Keeping Goats Healthy in Cold Weather Saving Avoid Winter the Lung Issues Arapawa & Goats Prevent Hoof Rot

VOL. 96 NO. 1 • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 • $4.99 U.S. • WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM

KEEPING GOATS HEALTHY IN COLD WEATHER SAVING AVOID WINTER THE LUNG ISSUES ARAPAWA & GOATS PREVENT HOOF ROT

Have You Tried Goat Yoga?

WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 1 T VA THE THE VAT STURIZER PA PASTEURIZER

any n pa m o c . c n i l o o t n r e t s e w h rt o n a a northwestern tool inc. company

” VAT “THE “THE VAT” EU.S.A. HE T N I T BUIL VAT CHEESE AND ASTEURIZER P A A PASTEURIZER AND CHEESE VAT BUILT IN THE U.S.A.

,1 o3,3 o6 alnsizes gallon 60 to 32 30, to 17 5, 1 o t 7 INCLUDE: FEATURES FEATURES INCLUDE: 7 to 15, 17 to 30, 32 to 60 gallon sizes lve Va Detect eak L • Lid nsulated I • Jacket ouble D • Stainless ll A • • All Stainless • Double Jacket • Insulated Lid ecorder R t Char Anderson 2” 1 • Heat Space Air and roduct P • • Leak Detect Valve • Product and Air Space Heat ompletely C • mperature Te Space Air and Product ecords R • • 12” Anderson Chart Recorder • Records Product and efContained Self Air Space Temperature • Completely Self Contained TTACHES A T THA CHILLER NEW OUR INTRODUCING INTRODUCING OUR NEW CHILLER THAT ATTACHES STEURIZER PA THE TO DIRECTLY DIRECTLY TO THE PASTEURIZER

MLT ECITO,PIIG N MORE AND PRICING, DESCRIPTION, OMPLETE C A FOR FOR A COMPLETE DESCRIPTION, PRICING, AND MORE : VIIST PLEASE NITS U T GREA THESE OF PICTURES PICTURES OF THESE GREAT UNITS PLEASE VIIST: STEURIZER.COM ATPA WWW.THEV WWW.THEVATPASTEURIZER.COM

ASTEURIZER P T VA THE THE VAT PASTEURIZER lyodD. atn ho45429 Ohio Dayton, Dr., lleywood Va 3130 3130 Valleywood Dr., Dayton, Ohio 45429 [email protected] ma b | 800-236-3956 800-236-3956 | [email protected]

2 GOAT JOURNAL, january/february 2018 Parts Dept. Parts Dept offers hundreds of goat products you Call for a FREE Catalog Website: www.PartsDeptOnline.com 800-245-8222 MP Cooling Tanks The MP cooling tanks range from 15 Gallons to 285 Gallons these tanks meet the needs of all home, small dairy and cheese production facilities. Fast and stable

models. These tanks are fully compliant with all 3A standards and regulations and are Grade A. Tanks up to 90 Gallon run on standard 110V electricity and require no special wiring, 140-285 Gallon run on 220V. 2 Year Warrantee

MP Cooling Tanks 1 Goat Portable Vacuum System 220 Gallon $91/Mo Features 15 Gallon $2195.00 or Made 100% in USA 30 Gallon $2595.00 or $108/Mo 3/4 HP Vac supply Only (Runs 1 bucket) Grade A. $599 60 Gallon $3595.00 or $149/Mo 3/4 HP Vac supply With Bucket $999 2 Year Warrantee. 90 Gallon $4195.00 or $174/Mo Free Tank Valve. 140 Gallon $5295.00 or $220/Mo Free shipping on this item Calibration Chart & Dip Stick. 220 Gallon $7395.00 or $308/Mo Temperature Recorder Ready. 285 Gallon $7995.00 or $333Mo

Portable Vacuum Systems Made 100% in USA 3/4 HP Vac supply $1095 (Runs 2 buckets) 0% Financing for 24 Months $45/Mo 1.5 HP Vac supply $1295 (Runs 4 buckets) 0% Financing for 24 Months $54/Mo

Milk Transport Tanks 130 Gallon $3295 or 138/Mo 210 Gallon $3895 or 162/Mo Sizes available Up to 1000 Gallons 35Lb Goat Pail $400.00 35Lb Cow Pail $400.00 Fight Bac “Pritchard” Feeder $41.95 ITP205 $37.95 $10.95/Can (single) Flutter Valve Stand $15.95 $8.95 each (case/12) $2.35

Milky Separator ITP207 $39.95 Teat Wipes 23 Gal/Hr $499 Bucket / 700 $35.95 Vanguard 34 Gal/Hr $799 $32.95 Vanguard Claw $99.95 $14.95

Milky Pasteurizer 7 Gallon Capacity Dehorners All Stainless Steel Rhinehart X30 $74.95 Kid Bar 1 $34.95 Made in Austria Stone 3/4” $99.00 Kid Bar 7 $114.95 Cordless $1299.00 $229.95 Kid Bar 10 $159.95 Stainless Pasteurizer Dynamint Cream 2 Gallons in 1 Hour Organic Approved All Stainless Steel. 17oz Bottle $13.95 Made in USA 2 Litre Jug $39.95 $359.00

WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 3 contents

18 58

THE FEATURES 46 Preventing Hoof Rot THE STORIES 18 Have You Tried Goat Yoga? in Goats by Theresa Miller 30 Written on Their Faces by Janet Garman by Tamsin Cooper 22 Breath of Life 48 The Accidental by Kat Drovdahl 34 Hazards of Keeping Goats Cheesemaking School by Lacey Hughett by Kate Johnson

36 Saving the Arapawa Goats 52 Secret Life of Goats: THE REGULARS by Amy Hadachek Living It Up by Theresa Miller 07 From the Editor 40 From France to the Farm by Amy Hadachek 58 Breed Profile: 10 Reader Feedback San Clemente Responses and Photos 43 Caring for Angora Goat by Tamsin Cooper Fiber During the Winter 16 Kat’s Corner by Janet Garman 72 Life Lessons: First Kids by Kat Drovdahl by Kate Johnson

26 Photo Essay: Silver Strike Farms

66 From the Archives ON THE COVER Small Town Goat Dairy Tiger Lily, a Nubian doe, enjoys a rare January snowstorm. See Fan Photos for 68 Calendar another picture of Tiger Lily and her best Upcoming Events friend, Ella. Submitted by Ashley of A&A Acres in Southern Oregon. 70 Just for Fun

4 GOAT JOURNAL, january/february 2018 WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 5

Customer Experiences with CoPulsationtm

CoPulsationtm customer Jeremy Franseen milks 200 goats. His average SCC for the year is 230,000 with a low of 120,000. Jeremy visited us at the World Dairy Expo and noted he is pleased with the way things are going. His herd average for his JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 goats is 2500 pounds. VOL. 96 NO. 1 CoPulsationtm delivers a unique milking experience for goats providing a fast- efficient milking action that is the only humane way to milk with a machine. www.CountrysideNetwork.com

What are you using to milk your goats? Try our demo unit today. editorial www.CoPulsation.com Steph Merkle, Content Director tm www.Facebook.com/CoPulsation CoPulsation Milking System 607-849-3880 [email protected] www.Youtube.com/CoPulsation Twitter @CoPulsation Marissa Ames, Editor

[email protected] Samantha Ingersoll, Ann Tom Editorial Assistants Low Cost �Calves areso�appy� circulation & marketing Hundreds of Satisfied Ellen Grunseth, Marketing Director Customers [email protected] ID-TEK II Calf Feeder Afton Pospíšilová RFIDCalfFeeder, Handles up 25 calves. ��uc�atimesaver� Design Manager

Lac-Tek Lamb/KidFeeder Madelyn LyBarger Automatically Feedsupto120 LambsorKids Publication Designer BéBé-Lac Lamb/Kid Feeder advertising Automatically Feedsupto40Lambs or Kids ��is�I�ad it last year� . Alicia Soper, Advertising Director Lac-TekIILambFeeder [email protected] (715) 748-1388 www. biotic.com (931) 437-2514 Kelly Weiler [email protected] (715) 748-1389 Sue Lapcewich [email protected] (970) 392-4436 ® general manager Back in Balance Minerals Mike Campbell Formulas for goats, sheep, horses andcamelids [email protected] Goat Journal (ISSN 0011-5592, USPS 147-020) is Abioavailable lineofminerals published bi-monthly by Countryside Publications, 136 formulated by herbalistand W Broadway Ave, Medford, WI 54451. Periodicals traditionalnaturopathAlethea postage paid at Medford, WI and other mailing offices. Kenney.Created to improve digestion, The views presented here do not necessarily growth,health, immunefunctionand represent those of the editor or publisher. reproduction. Contains no fillers or All contents of this issue of Goat Journal are artificial preservatives,non-GMO. copyrighted by Countryside Publications, 2018. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited, except by permission of the publisher. BOOK NOWAVAILABLE — “AnOunce of Prevention: Raising and Feeding Animals Naturally” See website fordetails. Editorial office: PO Box 566, Medford WI 54451. [email protected] BackinBalance Blends: Canship anywhereinthe U.S. Herbal Products for Livestock Advertising office: Goat Journal, PO Box 566, Medford WI 54451. [email protected], FOr PrOduCt INFOrMAtION: Display advertising rates on request. FOr Orders: Phone 715-748-1388, fax 715-785-7414. AletheaKenney NorthCentral Feed Products,LLC traditional Naturopath, Zena dunker Subscriptions (US funds): $24.99 per year; 2 years $39. WesternHerbalist,Aromatherapist 70 Alicest., PO Box10 Goat Journal Subscriptions, PO Box 1848, smallruminant NutritionConsultant Carson City NV 89702. 970-392-4419. forNorth CentralFeed Products,LLC Gonvick, MN 56644 218-657-2502, [email protected] 877-487-6040 •[email protected] POSTMASTER: Send all UAA to CFS. (See DMM 707.4.12.5); NON-POSTAL AND Healthy animals startwith good nutrition. MILITARY FACILITIES: send address corrections to Goat Journal Subscriptions, PO Box 1848 www.BackInBalanceMinerals.com Carson City NV 89702. PRINTED IN THE USA.

6 GOAT JOURNAL, january/february 2018 from the editor

Don’t let winter keep you in the barn!

IT’S COLD OUT THERE! Snowy and icy, or wet and muddy, winter isn’t always fun and games. Are your goats pregnant right now? Or do you have deep snow around your livestock shelters? And are your goats warm enough? Winter can be tough for your goat herd, and we want to help. Regular Countryside Network contributor Jan- et Garman shares tips for avoiding and treating that dreaded hoof rot. Natural goat health expert Kat Drovdahl talks Jubilee, my about lung health in “Breath of Life.” friend Amie’s mini She keeps us updated with timeless LaMancha, braves answers to your questions within the cold weather. “Kat’s Caprine Corner.” Do you have a question for Kat? Send it to me at [email protected] and I will personally deliver it so we can publish the answer in our next issue. If you own Angora and Pygora Continuing our newer focus of ber 2017 issue. We always welcome goats, you may have already dealt “all things goat,” we want to tell suggestions regarding how we can with matted fiber. Janet Garman you about goat yoga, a pastime create a better magazine and sup- shares tips to keep fiber nice during where you can stretch and bend ply the content you desire. Keep winter months. Amy Hadachek tells while baby goats jump on your those letters coming. us about a Kansas zoo’s efforts to back. We’re not “kidding.” All jok- And keep reading Goat Journal save a rare breed and Kate Johnson ing aside, Theresa Miller shares to the end, where you will find the narrates how she accidentally be- how this new activity started and newest feature: our “Just for Fun” came a professional cheesemaking snowballed into an international section, which includes a contest instructor. (You’ve got to try Kate’s phenomenon. Theresa also writes with real Goat Journal prizes. Stay chèvre recipe!) about a 40-year tradition of load- tuned on Facebook, Instagram, and We also have Tamsin Cooper’s ing goats onto a restaurant roof so Twitter as well, to enter more con- always-sublime contributions with they can graze and entertain cus- tests such as our #ghastlygoatjour- a breed profile of San Clemente tomers. Read about Al Johnson’s nal event where Ashley Gonzalez goats and a story about goats’ facial Swedish Restaurant and the yearly won with her picture of Ella eating expressions and how humans can parade honoring the goats in “Liv- pumpkin brains. learn them to take the best care of ing It Up!” their caprines. Newcomer Lacey Speaking of our newer focus: STAY WARM OUT THERE! Hughett details the hazards of keep- we hear you! Thank you for all the ing goats in all its bruising and exas- input you have contributed since perating glory. receiving our November/Decem-

WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 7

Goat Journal FREE Call: 1-715-748-1388 Superior Livestock Sales e-mail: [email protected] Ad Design! For Your Farm Hide Layer 2 to print Ring with out numbers for Samuel Central States Dairy Goat Production Sale Market Report for Nov 24, 2017 & Head TOTAL HEAD SOLD: 825 Low $ High $ Ave $ NEXT SALE: May 29, 2018 Count Washington, Iowa County Fairgrounds

Present... Registered Does / Doelings 18 $525.00 $1,000.00 $762.50 Largest Auction of Select Quality Registered Does / Doelings 87 $300.00 $500.00 $440.00 Dairy Goats in US “CHEESEMAKING MADE EASY” Total RegisteredRegistered Does Does /Doelings / Doelings 182 77 $100.00 $1,000.00 $475.00 $550.00$317.50 Consignment of High Production, Register, Grade DVD Bucks & Does Welcome Top Genetics Represented - Only Quality Animals with Kate Johnson Grade Milking Does 28 $135.00 $160.00 $149.00 Doelings should be preg checked. Consignments accepted up to sale

Grade Does / Doelings 57 $100.00 $160.00 $140.00 Consignor Forms, Catalogs & Reports - www.csgoatsale.com Grade Does / Doelings 166 $175.00 $210.00 $195.50

Grade Does / Doelings 237 $225.00 $235.00 $230.00 Deadline to appear in Catalog: April 20, 2018 GradeTotal Does Grade / Doelings Does 545 85 $100.00$250.00 $425.00 $223.00$337.50 VENDORS BOOTHS - $15.00/space Fox Auction Service: 660.341.1453 [email protected] foxauction.com Bucks with Papers 21 $500.00 $1,800.00 $1,150.00 Total Bucks 70 $50.00 $1,800.00 $925.00 Auction Committee 319.679.9744 Bucks with Papers 49 $50.00 $500.00 $275.00 2692 540th Street, Kalona, IA 52247

Pepperpot CA DICTATOR Dam Dictator’s Sire: Capricorn View Winner Altair EX-92 Dictator’s Dam: GCH Pepperpot PPH Destiny’s Child EX-94 Select Doe 4CGS Select Doe *M 3-YR-Old 7.1 kg 3.3% F 26.53 points 42012 East National Best Udder Dam’s 7/8 Sister: GCH Pepperpot PHS Ultimate Destiny *M EX-92 Select Doe 4#1 in CAN for *M in 2016 42016 Royal Winter Fair Res. Grand Champion More EastGen’s Saanen additions: Kapra Vista LA WINDBREAK 4Caprikorn Farro JUPITER: His sire was a 2X Lifetime Milk Award winner. His dam is a 2X Dam Top 10 USDA list doe (now #16) and she has two daily tests over 20 lbs. His 2nd dam is 2nd Dam also a Lifetime Milk Award winner and is the #5 ranked doe - from Caprikorn Farms, Maryland Make Your Own Cheese At Home! 4Sherrys BW GRASSHOPPER: Sired by the Loughlin Grand Illusion son Boy Wonder. His dam has two records >4,000 lbs and is a second gen. EX90 4,000+ lbs milker. - from Sherry’s Saanens, Minnesota 3 Course Cheesemaking DVD 4Grasshill Xmas COMET: COMET is one of the Best of the Best! His dam is the #1 Ranked ONLY $29.99 Doe in Canada with +181 CI!!! - from Grasshill Farm Ltd., Bobcaygeon 4Windbreak’s EX91 dam was on ‘15 ADGA Breed These are only 5 of the 20 new bucks we’ve added this Leader List (#3 Milk, #6 Fat, #2 Protein). Her EX92 fall to our line-up including exciting more Saanens, nd st CountrysideNetwork.com/shop/ 2 dam is backed by two more EX dams. Alpines & our 1 Nubian & La Manacha bucks!

cheesemaking-made-easy-download For more details, email: [email protected] or call 1-519-821-2150 www.eastgen/goats Invested in your future.

8 GOAT JOURNAL, january/february 2018

Present... Registered Does / Doelings 18 $525.00 $1,000.00 $762.50 Largest Auction of Select Quality Registered Does / Doelings 87 $300.00 $500.00 $440.00 Dairy Goats in US “CHEESEMAKING MADE EASY” Total RegisteredRegistered Does Does /Doelings/ Doelings 182 77 $100.00 $1,000.00 $475.00 $550.00$317.50 Consignment of High Production, Register, Grade DVD Bucks & Does Welcome Top Genetics Represented - Only Quality Animals with Kate Johnson Grade Milking Does 28 $135.00 $160.00 $149.00 Doelings should be preg checked. Consignments accepted up to sale

Grade Does / Doelings 57 $100.00 $160.00 $140.00 Consignor Forms, Catalogs & Reports - www.csgoatsale.com Grade Does / Doelings 166 $175.00 $210.00 $195.50

WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 9 reader conversation & feedback

Dear Readers,

We have heard your voices regarding how much you have missed the dairy goat judging section. And we have something in the works! Keep those suggestions coming and we will keep working to produce the best goat magazine around.

