the Nigora breed browse and not-so-great pasture. I includes fiber-producing dairy goats contacted a well-respected breeder in of any size. The goals of goats, admit- Oregon and the rest is history. from 75 pounds for does to 150 pounds ted to this association, is to provide Over the course of our fiber goat ex- for bucks. Angoras have long locks of milk and fiber to families seeking to perience, people insist we are raising fiber cascading down each side. be more self-sustaining. Dairy pro- sheep and not goats. When Pygoras Crossbreeds have been developed duction meets dietary needs while are in full fleece, they look like woo- in recent years; the Pygora and Nig- goats produce cashgora-grade fleece ly sheep. The fiber is soft and blends ora are becoming more widely seen. that can be marketed to fiber artists. beautifully with other wool. Pygoras are bred from an Angora and In addition to pairing Angora and a Pygmy goat while the Nigora is a Nigerian Dwarf breeds, other breed- FIBER GOAT BREEDS cross of Angora and Nigerian Dwarf ing pairs are acceptable Nigoras, in- The Angora is perhaps the most com- breeds. Both result from careful breed- cluding the mini Swiss dairy goat. mon fiber-producing goat. Surpris- ing practices, ensuring the best qual- Breed standards specify: The goats ingly, fiber called Angora is only from ities of each parent breed came forth. must fall between 19 and 29 inches Angora rabbits; fiber from the Angora Katherine Jorgenson first bred Py- tall and be of good temperament. goat is called mohair. Angora goats gora goats in the early 1980s in the Pa- They should show no signs of faint- originated in Turkey and are produc- cific Northwest. She sought to achieve ing, indicating crosses with Myotonic tive fiber growers, yielding from 8 to 16 the quality of Angora mohair with the goats. Other qualifying characteris- pounds of lustrous mohair each year. coloring of registered Pygmy goats. tics pertain to ear size and shape and Large but not the largest, they range The trademarked term Pygora fiber to lack of fleece.

18 GOAT JOURNAL, november/december 2017 GOAT FIBER CARING FOR FIBER- CHARACTERISTICS PRODUCING GOATS Mohair is graded using micron Goats of all types require food, fresh counts. The soft, fine grade normally water, forage or hay, and proper vita- found in kid mohair is sought-after min and mineral supplements. Grain by fiber artists. A kid’s first shearing must be low in copper content, as cop- often yields less than that of an adult. per is toxic to all fiber-producing ani- Cashgora or Type B fleece beau- mals. We researched and found a grain tifully mixes characteristics of true formula, with very low copper, that Ace, Janet’s Pygora buck. Angora fiber and cashmere from can be used for a mixed herd of sheep Type C goats. Cashmere-grade fiber and goats. Research grain formulas terests. Angoras, and those fiber breed should be 19 microns or less. and mineral supplements before buy- goats that are Type A or heavy Ango- Cashmere is a qualification of goat ing for your fiber-producing goats. ra, cannot shed their coats. If they are fiber and not a true breed of goat. Purchasing minerals designated safe not sheared or clipped, fiber can felt to In fact, cashmere-producing goats for sheep has been our farm’s method. the body and become worthless. Type can change from year to year be- B and C fiber goats will shed fully or tween Types B and C. Commercial partially. The downside is that they cashmere operations often include One specific need will rub on fences and anything else, various breeds that grow a cash- of fiber goats is a grain ruining your fiber harvest. It’s best to mere-grade downy undercoat, such keep a close eye on coats and plan to as Spanish Boer. The low amount with low copper content, sheer twice yearly. With Type C goats, produced per animal makes cash- as copper is toxic some people prefer to comb the fiber mere expensive: goats normally off as it begins to release. produce ounces year. Contrast that to all fiber-producing Our fiber flock grew to include with pounds of fiber and yards of animals. sheep from four breeds. Blending yarn, from Angora goats, or wool wool with Pygora fiber gives us a from sheep. farm-blend yarn with incredible soft- Mohair can have guard hairs Housing creates a bigger concern ness and sheen. I am glad I chose to mixed in, but Type A mohair has for fiber-producing goats; they will start our fiber farm with goats. Their the least amount of guard hair. chill quicker than other goat breeds. smaller size and curious disposition These hairs have to be removed This is particularly true for Angora was easier to handle. Sheep are more from any classification in order to and Type A Pygora goats. suspicious creatures by nature and re- get a good fiber product. Picking As with any goat, proper care, in- quire different handling techniques. them out is often done by hand be- cluding vaccines and routine health Goats may be just what you are look- cause, though machines can de-hair checkups, is recommended. A good ing for if you are interested in starting fleece, mohair fiber is often too fine parasite prevention program will a small fiber production business.r for the machine. help keep your flock healthy and thriving. While goats are normally ABOUT JANET GARMAN Our family has WHAT CAN YOU DO easy to raise, fiber goats require more raised Pygora goats for many years. The WITH GOAT FIBER maintenance. Good observation, farm is home to sheep, pigs and many spe- Like sheep wool, goat fiber can be catching problems early, leads to the cies of poultry. In the past, we have kept used alone or blended with wool or best outcomes. Hoof care is neces- beef cattle. I can’t tell you a favorite farm an- Angora rabbit fiber. Roving is made sary in all goats. You might find that imal because I love them all. Creating beau- from cleaned fiber then spun into fiber-producing goats require hoof tiful yarn from our well-loved wool and fiber yarn. Mohair can also be used in trims more often than other breeds. animals is a passion and dream of mine. You wet or needle felting projects or can These goats require twice-yearly can find our yarns for sale on Etsy under be woven. shearing for fiber and the goats’ best in- Timber Creek Farm.

WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 19 feature :: pack goats

PACKING QUITE A

Goats Go Where Horses Fear to Tread by THERESA MILLER

turned off the highway at the small green and white sign that read Pack Idaho. Erv and Teri Crowther run theI small organic farm that supplies Photos by Marc Warnke of packgoats.com my neighborhood convenience store with raw cow milk and the best yogurt I’ve ever tasted. I didn’t less-maintained trails than other have extensive pastureland. You come for milk or produce, though. I stock animals. They have less im- can fit several goats in the back of a came to meet the goats. pact on the environment than oth- pickup truck so they don’t require Furry heads butted under my er pack animals. Goats eat a vari- a horse trailer. hands; the wethers demanded to be ety of plants and weeds and thus Goats make great hunting com- pet. As the goats crowded around, don’t overgraze. Even their poop panions. The smell of blood and Teri introduced everyone. “Watch resembles rabbit or deer drop- wild game doesn’t bother them. out for Willie,” Teri said with a pings. A well-trained goat doesn’t They don’t bolt from the scent of laugh. “He’s a butt rubber.” As if on have to be led. Whereas a llama predatory animals the way horses cue, the goat sidled against me and sometimes needs to be dragged do. Erv and Teri were packing with rubbed his head against my butt. and a horse, if it gets away, can run their goats when he heard the lead Luckily, he was dehorned and my all the way back to the trailhead, goat give a warning noise. He looked backside survived the experience. a goat wants nothing more than back in time to see a mountain lion, The Crowthers use these goats to stay with their human. You are on a rock outcropping, take a swipe to pack gear for camping, hunt- their alpha and they will follow at the goat. Erv managed to scare ing and trail maintenance into the you anywhere. the mountain lion off before anyone, Rocky Mountains. We are more ac- Goats are also a lower cost op- human or goat, got hurt. Once the customed to mules, donkeys and tion for people wanting to try out danger was gone, the string of goats even llamas as pack animals but packing with an animal. The cost calmly resumed walking. pack goats are gaining popularity per animal to feed, house and care The downside to packing with in the United States. Goats are well for goats is less than 20% of that goats is their size. They can’t make suited to the high country. Their per horse or mule. They require as many miles a day as bigger ani- surefooted nature makes them able less space, so you can start with a mals and they can’t carry as much to navigate steeper, rougher and couple of goats even if you don’t gear. A full-sized, well-trained pack

20 GOAT JOURNAL, november/december 2017 Training starts very young. There A good pack goat should be at least 34” at are soft, lightweight training pan- the withers and at least 200 pounds. It should niers you can put on your kid as you lead them around the pasture. have a flat back from withers to loin. Now you are ready for the single most important thing a pack goat needs: conditioning. You can’t take goat can carry between 50 and 70 Decide what personality traits a fat, out-of-shape human, put a pounds. A horse, under the same are important to you. Some breeds heavy pack on him, put him on a conditions, can carry 200 pounds. of goats “talk” more than others. If trail at 9,000 feet and expect him The Crowthers’ goats are all an you are looking for a companion, not to be gasping and wheezing af- Alpine-Saanen mix. They have this could be good thing; if you ter a few feet. It is no different with packed with Toggenburgs in the are hunting it might not be. Some a goat. If you take an out-of-shape past but found them to be too breeds are known to take to cross- pasture goat up there, he’s going to smart. There is no clear consensus ing water better. Some are more make it about half a mile then lie on what breeds are best for pack- wary and alert for predators. If you down in the middle of the trail and ing; you should research breeds to have a chance to observe the kid be- refuse to get up. find qualities that are most import- fore you buy, get one that is bright- The future of packing with goats ant to you. It’s a good idea to talk eyed and follows you around. into the high country is unclear. I to a qualified breeder that under- stands goat packing. What you want in a good pack goat boils down to five things: size, conformation, personality, conditioning, and training. Of these, conditioning and training are the most important and can make up for deficiencies in size and conformation. Conformation is the combined structural correctness and muscu- lature, including frame and shape. A good pack goat should be at least 34” at the withers and at least 200 pounds. It should have a flat back from withers to loin. The cannon bone should be half the length of the upper leg. The goat should be wide across shoulders, and legs should track reasonably straight. It should have good bone size in its legs and feet. Some hockiness is good in a pack goat if you are going GET GOING WITH PACK GOATS! to be taking it into mountainous ar- Basics: PackGoats.com eas; hockiness is a tendency for the Reading: The Pack Goat or Practical Goatpacking hocks of the hind legs to turn in- Meet up with other Goat Packers: Napga.org ward. This makes a goat more agile on rocks.

WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 21 feature :: pack goats American Dairy Goat Association spoke with Marc Warnke, an active member of North American Pack- goat Association (NAPgA) and wishes you owner of packgoats.com. The Sho- shone National Forest is consider- ing changes to their forest management plan aimed at banning pack goats in core bighorn sheep habitat. Happy Holidays Pack goat enthusiasts like Marc are worried that if the Forest Ser- vice bans access in that area, other Member Beneﬁts national forests will follow suit. “None of it is based in accurate sci- Pedigree records, online services, reduced ence,” Marc told me. “It’s all based fees, performance programs, linear on fear and just trying to blanketly eliminate any potential risk versus appraisal eligibility, dairy herd what we would call reasonable risk. improvement eligibility, scholarship If you access the NAPgA website eligibility, par�cipa�on in �� sanc�oned and do any research on the infor- shows and more: go.adga.org/gj-beneﬁts mation NAPgA is putting out, it is very, very clear that pack goats don’t present a reasonable risk to wild sheep populations. It’s really unfortunate the direction they are Photos by Marc Warnke trying to go with it.” of packgoats.com According to Marc, if you want to get started packing with goats, all you need is a collar, a leash, a sad- dle (which is called a sawbuck) and some panniers. You will also need a baby goat and some time. Goats very difficult to convert an adult into this advice: “I’ve trained everything can’t pack heavy weight until they a packer. You really need to start with from dogs to horses. Goats are one are almost four years. However, it is babies. As for the training, Marc has of the softest animals to train. They need to be trained with love. You can never be heavy-handed with them. It just doesn’t work. It’s not a functional disciplinary tool. All you have to do is yell at a goat and he’s torn for hours. I wish more people didn’t think they were so tough and beat-uppable.” The secret life of the pack goat is getting less secret every day. For enthusiasts, breeders and businesses like Marc’s and the Crowthers’, the pack goat carries its own weight as an asset to hunters, campers and outfitters.r Membership Online: go.adga.org/gj-membership Membership 22 GOAT JOURNAL, november/december 2017

Membership Online: go.adga.org/gj-membership

shows and more: go.adga.org/gj-beneﬁts

eligibility, par�cipa�on in �� sanc�oned

improvement eligibility, scholarship

appraisal eligibility, dairy herd

fees, performance programs, linear

Pedigree records, online services, reduced

Member Beneﬁts

Happy Holidays

wishes you American Dairy Goat Association American Dairy Goat Association Association Goat Dairy American wishes you you wishes Happy Holidays ys Holida Happy

