Our Goats

Mamas are being bred this time of year -- we attempt artificial insemination to improve the herd. The goat herd was about 50 strong for the 2015 season. Only about one-half of these are milking goats-- the rest are babies fixed boys (wethers) kept as hiking buddies and for weed management on the farm. Goats can stay "freshened" for two years but the quantity of their milk falls significantly after about six months. As a result, our cheese business is seasonal typically going from April - November since we follow the natural cycle of the goats and breed in the fall with babies born in the spring.

Our goats are not confined and get to roam the Loess Hills. After milking, we go on a hike and they stay up on the ridge until about 4:00 PM when they come down on their own volition for tasty alfalfa hay. They are secured at night along with their Great Pyrenees guard buddy, Tucker. The hikes provide us an opportunity for a close check-up on the health of the goats on a daily basis and we are all better for the exercise!

Click here to Adopt-a-Goat and receive goat glamour photo, cheese discount card along with other goodies with your membership!