Marissa Ames, Goat Journal editor

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 fi ddling lips that fi nd their way into food bins or out of pens. Goat Journal, We, their handlers, know how Feedback regarding Reading Goats’ smart goats are. But do we think goat-wise, understanding caprine minds: how they see their environment and us, how they learn, how Thank you for sponsoring the learning can affect their future Minds, from November/December experience, and how their experience affects their health and production? To this end, researchers Goats continue to delve into the minds of relax when goats, how they are affected by the groomed Rookie of The Year award at the by humans. 2017 Goat Journal: production environment, and how Photo by they see us and interact with us. Tamsin In 2017, we have seen published Cooper results of studies into cognition, hu- Minnesota State Fair. It has been man-goat relationships, reproduc- All animals have the capacity tive behavior and reaction to inten- sive conditions. Knowledge of the to locate treats rather than rely on viduals differ in their understand- goats’ perspective enables us to de- bowl position. Goats that explore ing of the world. Some seek food in sign goat-friendly accommodation less are better at tracking hidden places where they’ve been success- and tailor our procedures and han- objects when they are moved, pos- ful before, while others go by the an exciting year learning about dling techniques to reduce stress. sibly due to their calmer, observa- to communicate and understand color or shape of food containers. Enjoyable, stress-free living will tional manner. Some learn more by investigating optimize the health and production Goats have shown that they can and others by watching. These per- of our animals—and us too! learn unusual tasks, even choosing sonal differences have been found abstract symbols to request a drink of to be linked to personality types. the dairy goat industry. I look WHAT MATTERS water at the German research center. on a much deeper level than Less sociable goats were better at TO GOATS They can even restrain their natural fi nding food hidden in cups of dif- We know that goats are curious and urge to go for food seen through a bar- ferent colors, perhaps because they quickly learn the best way to get rier after learning the correct route to worried less about their absent treats. We’ve heard that they have access the treat. Even so, many goats pen-mates. These goats tended to forward to receiving the Goat long memories. This year, research- still let their belly rule their head! most people realize. It is why I use shape and color of feed bowl ers in London, described how indi-

/december 2017 Journal and continuing to im- 32 GOAT JOURNAL, november advocate the use of canine body prove my dairy goat herd. language when working with Feedback on Reading Goats’ livestock guardian dogs. Fa- Thanks again, Minds from November/December mous trainers such as Tom Dor- Kayla Gilbertson 2017 Goat Journal: rance further proved what hors- Great article on goats’ mental es are capable of understanding acuity! It reaffirmed some things and communicating. I’m glad I’d noticed but didn’t understand the hobby farm world is final- about my goats’ responses to ly realizing this and people are things I do with them. They are writing about it now as it per- so smart, even smarter than I re- tains to goats. All these animals alized! Enriched school starts to- deserve our respect. morrow for my goats! They are the most perfect, all-around animal Brenda Negri I’ve ever owned: loving, sweet, so smart, and hilarious! Never a dull Thanks for your comment. You are so moment with does! Love them! right! We’ve known for some time that Thank you so much for your in- horses can read the subtlest of human sightful article. body language and there’s a lot of research now showing how sensitive dogs Sincerely, are to human expressions and cues. Jan Patterson Horses and dogs have been domesticat-

Send us your letters, whether positive, negative, or just to brag about your goats! Goat Journal, PO Box 566, Medford, WI 54451 or email [email protected]

10 GOAT JOURNAL, january/february 2018 ed to work with humans, and our breed- as a disabled vet. I have a little Hi Bonni, ing plans have chosen those animals lady named Precious and she is As you can see from this issue and that understand us best. The amazing in my pocket day and night. I the November/December 2017 copy, thing about goats is that no such effort know she can’t pack but she can we have made quite a few changes. has been made for goats to work with do little things for me like car- Our new “all things goat” vision de- humans, only to allow us to milk and ry garden tools and just be with viates from the magazine’s previous manage them. However, they have still me. Daddy is Saanan/Boer and focus. And we think that’s a good adapted so well to living with us, that dam is Alpine/Boer. We are rais- thing! We have great things planned they have a great understanding of us. ing her special since we lost our for 2018 and always welcome any I expect this is due to them being highly last year kids to the bald eagles. feedback, positive and negative, re- sociable animals with a naturally com- This little one is being treated garding what we can do better. plex social structure. They have adapt- like gold. So I got a lot of inside ed to allowing us humans into their info I plan to use and enjoyed Marissa Ames, Editor social world. I agree with you so much the read. Thank you for this that all of us who manage farm animals wonderful reading. (commercial and hobby) need to be sensitive to the perception and needs of our animals, as much for their comfort and Elise Notbusch welfare as to ease management and improve sustainability.

Goat Journal contributor, My name is Bonni Smith-Jacobs Tamsin Cooper and I live in New Zealand. I began a 3-year subscription after reading back issues a friend had. The content and quality of articles was

Feature :: paCk goats of such a high standard that, al- PACKING though I do not have dairy goats, it QUITE A was worth getting.

Goats Go This past year or so, your maga- Where Horses Fear to Tread zine has deteriorated to the point

by THERESA MILLER turned off the highway at it is hardly worth opening to read. the small green and white sign that read Pack Idaho. Erv and Teri Crowther run theI small organic farm that supplies Gone is the information that used my neighborhood convenience Photos by Marc Warnke of packgoats.com store with raw cow milk and the best yogurt I’ve ever tasted. I didn’t less-maintained trails than other come for milk or produce, though. I have extensive pastureland. You stock animals. They have less im- can fi t several goats in the back of a to be there. What happened to the 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 pet. As the goats crowded around, Goats make great hunting com- don’t overgraze. Even their poop panions. The smell of blood and dairy farm diary, which followed Teri introduced everyone. “Watch resembles rabbit or deer drop- out for Willie,” Teri said with a wild game doesn’t bother them. 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 cue, the goat sidled against me and predatory animals the way horses sometimes needs to be dragged do. Erv and Teri were packing with the daily activities of a farm? Now 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, backside survived the experience. goat give a warning noise. He looked 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 you just fill as many pages as possi- 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. Rocky Mountains. We are more ac- the mountain lion off before anyone, 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 even llamas as pack animals but danger was gone, the string of goats ble with show results. Not all your packing with an animal. The cost calmly resumed walking. pack goats are gaining popularity per animal to feed, house and care in the United States. Goats are well The downside to packing with 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 surefooted nature makes them able as many miles a day as bigger ani- readers do shows nor wish to read less space, so you can start with a to navigate steeper, rougher and mals and they can’t carry as much couple of goats even if you don’t gear. A full-sized, well-trained pack

20 GOAT JOURNAL, november/december 2017 the results of them. This should be a separate publication for those who want to read about it. Feedback regarding Packing Quite Be assured, I will not be renew- a Kick! November/December 2017 ing my subscription should this Goat Journal: decline continue. I loved this reading. It is something I have always wanted to do Bonni

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

ISF Matt, a registered Angora goat, owned by Pasture View Farms in Fairchild, Wisconsin

Gilbert, a yearling alpine wether, trying on his newly finished sawbuck saddle with military surplus panniers. Submitted by Madison Shoemaker

This is Elfin Acres F Hawthorne, the sweetest and most mellow buck you will ever meet. Submitted by Little Bit Country Farm

Tiger Lily and Ella love stripping needles off branches they can reach. Submitted by Ashley of A&A Acres in Southern Oregon.

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, january/february 2018 Agatha Ivy Uddersworth with the Ruby Mountains of Nevada in the background. Kathryn M. Lanni of Galloping Gertie’s Soaps

Chips and Salsa are our newest kids here at Glass Submitted by Julie Lanoue of Garretson, South Dakota Goat at River Road Farm in Hammond, New York. They are inseparable, and Salsa is always looking out for her younger brother.

I own a small herd in Douglas, MA. I currently own Nigerians and Nubians, and hope to add some LaManchas very soon. I have been breeding since 2012 and showing since 2015. I am pictured with my goat Maybell. Sam Dykstra of Whistle Farm

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 goat journal :: gets social

I just finished some fresh chèvre, and it’s amazing! Who else makes goat Goat Journal cheese, and what’s your favorite kind Excellent work! How well does to make? - Marissa cheese sell in Thailand?

Join the conversation at Rusty Hebert facebook.com/goatjournal Better than I anticipated but 99% of our customers are not native. Sabrina Day Thais have not developed much Chèvre (simple sea salt and pepper desire for cheese. The ones we’ve is my favorite and so versatile), I also sold to love it. There are actually make yogurt, mozzarella, cheddar, several cheese manufactuers here. ricotta, butter, caramels, and pretty Lots of artisan style. We even get much anything you can make with supplies from some cheese geeks. goat milk! So delicious! I just put a new wheel of Swiss in www.naturaldaysfarm.com whey brine this morning at 0300. www.facebook.com/ThaiArtisan Goat Journal Do you sell your crafts or use them Kim Charlesworth to feed your family? Oooh kefir? how do you make that?

Sabrina Day Rusty Hebert Candy Stillman-Hunley Mainly use to feed my family. Garlic and herb is my favorite! I have 2 little boys who can’t process cow milk, so our Rebecca Sanderson whole family switched to goat I think I need to learn how to make milk. I do occasionally sell some since I can’t have dairy. I’m my extras though. seriously missing cheese! Kerri Jaeger Jackie Jackman Love to make cheve some flavors Paneer, mozzarella and fromage blanc I do sundried tomatoes basil and garlic, roasted red pepper, Meagan Snide kalamata olive feta (I use goat feta My kids love chèvre with honey. I make) bacon scallion garlic, rosemary sea salt, the sun-dried Carolina Gutiérrez tomatoes basil garlic seems to be I make chèvre but my favorite is queso the most popular one Milk kefir grains Kim. Mildly tart & fresco and requeson. thick with a bit of fizz. This KM is Sabrina Day from gow. Goat is better. Wesley-Dorien Oh yum!!! I will be trying some of Lemmens-Huygens these combos! Curtis DuMonte I make Gouda cheese but also yoghurt I have raw goat milk kefir going too. and ice-cream Goat Journal I love it. Kerri Jaeger, those sound amazing! Goat Journal Kim Charlesworth I should try Gouda. How long Rusty Hebert We make chèvre and feta but do you age yours? Your chèvre looks beautiful. chèvre is better and easier to make. We make chèvre, Cheddar, feta, Wesley-Dorien yogurt & kefir. All our goats are on dry Curtis DuMonte Lemmens-Huygens off. Miss the taste of their milk. I make chèvre too. Sometimes a Depends... One to three weeks for www.facebook.com/Phukamyaogoats put a little garlic and cilantro in and young cheese. Which I like best. 100% #goodgoatness roll it into a log.

14 GOAT JOURNAL, january/february 2018 We Have a Winner!

Just before Halloween, we ran the #ghastlygoatjournal photo contest on Facebook and Instagram. Congratulations to Ashley Gonzalez, who got the most votes for her picture of Ella eating pumpkin brains. Ashley’s goats also grace our front cover! We have more contests coming. See the “Just for Fun” section at the back of this issue for a print-exclusive contest and stay tuned to Facebook and Instagram for even more opportunities to win official Goat Journal swag!

Receive Free Weekly Goat Content in Your Inbox

Sign up for newsletters containing our best stories from livestock experts. Visit Countryside Network countrysidenetwork.com/news/join-our-community-newsletter

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

What is proper weight the side of the neck and watching for it to for a dairy goat? snap back quickly is a good way to check How many of us have had someone look their hydration levels. If a goat is under- at our dairy goat and comment on how weight, this is not a good test, as their fat they were because they were look- skin may already be too tight. If water is ing at their belly and rumen areas? That too cold, they will not drink enough to is not where we want to assess weight. thrive. Also, an animal with a damaged I will firmly but gently pinch their skin tooth will not drink enough water if it’s layer behind their elbow on their barrel. cold, due to the pain of cold touching the Look at your goat’s front leg from the side offending tooth. This can be a problem, view. On the rearward side of that front especially in some older animals. Ani- leg, near the top of the leg, you will find mals that don’t drink enough water are at Do I need to blanket my a bony protrusion next to the side of the a greater risk of suffering colic (impacted goats for winter? body. That is their elbow. Just rear of that intestine) or urinary calculi. Please check Usually not. A goat that is healthy and and a bit above is where I pinch. Going waters and goats at least twice per day. proper weight with good feed and into winter or in winter, I like to pinch an One day, you may be glad you did. good shelter should not need blanket- easy half-inch. I also should be able to put ing during the winter. There are some my hand flat on their ribs and rub back How can I keep my exceptions, of course. Goats that are and forth. The skin should move free- goats warm? underweight (watch your bucks!), that ly under my hand, indicating a fat layer. Proper shelter was already mentioned are ill and during times of exception- I should still be able to feel the ribs but above. Besides shelter, keeping them in ally cold weather may need a “goat they should not be “sharp” feeling. I also good weight, and deep and dry bedding, coat” to help protect them. Also, very like to look at their backbone along their we want to consider their hay. A rumi- young kids or very old animals may spine. I should not be able to see individ- nant generates a lot of body heat as they need the additional support. Goats ual vertebrae and the tissue angle below digest roughage. Roughage would be also need protection if they need to the withers should be approximately 45% long-stemmed fiber of 2 inches or great- be transported during the winter. I from the spine to the body side. A goat er length. This is not available in a hay tried transporting bucks to a buck that is flatter through there is probably cube but in hay and edible brush. I keep a collection about 15 years ago and had overweight and a goat that is steeper combination of grass hay and alfalfa hay to turn back home. Even with deep there is underweight. in front of my goats all the time so that bedding and double blankets and a they can generate their much-needed nice trailer, 17°F was just too cold to Is it OK if I check my body heat in winter. transport them safely. waters just once a day when it’s cold out? Is winter the worst time How do you define “good In my opinion, it’s never OK to just check of year for predators? shelter?” water tanks/buckets just once per day! Predators are a problem all year long. A good shelter does not have to be a A lot can happen in a 24-hour period. Winter presents some challenges in fancy shelter. I’ve even seen some nice Automatic waters may break or freeze, that, as it progresses, creatures such as shelters made from pallets. The shel- water may freeze, become soiled or get coyotes, bobcats and cougars may have ter needs to be able to protect your spilled. A container can also break from reduced populations of easier-to-find goats from wind, rain, snow and sun, ice pressure. Heated waterers and water rodents, rabbits and deer. This makes but yet be open enough on the sides heaters need to be checked to be sure livestock more of a potential target as above goat level to allow fresh air to they are functioning and that the cords predators’ hunger increases their brav- move overhead. This fresh air whisks are always out of harm’s way. We also ery. It also tends to be a time of year away urine smells and prevents the air need to be sure the goats are drinking when fencing may take a larger beating in the barn from becoming stale and the water and that all of them are drink- from snow, ice or wind storms, branch or lung-challenging. ing enough. Firmly pinching the skin on tree falls or animals working at pushing

16 GOAT JOURNAL, january/february 2018 through damaged or old fencing. It’s im- mestic dog? It may be one or more from also start them on grain at week 16. I like to perative to know the condition of your just down the road, your neighbor’s dog start standard-sized goats at ¼ cup of grain fencing on a daily basis, if at all possible. or even your own dog. I’ve heard stories and each week I increase that by anoth- We find we also have to watch out for ea- on every one of these situations. Because er ¼ cup until I have them at the amount gles when we have young kids during the of this, we do not allow people to bring of grain that I believe they will need to later winter and spring months. Keeping dogs to our farm. Also, as I’ve mentioned maintain body condition once fresh. I also livestock guardian dogs with our goats in the past, good fencing and good-qual- pinch-test (explained above) each doe 2 or hugely reduces our concern about pred- ity guardian dogs will go a long way to 3 times each week to be sure they are not ator issues year-round. reducing this problem. losing weight during this time or getting too fat. I will adjust their individual grain, What animal is responsible How do I feed a 3rd up or down, based on that information. I for the most damage and trimester dairy goat? keep my herd on herbal supplements and losses in goat herds? A goat is pregnant for approximately 21 kelp year-round to make sure their mineral So, what animal came to mind when to 22 weeks so I consider 3rd trimester needs are well covered. r you read this question? Bear? Yes, bear to start at week 15 of their gestation. can and do kill goats. Wolves? Certainly Third trimester is important to note be- Katherine and her beloved husband re- they can be a problem and will become a cause this is when your kid(s) will begin side with their LaManchas, horses and greater one as their populations increase. to rapidly grow within their “bedwomb,” other livestock and gardens. Her life- Coyotes are a common problem nearly putting much larger caloric and nutri- long livestock experience and in depth everywhere. (We listen to three separate tional demands on your doe. I will be- alternative education gives her a unique packs “sing” every night where we live.) gin to change their dry-period hay from perspective when she teaches. She also Unfortunately, theft by humans can be 1/3 alfalfa and 2/3 grass hay to increasing owns, offers creature & human wellness a problem, too. But the most common amounts of alfalfa each week until I have consultations and has herb products & animal to cause loss? Did you guess do- them close to all alfalfa at kidding. I will services available at firmeadowllc.com.

From milking your Cows, goats, &sheep...to drawing colostrum.

Questions?Contactthe inventor,BuckWheeler at 800-287-4791 or 507-213-2126, [email protected] Learn more about theseproducts and watch video demonstrations atwww.EZAnimalProducts.com

WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 17 feature :: goat yoga HAVE YOU TRIED

Farmers Supplement Income by Offering Yoga with Goats

by THERESA MILLER

THOUGH IT’S A NEW CONCEPT, goat yoga grows because it offers exercise, relaxation, and friendly goats that climb on participants as they practice.

The Original Goat Yoga When photographer Lainey Morse got her first goats in 2014, she had no idea just how much they would change her life. Her move to the acreage she named No Regrets Farm, in the Willamette Valley of Oregon, allowed her to finally realize her dream of having goats. She promptly bought a couple and named them Ansel and Adams. Photo by Lainey Morse In 2016, while going through a divorce, Lainey was diagnosed Goat Happy Hour?” When they OK, but the goats would climb all with the autoimmune disease Sjor- were there, with the goats, they for- over the humans. Heather just re- grens. She recalls, “I was just going got about their stress and pain and sponded with, “Cool.” through a tough time, and every were happy by the time they left. They arranged a photo shoot, day I would come home from work Lainey hosted a charity birthday where Lainey took pictures of and go out in the field and spend party for 10 year olds, on her farm, Heather doing yoga poses against time with the goats. It was just so that raised money for Soroptimist, the mountain backdrop. As predict- therapeutic to me. When they are a program empowering women ed, the baby goats jumped on top of around, I think of nothing else but and girls. One mom, yoga instruc- her. People loved the pictures. these goats.” tor Heather Davis, commented The first class sold out. Lainey She started “Goat Happy Hour” on the breathtaking 360° view of couldn’t believe it. She thought for her friends. They would call her the Oregon mountains. She asked only her friends and family would and say, “I just had such a stressful Lainey to let her do a yoga class on come to something like this be- day at work. Can I come over for the farm. Lainey said it would be cause, really, who does this?

18 GOAT JOURNAL, january/february 2018 But it didn’t stop there. At one Morse says most people who come point, she had more than 2,000 people on a class waiting list. Now, there are goat yoga classes in most to her classes have never even tried US states as well as Canada, Mexi- co, Europe and Australia. yoga. They come for the goats. Goat Yoga Grows John Sponauer of Southington, Connecticut believes in the increas- It’s a great extra revenue stream ingly popular mantra of, “Buy expe- for small farms. One woman, who riences, not things.” He lives near a recently contacted Morse for help goat farm and he saw, on Facebook, starting a class, said she lives in a that it offered goat yoga classes. He poor village in Mexico with a lot of asked his niece if she would be in- dairy goats. They want to start goat terested in trying it during her next yoga because it’s near a very popu- visit. Unfortunately, on that partic- lar tourist area. She thinks it’ll help ular weekend, the class wasn’t of- Designed by Lainey Morse the impoverished farmers. fered at the farm. He looked online Starting goat yoga isn’t difficult. and found another nearby farm basis, because it was less of a fo- All you need are a piece of prop- with goat yoga classes. cus on yoga and more on playing erty with a nice view and friend- “I found it interesting that there with the goats, but it was certainly goats. Lainey Morse now has were multiple choices for goat ly something that’s fun to recol- 11: three Boers and eight Nigerian yoga near me,” he said. “I enjoyed lect and share. My background is Dwarf goats. Most are rescues. it a lot. The goats were inquisitive, marketing, and I couldn’t help but You don’t even need to know which made the exercise entertain- admire such a social media-ready how to do yoga; you can hire an ing. I can’t say I’d try it on a regular attraction for local farms!” instructor. Morse says most people who come to her classes have never even tried yoga. They come for the goats. For most, it is also their first experience with goats and they are shocked at how friendly and loving the animals are. This is especially true if you raise them as bottle babies and spend a lot of time with them before using them in a class. Enthusiasts seem especially taken with goat kids, which is good news for dairy farmers or breeders. Goat yoga socializes the kids so they are used to being touched and are docile for future milking. For a breeder looking to sell goats, it is a great selling point to say, “These were goat yoga goats so Photo by John Sponauer they are very friendly and loving.”

WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 19 feature :: goat yoga

Emerson Vineyards. She transports her goats to every session in her left: Photo by Lainey Morse. right: Photo by John Sponauer custom minivan. Goat yoga classes usually cost such a new thing that specific “goat more than regular yoga classes of Marketing a Brand yoga” hasn’t been written into zon- the same length, because custom- After the concept went viral last year, ing laws; goat presence may violate ers receive animal therapy as well Morse tried to get the term “goat other codes. as exercise and relaxation. As more yoga” trademarked. So far, she has In July of 2017, Tracy Longoria of jobs move indoors, more people had to settle with a trademark on Manchester, Connecticut received a crave natural outdoor experiences. Original Goat Yoga. She sells licensing cease and desist order from her local Whether you have a full working to her brand, as well as consultation, zoning enforcement office. She ap- farm or just a couple acres and some but Lainey is picky about to whom she pealed and won the right to continue. pet goats, you have something a lot sells the licensing. It must be a natural, Morse was not so lucky. Her of people want: the relaxation that organic experience. She doesn’t want farm is zoned “exclusive farm use,” comes with being in a beautiful out- to be associated with people who turn which means she has to make 80% door setting with friendly, inquisi- it into a circus, dressing up the goats of her income from farming or agri- tive animals. and putting them on people’s backs culture. Her zoning commission de- Have you tried goat yoga? Have you for pictures. Lainey believes goats cided goat yoga was not agriculture. considered starting it on your farm? r should just be goats. She called her planning and zoning Morse also started her own brand committee, her governor, and every Theresa Miller lives in a small ranching of goat-themed exercise clothing. other person she thought might be town in Idaho, where she and her hus- And she partnered with some retired able to help her. She got the same band own and operate a small engine emergency room nurses who love her answer from all of them: she needed repair shop called Cycles, Sleds & Saws. goats. After 30 years in the ER, they to call her legislator and try to get it Her spare time is divided between just want to spend time with goats written into the zoning. Where she reading, writing, cooking, gardening, and make goat-themed gifts. They lives, the rules allow for outdoor picking huckleberries and learning new call themselves the Goat Grandmas. events at bed and breakfasts or win- things. Her favorite hobby is talking to If you do decide to try this, be sure eries. For now, she has partnered people about things they are passion- to check your local zoning laws. It is with the Hampton County Inn and ate about.

20 GOAT JOURNAL, january/february 2018 Themomentishere. Rest assured they’re in good hands with Sav-A-Kid® milk replacer.Complete nutrition—evenwhen youcan’tbethere.

SavAKid.com MyFarmJourney™ WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 21 feature :: lung wellness

Feeling the ribs for the fat layer. This doe is too fat.

Breath of Life Lung Wellness is Crucial but Natural Remedies Can Help

by katherine drovdahl, mh cr ca diphir ceit Qtp

f all the conditions that can Viral and bacterial sources can cause There are many ways we can be affect goats, lungs tend to pneumonia and pleurisy. So can me- proactive and avoid dealing with be the weakest link for our chanical sources such as smoke, dust goat lung problems. Paying atten- belovedO caprines. Kids or adults can (including dusty hay), urine or other tion to housing is important. We expire within just hours of when we smelly barn air. Airborne toxins such want draft-free, wind-free, precipita- note a problem, so this is not a situa- as chemical fly sprays, herbicides, tion-free, clean and dry bedding and tion where you can decide to get to pesticides, fuels and spray paints housing free of foul air. Goats do not it later. Choose now if you want the can be seriously problematic. Molds, handle well getting chilled or wet. best opportunity to turn that prob- including most of the dust found in Especially dairy goats, which have lem around. hays, are another source of issues. much thinner skins and leaner mus-

22 GOAT JOURNAL, january/february 2018 Symptoms include lack of energy, often meant we would be dealing with depressed attitude, not eating grain lungs. We have gotten there by years of well, hunched up, hair fluffed out, avoiding chemicals and by using herbal supplements and herbs to cleanse fever, lung sounds and perhaps sweat. and nourish our goats’ systems. Goat keeping is so much easier now! The other side of proactive is to be cle mass than meat goat types. They days), garlic, peppermint, basil and reactive. This means rising to meet a are also much more susceptible to get- turmeric. Fir Meadow LLC has herb- current lung challenge. The proactive ting chilled than sheep. Be sure your al immunity products for those that side would mean keeping products housing is larger than you believe you want a synergistically formulated, on hand to deal with a lung issue, need for all of your goats to comfort- already-made product. should one present. If you want to ably stay inside when the weather is A long-term goal for your herd may go the chemical route, get some ad- less than optimal. With dairy goats, be for each successive generation to vice from your vet, or from your goat it works well to have several living have a stronger constitution: that in- mentor, on what should be in that areas within their stall or stalls. We herited strength at the cellular level. first aid kit. If you are alternative-fo- have hay feeders breaking up their We are many generations from con- cused, consider herbs like goldenseal large stall into smaller sections so that ventionally raised goats and I can at- (use under the care of an herbalist in if one or two hogs an area, the others test that lungs are now rarely an issue pregnant stock), mullein, myrrh, Lo- still have plenty of areas to eat and lie in our herd. I don’t think we’ve had belia inflata, thyme, garlic, Eucalyp- down. I remember a story of a goat one lung problem this year. We used tus globulus essential oil (under the wasting away because she would to dread the times of wet weather, advice of a practitioner if you are new only keep her head in the stall. She quickly changing weather and quick- to essential oils), pleurisy root, colts- was too afraid of the herd queen (bul- ly changing temperatures because that foot, comfrey and elecampane root. If ly) and would not even go in to come out of rain. Yes, that goat died and it was completely avoidable. We also want to consider things that will encourage healthy goat immune systems. Avoiding toxin exposure, providing clean and healthy feeds, making sure they feel safe in their surroundings and keeping them up to date on their mineral consump- tion will go a long way toward that. Stress also has a negative impact on their (and your) immunity due to acidity it causes in the body and ex- cess adrenaline preventing the body from being well rested. I know my goats feel secure when they are able to lie down or hang out, while chewing their cud, at least two different times per day. They will not cud if they are Checking stressed. I also feed herbs to encour- weight age happy immune systems. Some of those are thyme, echinacea (up to 10

WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 23 feature :: lung wellness

you want already-formulated prod- (it recently showed up), that first day for some time afterward. Remember ucts, we have an extract and an herb involves dosing with herbs every two that any particulate in their feed or mix that can be used proactively or hours during waking hours, getting the air will irritate that healing tissue reactively. When working with herbs, at least five doses in before bedtime for quite some time. Keep their air consider supporting the lungs and (more is better). I often double-or-tri- clean as much as possible. going after possible bacterial, micro- ple-dose that first round of safe herbs May you never, ever need any of bial or viral problems. My experience to give me a good jump. I also often this information as you enjoy your with lung problems, and using drugs use an onion poultice that first day. beloved goats. Blessings all! or herbs, is that I’m going to save After the first 24 hours, one often some and I’m going to lose some. A will move into the chronic stage. At Katherine and her beloved husband reside lot has to do with how early I catch that point, I dose at least 4 times per with their LaManchas, horses and other a problem. I have seen goats turn day, at regular dose, for at least 2 to 3 livestock and gardens. Her lifelong live- around, that are on their very last bit more days. As long as your animal is stock experience and in depth alternative of life, with both methods, but that’s progressing after that, three times per education gives her a unique perspective the exception rather than the rule. day should be good for at least ten when she teaches. She also owns, offers Symptoms that I watch for in my days, or at least three days past any creature & human wellness consultations herd include lack of energy, design of symptoms, whichever is later. and has herb products & services available pressed attitude, not eating grain Your goat may have a latent cough at firmeadowllc.com. well, hunched up (arched back), hair fluffed out, fever, lung sounds and perhaps sweat. If their hair is fluffed up, that will often be telltale of a fever. Take their temperature. If it’s the winter months or colder weather (below about 50°F) then anything above 101.5°F will be feverish for most goats. In the warmer months, my mark is 102.5°F before I concern myself. Record that temperature, along with the time you took it, in a notebook. As your wellness pro- tocol starts working, the fever should come down. I never try to artificially lower that fever; I need to know if I am giving enough of the right herbs to help their body conquer the situation. If the body is moving forward, that fever will come down. If I control the fever then I do not have a good assessment of what’s going on internally. I put my ear on their ribcage and listen. I should be able to hear their heart and should not be able to hear any lung sounds. Listen to goats that are well, to compare, so you can note what sounds normal and what does not. Listening to lungs on Faith. If you are dealing with an acute issue

24 GOAT JOURNAL, january/february 2018 The World Leader in GOAT Equipment and Supplies Check out ourThe milking World machines Leader and other products in GOAT for Goats, Equipment Cows, Sheep, Llamas. and Also Supplies everything you need to Checkshow livestock. out our milking Great prices machines on cheesemaking and other products and soapmaking for Goats, Cows, products, Sheep, plus Llamas. animal Also health, everything grooming, you milking, need to showand gift livestock. items and Great books prices for breeders,on cheesemaking homesteaders, and soapmaking and hobbyists. products, plus animal health, grooming, milking, and gift items and books for breeders, homesteaders, and hobbyists. ShOWinG KiddinG ShOWinG KiddinG

MiLKinG hEALTh MiLKinG hEALTh

BrEEdinG BArn EquipMEnT BrEEdinG BArn EquipMEnT

Plus you can’tbeat our service! Visit us at our new,improved website: www.CaprineSupply.comPlus you can’tbeat our service! Visit us at our new,improved website: www.CaprineSupply.com1-800-646-7736 for orders or catalog 1-800-646-7736P.O. Box Y, DeSoto, for orders KS or 66018 catalog P.O. Box Y, DeSoto, KS 66018 WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 25 photo essay :: silver strike farms

Silver Strike Farms

photos by TY O’NEIL

started Silver Strike Farms as a vada. At one point, we had nearly 400 community on a regular basis. Who small 10-acre family farm to pro- birds! We quickly cut back our own better to drag into my crazy schemes Ivide healthy food and fun. Al- breeding to accommodate rescues. than the very people that I had already though it wasn’t our first farm, it was Then we started getting calls about learned so much from and shared my our first attempt in the High Sierras. goats and other livestock needing rescue, knowledge with in return? Faced with extreme temperatures, as well as other programs that needed So here we are: I am about to list high winds and every predator known help. We either needed to find a differ- our farm in Virginia City for sale. to Nevada, we reached out to the local ent solution or get out. So I incorporated We’ve started making payments on community for advice. There were a lot the farm, filed for nonprofit status and 130 bare acres in Fallon, NV and hope of friendly and helpful gardeners but started asking for help. That might not to raise enough money to build nice a distinct lack of knowledgeable live- sound hard, but I am very independent barns, classrooms and a bunkhouse stock advocates. The ones we found and stubborn as well as being terrible for guests. We will expand our offered were dedicated, driven and willing to with paperwork. Give most people the classes and continue to share knowl- help out fellow farmers or a youth pro- choice between pulling a stuck goat kid edge with the community, as we take gram, to the point of exhaustion. or some computer work, and they’ll pick in rescues and offer general assistance We wanted to repay the kindness and the computer almost every time. Me, I to livestock owners. r volunteered to run the local poultry will always pick the goat or the escaped programs for adults and youth. That bull or the llama that has never been If you would like to know more about us, led to raising 10 different breeds of sheared or had its feet trimmed. take a class, know someone that might show-quality poultry, Nigerian and About the time we started getting need help, or would like to donate, please LaMancha dairy goats, Kunekune pigs, calls to rescue larger livestock, sev- email me at silverstrikefarms@outlook. running most of the poultry exhibits at eral gardening friends and I started a com or look us up on social media. fairs, and taking in all poultry rescues homesteading club for northern Ne- Amanda Gruper, Director of Silver from animal services in northern Ne- vada to share our knowledge with the Strike Farms

Give most people the choice between pulling a stuck goat kid or some computer work, and they’ll pick the computer almost every time. Me, I will always pick the goat or the escaped bull or the llama that has never been sheared or had its feet trimmed.

26 GOAT JOURNAL, january/february 2018 left: Caidyn, of Edlund Family Farm, received assistance from Silver Strike Farms during his first kidding experience. Angel, a healthy doeling, was born to mother Carol.

WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 27 photo essay :: silver strike farms

28 GOAT JOURNAL, january/february 2018 far left: Amanda performs regular hoof trimming. above: Doc and Huckleberry (previous page) ended up in the kill pen. Silver Strike Farms rescued them. Now, they’re in training with someone who specializes in wild burros. left: Eddie, one of Amanda’s sons, with Kunekune pigs born to a sow taken in while pregnant.

The undeveloped 130-acre property that is Silver Strike Farm's new home!

WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 29 goats & goat owners

Written on Their Faces

Recognizing Caprine Body Language and Facial Expressions

by TAMSIN COOPER

o goats express feelings goats paid more attention to pho- hot topic among animal welfare re- through facial expres- tographs of herd-mates showing searchers as a potential key to un- D sions? And do they rec- negative expressions (in response derstanding what livestock need ognize ours? Animal behavior re- to an unpleasant sensation) than for optimum health and welfare. searchers are busy finding out. to herd-mates looking relaxed Emotional expression is both a Goats give and respond to facial (during a grooming session). This communicative gesture and a dis- expressions, researchers are dis- demonstrates that they recognize play of inner feelings. Mammals covering. They can pick up social feelings conveyed by their com- have similar facial muscles, which signals from companions and herd- panions’ faces. are affected by emotion in similar mates through body language, We are so used to communicating ways: tension in stressful, painful bleating, and also more subtle ex- through words and expressions; and other negative circumstances; pressions such as tension in the little do we realize our farmyard relaxation at calm moments; pro- facial muscles. Last year, Scottish friends may use systems similar to tection of eyes and ears during and French scientists found that ours. In fact, facial expression is a danger; and movement of eyes, ears and nostrils to capture important input. We can generalize that wide-open eyes, revealing whites, indicate a negative state of mind, normally fear or stress. Eyelids are retract- ed to improve peripheral vision, so increasing vigilance and read- iness to react to danger. Whites of the eyes are revealed as eyeballs move around, checking for signs of danger. Ears swivel around to pinpoint the direction of potential threats. Surprise and uncertainty are marked by ears pointing in dif- Doe relaxes ferent directions. These are all good during defense mechanisms to protect the grooming. animal from danger. However, exposure to too many frightening events is not good for your herd’s health or peace of mind. Continual stress lowers the immune system and reduces growth and yield.

30 GOAT JOURNAL, january/february 2018 left Doe in pain has tense jaw/nasal muscles and ears laid back. right Protective dam with eyes wide and jaw tense.

damage, including our interven- tions, as they don’t realize we are trying to help them. This means that an injured or sick goat might Fear and other negative emo- spring into action and act perfectly tions, such as pain and anger, are well as soon as you try to catch her. commonly accompanied by tension Without context and However, psychologists believe fa- in the muscles, which changes the cial expressions are not as readily shape of the face. Tension may be other observations hidden, even for humans. Animals seen around the eyes, nostrils and we may incorrectly appear to have less control over fa- in the jaw and lips. cial expressions than other postures How could facial expression help interpret some and movements. This opens up a us spot negative reactions in our expressions. Pain, promising path to evaluating hid- goats? I’m sure you’ve seen a lame den animal pain through observing goat suddenly burst away energeti- fear and anger pro- facial changes. cally as soon as you try to catch her. duce many common Many mammalian species have Your three-legged goat is suddenly similar pain expressions, which running fine on all fours. You may facial signs. Mock make it easier for us to recognize feel she can’t be in that much pain aggressive faces are them. Pain expressions have been if she can run like that. Perhaps you successfully defined for sheep, cat- wonder if she is putting on the limp. often worn at play. tle and horses. Similar expressions Actually it is likely to be the other can be seen in goats during pain and way round: she is suppressing her illness. A sick goat may lay back her pain reaction to avoid being caught. behavior to avoid predators. They ears or hang them low, eyes may be You may only wish to give her aid, tend to hide the effect of pain in semi-closed, jaw and nasal muscles but in her mind being caught is a their movements, not wishing to at- tense, lips tight or pouting. dangerous risk. tract attention. They protect them- Faces don’t just help with the neg- Before domestication, farm an- selves from any circumstance that ative. Relaxed facial muscles indi- imals had already adapted their might cause them further pain or cate positive emotions are in play.

WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 31 goats & goat owners

Relaxation and positive states of She’ll dip her head toward an under- Facial expression has good po- mind are important for goats to get ling she wishes to move out of her tential to tap into the inner feel- the rest they need, cope better with way, gesturing with her horns. At ings of our animals, but there are any changes and fight disease. A close quarters, she may add stron- limitations. Many facial changes goat being groomed droops her ears ger signals such as a grunt, flared are common to different emotions. as she relaxes. Facial muscles go nostrils and raised hackles. When Without context and other obser- slack and the lower lip may loosen. the underling submits, she shows a vations we may incorrectly inter- As social animals, friendly in- fearful face, with ears laid back, and pret some expressions. Pain, fear teractions are important for goats, moves quickly away. She may utter and anger produce many common and relaxed faces may indicate am- a quiet moan of acquiescence. facial signs. Mock aggressive fac- icable intentions. During play, pos- Minimal signaling should main- es are often worn at play. In addi- tures and expressions that imitate tain the status quo and avoid painful tion, expressions might vary be- aggression are often adopted, so it encounters. However, in confined tween individuals. I have one goat is harder to gauge the seriousness spaces, like within a shelter, aggres- that pouts during grooming ses- of interactions. However, friend- sion can break out. Careful design sions—a sign often associated with ly matches tend to be less intense, can provide escape routes and hid- pain—but she is clearly enjoying it more ritualistic and with frequent ing places to diffuse such encounters. and wanting more! pauses for gentle gestures, such as Where dominant animals defend Researchers have found sleeping, mouth or horn sniffing. food or water, subordinates may not sedated or anesthetized animals Goats also use their faces to sig- get enough of the right nutrition. may show pain expressions even nal their intent. Once a hierarchy is Continual clashes also cause social though they are unlikely to be feel- settled, a dominant goat will simply stress with its detrimental effect on ing anything. So facial expressions warn, rather than attack, by lower- health and production. Behavior should not be used alone, but as one ing her head with her ears high up monitoring can help us to design our of many clues as to how an animal and rotated toward the side or back. housing to restore harmony. is feeling. Postural, behavioral and

Alert yearling with ears moving in different directions.