Member Benefits Benefits Member Pedigree records, online services, reduced reduced services, online records, digree Pe fees, performance programs, linear linear programs, performance es, fe appraisal eligibility, dairy herd herd dairy y, eligibilit appraisal improvement eligibility, scholarship scholarship eligibility, ement ov impr eligibility, par�cipa�on in �� sanc�oned sanc�oned �� in par�cipa�on eligibility, shows and more: go.adga.org/gj-benefits gj-benefits g/ .adga.or go more: and ws sho Membership Online: go.adga.org/gj-membership Membership WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 23 Online: go.adga.org/gj-membership Membership

Membership Online: go.adga.org/gj-membership

shows and more: go.adga.org/gj-beneﬁts

eligibility, par�cipa�on in �� sanc�oned

improvement eligibility, scholarship

appraisal eligibility, dairy herd

fees, performance programs, linear

Pedigree records, online services, reduced

Member Beneﬁts

Happy Holidays

wishes you American Dairy Goat Association photo essay :: utility goat show

A Day at the Fair

airy Goat Journal had the opportunity to spon- D sor the Junior Utility Goat Show at the Boulder Coun- ty Fair in Longmont, Colorado. This was the third year that utility goats had a separate show and was open to all breeds of goats – dairy, meat, and fiber. In addition to showmanship and conformation judging, the high- light was the utility goat obstacle course. Designed to simulate an overnight pack goat excursion, this event proved which youth had spent training time with their goats. Exhibitors were judged on Dairy Goat Journal was a proud sponsor of the Boulder County Fair held in Longmont, Colorado on August 1st – 6th. below: Melanie Bohren instructs how well they led the goat and 4H-ers through one of the obstacle courses. how they fit the pack to the animal. The animal was judged on its willingness, calmness, and atti- tude toward unfamiliar situations and carrying the pack. The course consisted of eight obstacles, and three attempts at each obstacle were allowed. Points were awarded for each obstacle successfully completed. Treats were allowed for persuasion pur- poses but did carry a penalty of a slight point deduction. And while the course was timed, the final time was only used as a tie breaker. A different baby obstacle course was designed for goats under six months of age. The goats were judged on their willingness to be led, ability to stop, tolerance of being touched by the judge, and willingness to trot. r

24 GOAT JOURNAL, november/december 2017 top: The utility goat obstacle course simulated a pack goat camping expedition, complete with mountains, waterfalls, and stream crossings. left: Nora Ditzel navigates the bridge crossing. Three items had to be placed in the pack while the goat was ground tied, with the added element of standing on a bridge. right: Holly Harroun completes the final feat on the course, through the campsite laden with tempting s’mores ingredients.

WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 25 photo essay :: utility goat show

above: Alicia Bohren successfully navigates the teeter-totter. Goats are not fond of getting their feet wet, and the water crossing proved to be the biggest challenge on the course. Daniel Ford (top) and Liz French (right) attempt to coax their animals across.

26 GOAT JOURNAL, november/december 2017 far left: Soccer anyone? Rhyse Campion attempts to have her baby Angora kick the baby obstacle course. top: The final event of the day was demon- strating skills with a goat cart, shown here by Amber Olson and rider Nora Ditzel. left: Utility goat judge Jennifer Crismon quizzes Quinn Brandon as part of showmanship. bottom: Conformation judging included consideration of the goat to serve as a successful pack or cart animal. Utility goats must be strong and agile, suitable for hiking, packing or driving.

This was the first year that utility goats had a separate show.

WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 27 goats & goat owners

Growing Kids Through the 4-H Goat Program

by KATE JOHNSON

oats are a little like po- even a great, great granddaughter most cherished week of the year in tato chips; you really of that very first doe. Plus, I’m now our circles, and there’s just noth- G can’t stop with just one! a leader for a 4-H goat club and ing quite like it. It’s a week of hard They’re kind of addictive that way. a superintendent for our county work, long hours, amazing cama- If you’re raising dairy goats, not fair. I guess you could say I “goat” raderie, newfound independence, only do you keep one doe for many, hooked! wins, losses, and memories that many years, but she has kids, and But more than the joy and satisfac- will last a lifetime. We just wrapped her kids have kids. Pretty soon, tion of raising goats is the fun and up our latest fair and I’d like to you have a whole herd. That’s what inspiration I’ve found by watch- share Fair Week with you through happened to our family when we ing my daughters and the fami- the eyes of one of our youth partici- started on our goat journey almost lies in our 4-H program as they’ve pants and her mom. 10 years ago with a single doe and grown through their involvement Meet Holly Harroun. Holly companion wether. Now I have the with goats, especially at the coun- has been showing goats with the daughters, granddaughters, and ty fair. “Fair Week” is probably the Boulder County 4-H program for 8 years, but she’s not your typical 4-H youth. Holly doesn’t live on a farm. When I met her, she was in 4th grade and lived half time with her mom and siblings in an apart- ment in the small town of Long- mont, Colorado. The other half she spent in a nearby house with her dad. She had two dogs and a cat and that’s as far about as her involvement with animals went. But she was my youngest daughter’s best friend, and we had recently moved to a small rural property, so

Holly when I decided to get my own girls Harroun involved in 4-H, I invited Holly to with her come along for the ride. wether, The two younger girls started Loki Joe. with a sewing project while my Photo older daughter participated in the by Teri Harroun dairy goat project that first year. But goats are infectious, and soon both younger girls wanted in on

28 GOAT JOURNAL, november/december 2017 left Holly with her first goat, Loki in 2010. above Holly and Loki at one of their first goat clinics. Photos by Teri Harroun

one class at our dairy goat show. Eventually we decided they needed a bigger job and a way to be more involved at the fair. So, we started the fun. So, we got them each a Ni- with her goats. And soon the bond adding obstacle courses to the mix, gerian Dwarf wether. They were off between them was a strong one. and eventually cart classes. Before and running! As they learned more In our county’s 4-H program, we we knew it, we had over 50 wethers about taking care of and show- historically had 3 different goat competing and the fair organizers ing their goats, they decided they projects that youth could partici- decided to give us our own show. each wanted to get a dairy doe. pate in: dairy goats, market goats Hence the Utility Goat Program My daughter got a Nigerian Dwarf and fiber goats. We chose the dairy was born! and Holly got a Nubian of her own. goat project because we didn’t want Many of the kids in our program, And soon that doe had kids and, to have to sell our goats to market like Holly, started with a wether, well, the rest of the story just sort of at the end of fair. And, as you know, then got a doe and then the doe unfolded on its own. you breed your dairy goats year af- had kids and they ended up with 3 Holly will tell you that one of ter year to keep them in milk, so or 4 (or more) goats of their own. the biggest challenges of doing a eventually you have babies and So, with the addition of the Utili- 4-H goat project, when you don’t they have babies. The doe babies ty Goat Show, kids can now show live on the farm where your goats are the coveted ones, so what to their dairy does at the Dairy Goat live, is finding enough time to work do with all those boys? We found Show and then have a whole sepa- with them and learn all you need that castrated males (wethers) were rate day when they can show their to for the project. “I have to make a great “introduction” to the dairy wethers or dry does over 2 years more time to spend time with my goat world for many youth like my of age. This year we had 35 kids goats, to bond with them, so they’re daughter and Holly because they showing 66 goats at the Utility Goat willing to cooperate with me to do are less expensive, don’t need as Show! Our fair even decided to get obstacles, lift their feet and so on,” much to eat and are a fun way to in on the goat yoga trend this year, says Holly. So, each week, she spent learn about goatkeeping without adding a class at the beginning and several hours at our farm doing quite as much work and time com- at the end of the fair as a fundraiser barn chores and just hanging out mitment. But the wethers only had for the 4-H program. r

WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 29 goats & goat owners

HERE’S HOW OUR WEEK AT THE FAIR LOOKED THIS YEAR

photos by KATE AND BRIAN JOHNSON and TERI HARROUN

day 1: Goats & Galore 4-H Club walking at the County Fair parade.

day 2: Humans and kids at Goat Yoga.

day 3: Check in other dairy and utility goats and milk does that evening. Holly getting Luna clipped and cleaned.

day 6: Holly shows Loki at the Utility day 4: The Dairy Goat Show! Goat Show.

day 5: Parade of Dairy Goat day 7: Large Animal Round Breeds, an educational Robin for the first and exhibition to promote dairy second place winners goats to the public. in showmanship in dairy goats, market goats, sheep, pigs, dairy cows, market cows and horse.

day 8: Holly showing a rabbit at the day 9: More Goat Yoga, Goat Small Animal Costume Class, Novice Goat Show Round Robin. and then home!

30 GOAT JOURNAL, november/december 2017 WHAT IS THE best program, as she has involvement in the thing about showing “aged out,” meaning 4-H goat program. goats with 4-H? she was 18 before Dec. And what has Holly’s According to Holly, 31st this year. She just mom thought about her “My favorite thing graduated from high daughter’s involvement is the camaraderie school and is leaving in 4-H and with goats all within my 4-H club. this fall to major in these years? We always help each biology at Colorado other out. I also really State University. enjoy helping the She eventually Holly with younger kids learn to hopes to attend an award at her show their goats.” veterinary school, a final 4-H show. This was Holly’s career goal that was Photo by final year in the 4-H solidified through her Kate Johnson

“I think 4-H was amazing,” says Teri Harroun. (Holly’s mom) “It connected Holly to her own spirit and passion. It was never a phase. I cannot remember one time when she complained or moaned about going to 4-H or going to the farm for chores. I have been most impressed with how the leaders, other parents, and most especially the veterinarians that work with these youth always treat Holly like she is competent and capable. Raising animals requires huge commitment and responsibility, and the consistent expectation that she was expected to rise up to; that commitment and responsibility encouraged her to do just that. The confidence that was nurtured in her through 4-H is part of her whole self, now.”

WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 31 goats & goat owners

Reading Goats’ Minds

by TAMSIN COOPER

e’ve had to learn to be smart, to stay one step W ahead of probing muz- zles and fiddling lips that find their way into food bins or out of pens. We, their handlers, know how smart goats are. But do we think goat-wise, understanding caprine minds: how they see their environment and us, how they learn, how learning can affect their future experience, and how their experience affects their health and production? To this end, researchers continue to delve into the minds of Goats goats, how they are affected by the relax when production environment, and how groomed they see us and interact with us. by humans. In 2017, we have seen published Photo by results of studies into cognition, hu- Tamsin Cooper man-goat relationships, reproduc- tive behavior and reaction to intensive conditions. Knowledge of the goats’ perspective enables us to de- viduals differ in their understand- to locate treats rather than rely on sign goat-friendly accommodation ing of the world. Some seek food in bowl position. Goats that explore and tailor our procedures and han- places where they’ve been success- less are better at tracking hidden dling techniques to reduce stress. ful before, while others go by the objects when they are moved, pos- Enjoyable, stress-free living will color or shape of food containers. sibly due to their calmer, observa- optimize the health and production Some learn more by investigating tional manner. of our animals—and us too! and others by watching. These per- Goats have shown that they can sonal differences have been found learn unusual tasks, even choosing WHAT MATTERS to be linked to personality types. abstract symbols to request a drink of TO GOATS Less sociable goats were better at water at the German research center. We know that goats are curious and finding food hidden in cups of dif- They can even restrain their natural quickly learn the best way to get ferent colors, perhaps because they urge to go for food seen through a bar- treats. We’ve heard that they have worried less about their absent rier after learning the correct route to long memories. This year, research- pen-mates. These goats tended to access the treat. Even so, many goats ers in London, described how indi- use shape and color of feed bowl still let their belly rule their head!

