How it all started.....

My two oldest daughters asked their dad if they could take meatgoats in 4-H. This is the man who told me soon after we were married that I could bring home all the animals I wanted to the farm as long as I didn't bring home any goats. He loves his dog, cattle, and horses.

Instead of directly saying "no", he told them to figure a breakeven on them, and if they did that he would support them. Let's just say he was surprised to come home and see the girl's "breakeven". They had spent the day hounding the managers at tractor supply and coop to get all their info. He is a man of his word, so two female goats came to live on the James farm.

Now these goats weren't supposed to be bred, but as it happens sometimes, one kidded out just before fair, and she was so cute I just lost my mind and we purchased another 26 does. Of course I justified my purchase as being necessary for me to be a good Kansas Agriculture Extension agent. In Kansas we were getting several questions regarding meatgoats, and I figured if I raised them myself I would become more knowledgable about the process and be of more help to others. I think my husband knew I just liked them though.

We have continued to expand, and we now own 60 does, 3 billies. I am in the process of kidding out 50 of the does now. You would think I would know better than to have them due in January, but unfortunately I didn't pay enough attention to the calendar when I placed the billies in with the does.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Back again

Well it has been awhile since I've posted, no excuse other than busy farm life. Just sold some of the feeder goats weighing around 55# last weekend. Usually the price is low in summer, but the price was $1.78/lb, which is better than last month. Not sure of the reason, but suspect there was just a shortage of animals being sold.

This past month it has been hard putting weight on the feeder goats. I have dewormed them, but I think it is just the heat that is preventing them from eating. Just too hot! We have had temps in the 100's and little wind. It takes 6 lbs of feed for every pound gained. Since they can only eat around 3% of their body weight, it takes many days to put on the pounds. I have around 45 goats yet to sell, and I believe my does will start kidding at the end of September/October time frame. Then the fun begins all over.
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