32 GOAT JOURNAL, january/february 2018 Knowledge of facial expression, along with Electric Trimming Tool other behavioral signs, shows promise of providing diagnostic tools for the early detection of health issues as well as indicating if improvements need to be made in our FEATURING THE handling and management systems. NEW LEVER ACTION PADDLE SWITCH The paddle has asafety tab that is manually depressed to turnthe clinical indicators are also required attracting our attention and they tool on, when released the tool for veterinary diagnosis. However, look to us for help and guidance. turns off, the safety tab repositions pain may not always be visually Perhaps they associate our expres- itself, keeping the tool from turning on again until you areready to work. apparent in chronic cases. Sadly, sions with good or bad experienc- chronic, subclinical disease serious- es, in the same way that they are ly affects welfare and productivity. sensitive to the tone of our voices. Facial expressions can be fleeting What do you think: do goats un- and might be missed unless time derstand our smiles? r is spent with your animals. The www.MyBossTools.com excitement of human interaction SOURCES: Bellegarde, L.G., Haskell, 877-320-8203 could temporarily mask or disrupt M.J., Duvaux-Ponter, C., Weiss, A., Bois- the expression. Spending time with sy, A. and Erhard, H.W., 2017. Face-based your goats should allow their be- perception of emotions in dairy goats. havior to return to normal and for Applied Animal Behaviour Science. Caprikorn Farms you to observe their body language. Briefer, E.F., Tettamanti, F. and McEl- Saanens for Dairy Farmers Although scientific mapping ligott, A.G., 2015. Emotions in goats: of caprine expression is currently mapping physiological, behavioural and incomplete, evidence for ear posi- vocal profiles. Animal Behaviour, 99, POP tions can be found in the French pp.131-143. QUIZ! Which of the and British studies: ears are po- Descovich, K.A., Wathan, J., Leach, following is true? sitioned backward more often in M.C., Buchanan-Smith, H.M., Flecknell, Caprikorn Farms has the heaviest negative situations, hanging down P., Farningham, D. and Vick, S.J., 2017. milking dairy goats in the United while relaxed during grooming, Facial expression: An under-utilised States because: and forward when excited, alert tool for the assessment of welfare in A. They have been on DHI for 40 or interested. Knowledge of facial mammals. ALTEX, 34(3), p.409. years. expression, along with other be- Nawroth, C. 2017. Invited review: So- havioral signs, shows promise of cio-cognitive capacities of goats and B. They keep breeding for milk while others breed for show. providing diagnostic tools for the their impact on human–animal inter- early detection of health issues as actions. Small Ruminant Research, 150, C. Each fall, when people use the showiest bucks, they use the well as indicating if improvements pp.70–75. milkiest bucks. need to be made in our handling and management systems. Tamsin Cooper is a smallholder and goat Answer is on page 68. What a great excuse to go goat keeper in France. She follows the latest 20312 Townsend Road watching! But what do they make research on behavior, welfare and sus- Gapland, MD 21779 of our expressions? We already tainability, and mentors on animal welfare (301) 834-8030 know they seek out our faces when courses. Find her on www.goatwriter.com. caprikornfarms.com

WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 33 goats & goat owners

The Hazards of Keeping Goats

It’s All Fun and Games Until the Horns Come Out

by LACEY HUGHETT

eeping goats offers count- kicks the bucket out of pure spite. over her, and trim. She backed up, less perks. And even more One day, she was a perfect milker; I poking my derriere and leaving a K bruises. was still naïve and hopeful that she large, dark bruise that my husband A multitude of books, web pages, was calming down. No squirming, later questioned. magazines and support groups exist no fighting, and no rudeness. Just as My neighbor once asked me to for education and encouragement. I finished up, she farted in my face. come over and help trim the feet of The goat keeping community has Goat farts are the grossest, most a goat who had clearly never had it amazing facets, from milk and fra- raunchy gasses of the farm animals. done. Overgrowth was abundant, grant soapmaking to the ideological No one can surpass them, especially and it took us weeks to get her into “grow your own meat” movement. if they have bloat. shape. The first time, she kicked, There is undeniable charm to watch- Wednesday is now four years old which caused me to stab my hand ing your herd interact and settle in and has never calmed down. We with the trimming shears. for the night. It’s picturesque. The named her after Wednesday Add- The animals we love the most, chores are done, it’s peaceful, and ams for a reason. sometimes, hurt us the most. I love everybody seems content. I’ve learned a lot of lessons from my goat herd, but they pinch, scrape, Well, darling, I’m here to tell you my goats. For example, it doesn’t step on, and bruise us caretakers on a it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. matter what kind of shoes I wear, regular basis. My huge daddy goat, At the end of every day, when they will cluster like puppies and Jake, is a doll, but occasionally won- you’d usually get some scant “free still step on my feet. It hurts, and ders what human hair tastes like. time” to cook or read, you’re milk- it leaves a heart-shaped bruise. (It’s It’s not always personal injury, ei- ing. Someone invites you to a din- because they love me, I know it.) ther; it’s a lot of property damage. ner, you have a deadline approach- Speaking of bruises, my goats Once, I hung a tarp to create tem- ing, your kid has a cold, you have are not disbudded. They get to porary pasture shade. Stark and Jake to treat a chicken with bumblefoot, keep their horns, amid debates, thought I had hung up a goat ham- and you have stashed jars of milk because I have coyotes and moun- mock. When I came out to check on in every nook and cranny you can tain lions in my area. But I would them, they were happily lounging in find. Yet you still need to go out be kidding myself if I said it didn’t the tarp’s center, swinging about a there and milk. have downsides. Like the time I foot off the ground. They later did it There are polite goats and rude thought, to save time while trim- at my neighbors’ house, too. goats. My lovely lady Flower is po- ming hooves, I would just hold It’s not just the physical aspect, lite. She stands still to be milked, she the goat’s neck with my legs, bend either. They can cause psychological doesn’t fuss, and we get it over with. distress as well. Now, Wednesday? She’s special, and The first was a goat I inevitably to put it lightly, very … sassy. The animals we love sold later on, but before I did, he Wednesday will eat her grain as the most, sometimes, caused so much havoc on my home- fast as she can, because if she runs stead that he is still a legend. A cou- out before I finish, she gets more. She hurt us the most. ple years ago, my trees were getting

34 GOAT JOURNAL, january/february 2018 The physical and mental toll goats take on their caretakers is worth it. Don’t let the goats know, but it’s pretty great having them around.

eaten. Things showed up missing, accident, a classic case of buying searching high and low. Finally, moved, or knocked over. This went “full size” goats who never ended broken and soggy, I returned to my on for weeks. My family considered up growing taller than knee-high. house. As I passed the crawl space, bringing an arborist and a priest out I still have them because my kid three little goats climbed out from to the property. Then one day, ev- adores them. under the house. They had been eryone left the house except me. I It had begun to rain. We expect- there entire time. They watched wasn’t feeling good, so I did some ed a big storm so I checked on the me search for them, heard me call outdoor therapy: I waved goodbye animals before it really started. for them, but weren’t about to get to my family from a lawn chair and These mini goats were nowhere wet. They probably thought I was opened up a book. Then I heard it: to be found. I calmly walked the an idiot for being out in the storm. hoof-on-wood, a sort of quick rat- property, calling for them, but as After a good laugh, a warm tle, a sound that I will never forget. the storm grew worse I grew con- blanket, and a call to my husband, Draco, our problem child at only a cerned. By the time I came back (“Why did you leave the crawl few months old, jumped out of his into the house, I was drenched in space open, honey? Just asking.”) pen, ran to the trees and stood on his water, my extremities were numb, all was forgiven and everyone was hind legs to reach the leaves. Weeks and I stressed about the missing home safe. of mystery solved by happenchance! mini-herd. The physical and mental toll goats I stood up and the little white devil I called people, checked online take on their caregivers is worth ran and jumped daintily back into lost and found pages, and formu- it. I get bruised, bloodied, or ran his pen. It took another week to con- lated a plan to make some posters. in circles, but I also get wonderful vince my family that Draco, a short I asked the neighbors. That was a milk and great stories to reminisce little thing, was actually the one fun conversation. “Hi, yeah it’s me, about. I have some dysfunctional causing these problems. I’ve lost them again. The three goats. goat personalities to my crazy lit- The second story happened re- Super small. Yes, I’m asking about tle homestead. Don’t let the goats cently, which attests that you can goats. No, they’re not going to hurt know, but it’s pretty great having have goats for a while and they will you; they’re like two feet tall.” them around. continue to surprise (harass) you. I The rain stopped. I looked one The greatest hazard of keeping goats have three mini goats that I got by more time before admitting defeat, is, probably, wanting more goats. r

WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 35 dairy goats

Saving the Arapawa Goats

A Kansas Zoo’s Efforts to Preserve a Rare Goat Breed

by AMY G. HADACHEK

They’re a rare breed” is more than just an expression at a south-cen- “ tral Kansas zoo. Officials say the Arapawa “Island’ Goat, also known as the New Zealand Arapawa goat, is one of the rarest in the world. Before Arapawa goats veer off the path to become obsolete, the Sedg- wick County Zoo in Wichita, Kan- sas is actively immersed in preserving and strengthening the breed of these unique goats. “We have about 40 of these rare Arapawa goats here at the zoo, counting this year’s kids who are all in different stages of life,” said Callene Rapp, who’s been the Se- nior Zookeeper: Children’s Farms at the Sedgwick County Zoo for 22 years. Rapp explained that the first Khaleesi, one of Sedgwick County Zoo’s 2016 kids. one of these Arapawa goats came to Photo by Alicia Thomas the Sedgwick County Zoo in 1997. “Then, by the late 1990s, the zoo about 10 other breeders with a to- extinction in the 1970s, when they began rebreeding them. Here at the tal of 120 Arapawa goats including were thought to be damaging New zoo, I work in the Children’s Farms, the 40 here at the zoo. All the other Zealand’s native forests. The New and we have a large collection of private breeders, who have small Zealand Rare Breeds website cred- heritage breeds of livestock, with herds, work as part of the same its Arapawa Island resident Betty many on the conservation priority mission.” That mission focuses on Rowe with rescuing them. Some of list. Our whole staff and I are all the Livestock Conservancy’s work her family and friends joined in her very invested in this particular type with rare livestock breeds that don’t passionate work and goals to help of breed of goats.” necessarily fit the basic model. The save the goats. A handful of breeders of these Arapawa is on their conservation A New Zealand breeder relayed rare goats are located on the East priority list. that the size and mass of the Ara- Coast and in the Midwest, particu- The Arapawa goats are known pawas makes them ideal for small larly in Iowa and Missouri. to be on the small side and range farms, contributing milk and meat Rapp estimated, “There may be in a variety of colors. They risked without a great deal of feed, noting

36 GOAT JOURNAL, january/february 2018 Marema and her kids, Marigold and Magnolia. Photo by Tom and Laura Flynn

Arapawa goats are believed to be the The Sedgwick County Zoo plans to work more intensively to analyze last descendants of the old English Milch, dairy potential of Arapawa goats. which is a farmstead animal. “It is one of our goals to do more with the dairy part. There are so few goats at this point that the focus is on increasing numbers. Then that they already knew how to forage that the goats were never selected we can do harder culling and more and survive in a hostile environment. for production traits.” selection for certain traits.” Rapp explained that the Arapa- This rare breed is typically more Specifically, zoo officials plan to wa goats are named after a small of a milk goat, with the appearance milk the Arapawa goats again in island off the coast of New Zea- of a dairy goat more than a meat spring 2018, and they’ll focus on land. “During the exploration of variety. Arapawa goats are believed obtaining necessary criteria to de- Captain Cook,” she said, “they to be the last descendants of the old termine exact production. “We’ll brought the goats with them and English Milch goat (Milch is the old need to get some concrete data to turned them loose on the island to spelling of milk), which is a farm- see how they compare. There may serve as a source of meat. So, the stead animal. be a few other breeders who milk breed was basically isolated for “They’ve done DNA testing, and them, but its not likely they do any several hundred years, and that’s discovered the Arapawa are genet- hardcore dairy work with them,” how they retained their specific ically different from other goats. observed Rapp. “Although hope- isolated breed for an extended pe- There’s also a legend that goes with fully, that will come in the future.” riod of time. There were no other this,” Rapp noted with a frolicsome Rapp says the zoo is looking for- goats there and that’s how they got chuckle, adding that the legend is ward to digging in with great en- along. Part of having been isolated strongly linked to this genetic dis- ergy to make substantial progress from human contact for so long, is covery. “It’s been found to be true!” with the Arapawas and then share

WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 37 dairy goats There is areason small dairyoperations have used the Hoegger MilkingSySTeM for 4generations...

because iT workw S. their work with the public. “We’re Single Cow 35 lb. hoping to be able to show people Pail System how it’s done.” Single Goat We asked Rapp when the zoo re- Belly Pail System Proudly made alized it was necessary to start rein the USA. breeding the Arapawa goats. “It’s probably always been known HOEGGER HOME FARM PRODUCTS that they are rare. They were actual- �� ly on Arapawa Island for about 300 years before anybody began paying attention to them. Then, in the The Backyard GoaT late 1980s, John Truelson at Plimoth An Introductory Guide to Keeping Plantation was exhibiting life in co- Productive Pet Goats lonial Plymouth, Massachusetts in Pulling carts around the farm or serving as loyal pack animals, goats are naturally hardworking and make for the 1620s. The Arapawa goats fit friendly companions. This straightforward guide teaches the work that they were trying to do you how to choose, house, feed, train, and breed the best goats for your space and needs. Whether you want to with them, so he brought over six churn out fresh dairy products, harvest soft cashmere for goats from New Zealand. He had knitting, or keep goats as playful pets, The BackyardGoat a stable-enough herd, and so he es- makes it easy to en�oy the bene�ts of owning goats, with no experience necessary. 215 pages, $16.95 +S&H tablished other herds, which he also 970-392-4419 •countrysidenetwork.com/shop provided. Because of our history with rare breed conservation, Truel- son figured we were a good fit, or ... crazy enough to participate.” 888.438.8683 Kid BlanKets $18.99 As far as the needs of the Arapawa goats, they don’t require anything special. They are hardy and very smart. In fact, Rapp shared with great fascination that a couple of their goats are artists. “We have two goats who will take a paint brush in their mouths and paint. You need to keep that activity engaged, or they’ll find something else to do.” The zoo has several bucks, which they keep separate from the females when it’s not breeding season, but then they make decisions regarding which ones to breed. Sedgwick County Zoo has been Available in: 3M and Thinsulate are trademarks of 3M recognized with national and inter- Quick releaSe machine waSh national awards for its support of buckleS-no velcro and dry to get matted for warmth field conservation programs and the successful breeding of rare and endangered species. It is home to more Shop online: uddertechinc.com than 2,500 animals of nearly 500 different species and a member of

38 GOAT JOURNAL, january/february 2018 the American Zoo Association. With two decades. “Pippin, however, suc- than me, but I love the Arapawa. more than 200 accredited members, cumbed to old age a couple of years And anything that can help people the American Zoo Association (AZA) ago, but we still have a couple of his become aware of these goats and is regarded as a leader in global wild- descendants at the zoo. When he how close they came to being lost life conservation and offers an oppor- passed away, it was sad.” is important, as we want to get the tunity for the public to help animals As far as other sights to see at the word out. To help them grow in the in their native habitats. For more in- Sedgwick County Zoo, Rapp notes herd, we need more people inter- formation, visit www.aza.org. that they recently opened a new ele- ested in them.” r The Sedgwick County Zoo is also a phant exhibit. “That exhibit is really member of the World Association of cool. Our Tropics Building is always For more information, visit the Sedge- Zoos and Aquariums: www.waza.org. fascinating, as well.” wick County Zoo website: www.scz.org. “With all these heritage breeds, The zoo is open year-round, even Learn about Arapawa goats at www.ara- there’s something that hooks you. on Thanksgiving and Christmas. pawagoat.org. When the first Arapawas arrived in “The goats are on exhibit in the 1991, I fell in love with their dispo- Children’s Farms, which is the Amy is a twice-Emmy-award-winning sition. One was such as sweetheart, first area to your right after the en- meteorologist, storm chaser, and writer. basically almost a gentleman,” said trance,” said Rapp. “Look for the She and her husband own a diversified Rapp, who’s been involved with big covered bridge!” farm in Kansas, where Amy especially Livestock Conservancy and work- Rapp says, “I can’t say I’m a enjoys taking care of their commercial ing with heritage breeds for over goat lover; the goats are smarter cattle herd.

WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 39 dairy goats

From France to the Farm

A Highly Successful New England Creamery is Cream of the Crop for the Next Generation

by AMY G. HADACHEK

he “cream” had risen to the top. Now it was time for a T New England creamery to transition three decades of successful ownership and make way for the next generation of goat cheese makers. Although not at typical retirement age, longtime business partners Al- lison Hooper and Bob Reese, who co-founded Vermont Creamery in Websterville, Vermont 32 years ago, considered how they could bring new capital into the award-winning endeavor. While Hooper and Reese had financed by borrowing from the bank, their business had grown so large it was going to be more difficult to stay the course. Some of Vermont Creamery’s 105 employees. Photo by Brent Harrewyn Vermont Creamery, respected pi- oneer of the artisan cheese-making movement for fresh and aged goat I wrote to Natur Et Progres (Nature After Paris, Hooper finished cheese, crème fraîche and cultured and Progress, an organization of or- college, spent a short stint in Tai- butter, had won more than 100 na- ganic farmers), who were accustomed wan, then came back and worked tional and international awards. to bringing in agriculture interns to at a goat dairy in her home state Then it took on new ownership. their farm.” of New Jersey. “I thought I re- Although they didn’t pay cash, they ally should do this for myself, MAIS, OUI! gave Hooper a place to live. so I wandered up to Vermont. I (BUT, YES! - IN FRENCH) “I worked there and learned to thought Vermont would be an Vermont Creamery’s three-decade make cheese. I was fluent in French at appropriate place for goat dairies foundation originated in France. the time, but I don’t speak it as much and making cheese.” “I took a junior year abroad from now. I was quite young, in my early Hooper accepted a position as a college in Paris,” said Allison Hooper, 20s. I loved making the cheese, but also dairy lab technician for the Depart- “with a spring semester, and wanted loved the cheese itself, and thought ment of Agriculture in Vermont. She to stay my fall semester. I had to find Americans would love goat cheese. I quickly became a student who creat- something to do over the summer. was inspired by my time in France.” ed goat milk recipes.