32 GOAT JOURNAL, november/december 2017 French goats paid more attention reproduction found an active buck when they saw the photographed face can even encourage does to per- form sexual displays out of season, of a familiar goat in an unpleasant whether they have had previous situation than when they saw that sexual experience or not. Kids need mothers’ milk, but of a relaxed, contented companion. dams too have their needs: ade- quate nutrition and a release from the physical drain of feeding grow- Goats may appear to have one- of a familiar goat in an unpleasant ing young. As newborns natural- track minds, but they devote a lot situation than when they saw that ly hide, it had been thought that of thought to social issues, too. of a relaxed, contented companion. they may feed less during the first London researchers found that They also paid more attention to week. However, Mexican research- goats recognized the voices of certain individuals’ pictures, and ers found that kids penned with their close friends and looked at Alpines looked more at the photo- their dam suckled most during their pen-mate when they heard graphs than Saanens. the first week, when their dam the sound of their bleat. If there is Scent, of course, is an important rarely prevented them. After two a less familiar goat present when social signal for goats, especially weeks, dams increasingly rejected they heard an unknown bleat, they during the breeding season. Buck or interrupted suckling sessions, looked at the lesser-known indi- scent is attractive to does, and has marking the start of a very gradual vidual, showing that they inferred also been found by New Jersey re- weaning process. Previous studies this goat made the call. searchers to encourage male viril- had shown that kids’ eagerness en- They are sensitive to herd-mates’ ity. By urinating on his beard and sured them a steady milk supply, facial expressions, too. French face, a buck increases his own tes- and natural weaning began in ear- goats paid more attention when tosterone levels as well as enticing nest at 6–7 weeks old, as kids’ in- they saw the photographed face females. A Mexican team studying take of solid food increased. Con-

Dwarf goats at the FBN research site in Germany. Photo by Nordlicht/FBN

WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 33 goats & goat owners

should help us to communicate effectively with them, which allows us to manage them smoothly.

HOW GOATS REACT TO INTENSIVE SYSTEMS Just a subtle change in human behavior can affect goats in ways that we may not envisage, unless we think goat-wise. This may affect goats in confined systems even more than those at range: firstly, because they may have less regular contact with humans, and second- ly because they are less able to run from stressful situations. Several studies have already addressed the effect of confinement, sterile environments and lack of Goats enjoy tricky climbing tasks. Photo by Tamsin Cooper space on goat behavior, and how to alleviate stress through good hous- tact between dam and kids helped sistently chose humans who were ing design and social conditions. to maintain a high milk produc- watching rather than others who Swiss ruminant housing specialists tion, and early separation can have were looking away. This obser- recommend that feeding shelves the effect of reducing yield. vation gave rise to a series of tri- should be raised at least 10 cm (4 in) als to ascertain how goats chose a from the level of the front hooves WHAT GOATS human assistant. Goats approach to allow comfortable access. This THINK OF US humans from the front when they corresponds well to goats’ natural There was a focus this year on how want our attention, but are not grazing height and should avoid goats interpret human appearance concerned whether the human is goats kneeling to feed. An Indian and behavior and how they interact looking away. This might be be- study of kids in different pen siz- with us. Handling is an important cause goats have lateral eyes and es confirms that larger stalls allow part of stress management and can can see well to the side as well as more comfort and healthy activity make all the difference when we are the front. They probably don’t re- and reduce fighting. Mexican kids obliged to carry out procedures like alize that we have poor peripheral in enriched stalls showed fewer healthcare and transportation. vision. They prefer to approach a signs of stress. We’ve seen how goats learn new human whose eyes are open and Studies will continue to investigate tricks by doing what we do, and whose head is not obscured, so ap- how mental and physical comfort this has been replicated in a scien- pear to realize our requirements to can be achieved in indoor and out- tific environment by researchers in see. However, a partially obscured door systems, as happy goats mean a London. Goats learned quicker to face did not seem to deter them, healthy and productive herd. r go around a barrier to get to food and the location of hands did not after watching a human do it. influence them. It seems they aim For a list of resources used for this The same team demonstrated to gain our visual attention rather story, visit us at Countryside Network: how goats came to a human ob- than going straight to our hands to countrysidenetwork.com/daily/live- server for help accessing a treat in check for treats. stock/goats/are-goats-smart-reading- a closed container. The goats con- Knowing how goats see us goats-minds/

34 GOAT JOURNAL, november/december 2017 dairy goats

The Delicious Legacy of Goat Lady Dairy

by AMY G. HADACHEK

Exterior of Goat Lady Dairy in Climax, North Carolina. Photo by Dan Routh Photography

“devil-may-care” entrepre- GINNIE’S VISION for 23 years in Minneapolis. “In 1984, neur traveled with goats in “My sister Ginnie raised goats from Ginnie got a really good job as a nurse A her Ford pickup to find land. 1984 to 1995 as a hobby,” relayed in Greensboro, North Carolina, and Ginnie Tate birthed Goat Lady Dairy Steve Tate, Ginnie’s brother, “making decided she wanted to get back on the in the mid-1990s in Climax, North some cheese and giving it away to farm,” said Tate. Carolina. When she passed away, friends and others who were restau- She fell in love with goats—and she passed her dream to her brother. rant owners.” they with her. The legacy is now transitioning with Tate and Ginnie grew up on a corn “The neighbors nicknamed her ‘the a new owner, and partnering with farm in Illinois. Ginnie became a Goat Lady,’” Tate recalled. “You’d see three other area dairies, through a for- nurse in Chicago while Tate worked this truck with goats in the front seat, ward-thinking business plan. as a marriage and family therapist and you’d see these goats first and

WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 35 dairy goats

Ginnie had a vision. She met with the North Carolina State University extension office and asked if she should grow a goat dairy in Randolph County.

The aging room for Lindale: raw cow milk gouda. Photo by Dan Routh Photography she’d stop week after week and ask She attended meetings and connect- SBTDC analyzed their business someone, ‘Do you know of any land ed with women from dairies in Cali- and developed a strategic plan. The to buy?’” fornia, Vermont, and Kentucky. only way to succeed was to grow Ginnie had a vision. She met with Ginnie kept her nursing job but the creamery and make it viable for the North Carolina State Universi- encouraged Tate and his wife, Lee, younger, future owners. ty extension office and asked if she to join her. Tate, Lee, and their two “If we hadn’t done that, we should grow a goat dairy in Ran- sons joined Ginnie in 1995 and would’ve had to retire and turn it off.” dolph County. took the dairy from a hobby farm Tate adjusted their business mod- Tate said, “Every single one of to one of North Carolina’s first li- el and sold it to a younger em- them laughed and said, ‘Crazy idea. censed dairies. ployee, Carrie Bradds, who had Don’t do it! This is central North worked at their creamery for over Carolina, and nobody will want GINNIE’S DREAM LIVES ON 20 years. At the same time, they goat cheese.’” Ginnie passed away in 2009. That’s created relationships with three But Ginnie was intent. People had when the Tates began reinventing area partner farms. They needed a said the same thing about winemak- the goat farm. much larger cheese room but didn’t ing in the US: that good wine only Tate noted how many farms falter have room to expand both goats came from Europe. But US wine- because farmers don’t plan for the and the creamery. Partnering with makers had the right soil and cli- last chapter. “So, we hooked up with an organic cow dairy in 2012, they mate for success. Ginnie believed a special organization, The Small moved their 70-goat herd 20 miles the same could be true for cheese. Business Technology and Devel- away. Lindale Organic Dairy now North Carolina had a lot of growth, opment Center (SBTDC), a part of provides their fresh goat milk and and Ginnie felt people in the city had the Small Business Administration. the herd has grown to 300 goats. sophisticated taste and would want The SBTDC provides free business Williams Dairy supplies fresh cow the cheese. At the same time that coaching across the country, which milk and Tate obtains frozen curd Ginnie was starting the “little hob- is an excellent resource. Their goal from Holly Grove Farms. by farm,” there were others, mostly is to start and maintain businesses; Tate’s operation enclosed a large women, operating well-known arti- it doesn’t matter what type of busi- milking barn for the creamery. Now san goat dairies across the country. ness it is.” the cheese room has four times as

36 GOAT JOURNAL, november/december 2017 much capacity and, since 2012, has with and the second kind, you get to DINNER AT THE DAIRY doubled production. pick. I worked with Ginnie, and this “Our mission statement is: ‘when you would make her so happy, if she knew change a person’s relationship to their PLANNING AHEAD about this.” food, you change them and the world, Tate is thrilled to sell to longtime She buys milk from Lindale Farms together,” said Tate. friends and employees Carrie and Bob- each week, sometimes every other An on-farm dining adventure called by Bradds. “They’ve grown up in the day. When goats go dry from De- Dinner at the Dairy is open to the pub- business and they’re the best people cember to March, they freeze curd lic monthly, in spring and fall, at Goat to take it,” says Tate. Back in the early to use later. Bobby makes 90% of the Lady Dairy. There’s a farm tour and a days, Carrie washed dishes for Ginnie. fresh chèvre and bloomy-rinded and gourmet meal served in the post-and- “She was our only employee for a long aged cheese. There’s a raw cow milk beam solar dining room of the dairy time and now she’s the owner.” Gouda named Lindale and an aged barn. These events take the place of He officially signed the business natural-rind goat milk cheese named individual tours that can be time-con- over to Carrie Bradds on May 23, Providence. Carrie explains, “Once suming on their working farm. 2017. Carrie’s husband Bobby is the the cheese comes here to be mixed, I They’ve offered the dinners since lead cheese-maker, and they have have a crew of four in their twenties, 1995. It is easy to reserve seating on three additional employees. and that young crew busts out and the website: www.goatladydairy.com/. Tate and Lee moved into Ginnie’s gets the fresh cheeses made, packaged Three chefs and five wait people house right across the road, then Car- and ready to go out the door.” work Friday and Saturday nights rie and Bobby moved to the dairy Goat Lady Dairy ships wholesale, in spring and fall. Sometimes, cus- farm. Lee, who was herd manager un- with seven distributors who stop at tomers drive up to three hours. “We til the goats moved to Lindale, is now the dairy weekly. They sell to stores, start with the farm tour,” Tate says, a backpacker and hiker. Tate will help restaurants and customers regionally “and tell people the same story that the Bradds with sales and marketing and across the country. I’m telling you.” for the next couple years, to assist with the transition. “I like this part,” he said as he traveled to Denver, Colorado for the annual American Cheese Society’s festival. “We’ve been to San Francis- co, New York City, Texas; we travel around and promote the product.”

NEW OWNER, LONGTIME EMPLOYEE Carrie Bradds says her new chapter is almost coming full circle. She started 21 years ago, as a dishwasher for a dinner event that now seats twice as many guests. “It was a long process, deciding to buy the dairy. My husband and I went back and forth about it. We did it mainly for our grandkids so they have something that’s theirs. This will be a legacy to pass on.” As Carrie’s philosophy goes, “You get two kinds Carrie Bradds (left), Bobby Bradds, and Morgan Cook working in the Wrap of family: the first kind, you’re born and Pack room. Photo by Dan Routh Photography

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FREE 30-Day Trial www.goprofitsource.com 888-597-2977 PO Box563,Merril, WI 54452 “This is our own display of GLD (Goat Lady Dairy) products. These are all our own cheeses and our own awards.” – Steve Tate. Photos by Dan Routh Photography

pure cymk red 0 99.22 100 0

WINNING AWARDS At the 2017 American Cheese Society competition in Denver, Steve and Bobby won awards Penetrates deep into the for Lindale, Providence, and Fig hoof to attack hoof rot, foot and Honey spreadable chèvre. rot, fouls, and foot scald in sheep, goats, cattle, and They won three ribbons the pre- dairy cows. Quick response, vious year for Smoky Mountain rapid loss of lameness. No round, Providence, and a roast- discoloration, hardening, ed red pepper fresh chèvre. They shrinkage or brittling of the enjoy working with international hoof. Non-toxic. Won’t stain cheese consultant Neville Mc- wool or hair. No residues, no withholding. Naughton, who has consulted Goat Lady Dairy since 1998. “Looking back,” recalled Tate, Packaged In: • 16 oz. Squeeze bottle “Ginnie and those other women • 1 gallon jug were pioneers.” • 26 lb. Powder Concentrate With the spirit for artisan for foot bath foods and handmade products, they passed on energy for be- lieving in one’s unique gifts in life. Ginnie’s ambition, her drive See the difference and the fruition of her dream, creates desire for others to meld HoPorofve‘Nn"DeHPeNDeabelelS" SMiNCe 1a926k. es! their plans into reachable goals and make a difference. r

For more details on the American Cheese Society, show, see page 48 in this issue of Goat Journal. Learn more about cheese consultant Nev- 121 Main Street Morris, NY 13808 ille McLoughlan in the September/ 607-263-5145 •www.drnaylor.com October issue.

38 GOAT JOURNAL, november/december 2017 THE PERFECT GIFT Goatoat Dairyingairying is on thethe rise! THIS SEASON. LoLookingokingfoforgr grereatatveventure?ture? WaWantntttoobuybuy qualiqualittyyggoats?oats? BUY THEIR 11 Over 800 animals GIFT expected TODAY! Newest Innovation in Power Hoof Trimming Lever Action CENTRALSTATESDAIRY GOAT Paddle Switch PRODUCTION SALE Tuesday, Nov14, 2017 Washington Co Fairgrds - 2225 250th St,Washington IA 52353 High Production, Registered &GradedYoung DairyBucks,Does &Doelings TopGenetics Represented-Past SaleshaveattractedBuyers Nationwide Vendors On Site:GoatHandling&Feed Equipmt, Bucket Milkers, Milk /Cheese/Feed Reps -Booths Avail$15/space Formerly Electric Hoof Knife Consignments Accepted up to Date Of Sale -Catalog Deadline Oct14 MyBossTools.com FREE Auction Catalog :csgoatsale.com Butch Sowers: 515-209-9265 [email protected] FoxAuction: 660-341-1453 foxauctionservice.com 877-320-8203 Auction Committee 2692 540th St,Kalona IA 52247 319-679-9744 vm

WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 39 dairy goats

She Can’t Stand It!

Milk & Grooming Stand Woes

by KATHERINE DROVDAHL, mh cr ca diphir ceit Qtp

h man! Who hasn’t expe- small enough to easily fit rienced the skin-nourish- between their legs with- O ing beauty of milk sloshed out bumping. I like mini on their face and lap while trying to buckets for this reason. hand milk or strip a goat? If you have Goats are creatures of not yet experienced dancing goat fe- routine. They feel safe ver, then you simply haven’t worked and confident from be- with milkers long enough. Your op- ing handled at about the portunity is coming! same times (especial- We are going to look at several ly for milking), by the common causes of behavior issues same people and in the on the stand so that your and their same environment. As experiences can be enjoyable rather a prey animal, they no- than challenging. tice everything around First, we need to look at the milk them and can get inse- stand itself. The stand needs to be on cure because their abili- a flat surface that it will not rock or ty to escape a perceived move when your goat jumps up on threat is blocked when it. It also should have some type of they are locked into the non-slip surface in case the goat’s feet stand. New or sudden Kat milking with Johanna in her lap. are wet. Periodically check all of the noises, or fast move- Photo courtesy Kat Drovdahl fasteners, nuts and bolts on the stand ments by children, dogs if applicable and tighten them so that or even hand-raised baby goats they tom of their grain feeder so that, once stand doesn’t get shaky or, worse yet, aren’t used to, can cause them to jig. they are through their grain, they still fall apart with a goat on it. A tiny bit A goat next to them, picking on them, have kelp to work on. In addition, we of fingernail polish on bolt threads, can also be a problem. For that rea- load no more than two or three goats just before bolting, will help them not son, we attach small plywood pieces per person or equipment milking loosen up but can still be undone with between stands to keep faces where onto stands; otherwise we can’t fin- tools. Carefully run your hands down they belong. We also milk or do man- ish before they are done eating. Also, the neck rails and carefully look over agement in a room or area the goats watch for moldy or problematic feed the platform and feed tray/equip- are used to that also is unlikely to or mold on unclean feeders, which ment. You are looking for sharp edges have new distractions. will shorten their eating time. and protrusions that could cause your When “interviewing” my girls, they You have one opportunity to make barn buddy pain or injury. Fix any also ranked boredom pretty high on a good milk/grooming stand experi- deficiencies before you load a goat. their list of reasons to misbehave. I al- ence with your goat or kids! For this Make sure any milk bucket you use is ways keep herb mixed kelp at the bot- reason, we do not disbud, castrate,

40 GOAT JOURNAL, november/december 2017 Hoegger Cheese Press Excellent for multiple varieties of hard cheese •HandMade draw blood for testing or tattoo •Stainless steel andmaplewood construction using a milkstand. Goats have •Handfinished solid hardwood base &crosspiece with wood followers excellent memories and if their •Two plasticmolds –schedule 40, heavyduty,food grade polished •Solid-walled molds to force drainage –prevents unwanted “brittle” cheese first experiences with a stand or you are those of pain and fear, ~Small Mold makes 1-3/4 lbs of cheese Great holiday you may work hard to overcome ~Large Mold makes 3-3/4 lbsofcheese gift idea! that later. We try to trim feet on a stand in our barn isle, rather HOEGGER HOME FARM PRODUCTS than in the milkroom. To keep �� that good impression with a new goat or first freshener, plan time to load them on the stand for the The Goat Shop first experience. If you drag or Goat Supplies &Gift Shop rush a hesitant goat, you will succeed in supporting their instincts that they are in danger and make General Supplies, Medicine &Supplements, the next time more difficult. Who Kidding Supplies, Show Supplies, Gift Ideas, &More! wants that? Coax, be gentle, re- ward, be kind. Coming off of the stand, we always offer a small www.thegoatshop.com treat so they end their experience 479-495-5546 on a good note and don’t risk injury to us or them by just flying off of the milkstand. 888.438.8683 uddertechinc.com Incorrect milking techniques can also initiate problems. Brrr! No cold hands or cold sprays on teats or udder tissue, please, otherwise your goat may levitate! Also, keeping fingernails short so teats are not poked, scratched or pinched is very helpful. Be confident while learning to milk by kindly but firmly grasping teats or touching the udder so you don’t tickle them. If you are using a milk machine, do not allow your goats to “dry milk.” That is allowing inflations to remain on the teats once milk flow is very thin or fin- 3M and Thinsulate aretrademarks of 3M ished. This causes the vacuum to pull on sensitive tissue inside the teat. This can cause pain, damage, Kid BlanKets and even can pull out teat tissue. Be sure your milk machine is ad- Quick release achine wash justed to the correct pressure for buckles-no velcro m and dry goats. It will be less pressure than to get matted for warmth

WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 41 dairy goats Got Goat Problems? is normal for cattle or sheep with of balance could mean a fall to their that machine and hose length. death. Clipping goats with noisy We can Talk to your machine’s manufac- grooming clippers can be scary in- help you turer to learn the appropriate set- deed. I usually clip goats starting ting for your machine. If you have at the rump and tail end, and most solvethem. an ancient cast iron unnamed of them, by the time I get to their workhorse like ours, start at elev- head, have long since decided they en pounds of pressure and adjust are more interested in their kelp slowly if needed. and goodies in their feeder. Other 10% Sometimes, issues with the ud- herd management, such as draw- der itself can cause “dancing goat ing blood for testing, may take fever.” I once had a yearling doe two people to keep the goat feeling off that came into milk so fast after kid- most secure. ding that her teat skin split. A doe Sometimes, a goat just does not may also have a sore, cut or abra- want a human touching her mam- sion in an area not readily visible. If mary, ever. It may be a goat with she bounces, gently but firmly feel a bad temperament or may be a around the teats and udder base, to goat that has been repeatedly mis- see if the tissue or skin feels differ- handled or abused. If you are calm ent inside or out, before you jump and patient, you may address pre- to conclusions. Also, feel for inter- vious poor management as your nal lumps that may indicate masti- doe learns to trust you. Remember tis. Blockages in the teats caused by to always keep yourself safe from injury, a lump, or even harder (and injury as well as the goat. You can sharp) calcium crystals in the teats put her on nervine herbs and see if, can all cause pain when squeezed. A over time, she becomes more bal- goat that comes into the milkroom anced out in her behavior. Rescue Natural, noninvasive,and nontoxic methods of treating your animals. too full may also get upset when Remedy is homeopathic product you begin to relieve pressure from you can also try, which helps many her stretched-out mammary. Be animals deal with fear. Energy sure to address any of these is- medicine may help. If you find, sues before blaming the goat for a over time, that your goat-whisper- bad performance. Soothing herbal ing skills and supplements aren’t salves go a long way to giving your getting you anywhere, expect it’s doe immediate comfort in many of the one-in-a-million goat that isn’t these situations. a good hand- or machine-milking Scaring a goat by performing a candidate. You may also find that, procedure they aren’t used to, or if you continually have a short fuse not doing frequently, may also get when a goat is problematic for a a negative reaction out of them. legitimate reason, you are going to When trimming hooves, we always be less patient than you need to be make sure the goat feels secure by and can cause a problem to become leaning on them or holding their worse. Please consider that part of Thecomplete guide to health care, feet in a way that they can balance the equation as well. nutrition &non-toxic treatments. against us. A goat out of balance My hope is that every chore time 1-800-355-5313 instinctively moves to correct that will be a peaceful and enjoyable www.acresusa.com problem as, in the wild, being out time with your beloved goats! r

42 GOAT JOURNAL, november/december 2017

Goat Journal Call: 1-715-748-1388 or e-mail: [email protected] Sales NEIADAIry GoAt SAlE Northeast Iowa (NEIA) DairyGoatSale Ring of Waukon,Iowa, will conducttheir 6thSemi Annual Sale January12, 2018 at 11:00 A.M. Not tooEarly to Plan Sale conductedatWaukonFairgrounds 705 AllamakeeSt. •Watch forAuction signs Forsale catalog contactsale manager or go to:www.smedreality.com/monroe-auctions HErd ImProvEmENt afterDecember 27, 2017 We will be taking consignments through November 24, 2017 This is abreeding stock sale promoting quality goats. Resultsfrom January13, 2017 Sale: 181 head dayofsale 9Reg Does $625-$925 avg$795 30 Grade Does $375-$575 avg$437 8Reg Yearlings $600-$970 avg$752 109 Grade Yearlings $275-$550 avg$500 9Reg Bucks$275-$900 avg$500 16 Grade Bucks$100-$600 avg$225 Forconsignments and moreinformation contact: GLEN MONROE Sales Manager &Auctioneer 1233 Pole Line Rd, Waukon, IA 52172 563-380-2423 Chateau Briant Farm breeds award winning, top quality dairy goats with proven genetics that excel in the show ring and milk production.

Robert &Philip M. Cassette, 17 Berry Rd., Saco, ME (207) 284-6440, www.chateaubriantfarm.net

Kampfire AliEmmott’s ANDREW Andrew’s Dam: Kampfire Shawnee’s Allison EX-94 (NEW) l #3 highest classifieddoe in Canada Allison’s Twin Sister: Kampfire Shawnee’s Angel EX-96 (NEW) l Tied as #1 scored doe in Canada 2nd Dam: GCH Brighter Futures Ashley *P EX-92 3E l Dam of“Adam”, Select Doe, ‘07 Best in Show RoyalWinter Fair Andrew’sDam’s Twin Sister: “A NGEL”EX-96 Other EastGen’s buck line-up standouts: TOGG: Cedarwood & Dogwood both stem from the former Grasshill Xmas COMET #1 Togg DoeinCanada - La Montain GNA Jasmine COMET is one of the very Best of the Best. Dam He is one of Canada’s topranked bucks ALPINE: Added Attraction’s dam (EX-92) is now aSelect and his dam, Grasshill Narrator Xmas, Doe &completes 4gen. of EX dams. His EX G’dam is a is the#1rankeddoe in Canada! 2X West National Grand Champion! We will be adding close to 20 exciting wbne uckstoour extensiveline-up thisfall which willincludeour very first La Mancha &Nubianbucks. Make the mostofyour herd’s genetic progress with EastGen.

For more details, email: [email protected] or call 1-519-821-2150 www.eastgen/goats Invested in your future. goat care 101

It’s Rut Season!