40 GOAT JOURNAL, january/february 2018 “The big difference of farmstead cheese, does not have to be aged. “The place, and over the past few years, cheese in France: we use raw milk,” Bijou, meanwhile is put into an aging we hired a young president who’d explained Hooper. “In the U.S., we room for about 12 days, and you add been with the business for 15 years. use pasteurized milk. We experiment- yeast to the cheese, which grows that So, we sold the business this year in ed a lot; there were no mentors in the wrinkly rind on the outside.” March 2017 to Land O’ Lakes. How- U.S. at that point. I couldn’t take a Goat cheese is rapidly increasing in ever, Adeline Druart and the leader- class on it, and there were just a few of popularity. “More people are hearing ship team will remain there, as will us in the U.S. trying to figure this out.” about it and are surprised by how all the employees.” Hooper got her start in professional good it is. Although some may have Land O’Lakes, Inc., a nationally cheese making when she met Bob Re- had a bad experience with a goat recognized agribusiness and food ese, who was the marketing director product years ago,” relayed Hooper, company, and member-owned coop- for the Vermont Department of Agri- “our industry’s come a long way in erative with corporate headquarters culture. “My co-founder,” she recalled, knowing how to produce a high qual- in Arden Hills, Minnesota, said they “was sourcing local products for a din- ity, good-tasting goat cheese.” Some love the Vermont Creamery brand ner. The chef needed goat cheese for a people don’t digest cow’s milk well, and want to help bring it to even state dinner and knew I had worked because of high levels of casein S1 (al- more people. on a farm in France and in the Vermont pha) protein, but goat milk contains “Land O’Lakes decided to acquire State Agriculture Lab and that ‘may- considerably less. Vermont Creamery to accelerate be I could make cheese.’ I went to the growth in its important dairy business dinner as a producer, and Bob and I sat SOLD! TO LAND ‘O LAKES with trusted brands and innovative together. The chefs began bringing me “Borrowing was just going to be larg- products. We are particularly excit- their business cards and wanted to buy er. Our appetite for taking on that ed about the opportunity because of cheese from me. So I thought, let’s get debt personally was just not prac- the unique fit of our organizations,” together and do this.” tical at our age. I’m 57,” explained said Chris Roberts, executive vice Now the creamery has a whole Hooper, “and Bob is 61. We needed president and chief operating officer team of people who make cheese. to find ‘good parents’ that would be for dairy foods at Land O’Lakes, Inc. “We don’t hire people who come good stewards of Vermont Creamery, He related how both Land O’Lakes with experience in what we do,” not- which is still a very viable business. and Vermont Creamery had cultures ed Hooper. “We hire the person and We had put a management team in based on strong rural values, appre- teach them how we do it.”

THE CHEESE In addition to more than 100 awards over the years, Vermont Cream- ery took home six cheese-making awards from the American Cheese Society conference in Denver, Colo- rado in July 2017. Crème fraîche won first place in its category and their mascarpone took home second. They offer fresh chèvre in several varieties: the “Classic” cheese, Three Peppercorn, Herb de Provence, Cran- berry Orange, and Cinnamon. Hooper described, “You roll the plain logs into the different garnishes.” Fresh Crot- tin, which is the fresh version of Bijou herb Chevre. Photo by Tom Hussey

WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 41 dairy goats

Goat cheese is rapidly increasing in popularity. little truck with milk cans, and they “More people are hearing about it and are sur- would arrange to get it off the farm prised by how good it is. Although some may for me.” Married to Don for 28 years, have had a bad experience with a goat product Hooper says he had a career work- years ago,” relayed Hooper, “our industry’s come ing for environmental nonprofits and was a state representative and a long way in knowing how to produce a high Secretary of State. quality, good-tasting goat cheese.” “He was a cheerleader for us and helped Bob and me get started in the business, just by letting us use the ciation for purpose and people, a and other dairy products made with milk house. We still live at the orig- deep connection to farmers, and high-quality ingredients and with a inal farm, and have the milk house. both produce high-quality products deep connection to farmers.” We converted it to an apartment and brands. Ayers Brook Goat Dairy in Ran- when we gave birth to twins. We had Roberts says the creamery’s day-to- dolph, Vermont, 34 miles from three sons.” day operations will not be impacted. the creamery, is owned separately Don is retired now. Meanwhile, the “Our cultures are complementary and by Hooper and produces 900,000 couple still has their farm, where they focused on enhancing agricultural pounds of goat milk each year. But produce hay and raise a couple of sustainability and delivering excellent Ayers Brook Goat Dairy remains beef steers. When Hooper has time, products to consumers. Land O’Lakes owned by the Hooper family; it was she enjoys keeping a few appearanc- provides the business with addition- not included in the transaction es on the calendar, giving talks while al resources and avenues for growth. “This is a generation of founders representing Vermont Creamery and The team has remained in place and and pioneers of our industry,” said women entrepreneurs, as well as operated with the same commitment Hooper, “who are getting to an age helping develop the dairy goat farm to high-quality artisanal cheeses and part of their life and are won- business model for Vermont, and at- dering, ‘what do we do with it?’ tends food shows. Hooper also assists You have to make a plan, and if you the Ayers Brook Goat Dairy in plan- don’t, you could be 75 and still grind- ning their finances and cash flow. ing it all out. We’ve had others in our Lately, Hooper is thrilled to spend business, who’ve made the transi- time with her sons, who all live in Ver- tion, which we’re hearing from other mont; she serves as a grandmother and colleagues in the cheese world.” business mentor. “My husband Don and I enjoy the freedom to travel and THE RETIREMENT check off our ‘bucket list.’ I also love to Hooper’s husband Don and his for- garden and improve our 67-acre tilted mer wife had previously raised goats home hill farm, where it all began.” r and bottled milk in the Boston area. “So (back then), when we wanted For more information on Vermont Cream- to purchase more milk, we purchased ery, visit their website: www.vermont- milk from breeders,” said Hooper. creamery.com/ayers-brook-goat-dairy “Small backyard herds that could’ve been a 4-H project or breeding and Amy is a twice-Emmy-award-winning me- showing animals and making some teorologist, storm chaser, and writer. She milk, but milk wasn’t the prima- and her husband own a diversified farm in ry reason for having dairy goats. I Kansas, where Amy especially enjoys tak- Allison Hooper. Photo by Oliver Parini would drive around Vermont in a ing care of their commercial cattle herd.

42 GOAT JOURNAL, january/february 2018 fiber goats

Caring for Angora Goat Fiber During Winter

Basic Winter Goat Care Keeps Pygora and Angora Mohair Nice for You

by JANET GARMAN

o fiber goats need special care Even fiber goats with a method to stay warm. The outer hair during the winter months? full coat can get cold if and mohair covering protects, and the D Many new goat owners certain conditions are not undercoat traps the heat. wonder what the winter housing and If the goat suffers any significant loss care requirements will be for the herd. met. If you have a goat that of nutrients from a food change, or lack Caring for Angora goats and other fi- is shivering and looking of roughage, the fiber will show this ber breeds requires a little more atten- miserable, check on the stress. Illness, worm overload and poor tion during the cold and wet season. surroundings. Is there a nutrition can all result in a condition Goats do not like wet weather. Un- big draft in the stall? Can called wool break. This is a weakness like sheep, which will stand in a field in fiber that can prevent spinning the munching grass in the pouring rain, the goat find a dry place to fiber successfully. Other stress factors most goats hate wet feet or wet hair. lie down? Is there plenty related to caring for Angora goats can They will tiptoe and run back to the of dry hay available? Is cause wool break. Ask an experienced barn at the first sign of rain or snow. unfrozen water available? shepherd to show you an example of For this reason, goats need a large barn how this looks. space or large run-in shed during win- If your goats get wet or the fiber ter. Dry bedding in the form of straw, KEEPING FIBER IN has ice hanging from it, carefully re- or something equally insulating and GOOD CONDITION move the ice. Using a dry towel, gen- absorbing, will keep them comfort- The last few weeks of winter, leading tly squeeze water from the fiber. Do able. Keep in mind that hay has a high- up to shearing day, are particularly not rub! That causes the fiber to felt. er moisture content, and therefore does challenging to a fiber goat owner. If the animal is shivering and the wet not stay as dry as in straw. The changeable weather can cause coat is hard to dry, you might need to When you are caring for Angora goats to rub and try to remove the put the goat in a well-bedded crate. goats or other fiber breeds, you have warm covering. Crating the goat deeply bedded with an additional reason for protecting fi- Keeping goats in a dry area will help straw will help it stay warmer. Cover ber through the winter weather. If the fiber stay in good condition. Resist the the crate with a large tarp or blanket fiber gets wet, then dry, and any rub- urge to use goat coats on fiber goats. to keep heat from leaving and to block bing occurs during the drying, it can Friction between the coat and the an- any drafts. Bring the crate indoors if felt on the goat. This greatly impacts imal fiber will cause rubbing and felt- possible, until the goat is completely the amount of good fiber you can har- ing. In some cases, the fiber may wear dry and stops shivering. vest during shearing season. Heavy, off. Also, keeping the goat covered pre- wet felted fiber can also damage skin vents it from fluffing up and allowing KEEPING FIBER as weight of the fiber causes sores and the cashmere undercoat to trap heat FREE OF DEBRIS pain to the goat. near the body. This is the goat’s natural Caring for Angora goat fiber, and

WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 43 keeping it clean, is difficult when feeding hay from a manger and hayrack. The goats pull hay down and lots of debris will fall on the goat next to them. This gets trapped in the fiber and will have to be skirted out before processing. As winter ends, the fiber is at its longest point. Adding extra debris to long fiber, along with possible dampness, can cause a real mess. Keep hay off the ground but not high enough that goats can pull it from overhead. Try using only the manger part of the hayrack. This will keep hay off and a blizzard! The goats were shiv- platforms can be built or made from the ground, yet the goat won’t be ering so I cut off the sleeves on old pallets or lumber. The area under the pulling it out from overhead. sweatshirts and made them all coats. sleeping platforms will add insulation It helped them get past the cold spell between the ground and goats. The plat- SHEARING TIME when they had no fiber covering. form also keeps the fiber cleaner, since APPROACHES the goats are not lying on the bedding. Shearing time happens in winter if SHOULD YOU I made a simple sleeping platform for you want to get an early date. Many FEED MORE GRAIN? my goats by using two pallets stacked. shearers will communicate by email Many owners end up with obese goats If space between slats is too large, place when they are ready to schedule farm because they think giving more con- plywood over the top and nail it to the visits. If this is your first year caring centrated grain feed will help the ani- pallet boards. The pallet allows air to be for Angora goats or raising other fiber mal stay warm. While there is nothing trapped underneath for extra warmth. animals, ask around for a recommen- wrong with feeding some concentrate, The deep litter method is appropriate dation. Get on that person’s email list and the right amount helps balance if done correctly. Remove any obvious as soon as possible. Explain that you nutrient intake, the best food source wet areas. Continue to add dry straw are new to the business and give spe- is plenty of good quality roughage. overtop the old straw. This provides cifics of how many animals you need This does not mean you need to buy layers of insulation, keeping the goat to shear. Stay in contact with your goat pricey alfalfa hay. A good quality, dust warmer when lying on the stall floor. shearer or plan to be flexible on do- free, timothy/orchard grass mix will Straw is my preferred choice of bed- ing it yourself. Once the fiber starts to provide plenty of nutrition for your ding because it is easiest to pick out of blow, you need to act quickly. goat herd. When it’s cold, snowy, and goat fiber. If you use sawdust or wood wet, make sure the goats have ex- chips, the bedding gets trapped and can IS MY GOAT COLD? tra hay. Munching on hay frequently irritate the goat’s skin. Wood chips are Even fiber goats with a full coat can throughout the day will keep their me- hard to remove from fiber. get cold if certain conditions are not tabolisms going and keep them warm. met. If you have a goat that is shiver- Long-term warmth comes from ru- KEEPING WATER ing and looking miserable, check on men continuously digesting hay, fod- FROM FREEZING the surroundings. Is there a big draft in der, and other grasses. Goats love warm water when the the stall? Can the goat find a dry place weather is cold. Supply plenty of wa- to lie down? Is there plenty of dry hay WINTER STALL ter to avoid rumen problems and uri- available? Is unfrozen water available? MAINTENANCE nary tract issues. Keeping the water Unless you sheared late in the fall Goat stalls should be kept clean and supply from freezing will become an or had an early cold snap, I don’t rec- dry. Moisture causes chilling and goats extra chore but there are some ways ommend using coats on goats. One will be susceptible to illness. Fresh, dry to make it easier. Depending on how spring we had sheared early. And of bedding helps goats stay off the cold many goats you have, using a stock course, we then had a late cold snap ground while sleeping. Raised resting tank de-icer will keep water from

44 GOAT JOURNAL, january/february 2018 GoatPRO Ultimate Management Software for Dairy Goat Producers freezing. If you have only a couple of goats, a large bowl that plugs in and keeps water from icing might FREE work for you. In our barn, we car- 30-Day ry jugs of water to the goats in the Trial morning. Break up and remove the www.goprofitsource.com ice, add the warm water. Repeat 888-597-2977 this later in the day if tempera- PO Box563,Merril, WI 54452 tures stay below freezing. Often, our nights are very cold but the day is warm enough to keep water thawed. Honestly, we have been doing this for so many years that I don’t even think about it much anymore.

SUPPLEMENTS Minerals are important in the formation of fiber along with being part of a healthy diet when caring for Angora goats. Find the right mineral mix for fiber goats. We use a sheep mineral that does not include copper, as copper can be very toxic to fiber-producing animals. Sheep Mini PLUS In a nutshell, caring for fiber goats The Sheepe Mini PLUS is alarger tag during the winter months isn’t too similar toto he standard, that allows for a complicated. Keep the goats dry customcustom line of text (15 Characters) and and comfortable in a draft-free stall isalsooffered in avarietyy of colors. on plenty of dry straw. Make sure water is available during the day and avoid dietary stress. Plenty of tasty hay keeps rumen working Sheep Mini and generating body heat. Look The Sheep Mini is the standard plaastic forward to shearing your healthy scrapie tags you’re familiar with,n ow available in new colors. fiber goats in just a few months.r AVAILABLE COLORS: Our family has raised Pygora goats for *The color blue is only available for meatt/slaughter. many years. The farm is home to sheep, pigs and many species of poultry, too. In the past, we have been home to beef cattle. I can’t tell you a favorite farm animal because I love them all. Creating beautiful yarn from our well-loved wool For more information, contact: [email protected] and fiber animals is a passion and dream 1-833-SCRAPIE (1-833-727-2743) of mine. You can find our yarns for sale or visit: on Etsy under Timber Creek Farm. www.scrapietags.com

WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 45 goat care 101

Preventing Hoof Rot in Goats

Get Foot Rot Treatment Ready: Wet Weather Can Make It Worse

by JANET GARMAN

ave you seen your goat limping? While it is not H the cause of all limping and soreness, hoof rot in goats should be suspected. All hoofed animals risk foot rot and related foot scald. Both conditions cause soreness and lead to limping around the pasture or kneel- ing to eat in the barn. In severe cases, Is the ground damp and goats will try to walk on their knees. moist? If When you see limping or hesitan- so, get that cy in a goat’s walk, it’s time to take cleaned out a closer look. Gather the hoof trim- and put fresh, mers, a hoof pick and a clean rag. dry bedding Find a calm area of the barnyard and down. help the goat onto the stand, if you have one. If the goat is agitated, ask another person to feed some treats and help hold the goat still while you area or white and infected-looking the absence of oxygen. This is exact- investigate. I have yet to work on my tissue are telltale signs of foot scald ly the situation in deep, muddy pas- goats’ feet without some resistance. or hoof rot in goats. tures or stalls. When the secondary Treats and another person make the The reason for hoof rot in goats has bacterium is introduced, Bacteroides task much easier. been, in my experience, wet, moist nodusus joins with F. necrophorum ground and damp weather. Any pro- to create an enzyme causing hoof rot. EXAMINE THE HOOF FOR longed periods of moisture can lead to SIGNS OF HOOF ROT goats limping and holding a leg up. A WHAT TO DO NOW Wipe the hoof and use the pick to small irritation or abrasion can let bac- Gently clean the affected hoof using remove any mud accumulated in teria enter the hoof and soft foot tissue. a disinfectant solution diluted in wa- the hoof. Look for pebbles or debris This can then lead to fungal growth. ter. Be gentle. Keep the goat on dry that may be lodged under a flap of Two organisms cause foot rot: Fu- ground until you have cleaned the overgrown hoof material. Inspect sobacterium necrophorum and Bac- stall and set down dry bedding. between the toes. If the goat has teroides nodusus. Fusobacterium Disinfect tools before use on any scald or rot, this may be painful, so necrophorum lives in the soil. Since other hooves. This is a highly conta- be quick and gentle. An irritated, red it is anaerobic, it needs to grow in gious bacterium and is easily spread

46 GOAT JOURNAL, january/february 2018 through the herd. I even suggest that you clean off the goat stand. Check the stall or paddock where the goats are housed. Is the ground damp and moist? Is manure, mud, and dirty bedding accumulated? If so, get that cleaned out and put fresh, dry bedding down. You might find that cleaning more frequently helps reduce the incidence of foot scald and hoof rot in goats. Winter wet weather can contribute to a bad case, or other goats with foot rot can bring the infection to your herd. TAKE THESE STEPS TO ENSURE TREATMENT GOOD GOAT HOOF HEALTH: Trim goat hooves regularly and Treating foot rot is a lengthy process Xxx inspect for signs of injury or dis- but consistency is key to healing. ease. Regular hoof trims reduce Copper sulfate footbath is a standard overgrown areas where wet mud treatment. Pour enough solution into can be trapped. a shallow pan for the goat to immerse Since the bacterium needs moist, affected hooves. You can use concrete anaerobic conditions, keeping mixing pans, plastic dishpans, or any stalls clean and dry helps keep it large, shallow container. Farm supply under control. Frequently remove retailers sell boots for goats that hold any soaked bedding and muddy, manure-soiled areas. the solution against hooves. limiting weight on that foot. Arthri- Foot rot treatments include copper Quarantine any new animals tis in older goats can lead to lameness sulfate solutions in easy-to-use spray joining your herd for at least 30 and sore joints, and cold weather plays days, even your own goats that bottles, such as Hoof and Heel, which a part in arthritic pain. A goat may leave the farm for breed shows squirt directly onto affected areas be- or fairs. hold up a stiff leg after lying down tween toes. for a long period. If you don’t see any Practice good biosecurity on and evidence of disease or find any ten- USING HERBAL off your property. Have designat- ed footwear for your barn and der spots on the bottom of the hoof, AND ESSENTIAL OIL do not wear those boots to visit check for other causes of lameness. TREATMENTS other farms or goat areas. It could be that your goat could use a Katherine Drovdahl, in her book The joint lubricating supplement to com- Accessible Pet, Equine and Livestock bat the effects of aging. Herbal, recommends lavender essen- HOW TO AVOID A CASE Proper hoof care can’t eliminate the tial oil and oil of garlic in a blend used OF HOOF ROT IN GOATS chance of your goat contracting hoof to treat foot rot in hoofed animals. If any animal on the farm property has rot, but a healthy hoof is more resis- Other blends can be made from tea foot rot, the bacterium will now live in tant to bacteria in the environment. tree oil, cinnamon oil, clove oil, pep- the soil. It’s important to keep shelters Unfortunately, once the causes of permint oil or sage oil. Note that not dry so goats do not bring disease in. hoof rot in goats and other rumi- all these essential oils are safe for use Not all limping is a foot rot symp- nants enter your property, it is al- in pregnant livestock. Ms. Drovdahl’s tom. Examine the hoof completely most impossible to eradicate it. With recommendation is 12 total drops of before treating. Stone bruising can good prevention tactics, hopefully, essential oil per tablespoon of olive oil. cause pain and the goat will react by you will avoid dealing with it. r

WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 47 goat milk & cheese

The Accidental Cheesemaking School

by KATE JOHNSON

didn’t set out to be a cheese- maker, let alone to run a chee- I semaking school! When I majored in psycholo- gy as an undergrad, and later got my master’s degree in counseling, cheesemaking was the furthest thing from my mind. And years later, as a stay-at-home mom living in a comfortable suburban neighborhood outside of Boulder, Colorado, goats and cheese were nowhere on my radar. But a fateful visit to a local dairy goat farm with my young daughters and their friends would change all that—I just didn’t know it at the time. In the spring of 2002, I took a field trip to the Haystack Mountain Goat Dairy near Boulder, as a way of entertaining my girls and their friends for the afternoon. I’d always Daughters Molly and Megan with friend Gabe loved the country and all kinds of and the Haystack Mountain Goats farm animals. As I watched my little girls that day, feeding blades of grass to baby goats, something inside me yearned to live that kind of kids and, once her babies were creamy chèvre. It was so easy and life with them on a full-time basis. weaned, I had a steady supply of so delicious I started experiment- It took a couple of years to make it delicious, high-butterfat goat milk. ing with different ways to flavor it. happen, but eventually we moved Since our family had always One of my favorite additions was our family to a small farm not far loved goat cheese, I tried my hand kalamata olives, which I’d chop from the goat dairy. And of course, at making some. I bought a begin- up and put right into the cheese. we had to get a goat … or two. ner’s cheesemaking book, ordered It was such a hit with my fami- We got a Nubian doe named Skit- culture and rennet from a chee- ly that I entered it in the amateur tles and a Nigerian Dwarf wether semaking supply company, and cheesemaking contest at our local as a companion. Skittles had two made my very first batch of fresh, county fair. And lo and behold, I

48 GOAT JOURNAL, january/february 2018 I went from stay-at-home mom, visiting a goat farm, to running the biggest cheesemaking school in Colorado! It wasn’t the path I started on, but it’s been an exciting and fulfilling journey.

won a champion ribbon! One of from Luella Hill in San Francisco. the judges asked if I would teach Little by little, my hobby of teach- her how to make cheese. I was re- ing cheesemaking grew and took Aluminumfolding goat stands luctant at first, busy raising my on a life of its own. daughters, running a small farm In the meantime, I had become ProudlyMadeinVermont by High CountryAluminumProducts camp program and, by this time, certified as a professional life Tel 802-281-8245 leading a local 4-H club. But I coach and was working to grow a Toll Free 877-274-2721 eventually gave in and offered a career in that field. I loved work- www.HighCountryAluminum.com More info &photosofstands at: small class to this gal, along with ing with my clients, empowering www.BirchRidgeFarm.com/ some of my other friends. It was a them to follow their life passions, goatstands.html fun evening of making and eating and even wrote a book called Live cheese, drinking wine, and lots of Your Life with Passion & Purpose, laughter. I was hooked. which I used as a handbook for HUMANE BLOODLESS Well, word got out that I was teaching a 7-week course. It was teaching people how to make rewarding work but challeng- DRUG FREE cheese and the local extension ing to find enough clients for a HORN office asked me to teach a group full-time career. And every time REMOVA L of extension agents about cheese- someone asked me what I did for making basics. By this time, I had a living, and I told them I was a learned to make a few more types life coach, they’d yawn and seem of homemade cheese, so I taught uninterested. But when I told DELAYED CASTRATION them what I knew. Then the local them I also taught cheesemaking senior center asked me to teach a on the side, their eyes lit up and class, and soon the local commu- they’d exclaim, “You teach chee- nity college wanted a class. And semaking? Will you teach me?” I before I knew it, I was lugging my had always advised my coaching cheesemaking pots and supplies clients to ‘follow the energy’ and EARLYCASTRATION all over the place. energy in my world seemed cen- It soon dawned on me that I tered more around cheesemaking should probably get some for- than life coaching. So I coached mal training if I was going to be myself right out of my coaching teaching so much—even if only career and launched a cheese- at a hobby level. So I took an ad- making school! vanced course from Linda & Larry It was 2013 by this point, and CALL FORADISTRIBUTOR NEAR YOU. Faillace of Three Shepherds Farm I had taught classes as a side 800-858-5974 in Vermont and another course business for three or four years. www.CallicrateBanders.com

WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 49 goat milk & cheese

shared space’s lease was up, I moved The Art of Cheese to another shared space in a co-working community called Launch Longmont. This tem- porary arrangement involved sharing a conference room in the evenings and on weekends to host my classes. And then an amazing thing happened! I got a call from the folks at Haystack Mountain Goat Dairy, where my whole journey had begun so many years earlier. They were getting ready to build a new creamery in town, having outgrown their own space at the original farm, and wondered if I’d be interested in moving my cheesemaking school to their Cheese Education Center within the new creamery. Naturally, I said yes! I took time off from life coaching rary shared space with TinkerMill, I went from stay-at-home mom, to write a business plan and see a local Makerspace in downtown visiting a goat farm, to running if it was feasible to open a brick- Longmont, Colorado. the biggest cheesemaking school and-mortar cheesemaking school. I In the fall of 2014, The Art of Cheese in Colorado! It wasn’t the path I consulted the local Small Business officially opened for business! started on, but it’s been an exciting Development Center and worked It was an exhausting first year and fulfilling journey. on a plan to make a go of it. The with a steep learning curve as I fig- I look forward to sharing many biggest financial challenge was ured out how to set up a website, delicious cheesemaking recipes keeping my rent low enough that I get insurance, find a bookkeeper, and tips with you in the coming could teach just two or three class- market my classes, and do all the issues of Goat Journal. Here are a es a week, about what I thought setup, teaching and cleanup my- couple recipes to start: the market (and my busy life) self. But along the way, I met some could handle. I ran a brief crowd- amazing people and received won- Kate Johnson raises dairy goats at www. funding campaign to raise seed derful feedback. Eventually, a few briargatefarm.com runs a cheesemaking money for equipment and initial of my most reliable and enthusias- school at www.theartofcheese.com and is startup costs. Then I set out to find tic students began volunteering to an active volunteer with the Boulder Coun- a shared workspace. After hitting help, which made the whole thing ty 4-H program. She’s also a member of many dead ends, I found a tempo- a lot more fun. When the original the Colorado Dairy Goat Association.

50 GOAT JOURNAL, january/february 2018 Got Goat CHÈVRE (SOFT-RIPENED GOAT CHEESE) 1 gallon pasteurized goat milk (not ultra-pasteurized) Problems? 1/8 teaspoon mesophilic or Flora Danica culture 2 drops liquid rennet We can ¼ tsp non-iodized sea salt or kosher salt help you 1. Heat milk to 72°F in a large stainless steel pot. solvethem. 2. Sprinkle culture on the milk. Let sit a couple of minutes to hydrate then stir in. 3. Cover pot and leave at room temperature to “ripen” for 2 hours. 4. Dilute rennet in ¼ cup non-chlorinated water 10% then stir gently into the ripened milk. 5. Cover pot and let sit at room temperature for off 12-20 hours. 6. Gently ladle the curds into fine cheesecloth (butter muslin). Tie up cloth and hang over a sink or in a large pot for about 12 hours. 7. Your cheese is done! Take it out of the cheesecloth and add approximately ¼ tsp cheese salt and/or add herbs or other flavors. 8. Eat within 2 weeks and/or freeze for several months.

VARIATIONS • Add chopped fresh herbs. • Add chopped Kalamata olives. • Form into a log and roll in cracked black pepper or dried herbs. • Add chopped, roasted garlic. Natural, noninvasive,and nontoxic • Stir in a couple tablespoons of honey. methods of treating your animals. • To make a spread, add a little goat milk or cream. • To make it sliceable, roll into a log and refrigerate. • Use your imagination!

CHOCOLATE CHÈVRE TRUFFLES 4 oz. chèvre goat cheese 1/3 cup powdered, unsweetened cocoa (plus extra for rolling) ¼ cup powdered sugar (plus extra for rolling)

1. Blend ingredients together in a food processor or with a fork until completely mixed. 2. Roll into small balls then roll in mixture of cocoa and sugar to coat. 3. Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks; re-roll in cocoa/sugar just before serving cold. Thecomplete guide to health care, nutrition &non-toxic treatments. 1-800-355-5313 www.acresusa.com

WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 51 secret life of goats

Living it Up

The Grazing Goats Above Al Johnson’s Restaurant

by THERESA MILLER | photos courtesy of AL JOHNSON’S SWEDISH RESTAURANT

here is the best spot for four to seven goats to trot up the up and return to the farm. grazing goats? Would ramp into the pickup bed get to go. These goats are far from a secret in W you consider a restau- They ride for about five minutes, Sister Bay or surrounding Door Coun- rant roof where tourists can gawk down a picturesque country road, ty. There have been grazing goats on and giggle? before arriving at Al Johnson’s Al Johnson’s roof, during summer On a 40-acre farm outside the Swedish Restaurant and Butik. months, for more than 40 years. small town of Sister Bay, Wisconsin There, they trot up another ramp to In 1973, Al and his wife Ingert had lives a herd of goats with a secret life the roof where they spend the day a traditional Scandinavian building, many in their species would envy. grazing, napping, and watching complete with sod roof, built in Nor- Around 8:00 in the morning, a truck people. Breezes from the bay keep way. The building was then num- backs up to their pasture gate. One temperatures pleasant for most of bered, disassembled and shipped of their favorite people calls out the summer. Around 5:00 or 6:00 in to Wisconsin. They reassembled the a good morning then asks, “Who the evening, or when weather gets building like a giant set of Lincoln wants to go on the roof?” The first bad, the goats descend to their pick- Logs around their existing restau-

52 GOAT JOURNAL, january/february 2018 rant. The business managed to stay late March or early April, ice leaves age for grazing goats. He says, the open and serving customers during the bay for the season and returns to minute you introduce grain or too the entire process. open water. The ice had only just left many treats, they start having health At the time, Al had a friend named that day. problems. Lars used to think he had Wink Larson. Every year, Wink gave The goats riding in back looked to keep introducing a grain mixture, Al some sort of animal for his birth- nervous. Two escaped and ran across but since he is not milking them he day. That year, it was a billy goat. As the street. When Lars ran after them, stopped offering grain and feels they a practical joke, Wink put the goat they jumped in the bay and start- live a much happier, healthier life on up on the small sod roof that shades ed swimming. Luckily, someone just the hay and grazing. restaurant’s sign in front. The large watched the scenario from a small Although many breeds have billy and was not pleased with the fishing boat and was able to boat- made their way to the roof over the precarious trip up the ladder. As drive the goats back to shore. Lars they neared the top, the goat gave a got their collars and leashes on. mighty leap to firm ground and the The goats were no worse for wear, ladder went backward. Wink suf- from their dip in the frigid bay, and fered a broken collarbone, but the that was when Lars discovered that goat was on the sod. The next day, goats swim. the goat appeared on the roof itself No longer that inexperienced col- and the rest became history. lege kid, Lars is now in charge of the Now the goats are such a part of goats. Years of experience taught that Sister Bay that “The Roofing of the his goats do best on a natural diet, Goats,” a parade and festival in their which means quality hay and for- honor, occurs yearly on the first Sat- urday in June. Owners from around the county bring their goats to town. Tradition encourages costumes for goats, owners and spectators. They all march (or trot, kick and leap) through town along a parade route, which culminates with the official roofing of Al Johnson’s star grazing goats. Live music, kids’ games, and a Swedish-pancake-eating contest follow. Anyone wearing authentic Nor- wegian folk attire gets a free drink. Al’s son, Lars, was already helping with the goats when he attended college. He took them to their winter barn in the fall and brought them back to in spring, several months before grazing goats on the roof. One weekend in April, as he drove a covered truck full of goats back to the farm, he stopped at the restaurant. The restaurant sits along the bay in the peninsula and the ice always freezes solid in the wintertime. In

WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 53 secret life of goats years, Lars prefers fainting goats. He Around 8:00 in the says they are docile and tame and stay the perfect size, about halfway morning, a truck between a pygmy and a French Al- backs up to their pine or Nubian. Fainting goats don’t actually lose consciousness. When pasture gate. One startled, a hereditary condition of their favorite called myotonia congenita causes them to freeze for about three sec- people calls out a onds. Younger goats, when they good morning then stiffen, often tip over. As they get older they learn to spread their legs asks, “Who wants to or lean against something. Appar- go on the roof?” The ently not much panics Al Johnson’s goats because babies occasionally first four to seven make it to the roof. goats to trot up the “We’ve had them up on the roof, with human contact just after they’ve ramp into the pickup been born,” Lars told me. “So it’s not bed get to go. unusual to have them up there just

GIVE YOUR GOATS THE NUTRITION THERE’SANEWKID THEY DESERVE

ON THEBLOCK Foraging for food is something goats areborntodo. Standlee Premium WesternForage® makes feeding your goat easier with the introduction of aan newew high protein and �ber� ber option� Standlee Organic Alfalfa Pellets. Give your goats the best so they feel their best.

Recommended for:

Available at select locations:

standleeforage.com

54 GOAT JOURNAL, january/february 2018 webcams on the roof at www.aljohn- repair shop called Cycles, Sleds & Saws. sons.com/goat-cam/. r Her spare time is divided between reading, writing, cooking, gardening, picking Theresa Miller lives in a small ranching huckleberries and learning new things. town in Idaho, where she and her hus- Her favorite hobby is talking to people band own and operate a small engine about things they are passionate about.

months, after they’ve been born, on their own. They tend to stay close to mom if that’s the case. During the Goat Parade and the Roofing of the Goats, it’s not unusual for us to USDA MICROCHIPS have anywhere from four to eight often same dayshipping babies on the roof, along with their moms, for a few days. I don’t want them on the roof for a full-blown period of time until they’re a little older. Once they have reached that Quality U.S.madeAvid magic one year age, they’re a little products providedbyEZid, more independent.” the LivestockDivision. Door County occupies a penin- We appreciate Youand it showsinour service. sula between Green Bay and Lake Michigan. It contains miles of shore- line, historic lighthouses and five state parks in its 482 square miles. It’s a great place to visit. While you’re there, take the scenic drive  Qualityproducts &great prices. to Sister Bay to see the goats and enjoy Swedish meatballs, Swedish  Microchips availableasUSDA, pancakes or homemade pickled Avid,Euro andISO code. herring. If you can’t make it in per- 877-330-3943  Avid MiniTrackerreaders for son, don’t worry. You can watch www.EZidAvid.com FAST,ACCURATE read the grazing goats from wherever [email protected] EVERYTIME! you are thanks to the live streaming

WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 55 Goat Journal Bookstore Goat Journal Bookstore

For a complete listing of all books available visit our website: Butchering Poultry, Storey’s Guide to Goats Produce Too! Raising Miniature Livestock www.CountrysideNetwork.com; or write to: Bookstore Catalog Request, Rabbit, Lamb, Goat & Pork By aDaM DanforTh By Mary Jane ToTh PO Box 1848, Carson City, NV 89702; or call 970-392-4419 By Sue Weaver The Udder A Comprehensive Goats, Sheep, Real Thing Photographic Guide Donkeys, Pigs, Volume II Fences For Pasture & Garden Homemade Cheese Wild Predators? to Humane Slaughter- Horses, Cattle, Cheese Making ing & Butchering of Llamas & More... By gail DaMeroW By JaneT hurST Not in My Backyard! Poultry, Rabbit, Lamb, Complete, Generously Goat & Pork 135 pages, $14.95 Recipes For 50 Cheeses By eugene l. fyTChe 453 pages, $19.95 Illustrated Directions 446 pages, $24.95 For How To Build Wire From Artisan Sound Advice & Sensible Fences, Rail Fences, Cheesemakers. Strategies for Protection Electric Fences, High- Directions For Crafting From Many Wild Predators tension Fences, Tem- Cheese With Cow's, Storey’s Guide to Storey’s Guide to porary Fences, Woven Goat's, or Sheep's Milk. Raising Small Livestock Fences, Snow Fences, 115 pages, $20.00 Raising Meat Goats Raising Dairy Goats Gates, Trellises, & More 160 pages, By JeroMe Belanger 246 pages, $23.95 $19.99 By Maggie Sayer By JeroMe D. Belanger & Sara ThoMSon BreDeSen Discusses Feeding, Goat Health Care 2nd Edition Breeding, & Butchering Managing, 4th Edition Breeding, Rabbits, Turkeys, How To Raise Goats The Backyard Goat By Cheryl K. SMiTh Breeds, Care, Wild Fowl, Hogs and Marketing Dairying, By Sue Weaver Other Animals The Best of Marketing By Carol aMunDSon 337 pages, $19.95 Ruminations 246 pages, $9.95 Everything You An Introductory 2001-2007 296 pages, $19.95 Need To Know To Guide To Keeping Keep Your Goats Raise Dairy Or Productive Pet Goats Healthy! Meat Goats 215 pages, $16.95 246 pages, $23.95 199 pages, $19.99 Book Order Form

Raising Goats For Title Quantity Price Book Total $ Dummies Shipping $ Raising Dairy Goats to the Uddermost By Cheryl K. SMiTh $4 first item, $1 each add'l item, Call for Priority & Foreign Rates DVD Subtotal $ Embark on a journey learning about dairy goats on a real-life farm! An Introduction To All WI Residents add $ From the amazing birth of a kid caught on camera, to building simple Aspects Of Owning, 5.5% sales tax fences, preventing your goats from getting diseases, choosing the perfect Caring For, And The Total U.S. Funds $ goat, clipping hooves in real time, and more, you’re sure to find this video Day-to-Day Benefits Of fun, intriguing, and very educational. And learn in the most natural, ecologi- Raising Goats cal, and healthy way possible! DVD, 2 hrs. 3 min., $19.99 340 pages, Name: Visa MC Discover AmEx $19.99 Address: No.: Temple Grandin’s Guide to Working With Farm Animals City: Expiration: By TeMple granDin State: Zip: Phone: Award-winning author Temple Grandin is famous for her ground- All About Goats breaking approach to decoding animal behavior. Now she extends her By loiS heTheringTon expert guidance to small-scale farming operations. Grandin’s fascinat- An Ideal Introduction to ing explanations of how herd animals think — describing their senses, keeping Goats— fears, instincts, and memories — and how to analyze their behavior, will Including a Mail to: Goat Journal Bookstore, help you handle your livestock more safely and effectively. You’ll learn Comprehensive PO Box 1848, Carson City, NV 89702 to become a skilled observer of animal movement and behavior, and Veterinary Section detailed illustrations will help you set up simple and efficient facilities for managing a small herd of 3 to 25 cattle or pigs, or 5 to 100 goats or sheep. 178 pages, $17.48 Call: 970-392-4419 • Visit: www.countrysidenetwork.com 184 pages, $19.95 Hardcover

56 GOAT JOURNAL, january/february 2018 Goat Journal Bookstore Goat Journal Bookstore

WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 57 breed profile: san clemente

Breed Profile: San Clemente Goats

An Endangered American Goat Breed With a Unique Genetic Heritage

presented by TAMSIN COOPER

BREED: San Clemente goats or San due to their willingness to follow mission goats would have descended Clemente Island (SCI) goats humans. Mission livestock was orig- from settler goats from Spain, pos- inally driven up from Mexico, and in sibly early forerunners of the Blanca ORIGIN: Introduced in 1875 to San 1832 the missions collectively owned Celtibérica, Castellana, Extremeña Clemente Island (57 square miles) 1711 goats. and Murciana breeds. from Santa Catalina Island, both of Although it’s traditionally believed which are Channel Islands off the that San Clemente goats were left on HISTORY: In the 1970s, there were coast of California. Previous origin is the Channel Islands by Spanish set- about 15,000 running feral on San unknown, although they may have tlers approximately 500 years ago, Clemente Island, and they were originated with sheep ranchers that there is no evidence of their presence found to present a threat to native populated Santa Catalina Island in the before the early 1800s. Furthermore, plants and the local ecology. A re- early 1800s from the Spanish Francis- genetic studies have found that SCI moval program sold captured an- can Missions in California, probably goats are not closely related to Span- imals at stockyards, and hunters San Gabriel Arcángel. Sheep ranch- ish goats in other parts of the U.S. or drove the population down to 4,500. ers often used goats to lead the flock Latin America. However, the original When the U.S. Navy started shooting goats from helicopters, the Fund for Animals stepped in. They removed most of the San Clemente goat population to the mainland for adoption after neutering. Others were picked up direct from transport barges by farms and breeders and these form the basis of our breeding stock. Those remaining on San Clemente Island were exterminated by 1991.