What to Expect from Fall Breeding Behavior in Goats

by JANET GARMAN

s I was photographing my and early fall are more than capable of SIGNS OF ESTRUS goats the other day, I noticed impregnating any does within reach. OR HEAT IN DOES A an unmistakable sign. Our Even bucklings, as young as three Many goat breeds are seasonal buck is entering rut. months, can manage to successfully breeders. This includes many dairy As he took me though his tricks breed with a doe. One year, I was slow and fiber goats. These breeds show that will hopefully entice the ladies to remove a young buckling from the signs of heat as the days shorten to join him, I caught a whiff of the group. Guess what? We had a bumper and fall approaches. The breed- buck’s musky odor. Once you smell crop of goat kids the next spring. ing season can last from August this perfume, you won’t ever forget If you are going to keep an intact to January in these fall breeders. it! What, exactly, is going on in the buck from a crop of kids, make sure During the breeding season, does goat barn in the fall? Even if you ar- you move him to a separate area be- will come into heat every eighteen en’t planning to breed this year, signs fore three months of age. If you have to twenty-one days. Ovulation oc- of estrus and the male going into rut wethers (neutered males), they make curs near the end of the cycle. The are happening anyway. great stall or field mates for an in- length of a doe’s heat is specific Understanding the cycles of your tact male. Watch for any aggression to her and can last hours to a few does, and the buck’s behavior in re- and adjust based on temperaments. days. Does will continue to cycle sponse, is of high importance for re- During rut, it is common to see males until they die. Don’t make the mis- sponsible breeding. If you are already mounting each other. The does might take of housing older does with conducting a breeding program on also be seen doing this during heat. the young males, as they can still your farm, those kids from late winter Barnyard life sure can get interesting! be successfully bred, even if they aren’t in great physical condition. Does will show signs of heat as they start a cycle. Frequent urination, less interest in food, tail wagging, vocalizing, lip and tongue blubbering are a few common signs. If you have a milking doe, she may have a drop in milk production or be more irritable about being milked. Ace is feeling the season! Bucks, in rut, are a remarkable Photo courtesy sight! They call loudly, blubber, Janet Garman and curl their upper lips, called of Timber flehmens. The scent glands in their Creek Farm. foreheads exude a pungent, unmistakable scent, which they are happy

44 GOAT JOURNAL, november/december 2017 to rub on you or any stationary ob- ject. In addition, they will spray or stream urine onto their faces and bellies, and even spray urine into their own mouths. These boys are just making themselves attractive for the does! Care should be taken when handling both the doe and the buck during breeding season, as both can be very unpredictable. People Low Cost �Calves areso�appy� unfamiliar with goats, and particu- Hundreds of Satisfied larly buck behavior, should not be Customers handling the bucks now, especially ID-TEK II Calf Feeder RFIDCalfFeeder, Handles up 25 calves. large breeds. ��uc�atimesaver� Lac-Tek Lamb/KidFeeder BREEDING Automatically Feedsupto120 LambsorKids YOUR GOATS BéBé-Lac Lamb/Kid Feeder Automatically Feedsupto40Lambs or Kids ��is�I�ad it last year� . When conducting a breeding pro- Lac-TekIILambFeeder gram, you have two options if you keep a buck. One is to allow the www. biotic.com (931) 437-2514 buck to run with the herd for the breeding season. A buck that has fulltime access to the does is much ® more successful at breeding. Another breeding method is Back in Balance Minerals to take the buck to the doe a few Formulas for goats, sheep, horses andcamelids times over her cycle. The buck is Abioavailable lineofminerals led into the breeding area and led formulated by herbalistand out after the breeding act takes traditionalnaturopathAlethea place. This is repeated until the Kenney.Created to improve digestion, doe refuses to be mounted. growth,health, immunefunctionand reproduction. Contains no fillers or Artificial insemination is a third artificial preservatives,non-GMO. possibility. The percentage of successful breeding is lower, at ap- BOOK NOWAVAILABLE — “AnOunce of Prevention: Raising and Feeding proximately 60-65% conception. Animals Naturally” See website fordetails. Using this method, you won’t need BackinBalance Blends: Canship anywhereinthe U.S. to keep a buck on site. Herbal Products for Livestock

FOr PrOduCt INFOrMAtION: GESTATION FOr Orders: AletheaKenney NorthCentral Feed Products,LLC Goat pregnancy lasts 145 to 155 traditional Naturopath, Zena dunker WesternHerbalist,Aromatherapist days and varies by breed and the smallruminant NutritionConsultant 70 Alicest., PO Box10 doe’s age. As the last few weeks forNorth CentralFeed Products,LLC Gonvick, MN 56644 877-487-6040 •[email protected] of gestation approach, it is a good 218-657-2502, [email protected] idea to house your does in the spe- Healthy animals startwith good nutrition. cial area you have for delivery, unless you practice field deliver- www.BackInBalanceMinerals.com

WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 45 goat care 101

ies. Many goat breeders have stalls REASONS TO Improving the breed is another set up that are disinfected, draft free BREED GOATS good reason to conduct a breed- and bedded with straw. Some breed- Dairy goats require breeding for the ing program. Breeders who seek to ers will clip the udder, vulva and tail does to freshen and continue to pro- improve and further the breed are area. Having the vet’s phone number vide milk. Without a yearly breeding sought after by people looking to add posted is a great idea for emergency program for your does, your family to their flock. questions during delivery. milk supply will dry up as the kid Have customers ready to purchase As kidding approaches, each doe matures and stops nursing. the kids. Breeding just to have more will react differently. Get to know your goats can quickly get out of control. doe’s unique signals that her kidding is Remember, adding to your herd can imminent. Common to most pregnant become expensive. If you cannot sell Does will show signs of heat does is a softening of the tail ligaments the kids and you cannot afford to keep as they start a cycle: Frequent at the base of the spine, staying by her- urination, less interest in food, them, the other alternative is using them self, mucus from the vulva, pawing the tail wagging, vocalizing, lip and as a source of meat for your family. ground, and possibly biting at her side tongue blubbering are a few Knowing what to look for in the fall and talking to her babies. When actu- common signs. If you have a breeding behavior can save you from al delivery begins, it is usually over milking doe, she may have a drop unwanted animals. Or it can give in milk production or be more quickly. Congratulations! You are now you the advantage of setting up your irritable about being milked. officially on your way in the world of breeding program and having more goat breeding. control over the outcome. r

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46 GOAT JOURNAL, november/december 2017 WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 47 goat milk & cheese

Cutting the Cheese in Colorado: The ACS Annual Competition and Convention

by AMY G. HADACHEK

nthusiasts converged at the conference, with more than 1,400 Most of the conference was held American Cheese Society’s cheese industry professionals join- at the Sheraton Denver Downtown E Annual Conference & Compe- ing us in Denver. The general public Hotel. Several events (Judging & tition, held in Denver, Colorado July enjoys participating in the Festival of Competition, Meet the Cheesemaker, 26-29. The high-energy week featured Cheese, where products entered in the Festival of Cheese) took place offsite more than 2,000 cheese product en- judging are available for tasting,” said at the Colorado Convention Center. tries, a record number of awards, and Nora Weiser, ACS executive director. In addition to award-winning overwhelming public attendance. The conference provided a type of cheese with goat milk, several win- The event was “quite the cheese” “speed dating for cheese samples,” ners created cheese from a goat, cow with 2,024 products, up from 1,843 as ACS member cheese-makers and sheep milk combination. “Unique products in 2016, including cheeses speedily showcased their best chees- flavor profiles abounded in goat milk and yogurts entered in numerous es and cultured dairy, with quick entries,” noted Weiser, “from cheese categories. Entrants waited excitedly pitches of top reasons to be wowed made with cocoa to cheese marinat- for “The Big Cheese,” the judges, to by each cheese. ed in olive oil, Aleppo/Urfa chili, delve through products from a whop- Getting cheese to “step up to the and lemon. With the conference held ping 281 companies. plate” was a presentation about pair- in Denver, it was exciting to see Col- “We were thrilled to see a record ing cheese with beverage programs orado producers take home awards turnout across the board this year, and out-of-the-box pairings. for their goat cheeses: Haystack from the largest number of entries Several dairies highlighted cheese Mountain Goat Dairy and Avalanche in the Annual ACS Judging & Com- as an economic driver, fueling a Cheese Company received awards for petition to record attendance at the town’s economy. their Gold Hill, Queso De Mano, and Sunlight (Haystack Mountain Goat Dairy), and Hand-Bandaged Goat Cheddar and Midnight Blue (Ava- lanche Cheese Company).” First place awards were given to 112 products: 385 entries came from the United States, 22 from Canada, and 3 from Colombian states. ACS officials recommend periodically checking their website (www.cheesesociety. org) for scholarship opportunities to attend the 2018 ACS Conference. r

From the ACS: Make plans for “Forged in Cheese,” the 2018 ACS Conference & Competition in Pittsburgh! July 25-28, 2018

Attendees are enjoying sampling cheeses during the weeklong event in Denver, Colorado. David L. Lawrence Convention Center Photo by Marisa Chioni with MISA ME Photography, www.misamephoto.com Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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52 GOAT JOURNAL, november/december 2017 Breeders Directory Advertise your favorite breed where it will be seen by thousands of goat enthusiasts looking for what you have to sell! Just $40/yr. for listing your breeds, farm name, your name, address, phone, e-mail & website.

Ohio Jamestown Rd., Burlison, TN 38015. 901-491-1709. ALPINE TRANQUIL VALLEY DAIRY, Henry Raber, 55749 TR 87, LaManchas & Nigerian Fresno, OH 43824. 330-897-0306. Alpine & Saanen Dwarfs. Arkansas South Dakota Texas MT. PLEASURE FRENCH ALPINES, Maddie Kiefer, 106 E. 14th St., Yellville, AR 72687. 870-449-6932. DAWNWIND DAIRY GOATS, Frances Loehr, 13664 LATTE DA DAIRY, Anne & Johnny Jones, PO Box CAE Free. DHIR and LA. Quality Show Animals and Ghost Canyon Rd., Hermosa, SD 57744. 307-710-7307. 270355, Flower Mound, TX 75027. 817-490-5004. Home Milkers. goats.com> French & American Alpines. LaManchas. Also Nubians. Colorado Vermont Washington RANCHO-SNOWFALL, Dr. James Haught, DVM, Elizabeth, CO. 970-420-4133. ALPINEGLO FARM LLC, Rachel Ware, 91 Clark St., FIR MEADOW LAMANCHAS, HERBS & ALPACAS, Westminster, VT 05158.802-463-2018. Phone: 360-683-8998. CL, Johne’s negative. French Alpine Buck Services Available. K–n–H RANCH, Heather Janke, 509-235-6564. LAZY LADY FARM REGISTERED ALPINES, 802-744- 6365. 225 years of breeding for performance and stature. Goats Milk Soaps. 2300 herd average on 45 does. DHIR testing. CAE and CL free with annual testing. Records available. Pastured Wisconsin May to Nov. We produce our own organic hay. Award winning cheese operation. Bucks are from Mamm-Key RAINTREE DAIRY GOATS, Deb Macke, N3690 Farm, Tempo Aquila Farm and Redwood Hills. Kidding Elmwood Rd., Hawkins, WI 54530. 715-563-0052. season in March. Discounts for group purchases. Website design. LaMancha. Washington Georgia BELLE-CHEVRE FRENCH AND AMERICAN ALPINES, MINI NUBIAN SIMPLY DUTCH, Daniel House, 2857 Mount Ardell Ainsworth, 238 Patit Rd., Dayton, WA 99328. Airy Rd., Waverly Hall, GA 31831. 706-566-8676 509-382-8950. North Carolina Alpine Winston Salem, NC 27127. 336-788-2454. MiniNubians Iowa ALPENTHAL’S DAIRY GOATS, Tania Miller, 430 Beaver Cr Rd., Sundance, WY 82729. & Nigerian Dwarfs. D & E DAIRY GOATS, 2977 Linn Buch- Facebook - Alpenthal’s Dairy. 307-283-2364. Alpine. anan Rd., Coggon, IA 52218. 319-350-5819. Registered Amercian Apline. CAE, CL Free. Facebook: d&edairygoat. NIGERIAN DWARF Doelings–selling 200 head annually. Breeder bucks available. Alpine, Saanen GUERNSEY Illinois TWO DOGS FARMS, Ann Alecock, Emilie & Ad- MA’S ACRES, Judith Nayen, 9398 NE 100th Washington elaide Norzagaray, RR #1, Box 94 AA, Smithshire, Ave. Bondurant, IA 50035. 515-250-4836. SUNNY PATCH KIDS GUERNSEY GOATS, Kar- IL 61478. 319-572-4105. Alpine. Quality show and produc- la Stucker, 1299 Hwy. 7, Oroville, WA 98844. Registered Nigerian Dwarf tion doelings, yearlings, bucklings. 509-846-5752. with superior genetics. Guernseys. Kansas Indiana PUCKETTS ALPINE GOATS, Elaine Puck- CU AT LIL’ RED BARN, Margot Cassel, 7501 N. Nebo ett, Council Grove, Kansas. 620-767-5728. LAMANCHA CAE & CL free, LA & Rd., Muncie, IN 47304. 765-730-0145, 765-730-4331. DHIA. Kentucky OLDHAM FAMILY FARMS, Darrell & Theresa Old- Missouri ham, 2883 Sweeney Ln, Pleasureville, KY 40057. FAIRLAND FARM, Greg & Dawn Birr, 67244 Cty. KRAUSE FARMS, Jessica Krause, 4627 SW 859-588-8625. Rd. 9, Nappanee, IN 46550. Cell: 574-596-9467. Maple Rd, Maysville, MO 64469. 816-724-1834 LaMancha dairy goats. Alpine, French and American. CAE, CL Maryland Iowa Neg, Herd tested annually. BLUE RIDGE, Anders Family, 4213 Trego Mtn. Rd., HILLTOP SUNSET FARMS, Tom Burrow & Sheri Keedysville, MD 21756. 301-432-5591. Nigerian Dwarf JL LAZY D GOATS, Jerry & Lori Donaldson, 4170 LaMancha & Oberhasli Eastside Hwy., Stevensville, MT 59870. 406-218-8853. RIPLEY’S HOMESTEAD DAIRY GOATS, Robin Ripley, Tennessee French Alpine. Buck service 2377-270th St., Clarinda, IA, 51632. 712-582-3579 available. OSBORNE FARM, John & Jane Osborne, 2081

WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 53 Breeders Directory Kansas LATTE DA DAIRY, Anne & Johnny Jones, PO Box Nubians. 270355, Flower Mound, TX 75027. 817-490-5004. B B GOATS, Alex Becker, 10168 SE Pickrell Rd., Leon, KS 67074. 316-201-8788. Iowa Nubians. Also LaManchas. Alpines, Nigerian Dwarfs, Kikos. MY COUNTRY GIRLS, Barb Oliver, 2916 E Ave., Virginia Massachusetts Northboro, IA 51647. 712-370-6023 SWEET VALLEY FARM DAIRY, Cecilia, Culpeper, MENDING WALL FARM, Ed & Judy Lowe, PO Box 722, Nubian, Saanen. Virginia. 540-423-1003. Nubian doelings/ meganet.net> Nigerian Dwarf, Tennessee Fainting. milk producers. $400.00. HERITAGE SONG NUBIANS, Randy & Shirley Missouri Chapman, 161 Angus Rd., Glasco, KS 67445. 785-568-2476 OBERHASLI Bolles Painted Acres, Jennifer Bolles, 409 SE 600th Rd, Top Ten production. Warrensburg, MO, 64093. 660-747-1909. California iland.net> Massachusetts HYONAHILL OBERHASLI, Ruth McCormick, 24900 New Mexico Skyland Rd., Los Gatos, CA 95033. 408-353-1017. VALLEY VIEW FARM, Elizabeth & Peter Mulholland, SECOND BLOOM FARM, Deb Wood, 248 Rio Bravo, Gentle quiet temperament. 278 High St., Topsfield, MA 01983. 978-887-8215. Wonderful milk. Show quality milkers & kids for show Los Alamos, NM 87544. 505-672-1485. & home. Send for breed information. viewcheese.com> Purebred and American Nubians Nigerian Dwarf. Excellent milk quality for the small registered under VVFarm. homestead. Maryland Minnesota BLUE RIDGE, Anders Family, 4213 Trego Mtn. Rd., Ohio Keedysville, MD 21756. 301-432-5591. 2710 Spring Hill Rd., Goshen, OH 45122. 513-313- Oberhasli & LaMancha. 1110. Nigerian Dwarf. HOME OF 2017 NATIONAL CHAMPION JUNIOR DAIRY DOE. PACK GOATS

Oregon California

WINDING RIVER, Bev Sieminski, PO Box 149, Lorane, BUTT-HEAD PACK GOATS & EQUIPMENT, Den- OR 97451. 541-942-3812. nis Willingham, PO Box 333, Rough & Ready, CA 95975. 530-432-0946. Milk goats, show and pets. New York Linear appraisal. Halters designed just TRIPLE F FARM, Mark Geracitano, 5 Jordan Ln., Nas- for goats, saddles, panniers, goat coat/pack covers. South Dakota sau, NY 12123. 518-766-7607. CAE, CL, & Johnes negative. Buck service available. CARL B’S FARM, Julie & Ron Kolbeck, Salem, South https://m.facebook.com/tripleffarm1 Other services: PYGORA Dakota. 605-247-3220. Disbudding, Tattooing, Hoof Trimming Nigerian Dwarf, American Alpine & Mini-Alpine. Healthy Oregon herd. Excellent bloodlines. Oregon HAWKS MTN RANCH PYGORA GOATS, Lisa Texas ACE-HI DAIRY GOATS, Margie Singletary, 3747 Roskopf, 51920 SW Dundee Rd., Gaston, OR Lincoln Dr., Ontario, OR 97914-8713. 541-889-4063. 97119. 503-539-0295. JOBI NIGERIANS, Joanne B. Jelke, 4603 Beckermann CAE & CL free, milk & show. Nubians/ Pygora fleece goats. Rd., Brenham, TX 77833. 979-836-9303. DHIR Nigerian, Alpine. CAE/CLA negative. Alpine & Saanen dairy goats. R R RESOURCES, Yvonne Roberts, PO Box 809, Merlin, OR 97532. 541-479-3159. SAANEN NUBIAN Purebred, American & re- corded grade Nubians. DHIR, LA, Show, bred to milk, Arizona Arkansas good butterfat and longevity. SPRINGFIELD OAKS, Elizabeth Hen- JSW FARMS, LLC. Sara White, Yellville. Tennessee ning, 6670 S. Bascom Trl., Willcox, AZ 85643. ADGA Nubian 602-819-7231. Goats. Producing high quality and quantity milk through WW VALLEY FARM, Jessica Wells, 977 Faye genetics. DHIA available. **Nigerian Dwarf dairy goats Creek Rd, Warface, TN 37183. 931-212-3791. for sale. Herd of 7. Includes 5 does. Arkansas Nubian OWL RIDGE FARM, Jan Ham, 1348 Waller Rd., Bee WINCHESTER SAANENS, Linda Mallory, 1318 MC Branch, AR 72013. 870-974-1466. Nubians. yahoo.com> Semen tank and straws available. CREAMSTONE FARM, Pat Topping, 288 CR 33530, California Summer, TX 75486. 903-732-7023 Nubian dairy goats. HOLY MONASTERY OF THE THEOTOKOS, Mother G6S Normal, Negative CAE, CL, TB, Brucellosis. Excel- RON-TOM SAANENS, Tom & Roni Pettibone, 2921 Markella or Sister Isadora, PO Box 549, Dunlap, CA lent Milk Production and Show Bloodlines. Shingle Springs Dr., Shingle Springs, CA 95682. 93621. 559-338-3110. Purebred 530-677-9294. Nubians. Beautiful, heavy milkers. Kids available. GALLOPING WINDS RANCH, Rob & Teresa Barr-Jones, 402 Whitaker Rd., Florence, TX 76527. 254-793-0022. Delaware Colorado Registered purebred Nubians with 18759 Harbeson Rd., PO Box 4, Harbeson, DE 19951. Durango, CO 81301. 970-247-9180. Nubians. flashy spots! Hi-production Saanens. Great Pyrenees 302-684-8844. Saanens. LGDs. Indiana New York i2iacres, Greg & BJ Irvin, 1584 VZ CR 4909, Ben R & W FARMS, Tom & Brenda Rusk, 4127 N Royal Cen- Wheeler, TX 75754. 817-312-4028. Nubian dairy goats. Bert Washburn Rd., Otego, NY 13825. 607-432-3179.

54 GOAT JOURNAL, november/december 2017 Breeders Directory Breeders Directory Kansas LATTE DA DAIRY, Anne & Johnny Jones, PO Box Purebred & American Saanens. Tested free for Breeder Bucks. B B GOATS, Alex Becker, 10168 SE Pickrell Rd., CAE, Brucillosis. PICCOLO FARM, Barb & Frank Kruesi, 2831 Bear Toggenburgs, Nubians. Leon, KS 67074. 316-201-8788. Iowa Nubians. Also LaManchas. Branch Rd., Mouth of Wilson, VA 24363. 276-579-2331. Alpines, Nigerian Dwarfs, Kikos. Oklahoma MY COUNTRY GIRLS, Barb Oliver, 2916 E Ave., Virginia VARIOUS Massachusetts Northboro, IA 51647. 712-370-6023 SWEET VALLEY FARM DAIRY, Cecilia, Culpeper, & Old English bloodlines. Dee Hadorn, Harrah, Okla- TOGGENBURG Colorado MENDING WALL FARM, Ed & Judy Lowe, PO Box 722, Nubian, Saanen. Virginia. 540-423-1003. Assonet, MA 02702. 508-644-5088. Nubian doelings/ Iowa WALTZ’S ARK, PO Box 368, Del- meganet.net> com> Nigerian Dwarf, Tennessee Fainting. milk producers. $400.00. BIRCH HAVEN, Doris Gronewold, 479 Dry Hol- Where Average Just Won’t HERITAGE SONG NUBIANS, Randy & Shirley SATORI FARMS, ADGA Breed Leader 2012, low Rd., Waterville, IA 52170. 563-535-7203. Do! Naturally raised Oberhasli, Nigerian Dwarf, Boer. Missouri Chapman, 161 Angus Rd., Glasco, KS 67445. 2013 & 2014. Angelia Gregg, Cave Junction, Or- egon. 541-218-2295. hotmail.com> Toggenburg. Herd carries the all natural Bolles Painted Acres, Jennifer Bolles, 409 SE 600th Rd, OBERHASLI milkers! Top Ten production. American and Grade A variant. Promoting high butterfat and protein. CL. Warrensburg, MO, 64093. 660-747-1909. of milk. Massachusetts HYONAHILL OBERHASLI, Ruth McCormick, 24900 Pennsylvania SKYLINE, Catherine Deeds, 14450 Oakhurst Ln., New Mexico Skyland Rd., Los Gatos, CA 95033. 408-353-1017. DRY CREEK ACRES, Joe Skoda & Melissa O’Rourke, Orange, VA 22960. 540-672-2538. LaManchas, Toggen- VALLEY VIEW FARM, Elizabeth & Peter Mulholland, SANCTUARY MEADOWS FARM, Jacob Lee Stolzfus, SECOND BLOOM FARM, Deb Wood, 248 Rio Bravo, Gentle quiet temperament. 21849 Whitetail Rd., Decorah, IA 52101. 712-470-3289. burgs & Nigerian Dwarfs. 278 High St., Topsfield, MA 01983. 978-887-8215. 2081 Sanctuary Rd, Manheim, PA 17545. 717-715-2473. Los Alamos, NM 87544. 505-672-1485. & home. Send for breed information. com> Toggenburgs. Home of the 2011 and 2012 Junior Wisconsin viewcheese.com> Purebred and American Nubians Nigerian Dwarf. Excellent milk quality for the small National Champions. registered under VVFarm. Maryland WORDEN FARM, Bill & Donna Worden, 1881 Bells CAREY’S BRIARWOOD FARM, Car- homestead. ey Family, Stratford, Wisconsin. 715-572-1207. Run Rd., Shinglehouse, PA 16748. 814-697-6606. Pennsylvania Minnesota BLUE RIDGE, Anders Family, 4213 Trego Mtn. Rd., Nubians, Saanen, LaM Ohio Saanens, LaManchas & Keedysville, MD 21756. 301-432-5591. 2710 Spring Hill Rd., Goshen, OH 45122. 513-313- Oberhasli & LaMancha. 1110. Nigerian Dwarf. HOME OF 2017 NATIONAL CHAMPION JUNIOR DAIRY DOE. PACK GOATS

Oregon California

WINDING RIVER, Bev Sieminski, PO Box 149, Lorane, BUTT-HEAD PACK GOATS & EQUIPMENT, Den- OR 97451. 541-942-3812. nis Willingham, PO Box 333, Rough & Ready, CA 95975. 530-432-0946. Milk goats, show and pets. New York Linear appraisal. Halters designed just A Well-Made Fence TRIPLE F FARM, Mark Geracitano, 5 Jordan Ln., Nas- for goats, saddles, panniers, goat coat/pack covers. South Dakota sau, NY 12123. 518-766-7607. CAE, CL, & Johnes negative. Buck service available. CARL B’S FARM, Julie & Ron Kolbeck, Salem, South https://m.facebook.com/tripleffarm1 Other services: PYGORA Brings Peace of Mind! Dakota. 605-247-3220. Disbudding, Tattooing, Hoof Trimming Nigerian Dwarf, American Alpine & Mini-Alpine. Healthy Oregon herd. Excellent bloodlines. Oregon by Gail Damerow HAWKS MTN RANCH PYGORA GOATS, Lisa Texas ACE-HI DAIRY GOATS, Margie Singletary, 3747 Roskopf, 51920 SW Dundee Rd., Gaston, OR If you keep livestock or tend a garden that’s vulnerable to Lincoln Dr., Ontario, OR 97914-8713. 541-889-4063. 97119. 503-539-0295. wildlife predators, you know that a good fence is essential JOBI NIGERIANS, Joanne B. Jelke, 4603 Beckermann CAE & CL free, milk & show. Nubians/ Pygora fleece goats. Rd., Brenham, TX 77833. 979-836-9303. DHIR Nigerian, Alpine. CAE/CLA negative. for protecting your investment. This is a practical, easy-to- Alpine & Saanen dairy goats. use guide to selecting, planning, and building fences that R R RESOURCES, Yvonne Roberts, PO Box 809, Merlin, OR 97532. 541-479-3159. SAANEN work. Filled with sound, up-to-date advice and instruction, NUBIAN Purebred, American & re- Fences for Pasture & Garden makes fence-building a task corded grade Nubians. DHIR, LA, Show, bred to milk, Arizona Arkansas good butterfat and longevity. anyone can tackle with confidence. The author weighs SPRINGFIELD OAKS, Elizabeth Hen- the pros and cons of various fence systems — from tra- JSW FARMS, LLC. Sara White, Yellville. Tennessee ning, 6670 S. Bascom Trl., Willcox, AZ 85643. ADGA Nubian 602-819-7231. ditional fences to the latest technology — and helps you Goats. Producing high quality and quantity milk through WW VALLEY FARM, Jessica Wells, 977 Faye genetics. DHIA available. **Nigerian Dwarf dairy goats Creek Rd, Warface, TN 37183. 931-212-3791. select the best one for your needs. Helpful suggestions for sale. Herd of 7. Includes 5 does. Arkansas for planning the fence ensure maximum efficiency of labor Nubian OWL RIDGE FARM, Jan Ham, 1348 Waller Rd., Bee WINCHESTER SAANENS, Linda Mallory, 1318 MC and materials. Complete, generously illustrated directions Branch, AR 72013. 870-974-1466. Nubians. yahoo.com> Semen tank and straws available. CREAMSTONE FARM, Pat Topping, 288 CR 33530, fences, high-tension fences, temporary fences, woven California Summer, TX 75486. 903-732-7023 Nubian dairy goats. HOLY MONASTERY OF THE THEOTOKOS, Mother G6S Normal, Negative CAE, CL, TB, Brucellosis. Excel- RON-TOM SAANENS, Tom & Roni Pettibone, 2921 alarm systems to zoning laws, this book covers it all. Markella or Sister Isadora, PO Box 549, Dunlap, CA lent Milk Production and Show Bloodlines. Shingle Springs Dr., Shingle Springs, CA 95682. 154 pgs, $16.95 + S&H 93621. 559-338-3110. Purebred 530-677-9294. Nubians. Beautiful, heavy milkers. Kids available. GALLOPING WINDS RANCH, Rob & Teresa Barr-Jones, 402 Whitaker Rd., Florence, TX 76527. 254-793-0022. Delaware Colorado Registered purebred Nubians with 18759 Harbeson Rd., PO Box 4, Harbeson, DE 19951. To Place Your Order Call: Durango, CO 81301. 970-247-9180. Nubians. flashy spots! Hi-production Saanens. Great Pyrenees 302-684-8844. Saanens. 970-392-4419 LGDs. Indiana New York i2iacres, Greg & BJ Irvin, 1584 VZ CR 4909, Ben R & W FARMS, Tom & Brenda Rusk, 4127 N Royal Cen- Wheeler, TX 75754. 817-312-4028. Nubian dairy goats. Bert Washburn Rd., Otego, NY 13825. 607-432-3179.

WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 55 Associations The Knitting Answer Book ALPINES INTERNATIONAL CLUB, Mark dairy goat breeds. Now registering Purebred Nigerians. Baden, Secretary/Treasurer. 253-538-0952. Brand New 2nd Edition! MYOTONIC GOAT REGISTRY(Fainting), 3174 You’ll find more than a dozen Valley Ford Rd., Adger, AL 35006. 205-425- new cast ons and bind offs; new AMERICAN LAMANCHA CLUB, Deb Macke, SecSec- 5954. techniques for beading and knitting retary/Treasurer, N3690 Elmwood Rd., Hawkins, WI backwards; tips for making smooth 54530. 715-563-0052. OBERHASLI BREEDERS OF AMERICA, Ben Pe- and for measuring gauge on tricky terson, Secy./Treas., 8580 S Cherry Ave., Fresno, fabrics, such as ribbing and lace; GEORGIA DAIRY GOAT BREEDERS—newsletter, CA 93725. fresh information on interpreting patterns and adjusting patterns to meetings, shows & speaker program. All breeds fit; and much more! welcome. Secretary: John Latimer, 1540 McRee’s THE MINIATURE GOAT REGISTRY(TMGR) 440 pgs; $14.95 + S&H Mill Rd., Watkinsville, GA 30677. 706-769-9460. Supporting breeders and owners of the mini-dairy breeds. Shows, conformation 970-392-4419 MINIATURE DAIRY GOAT ASSOCIATIO — Premier clinics, milk production. www.tmgronline.com. 619- registry for crosses of Nigerian Dwarf and standard 417-0989 CountrysideNetwork.com

Goat Journal Advertising Form • Next Deadline: November 19, 2017

Liner Breeders Directory: Liner Classified: Classification: Your Name: Your Farm Name: Address: Your Name: City, State, Zip: Address: Classification: City, State, Zip: E-mail: Phone Number: Ad: E-mail: Website: Number of words _____ x $1.00 = $______Breed(s): Words in all CAPITALS _____x 25¢ = $______Additional Words $1 each per year: Words in bold _____x 25¢ = $______X No. of issues you want your ad to run: _____ = $______Directory listing (6 issues): $40.00 Payment enclosed (U.S. funds): $______Additional words ($1 each): Total Amount Enclosed (US): Please type or print legibly and indicate the words you would like in bold or capital letters. • Don’t forget to count your name, address, Display Breeders/Classified (1" & 2" sizes): phone number and e-mail if it is part of your ad. • 10 word minimum. Ads under 10 words SPECIAL OFFER: FREE Color! ($20 Value Per Issue) will be charged $10. Feel free to use a separate sheet of paper Use pictures, 1x - 2x=$30 per inch, per issue logo and color! 3x - 5x=$28 per inch, per issue Mail to: Goat Journal Breeders/Classifieds, FREE Ad Design! 6x=$25 per inch, per issue PO Box 566, Medford, WI 54451 E-mail: [email protected] or E-mail: [email protected] www.CountrysideNetwork.com or call: 1-715-748-1388 1-715-748-1388 • Fax: 1-715-785-7414

56 GOAT JOURNAL, november/december 2017 Associations The Knitting Answer Book ALPINES INTERNATIONAL CLUB, Mark dairy goat breeds. Now registering Purebred Nigerians. Classified Ads Baden, Secretary/Treasurer. 253-538-0952. Brand New 2nd Edition! DO IT YOURSELF MEALWORMS MILKING EQUIPMENT MYOTONIC GOAT REGISTRY(Fainting), 3174 You’ll find more than a dozen Valley Ford Rd., Adger, AL 35006. 205-425- Prevent posts from rotting. Quick–Easy–Effective– Visit www.PartsDeptOnline.com for great deals on new cast ons and bind offs; new AMERICAN LAMANCHA CLUB, Deb Macke, Sec- 5954. Low-Cost. Get info 1-888-519-5746. new milking equipment for cows and goats. We sup- techniques for beading and knitting retary/Treasurer, N3690 Elmwood Rd., Hawkins, WI ply to all size dairies. Call for a free 180pg catalog backwards; tips for making smooth 54530. 715-563-0052. OBERHASLI BREEDERS OF AMERICA, Ben Pe- DOGS FOR SALE and for measuring gauge on tricky terson, Secy./Treas., 8580 S Cherry Ave., Fresno, fabrics, such as ribbing and lace; GEORGIA DAIRY GOAT BREEDERS—newsletter, CA 93725. Naturally Reared Registered ENGLISH fresh information on interpreting patterns and adjusting patterns to meetings, shows & speaker program. All breeds SHEPHERD Puppies! All-around farm dogs and com- POULTRY SUPPLIES fit; and much more! welcome. Secretary: John Latimer, 1540 McRee’s panions raised as nature intended. Raw fed, chem- THE MINIATURE GOAT REGISTRY(TMGR) 440 pgs; $14.95 + S&H Mill Rd., Watkinsville, GA 30677. 706-769-9460. free. englishshepherdspa.com. 814-444-1631. Supporting breeders and owners of the mini-dairy breeds. Shows, conformation 970-392-4419 MINIATURE DAIRY GOAT ASSOCIATIO — Premier clinics, milk production. www.tmgronline.com. 619- FEED registry for crosses of Nigerian Dwarf and standard 417-0989 Bluebonnet Feeds, 100 Mill St. SE, Ardmore OK CountrysideNetwork.com 73402, PH 800-365-2456. Quality Feed for all your animals needs including: Poultry, Equine, Rabbit, Cattle, Sheep, Goat and Wildlife. Dealer locator on the website. www.bluebonnetfeeds.com.

FOR SALE Goat Journal Advertising Form • Next Deadline: November 19, 2017 AGS Nigerian Dwarf dairy goats. Herd of 7. Includes 5 does. More information and contact through website. www.everydaygoatmilksoap.com. Liner Breeders Directory: Liner Classified: CoopTender.com

Classification: Your Name: • Electric or Solar Powered • Dusk-to-Dawn or Schedule • Fully Programmable • Solid Steel Worm Drive Your Farm Name: Address: • Internet Enabled • Predator Proof City, State, Zip: Your Name: Life-Saving Skills, Supplies, 5% OFF USE COUPON CODE BYP5 Address: Classification: City, State, Zip: E-mail: Tactics and Plans Fowl Play Products, Chicken Swing, Treats, Diapers, Saddles, Dresses, chicken gifts for all! PH 877-223- Phone Number: Ad: 8048, http://www.fowlplayproducts.com/. E-mail: The Prepper’s Complete PRESERVING Website: Number of words _____ x $1.00 = $______Breed(s): Words in all CAPITALS _____x 25¢ = $______Book of Disaster Readiness Additional Words $1 each per year: Words in bold _____x 25¢ = $______By Jim Cobb X No. of issues you want your ad to run: _____ = $______Directory listing (6 issues): $40.00 Hurricanes, tornadoes, fires, floods, earthquakes: Payment enclosed (U.S. funds): $______disaster can strike suddenly, leaving a wake of chaos Additional words ($1 each): much too big for emergency responders to handle. Total Amount Enclosed (US): The action plan presented in The Prepper’s Complete Please type or print legibly and indicate the words you Book of Disaster Readiness is the key to would like in bold or capital letters. riding out the aftermath of a crisis when the power grid is down, supplies are running short, and • Don’t forget to count your name, address, anarchy is the rule of the day. With detailed Display Breeders/Classified (1" & 2" sizes): phone number and e-mail if it is part of your ad. information on storing food, securing and • 10 word minimum. Ads under 10 words strengthening a house, drafting emergency SPECIAL OFFER: FREE Color! ($20 Value Per Issue) will be charged $10. contingency plans, preparing children, packing bug-out bags, and even setting up an off-site survival retreat. When that day finally comes and civilization breaks 1x - 2x=$30 per inch, per issue Feel free to use a separate sheet of paper down, a family’s preparedness is the only thing that will ensure their safety and Use pictures, survival over the days, weeks, or even months that follow. 272 pages, $16.95 + S&H logo and color! 3x - 5x=$28 per inch, per issue Mail to: Goat Journal Breeders/Classifieds, FREE Ad Design! 6x=$25 per inch, per issue PO Box 566, Medford, WI 54451 E-mail: [email protected] or E-mail: [email protected] Visit: CountrysideNetwork.com/shop www.CountrysideNetwork.com or call: 1-715-748-1388 1-715-748-1388 • Fax: 1-715-785-7414 Or Call: 970-392-4419

WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 57 breed profile: french alpines