SCI Buck CONSERVATION STATUS: Criti- at Miller cal – approx 750 San Clemente goats Park Zoo. remaining worldwide. There is low Photo by Heather biodiversity within the breed due to Paul large-scale eradication and inbreed- ing within isolated populations. Ge- netically distinct from all other U.S. breeds, they carry unique versions of genes that are valuable to the future sustainability of agriculture.

58 GOAT JOURNAL, january/february 2018 WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 59 breed profile: san clemente

“I love everything about these goats—their gorgeous, wild looks and even their wary, deer-like personalities. Earning their trust took a long time, but now I feel almost honored when they eat from my hands and let me pet them. Owning San Clemente Island Goats has encouraged me to learn about goat body language and behavior. I SCI Kid suckles at Miller Park Zoo. Photo by Heather Paul think the bucks’ unique deficiency in scent glands STANDARD COLORING: Red, cal distribution over U.S. states and amber, tan or light brown with western Canadian provinces. may be one of the biggest characteristic black markings; selling points for this black face, outer ears, neck, shoul- POPULAR USE: Multipurpose: breed, but extremely ders with pale stripes from eyes to mainly kept for conservation, brush good health and easy, muzzle, pale patches on jaw, inside clearance, sometimes milk and has ears and under neck; black mark- good potential for meat – current safe kidding also make ings on legs and dorsal stripe. In limitation on meat use is due to low them a pleasure to have.” the sixties, a large variety of col- population numbers. ors and markings were seen on the It isn’t really a San Clemente goat Catharina, Rio Nido island, including cream, solid and if: ears are pendulous or very up- San Clementes. painted: these are occasionally right, nose is convex (Roman). r seen in current populations. SOURCES: The Livestock Conservancy, San STANDARD DESCRIPTION: Har- WEIGHT: adults 50–120 pounds Clemente Island Goat Foundation, Interna- dy, small and fine-boned, deer-like (23–55 kg). tional Dairy Goat Registry. appearance, slightly larger than Ginja, C., Gama, L.T., Martínez, A., Sevane, dwarf breeds, curved-back horns in HEIGHT: does average 24 in (60 cm); N., Martin-Burriel, I., Lanari, M.R., Revidatti, both sexes that sweep out and twist bucks average 28 in (71 cm). Mature M.A., Aranguren-Méndez, J.A., Bedotti, D.O., on mature bucks. The head is long, buckhorns may spread 32 in (81 cm). Ribeiro, M.N. and Sponenberg, P., 2017. Ge- lean and slightly dished. Ears are netic diversity and patterns of population narrow with a distinctive crimp, of- TEMPERAMENT: Alert, gentle, ex- structure in Creole goats from the Ameri- ten floppy during first few weeks af- cellent mothers, vigilant with sharp cas. Animal genetics, 48(3), pp.315-329. ter birth, and normally held horizon- anti-predator reflexes. tally; long neck, straight back to steep Tamsin Cooper is a smallholder and goat rump and deep chest, slender legs ADAPTABILITY: Since arrival on keeper in France. She follows the latest re- and small hooves; wattles absent, the mainland the breed has proved search on behavior, welfare and sustainabil- slight wispy beard on female and to be adaptable to a variety of cli- ity, and mentors on animal welfare courses. long, dark beard and mane on buck. mates, having a wide geographi- Find her on www.goatwriter.com.

60 GOAT JOURNAL, january/february 2018 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 Purebred LaMancha & Nubian Dairy Goats. All Natural Goats Milk Soaps. ALPINE TRANQUIL VALLEY DAIRY, Henry Raber, 55749 TR 87, Fresno, OH 43824. 330-897-0306. Alpine & Saanen Wisconsin Arkansas South Dakota RAINTREE DAIRY GOATS, Deb Macke, N3690 MT. PLEASURE FRENCH ALPINES, Maddie Kiefer, Elmwood Rd., Hawkins, WI 54530. 715-563-0052. 106 E. 14th St., Yellville, AR 72687. 870-449-6932. DAWNWIND DAIRY GOATS, Frances Loehr, Website design. LaMancha. Home Milkers. 307-710-7307. French & American Colorado Alpines. NIGERIAN DWARF RANCHO-SNOWFALL, Dr. James Haught, DVM, Eliza- Vermont Illinois beth, CO. 970-420-4133. ALPINEGLO FARM LLC, Rachel Ware, 91 Clark Award winning Alpines, TWO DOGS FARMS, Ann Alecock, Emilie & Adelaide St., Westminster, VT 05158.802-463-2018. Saanens & LaManchas. CAE, CL, Johne’s negative. Norzagaray, 1069 Township Rd. 1950E, Smithshire, com/portfolio.html> French Alpine Buck Services Registered Nigerian Dwarf Available. with superior genetics. Washington Indiana BELLE-CHEVRE FRENCH AND AMERICAN ALPINES, CU AT LIL’ RED BARN, Margot Cassel, 7501 N. Nebo Rd., Ardell Ainsworth, 238 Patit Rd., Dayton, WA 99328. Muncie, IN 47304. 765-730-0145, 765-730-4331. [email protected]> Wyoming Iowa Georgia ALPENTHAL’S DAIRY GOATS, Tanja Miller, 430 Bea- HILLTOP SUNSET FARMS, Tom Burrow & Sheri ver Creek Rd., Sundance, WY 82729. 307-283-2364. SIMPLY DUTCH, Daniel House, 2857 Mount Registered American Alpine Nigerian Dwarf Alpine RIPLEY’S HOMESTEAD DAIRY GOATS, Robin Ripley, 2377-270th St., Clarinda, IA, 51632. 712-582-3579 Iowa LAMANCHA

D & E DAIRY GOATS, 2977 Linn Buchanan Rd., Coggon, Kansas Kansas IA 52218. 319-350-5819. Facebook: d&edairygoat. Doelings–selling 200 head SHEPHERD’S GATE LAMANCHAS, Mark & Co- B B GOATS, Alex Becker, 10168 SE Pickrell Rd., annually. Breeder bucks available. Alpine, Saanen raleen Bunner, Pfeifer, Kansas. 785-735-9562. Leon, KS 67074. 316-201-8788. Alpines, Nigerian Dwarfs, Kikos. MA’S ACRES, Judith Nayen, 9398 NE 100th Ave. Raising quality dairy goats for milk and show. Bondurant, IA 50035. 515-250-4836. Alpine. Quality show and production doelings, Kentucky yearlings, bucklings. MENDING WALL FARM, Ed & Judy Lowe, PO OLDHAM FAMILY FARMS, Darrell & Theresa Oldham, Box 722, Assonet, MA 02702. 508-644-5088. 2883 Sweeney Ln, Pleasureville, KY 40057. 859-588- Kansas LaMancha wallfarm.homestead.com> Nigerian Dwarf, Tennessee PUCKETTS ALPINE GOATS, Elaine Puckett, Council dairy goats. Fainting. Grove, Kansas. 620-767-5728. CAE & CL free, LA & DHIA. Missouri OSBORNE FARM, John & Jane Osborne, 2081 Bolles Painted Acres, Jennifer Bolles, 409 SE 600th SARAH B’S ALPINES, Mark & Coraleen Bunner, Pfeifer, Jamestown Rd., Burlison, TN 38015. 901-491-1709. Rd, Warrensburg, MO, 64093. 660-747-1909. Kansas. 785-735-9562. LaManchas & Nigerian Raising quality dairy goats Dwarfs. for milk and show. Texas New Mexico Missouri LATTE DA DAIRY, Anne & Johnny Jones, PO Box SECOND BLOOM FARM, Deb Wood, 248 Rio Bravo, KRAUSE FARMS, Jessica Krause, 4627 SW 270355, Flower Mound, TX 75027. 817-490-5004. White Rock, NM 87547. 505-672-1485. concentric.net> Alpine, French and American. CAE, CL homestead. Neg, Herd tested annually. Washington Ohio Montana FIR MEADOW LAMANCHAS, HERBS & ALPACAS, Jerry & Kat Drovdahl, PO Box 324, Carlsborg, WA 98324. HONEY SWEETIE ACRES, Steve & Regina Bauscher, JL LAZY D GOATS, Jerry & Lori Donaldson, 4170 Phone: 360-683-8998. 2710 Spring Hill Rd., Goshen, OH 45122. 513-313- Eastside Hwy., Stevensville, MT 59870. 406-218-8853. 1110. Nigerian Dwarf. French Alpine. Buck service K–n–H RANCH, Heather Janke, 509-235-6564. HOME OF 2017 NATIONAL CHAMPION JUNIOR available. DAIRY DOE.

WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 61 Breeders Directory Oregon New York 95975. 530-432-0946. Halters designed just WINDING RIVER, Bev Sieminski, PO Box 149, Lorane, TRIPLE F FARM, Mark Geracitano, 5 Jordan Ln., Nas- for goats, saddles, panniers, goat coat/pack covers. OR 97451. 541-942-3812. sau, NY 12123. 518-766-7607. Milk goats, show and pets. CAE, CL, & Johnes negative. Buck service available. Linear appraisal. https://m.facebook.com/tripleffarm1 Other services: Disbudding, Tattooing, Hoof Trimming PYGORA South Dakota Oregon Oregon CARL B’S FARM, Julie & Ron Kolbeck, Salem, South HAWKS MTN RANCH PYGORA GOATS, Lisa Dakota. 605-247-3220. ACE-HI DAIRY GOATS, Margie Singletary, 3747 Lincoln Roskopf, 51920 SW Dundee Rd., Gaston, OR Nigerian Dwarf, American Alpine & Mini-Alpine. Healthy Dr., Ontario, OR 97914-8713. 541-889-4063. herd. Excellent bloodlines. com> CAE & CL free, milk & show. Nubians Pygora fleece goats. Texas R R RESOURCES, Yvonne Roberts, PO Box 809, CAE/CLA negative. Merlin, OR 97532. 541-479-3159. Purebred, American Rd., Brenham, TX 77833. 979-836-9303. DHIR Nigerian, & recorded grade Nubians. DHIR, LA, Show, bred to SAANEN Alpine & Saanen dairy goats. milk, good butterfat and longevity. Arizona Tennessee NUBIAN SPRINGFIELD OAKS, Elizabeth Hen- DAVIS RUN NUBIANS, Davis & Jenny Carr, 1701 Saun- ning, 6670 S. Bascom Trl., Willcox, AZ 85643. Arkansas dersville Rd., Hendersonville, TN 37075. 615-943-5709. 602-819-7231. JSW FARMS, LLC. Sara White, Yellville. com> Purebred Nubian Dairy Goats. ADGA Nubian Arkansas Producing high quality and quantity milk through WW VALLEY FARM, Jessica Wells, 977 Faye Creek WINCHESTER SAANENS, Linda Mallory, 1318 genetics. DHIA available. Herd of 7 Nigerian Goats Rd, Warface, TN 37183. 931-212-3791. Nubian Semen tank and straws Arkansas Texas available.

OWL RIDGE FARM, Jan Ham, 1348 Waller CREAMSTONE FARM, Pat Topping, 288 CR California Rd., Bee Branch, AR 72013. 870-974-1466. 33530, Summer, TX 75486. 903-732-7023 RON-TOM SAANENS, Tom & Roni Pettibone, 2921 Nubians. com> Nubian dairy goats. G6S Normal, Negative CAE, CL, TB, Brucellosis. Excellent Milk Production and 530-677-9294. California Show Bloodlines. Delaware HOLY MONASTERY OF THE THEOTOKOS, GALLOPING WINDS RANCH, Rob & Teresa Barr- RoDi HERITAGE FARMS, Robert & Diana Lawson, Mother Markella or Sister Isadora, PO Box 549, Jones, 402 Whitaker Rd., Florence, TX 76527. 18759 Harbeson Rd., PO Box 4, Harbeson, DE Dunlap, CA 93621. 559-338-3110. 19951. 302-684-8844. net> Purebred Nubians. Beautiful, heavy milkers. Kids Registered pure- Saanens. available. bred Nubians with flashy spots! Hi-production Saanens. Great Pyrenees LGDs. New York Colorado i2iacres, Greg & BJ Irvin, 1584 VZ CR 4909, Ben ZOAR FARMS @ Holy Myrrhbearers Monastery, 144 JP ACRES, Johnnie Seale, 1941 County Road 207, Wheeler, TX 75754. 817-312-4028. Nubian dairy goats. Purebred & American Saanens. Tested free for LATTE DA DAIRY, Anne & Johnny Jones, PO Box CAE, Brucillosis. R & W FARMS, Tom & Brenda Rusk, 4127 N Royal 270355, Flower Mound, TX 75027. 817-490-5004. Center Pike, Royal Center, IN 46978-9497. 574-753- Oklahoma 7902. Nubians. Virginia & Old English bloodlines. Dee Hadorn, Harrah, Okla- Iowa homa. 405-356-2612. SWEET VALLEY FARM DAIRY, Cecilia, Cul- MY COUNTRY GIRLS, Barb Oliver, 2916 E Ave., peper, Virginia. 540-423-1003. SATORI FARMS, ADGA Breed Leader 2012 , 2013, iamotelephone.com> Nubian doelings/bucklings born March. 2014, & 2016. Angelia Gregg, Cave Junction, Or- Nubian, Saanen. Registered mothers are proven milk producers. $400.00. egon. 541-218-2295. Massachusetts American and Grade Saanens. CAE & CL free. LA. DHIR. VALLEY VIEW FARM, Elizabeth & Peter Mulholland, OBERHASLI 278 High St., Topsfield, MA 01983. 978-887-8215. Pennsylvania Purebred and American Nubians regis- Stolzfus, 2081 Sanctuary Rd, Manheim, PA 17545. tered under VVFarm. HYONAHILL OBERHASLI, Ruth McCormick, 24900 717-715-2473. Saanen. Great genetics and registered Skyland Rd., Los Gatos, CA 95033. 408-353-1017. bucks. Minnesota Gentle quiet temperament. Wonderful milk. Show quality milkers & kids for show WORDEN FARM, Bill & Donna Worden, 1881 Bells & home. Send for breed information. Run Rd., Shinglehouse, PA 16748. 814-697-6606. Saanens, LaManchas & PACK GOATS Grades. CAE Free. Virginia California PICCOLO FARM, Barb & Frank Kruesi, 2831 Bear BUTT-HEAD PACK GOATS & EQUIPMENT, Den- Branch Rd., Mouth of Wilson, VA 24363. 276-579-2331. nis Willingham, PO Box 333, Rough & Ready, CA

62 GOAT JOURNAL, january/february 2018 Breeders Directory TOGGENBURG VARIOUS The Knitting Answer Book Iowa Colorado Brand New 2nd Edition!

BIRCH HAVEN, Doris Gronewold, 479 Dry Hol- WALTZ’S ARK, PO Box 368, Delta, CO 81416. You’ll find more than a dozen low Rd., Waterville, IA 52170. 563-535-7203. new cast ons and bind offs; new techniques for beading and knitting hotmail.com> Toggenburg. Herd carries the all natural Where Average Just Won’t Do! Naturally raised backwards; tips for making smooth “A” variant. Promoting high butterfat and protein. CL. Oberhasli, Nigerian Dwarf, Boer. No stripes when knitting in the round L.A. Herd Ave. “90” with High Production over 3,000# chemicals, no nonsense! Great pedigrees, great and for measuring gauge on tricky of milk. milkers! fabrics, such as ribbing and lace; fresh information on interpreting DRY CREEK ACRES, Joe Skoda & Melissa O’Rourke, Virginia patterns and adjusting patterns to 21849 Whitetail Rd., Decorah, IA 52101. 712-470-3289. fit; and much more! SKYLINE, Catherine Deeds, 14450 Oakhurst Ln., Toggenburgs. Home of the 2011 and 2012 Junior Orange, VA 22960. 540-672-2538. LaManchas, Toggen- National Champions. burgs & Nigerian Dwarfs.

Pennsylvania Wisconsin 970-392-4419 WINDY HILLS FARM, JoAnne Geshinsky & family, 268 CAREY’S BRIARWOOD FARM, Car- Country Ln., West Newton, PA 15089. 724-872-1288. ey Family, Stratford, Wisconsin. 715-572-1207. Breeder Bucks. Nubians, Saanen, CountrysideNetwork.com Toggenburgs, Nubians. LaMancha, Nigerian.

Cooking with Coconut

Delicious Uses for Every Form: Oil, Flour, Water, Milk, Cream, Sugar, Dried & Shredded

Only $18.95 plus S&H

Visit: CountrysideNetwork.com/shop/cooking-with-coconut Call: 970-392-4419

WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 63 40 Projects for Building Your Backyard Homestead Associations Hands-On, ALPINES INTERNATIONAL CLUB, Wil dairy goat breeds. Now registering Purebred Nigerians. Keech, Secretary/Treasurer. 402-326-8232. Step-By-Step MYOTONIC GOAT REGISTRY(Fainting), 3174 Sustainable- Valley Ford Rd., Adger, AL 35006. 205-425- Living Guide AMERICAN LAMANCHA CLUB, Deb Macke, Sec- 5954. retary/Treasurer, N3690 Elmwood Rd., Hawkins, WI • Install 54530. 715-563-0052. OBERHASLI BREEDERS OF AMERICA, & Hydroponics Ben Peterson, Secy./Treas., 8580 GEORGIA DAIRY GOAT BREEDERS—newsletter, S Cherry Ave., Fresno, CA 93725. • Create Planters, meetings, shows & speaker program. All breeds Pens, Coops & welcome. Secretary: John Latimer, 1540 McRee’s Sheds Mill Rd., Watkinsville, GA 30677. 706-769-9460. THE MINIATURE GOAT REGISTRY(TMGR) Sup- $16.95 + S&H porting breeders and owners of the mini-dairy MINIATURE DAIRY GOAT ASSOCIATION — Premier breeds. Shows, conformation clinics, milk production. 970-392-4419 registry for crosses of Nigerian Dwarf and standard www.tmgronline.com. 619-417-0989 CountrysideNetwork.com

Goat Journal Advertising Form • Next Deadline: January 19, 2018

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

64 GOAT JOURNAL, january/february 2018 Classified Ads Join the BEEKEEPING POULTRY SUPPLIES MILLER BEE SUPPLY Coloring YOUR BEE KEEPING EXPERTS SINCE 1976! Check us out for all your beekeeping needs. Whether you are just starting out or already have bees we are here to assist your needs. Call us Toll Free: 1-888-848-5184. Craze! 496 Yellow Banks Road, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659. Email:[email protected]* www.millerbeesupply.com

FEED

Bluebonnet Feeds, 100 Mill St. SE, Ardmore OK 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

Alpine and Saanen Doelings for Sale. CAE Preven- tion. Contact Meadow View Goat Dairy. David and Rosa Coblentz, 1630 S Croswell Avenue, Fremont, MI 49412. 231-924-6136. PREGNANCY TESTING

GREENHOUSES Eagle Talon lab services include pregnancy BVD, Johne’s, CAE/OPP, and CL testing. Call 307-742-9072 DISTRIBUTORS AND INSTALLERS: TGM Green- or visit www.eagletalonent.com houses of Colorado is looking for Distributors and Installers who are interested in being part of a growing company. TGM Greenhouses offers the ThermaGro PRESERVING line of greenhouses. Contact Eric Selinger (303) 273-9085 [email protected]

MEALWORMS

Visit Countryside Network.com/shop to get your copy today!

MILKING EQUIPMENT Or Call

Visit www.PartsDeptOnline.com for great 970-392-4419 deals on new milking equipment for cows and goats. We supply to all size dairies. Call for a free 180pg catalog 1-800-245-8222.

WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 65 from the archives

Small Town Goat Dairy Can Pay Well

from DAIRY GOAT JOURNAL, JANUARY 1949

ur town is small as stand for dairy products made compared to the locations of goat milk—but that is for Oof most goat dairies. It has next year, perhaps. a rather extensive tourist trade as its How have we built this chief industry. But we have a goat business? It is our belief that dairy here, born as a war baby when we can hire help to do the dairy products became difficult to get. routine work, but that our It has outgrown the sideline idea, to a chief job is to use our efforts in full time business. It is continuing to management and promotion. grow, and the future seems rosy. Consequently, advertising How did we do it? First, we and selling is getting full established distribution depots to save attention. We never try to us delivery costs. One is a refrigerator overlook a bet to keep our goat we installed—nicely lettered with milk before the people of our our name and advertising—in a town. downtown drug store. Cash-and- When the community turns carry customers can get the milk here; out for a parade we are always and since much of our milk is sold on sure to have a float in it, and a physician’s prescription a drug store we do everything possible to provides an excellent outlet. make it attractive. Not only A local dairy carries our goat is the direct publicity of the float visitors come we try to treat them as milk on its retail routes. Contrary to good, but the effort to community cherished guests—including samples general practice in such cases, we cooperation helps build good will of milk, and anything else we can do do not sell the milk to the dairy and among the business interests and has to make the visitor feel that a visit let them take all responsibility. We helped put our goat dairy solidly in is noteworthy and that we have a pay them so much per quart of milk the business as a legitimate business business and a product worthy of delivered, but we do all of our own venture. We belong to the Chamber of their support. While we do not have a selling and advertising. It has been Commerce, and participate in as many fancy place, we try to keep everything entirely satisfactory. community activities as possible. painted and clean, the lawn mowed, The third distributing point is a From a hint in DAIRY GOAT and with flowers and shrubs planted market in town, which keeps the JOURNAL we talked to a local theatre appropriately. goat milk in its own refrigerated manager, and staged a goat milking These are a few of the things we display box. Since they also maintain contest on the stage. Carefully staged have done; we have others in mind as a grocery delivery service, our goat comments went out to the audience, time goes on. But our chief idea is to milk is distributed through this photos and news stories appeared in avail ourselves of every opportunity service, also. the papers. to create good will for ourselves and Of course, we might add a fourth We try not to overlook the obvious. to keep the name of our goat milk. outlet as our own dairy. We have a Not only is our truck nicely lettered Our actual investment in cash for good many customers who prefer to with our advertising, but our family advertising is not large, our time come to the dairy for their milk, but car has a nameplate on the back. The and effort spent in thinking of ways we have not featured this service. entrance to our dairy has a sign on to create markets is the No. 1 job we We are contemplating a roadside it, welcoming visitors. And when the carry on ourselves. r

66 GOAT JOURNAL, january/february 2018 Genetic Improvement Programs set ADGA apart from other registries

Performance Programs go.adga.org/gen-improve Membership Online: go.adga.org/gj-membership Membership

WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 67 calendar UPCOMING EVENTS

JANUARY 6-21, 2018 JUNE 23-30 – COLUMBUS, NATIONAL WESTERN OHIO, AMERICAN DAIRY GOAT FAST FENCE STOCK SHOW ASSOCIATION NATIONAL Info and buy now at National Western Complex, SHOW 4655 Humboldt St, Ohio Expo Center. www.electricnets.com Denver CO. www.adga.org/adga-national- 800-356-5458 www.nationalwestern.com show/

JANUARY 12 – FEBRUARY 3 Caprikorn FORT WORTH STOCK SHOW 3400 Burnett Tandy Dr, Farms Fort Worth, TX. Saanens for Dairy Farmers www.fwssr.com Answer to the Caprikorn Saanens quiz from page 33: FEBRUARY 27 – MARCH 18 “All of the Above” HOUSTON LIVESTOCK Know of an event that should be SHOW & RODEO listed here? Send the information Thanks for playing! 3 NRG Park, Houston, TX. to [email protected] for 20312 Townsend Road www.rodeohouston.com consideration. Gapland, MD 21779 (301) 834-8030 caprikornfarms.com

America’sFavorite Poultry Magazine

Visit: countrysidenetwork.com/magazines/backyard-poultry-magazine Call: 970-392-4419

68 GOAT JOURNAL, january/february 2018 coming attaractions

STAY TUNED!

BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR OUR MARCH/APRIL 2018 ISSUE, ONE OF OUR FAVORITES. IT’S KIDDING SEASON!

• Janet Garman advises how Curt Rush shares the basics to care for rejected babies in part one of his series on meat goat farming. • Theresa Miller writes about Goats of Anarchy • Read about working with and its mission to save milks in soapmaking, special-needs kids. by professional soaper Melanie Teegarden. • Karen Kopf of Kopf Canyon Ranch talks about how • What else can you do Proposition 64 affects pack with surplus goat milk? goats in Alaska and how it Cheesemaking instructor could endanger the practice Kate Johnson shares recipes. in other mountainous states. • Amy Hadachek tells us • What plants are about an up-and-coming poisonous for goats? creamery in Thailand! Read trusted information • Breed profile by from Kat Drovdahl. Tamsin Cooper, Kat’s • Are you interested in meat Caprine Corner, Life goats? Experienced farmer Lessons, and more!

Forour full productline&demo videos SheepAndGoatEquipment.com

Our extensiveline of goatand sheep handling products are excellent quality andhelpto makeyour job easy!

END OMM ED EC R WORKING CHUTE AND CT P DU CROWDING TUB OPULAR PRO

DELUXE SPIN TRIM LAMB CREEP CHUTE FEEDER Optional extrapads shown in picture

LOADING CHUTE SELF CATCH SHEEP AND GOAT BASKETFEEDERS BUNK FEEDER HEADGATE AND CHUTE SCALE 1-866-443-7444

WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 69 just for fun

GOAT JOURNAL READER CONTEST JAN/FEB 201 Name: ______

Goat Journal Reader Contest Jan/Feb 2018Across Down 1 What kind 2 Animal 14 18 of cheese responsible was featured for most 20 in the Goat losses in Journal Goes goat herds: Social section? 4 That 1 6 3 State where inherited Lainey Morse strength 12 4 lives: at the 3 cellular level: 5 Salsa is always 2 10 looking out 6 Animals that

15 7 for her don’t drink brother, enough 17 _____. water risk colic 8 7 Goat that and won the ______. #ghastly 5 11 19 goatjournal 10 This can break contest: out within confined 9 8 Keeping spaces, such goats offers as a shelter: perks and 13 even more 12 Weakness _____. in fiber that can prevent 9 Wide-open successful eyes, spinning: 16 showing whites, 14 Fusobacterium Across Down indicate necrophorum 1 What kind of cheese was featuredName: ______in the Goat Journal 2 Animal responsible for most losses in goatherds: fear or grows in Goes Social section? 4 That inherited strength at the cellular level: _____. the absence of 3 Goat Journal Reader6 Contest Jan/Feb 2018 ______. State where Lainey Morse lives: Animals that don't drink enough water risk11 colic Last and _____ 5 Salsa is always looking out for her brother, _____ . _____. 14 18 descendants 17 State where 7 10 20 of the old Silver Strike Goat that won the #ghastlygoatjournalEach contest: issue, we will offer a chance This can to winbreak official out withinGoat confined spaces, such as a 8 Keeping goats offers perks and evenJournal more swag! _____. Enter to win shelter:a beanie for those cold winter English Milch Farms is 9 Wide-open eyes, showing whites, indicatemonths by fear completing or _____. this12 puzzle, Weakness using in answers fiber that found can prevent successful goat: spinning: located: 11 Last descendants of the old Englishin this Milch issue. goat: The winner1 will14 be Fusobacterium chosen randomly necrophorum from all 6 grows in the absence of 12 4 13 The fresh 18 Hoof rot 13 correct submissions returned by February 1st, 2018. The fresh version of Bijou cheese: ______. 3 version of treatment: 15 17 The _____ of the Goats: To submit,2 State either:10 where Silver Strike Farms is located: Bijou cheese: copper 16 Skittles' kids: Milky Way and _____. 15 18 Hoof rot treatment: copper7 _____. _____. 15 The _____ of 20 Long-stemmed plant fiber, 2 inches or more: Print, fill out,19 and Disabled send to: vet Elise's17 pampered goat assistant: the Goats: 19 Disabled vet Goat Journal Reader8 Contest, Box 566, Medford, WI 54451 Elise’s 16 Skittles’ kids: pampered 5 11 19 Print, fill out, then take a picture and email to: Milky Way goat assistant: [email protected] and _____. 9 Message your answers to: 20 Long- [email protected] stemmed plant fiber, Be sure to enter your contact information 2 inches or so we can inform you if16 you won! more:

Across Down 1 What kind of cheese was featured in the Goat Journal 2 Animal responsible for most losses in goatherds: Goes Social section? 4 That inherited strength at the cellular level: 3 State where Lainey Morse lives: 6 Animals that don't drink enough water risk colic and _____ 5 Salsa is always looking out for her brother, _____ . _____. 70 GOAT JOURNAL, january/february 2018 7 Goat that won the #ghastlygoatjournal contest: 10 This can break out within confined spaces, such as a 8 Keeping goats offers perks and even more _____. shelter: 9 Wide-open eyes, showing whites, indicate fear or _____. 12 Weakness in fiber that can prevent successful spinning: 11 Last descendants of the old English Milch goat: 14 Fusobacterium necrophorum grows in the absence of 13 The fresh version of Bijou cheese: ______. 15 The _____ of the Goats: 17 State where Silver Strike Farms is located: 16 Skittles' kids: Milky Way and _____. 18 Hoof rot treatment: copper _____. 20 Long-stemmed plant fiber, 2 inches or more: 19 Disabled vet Elise's pampered goat assistant: COLORING PAGE

Show us your artistic side! Send photos of your finished coloring pages to [email protected] and we will display them in our next issue. (Be sure to tell us if your goats did the coloring!)

WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 71 life lessons

Life Lessons from the Barnyard: First Kids

by KATE JOHNSON

abies are born every second and she for sure wanted to be there. of every day, all around the Megan, whose goat it was, wanted B world. But when it’s your to be there no matter what she had baby, especially if it’s the first one, it to miss. Of course, May is about the seems like the most original, unique, busiest month for school kids with all personal and miraculous experience the end-of-school-year activities, so it on earth. That’s how it was for me seemed inevitable that she’d have to when my first child was born 21 years miss something to witness the birth. ago, and that’s how it was when her My other daughter, Molly, wanted to first child was born when she was 12 be there, too, but my husband figured years old. OK, my daughter didn’t he’d see the new babies soon enough, actually have a first child at 12, but so no need to be “on call.” The plan she did have a first kid. The goat kind, Kate Johnson raises dairy was that, if Skittles began showing you know. goats at www.briargatefarm, signs of being in labor during the When we brought Skittles our runs a cheesemaking school school day, I would call my mom and Nubian doe home through a raging at www.theartofcheese.com she would swing by the girls’ schools blizzard in January of 2008, she was and is an active volunteer and pick them up on her way to the newly pregnant with her first kids. We with the Boulder County 4-H farm. Both girls’ school offices were had waited a long time to bring her program. She’s also a mem- alerted to this possibility and we home after it took three tries for her ber of the Colorado Dairy agreed that a message of “kids on the to conceive, but now the real waiting Goat Association. way” texted to Megan at school would began. January and February tend to mean go to the office and prepare to drag for me anyhow, with the cold and get picked up. limited daylight hours, but that year You’ve heard the saying, “A watched really progressed slowly. We were all teapot never boils?” Well, that’s what so excited about having new spring OK, my daughter it felt like those first few days of May. arrivals, and May felt like such a long didn’t actually have Every hour or two, I was out in the way off. barnyard checking on Skittles, and When the warm weather finally a first child at 12, although she was big and round and arrived and Skittles’ due date of May but she did have a her udder was starting to bag up, she 6th got closer and closer, we decided pretty much looked and acted like we should have a plan to make sure first kid. The goat her usual self. Until the morning of everyone who wanted to attend the kind, you know. May 5th. That morning she was real birth had a chance to. My mother had quiet and seemed to be in her own recently moved to the area from Ohio little world. She didn’t eat a lot and

72 GOAT JOURNAL, january/february 2018 Everything for your working farmorranch!

Products Include: ● TemporaryElectric Fencing ● FenceEnergizers ● TemporaryFence Posts ● Holistic Grazing Management Tools ● And much, much, more!

Receive 10% your first purchase of Electric Netting, Stafix Fence Energizers, and Step-In Posts!

LiveWire Products, Inc 10187 Commercial Ave Penn Valley, CA 95946 (530) 432-8028 www.Livewireproducts.com

WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 73 life lessons

she didn’t seem to be interacting with her buddy, Springer, much. She just stood by the fence and seemed to be lost in deep thought. I had a bunch of little errands planned for that day but something told me I should stay close to home, so I put those things on hold. It was a beautiful spring day and it was easy to keep myself busy with outdoor chores so I could keep an eye on Skittles. I checked in with my mom midmorning to let her know she should be on standby. Then around noon, Skittles started pawing the ground, lying down and then getting back up again. I knew from the reading I’d done about goat labor that this was a sign that things were about to begin. I moved her into the stall we had cleaned out as her birthing suite and when she started making low groaning noises and something that sounded like a cross between a click and a snore, I called my mom, texted Skittles with brand new kids, Milky Way and Snickers Megan and put the whole plan in motion. It sure was exciting when, 20 minutes later, everyone was home and which would be a drag to miss, but we helped his mama clean him up and excited to watch the birth of our first had our priorities after all. dry him off. Just as he was starting farm babies. Around 4:00, my goat mentor- to try out his wobbly little legs, Well, you know how labor can go. friend, Melanie, showed up to check Skittles crouched down, moaned and Sometimes it’s a whole lot of “hurry in on things, but after waiting and pushed again, and there was a little up and wait.” So, wait we did as Skittles watching with us for an hour or black and white baby. Again, the got up, lay down, pawed a little and so, she gave up and went home, gender check and this time, cause for then stopped. A few minutes later promising to come back when the celebration—a darling little doeling! she’d groan a little, shift positions babies graced us with their presence. Megan named the kids Snickers and and then stop. Then she’d stand up, No sooner had she left when Skittles Milky Way, in keeping with the candy turn around, lie down and stop. After started moaning really loudly, and theme, and as she snuggled with the about an hour of this, we decided to pushing and straining, and within babies and showered Skittles with get comfortable and got some folding minutes, out came a beautiful, affection and appreciation, she really chairs, magazines, and snacks and perfectly formed tiny brown goat kid. did look like a kid in a candy store! r settled in for the long haul. Molly I quickly checked for the gender and lost interest and went to play on the said, “Oh darn, it’s a boy.” Now I know trampoline while the rest of us hung that’s not what new grandmas are out and tried to guess how long it supposed to say, but in the dairy goat Life Lesson: would be. At this point, we wondered world, the girls rein supreme. He was New Life is always if Megan would make it to her band so adorable, though, that we quickly concert scheduled for that evening, let our brief disappointment go as we Miraculous

74 GOAT JOURNAL, january/february 2018 It all begins on day one. Give your kids the edge —bothtoday andtomorrow. Feed Land O’Lakes Animal Milk Products’proven line of nutrition. Because you never get asecond chance to startthem right. LOLMILKREPLACER.COM

COLOSTRUM REPLACER |MILK REPLACER |ELECTROLYTES We Care for Kids

WWW.COUNTRYSIDENETWORK.COM 75 Asuccessfulkidding season starts now…

Stockupearly! • PrimaHeatLamp •Nasal Syringes •Buckets •Stomach Tubers (60&140cc) •BucketTeatUnit •Milk Replacer •Teats/Nipples •Feeding Bottles Fencing Poultry Products Equipment & Supplies •Kid Covers •LAC-TEKAuto-FeedingMachine Clipping •Sprayline •Crooks •Ear Tags—customimprinted •ProlapseHarness &Retainer Contactusfor FREE catalogs! FREE shipping on qualifiedorders. •Marking Tools •SuperLube &OBGloves •Scales&Kid SlingorCradle •Kid-Proof Portable Gate •CastratingTools •Creep Feeder Gate •Rectal Rings •WirePanels

…and much more! premier1supplies.com 800-282-6631

76 GOAT JOURNAL, january/february 2018