Breed Profile: French Alpine

The Most Popular Milk Goat in France

presented by TAMSIN COOPER

ORIGIN: A landrace in the Swiss 1950s, the plague of foot and mouth Austrian imports in the 17th century. Alps, this hardy, agile breed adapted devastated local goat populations These crosses were then bred with well to the rocky, dry landscape, ex- throughout the center and west of American or French Alpines. Hybrid tremes of temperature, and scarcity of France. The untouched Alpine cham- vigor has produced a larger animal vegetation. In the 19th century, these oisée stock was bred to replace them. capable of higher yields than the mountain goats were used on steep In the 1970s, a rigorous selection pro- purebred line. pastures inaccessible to sheep in the gram was set up for commercial pro- alpine Savoie, France. Nineteen does duction of chèvre cheese, focusing on CONSERVATION STATUS: Least and three bucks selected from the hun- yield and protein and butterfat con- concern. However, efforts to trace dreds that descended from the French tent. In addition, udder conformation back genealogies are required to pre- Alps for winter were chosen for im- and casein alpha S1 content are now vent inbreeding. American Alpines port into the United States in 1922. The selected for. Artificial insemination enjoy a greater genetic diversity due Purebred Alpine line in America is de- is widely used, sourcing 30-40 sires to crossbreeding with earlier imports. scended from these animals. from 12-14 families. Today it is the most popular milk goat in France. STANDARD DESCRIPTION: HISTORY: In France, the chestnut American Alpines developed from Medium-sized, slim, fine-boned, color with black extremities was fa- crossing the original French lines graceful but strong, with a short vored and a herd book was set up with common local goats that had coat, deep chest, straight back, wide in 1930 for Alpine chamoisée. In the originated from Swiss, Spanish and hips, straight legs, firmly-attached voluminous udder, forward point- ing parallel teats neatly separated from udder, straight nose, horns and large, erect ears. Wattles are common. Females may have beards, although rarely in commercial herds in France.

COLORING: In France, mainly chamoisée (rich chestnut bay with black dorsal stripe and extremities, normally black belly, face and boots). This coat is normally associated with Oberhasli in the US. Other colors combine brown, black, gray, white and cream. US breed standards reject pure white or Toggenburg coloring. Cou blanc (white neck and forequar- Alpine chamoisée on French organic farm. Photo by Tamsin Cooper ters, black hindquarters, black/gray

58 GOAT JOURNAL, november/december 2017 “They milk right off their backs!” says a friend of mine, meaning that no matter how much you feed Alpines, they have a tendency to stay skinny, putting all their energy into milk production. I’ve found they need plenty of Alpine des Savoie dams with kids. Photo by Tamsin Cooper slowly digestible carbs and fiber, as TEMPERAMENT: Highly social PRODUCTIVITY: French commer- well as protein, to and cohesive, yet aggressively com- cial production averages 1953 pounds keep them in good petitive with herd members; friend- (886 kg) over 295 days; American Al- ly with humans; curious, explorative pines average 2266 pounds (1028 kg); body condition and quick to learn. butterfat 3.4-3.8%; protein 2.9-3.3%. during lactation. ADAPTABILITY: French Alpines IT ISN’T REALLY FRENCH thrive in dry, mountainous terrain ALPINE IF: Cross-bred with oth- head markings) is a popular color and cope with a wide range of tem- er dairy types. French Alpines are in the US. Other colors are also de- peratures. They are susceptible to rarely completely white or Toggen- scribed with names of European or- internal parasites, foot rot and respi- burg colors. r igin: cou clair (pale forequarters and ratory disease if kept in damp condi- dark hindquarters), cou noir (black tions. American Alpines are robust Sources: Capgènes, Idèle, l’Association de forequarters and white hindquarters), and highly adaptable. Kids become Sauvegarde de la Chèvre des Savoie, Al- sundgau (black, with white belly, legs fertile at 4-6 months, but females are pines International Club, American Goat and facial stripes) and pied (black or not ready to gestate until they reach Society, PennState Extension. Presented brown spots on white). These colors 80 pounds (36 kg) at 7-10 months by: Tamsin Cooper, www.goatwriter.com are still common in the original pop- old. Yields and long term health are ulations in the Savoie Alps. improved by waiting until their second fall to breed. WEIGHT: Bucks 176-220 pounds (80- 100 kg); does 135-155 pounds (50-70 kg). POPULAR USE: Dairy; excess males FAST FENCE are often slaughtered for meat or by- Info and buy now at HEIGHT TO WITHERS: Bucks 32-40 products; wethers make great pack www.electricnets.com in (90-100 cm); does 27-35 in (70-80 cm). animals if trained from early kidhood. 800-356-5458

WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 59 calendar UPCOMING EVENTS

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60 GOAT JOURNAL, november/december 2017

WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 61 from the archives

The Gift of Goat Milk

from DAIRY GOAT JOURNAL, SELECTED 1956 & 1957 EDITIONS

r. Albert Schweitzer, a Association (AMGRA), now dispenser giving people a chance German humanitarian and known as the American Dairy Goat to sample the kind of milk we are D Nobel Peace Prize winner, Association. The effort became trying to make available to the established a hospital in Lambarene known as the “Dairy Goats to patients at Lambarene. And of in what is now known as the African Doctor Schweitzer” project. course, there was a large container nation of Gabon. A primitive area In 1956 the Cincinnati Zoo for contributions. in the 1920s, Dr. Schweitzer treated assumed responsibility for the “Now here is where you numerous diseases including leprosy, campaign to finance the trip, interested goat breeders living sleeping sickness, malaria and yellow estimated to cost $8,000. The in all parts of the United States fever. He continued to fundraise in AMGRA committed to furnishing come into the picture! If you are Europe and attend to patients at the the goats. The project began a Nubian breeder, very likely hospital until his death in 1965. Dr. to move forward rapidly with you are thinking, ‘I would like Schweitzer was awarded the Nobel newspaper publicity and a booth to send Dr. Schweitzer one of my Peace Prize in 1953. at the zoo’s annual food show. Fred fine Nubians,’ for that is the breed In the mid-1950s Fred Knoop and Annette Knoop reported in the it has been decided that will be of Cincinnati, along with his wife September 1956 Dairy Goat Journal: best adapted to the climate at Annette, formed the idea of sending “There were large photographs Lambarene. But as you will readily dairy goats to Dr. Schweitzer to of Dr. Schweitzer, his hospital, and understand, the 12 goats sent will establish a herd to supply milk his present herd of native goats, have to be selected for outstanding for the hospital. At the time, Fred and a live exhibit of Nubians to stamina. So if you have an open Knoop was a vice-president of show the public what type of goat doe between the ages of 1 and 3 the American Milk Goat Record is being sent. There was a milk that you think qualifies by being unusually rugged, with a history of stamina behind her, and that is Since Nubians only are wanted for this a doe that you are willing to send as far as Cincinnati at your own shipment, owners of other breeds and expense as your contribution to Nubian breeders unable to supply stock this big cause – then please write or phone…” may wish to contribute cash toward the The March 1957 Dairy Goat transportation of these animals. Journal reported that $2,000 had been raised from the booth and display at the Cincinnati Zoo, and Dairy Goat Journal, September 1956. the May 1957 edition reported another $3,000 contribution from the overseas relief program of the Evangelical and Reformed Church.

62 GOAT JOURNAL, november/december 2017 It is our hope that the publicity this project has received, and will receive, will provide the pattern for charitable groups in this country and abroad to send dairy goats to other milk-shorted areas of the world, and to areas of our own United States.

Dairy Goat Journal, July 1957

In addition to cash donations used to transport the goats to New him about Dr. Schweitzer, to the from AMGRA members, others Orleans where it was loaded onto signers of $100 and $200 checks, contributed to the cause. Miss the steamship “Del Rio” to provide did so solely because they wanted Helen Staver of Brattleboro, housing for the herd during passage. to. The breeders who gave some Vermont donated the first pair of The transportation was donated by of the best animals in their herds, does, and the Southern Vermont the Delta Steamship Lines and The because they knew the project Dairy Goat Association donated Ralston Purina Company donated a could succeed only with the their transportation to Cincinnati. large quantity of Purina Goat Chow highest quality animals in it, did so When the herd was assembled the for use during the voyage. because they wanted to.” process of changing diet was aided In the March 1957 Annette “All these people were inspired by the United Fruit Company Knoop reflected on the conclusion by Dr. Schweitzer’s complete which sent bales of banana tree of the project: giving of his life to the work he stalks. The Studebaker-Packard “But all who have supported this saw to do in Lambarene. Perhaps Corporation donated a new project, from the child pushing his in its small way this venture of our Studebaker truck, which was then grubby nickel into the can at the AMGRA dairy goat shipmemnt outfitted with stalls. The truck was zoo because his teacher had told will succeed in the same spirit.” r

WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 63 life lessons

Life Lessons from the Barnyard: The Great Goat Adventure

by KATE JOHNSON

y friend, Melanie, invited first time, we had to wait 3 weeks to us to her farm to see goat see if she had “settled.” She didn’t M kids born a few weeks settle the first time, so they bred earlier. If you ever held a tiny kid her again and we waited another and fed it a bottle of warm milk, 3 weeks. When the news came that you understand how quickly and she had gone into heat yet again, completely we were hooked! They we got concerned. They would are the most darling creatures try a different buck, but in the on earth. Shortly afterward, we meantime, we looked around for decided goats were the next a backup doe in case this one just addition to our little farm that couldn’t get pregnant. We found a already had horses and chickens. few full-size Nubians, which was We joined a local 4-H club and After doing some research, not our first choice, so we kept our signed up for a dairy goat project, we came to the conclusion fingers crossed. Fortunately, the but knowing nothing about raising that Mini Nubians were the third time seemed to be the charm breed for us. Problem was, goats, we needed a “goat mentor.” I and by late December we heard there didn’t seem to be any knew just who to call! Melanie had Mini Nubians in Colorado! I Skittles had finally settled and we grown up showing dairy goats in finally found a small Nubian could come get her any time after 4-H and was delighted to join our doe near Durango who was the first of the year. newest adventure. being bred to a Nigerian January 2nd, my mom and I, After doing some research, Dwarf. January 2nd, we along with my daughters Megan headed down to fetch up we came to the conclusion that and Molly, headed to Durango to our goats. Mini Nubians were the breed fetch Skittles and a young Nigerian for us. A cross between Nubians Dwarf wether for a companion. It and Nigerian Dwarfs, this newly took us about 9 hours to get there, emerging breed had Nubians’ long, Dwarf. Although Durango was a but the drive was beautiful on a floppy ears with Nigerians’ smaller long drive from our farm, it was clear, cloudless Colorado winter size in an efficient dairy goat perfect still in the state, so I sent the breeder day. We stayed at a Durango hotel for small children and properties. my deposit. that night then headed out to the Problem was, there didn’t seem to Now the waiting began. In ranch the next morning. It started be any Mini Nubians in Colorado! September we agreed to purchase lightly snowing and we thought After much internet searching and the doe, Skittles, but she had to be we’d better hit the road as soon talking with 4-H goat folks, I found bred first. Goats go into heat about as possible. Well, we got the goats a small Nubian doe near Durango, every 3 weeks during breeding just fine but not soon enough: as who was being bred to a Nigerian season, so once she was bred the we headed up Wolf Creek Pass, it

64 GOAT JOURNAL, november/december 2017 tow truck driver said we should try Around 10:00pm, we opened the to make it right then or we might crates in the back of the minivan. be stuck for several days. (With 2 Skittles stumbled out and seemed goats in our minivan? No thanks!) to have forgotten how to use her This time, we made it over the pass legs. She hobbled on her knees for with no problem. It was dry on the a few minutes before remembering other side and, after removing the how to stand up, and we got a good chains, we made good time until laugh. The goats settled in well to we hit another snowstorm south of their new surroundings. We got to Skittles and her fluffy Nigerian Denver. We finally made it home to know them and learned how to care Dwarf companion, Springer Briar Gate Farm 12 hours later. The for them while we waited 5 months goats were good travelers, aside for our first goat kids to arrive. But started snowing harder and harder. from an adorable bleat every now that’s another story that you’ll just Seven miles from the summit, my and then, and slept most of the way. have to wait for! r little minivan just couldn’t do it. We had to turn around. We drove back to Pagosa Springs, LIFE LESSON: bought snow chains (wished I’d Good Things Come to Those Who Wait done that sooner!), and headed back up the mountain after a local

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